Are there drugs to treat bipolar disorder that do not cause weight gain?

The medications used to treat bipolar, such as lithium, Seroquel, and Lamictal, to name a few, can cause weight gain.  However, once your bipolar is under control, you may find that you can more easily lose weight and keep it off.  Sleeping regularly and exercising will help tremendously.  Before starting an exercise routine, you need to clear it with your doctor. Weight loss medication, even if FDA approved, is not going to do everything by itself.  A healthy diet is important, and it can be as easy as incorporating a few more fruits and vegetables into your day.

While any of the medications can cause weight gain, some are much less likely to do so. These include Trileptal, Lamictal, Abilify, and Latuda.

Answered by Thomas Jensen MD