Bipolar, On Lamotrigine and I can't stop eating

[HooveringLEGO]

Namechanger, sorry.

I don't know if the medication is messing with my appetite...I'm constantly in the kitchen, secret silent miserable eating, I'm not hungry but food is all I think about.

I have read that some bipolar medications can affect appetite. Anyone have any experience?

Teenage DD takes that for her epilepsy, but I wouldn't say her apptite has changed on it. Have you tried googling the name Lamotrigine/Lamictal and seeing if anything comes up?

hey hoovering - sorry no direct experience myself but I know my brother did experience big appetite increase when on his bi-polar meds...not sure which ones they are though...

sounds pretty grim though, the silent, miserable side of it I mean (I used to have anorexia/bulimia - I know those feelings) Can you talk to anyone about how you are feeling? I mean maybe appetite increase is normal sideeffect of your meds and you'll just have to put up with it but the silent, miserable bit isn't good for you

wishing you strength (and someone who knows what they are talking about to come along soon)

I'm on lamictal (brand not generic lamotrigine) and I find it quite stimulating which sort of lowers my appetite - however I take it in conjunction with quetiapine which does make me hungrier

generally lamictal is supposed to be as weight-neutral as they come, especially when compared to lithium for example

are you taking anything else?

Hello, thanks for the replies - I'm on Mirtazipine 30mg, and 150mg of Lamotrigine. I'm aware that weight-gain is warned about, but I thought that was more associated with lithium...Googling doesn't turn up anything useful that I can see.

Peanutbrittle you're right, I should talk to my CPN about the eating.

Thanks again you guys.

I'd blame the zispin/mirtaz and not the lamotrigine - it's notorious for weight gain

article about mirtazapine and weight gain

Mitchy, thanks for that. I was just logging in to bump for myself, and you'd written. Dismayed to hear about Mirtazipine. I will register on that website tomorrow and have a read of the article...I suppose though, it's better that there's a problem with the AD and not the mood stabilizer, hey? Thanks.

Gawd! Just read the article and it's a bit depressing. But knowledge is power. It says it's not known whether vigilance about calorific intake makes a difference or not.

But it is really good to see my crazy hunger written down in black and white..."It's REAL!"

I will certainly be discussing this with the psychiatrist when I see her next week. Thank you so much MitchyInge

ask her about 'weight neutral' ADs - I think mine is (reboxetine) but I only take half the therapeutic dose unless I actually get depressed, it's a bit of delicate balance isn't it?

Good luck!

Just wondering when your appointment is?