I'm taking Divalproex Sodium (Valproic Acid) for Mania and Wellbutrin for Depression. I used to take Zoloft but asked my doctor to switch me to Wellbutrin so that I'd stop gaining weight. In the 6 years I was on Zoloft, I put on over 50 pounds which I now want to take off.

I've only been on the Valproic Acid 8 months.

Both drugs agree with me and I'm not feeling my symptoms -- BUT, I'm sure they're making me fat.

The Atkins Diet is working (so far...7.5 pounds in 6 days) but I wonder if anyone out there has read Dr. A's vitanutrients book, followed his instructions on replacing medications with supplements and been successful.

I know -- I'm looking for a small niche here but hey -- I need the guidance. I don't want to risk going off my meds out of vanity. My head being screwed on straight is far more important.

Anyone with knowledge on this one would really help me out and perhaps give me a bit more motivation.

My husband is M-D. We were without health insurance for some time and his meds were expensive so we looked into cheaper natural alternatives.

The thing about M-D/Bipolar is that it is a chemical disfunction and needs to be treated as such. The consequences of messing with your current meds can be tragic and take weeks if not months to recover from. Most of the meds used for this medical problem take a few weeks to show results anyway. Plus, if you get off and find the natural alternatives don't work, it will take some time for you to realize they aren't working and then more time to get back on what was working. I have spoke with many people who find that when they try to go back to what they were taking previously that those aren't working anymore. So, they then must go on that inevitable search for the right combo this time around, which can take months.

I would say to not try anything new unless you are absolutely feeling a stall. Also, don't attempt a change in meds to herbals/supplements without having your doctor guiding you. Also, go into this WOE/WOL knowing that you may lose slower than others......but, hey......at least you are "together", know what I mean? Besides, what good is it to be skinny if you can't enjoy it by feeling well emotionally, too?

Thank you -- I think I'll stick with my meds for now. I'm very early at this so I'll see how things go. I really don't want to get back into the old behaviours -- carrying around the extra weight, as sad as it is, is better than the results of bipolar.

Just out of curiosity -- how did your husband do with the alternative health options -- or did he?

We chose not to go for the alternatives. He tends to have alot of mixed episodes, which can be hard to control and harder for him to understand, so we weren't willing to risk our family's happiness just to save a few bucks.

I'm glad you have decided to stick to the meds. Next time you see your doc, it may be a good topic to bring up, though.

I suffer hypomania -- very mild ups and downs. I never want to jump off buildings or think I can fly but I do have a tendency to want to do irrational things that cost a lot of money.

It took them a LONG time to diagnose this and I think they were uncertain if it was this. The meds seemed to prove them correct since I have not been on a shopping binge in the 8+ months that I started taking them.

Anyways -- thanks for your advice -- it is certainly appreciated.

Kel

I too am bipolar (II) and would never mess around with my meds, even to look great. Fortunately, even though some of my medications DO slow down metabolism, it was my psychiatrist that suggested the low carb diet as the most effective in beating the low metab drugs. It seems to be working. I take Effexor, Topomax, Zyprexa and Rivotril. How's that for a cocktail???
But the stuff works and other than the occasional depression I'm pretty even. But as stated in a previous post...bipolarity is a chemical imbalance - if you can get the right balance it shouldn't be messed with. Even the shrinks aren't sure what they're doing to get patients on the right road, most of it is trial and error. At least it was with me.
Cheers to all,
Finn