Mood Stabilizers Post-Op

I was just wondering about mood stabilizers post-op.  Certain meds such as Epival and Seroquel are absolutely not weight neutral and cause some significant weight gain.  Has anyone had issues with weight post-op while on these meds?

I'm currently on Epival, which caused a good 30 pound weight gain since starting them and really hope that it won't be an issue later on down the road, as I really can't take anything else.

Abilify made me gain weight, Tegretol made me break out in hives, Risperdal caused issues with prolactin levels, memory and concentration, Topomax made me aggressive.... Epival is the only one that has really worked... 

If you have been on Epival for an extended period, has the weight gain leveled out/stopped? If so, continuation of this medication may be fine and may not cause additional gain since your body is already acclimatized to it - good question for your prescribing doctor and your trusted pharmacist.

I can attest to weight gain with Seroquel - about 4 1/2 years post-op I went on that and within months gained 25 pounds with no change in appetite, food consumption or exercise. As soon as I went off it, weight immediately went back down.  Last year, due to illness and inability to continue on the med I was on, I went back on Seroquel and have NOT had any weight gain at all this time.

K.

Thank you!  

I have been on it for a while, so you're probably right about not having any further weight issues.  It's just a big worry for me.  I kind of like feeling normal, but I'd like to feel normal and be at a healthy weight too, which is tough for those of us on these kinds of meds. 

Anyway, thank you again for your valuable insight.  It's greatly appreciated!

Oh, I hear what you're saying about that, trust me. When my physical illness last year prevented me from taking the med I had been on (and was working and NOT weight inducing) I did have a momentary "panic", but at that point I just REALLY needed to feel better and was willing to risk any associated weight gain with the Seroquel. I am extremely grateful (and a wee bit surprised, not gonna lie) that it hasn't caused any weight gain at all this time, not even a pound. Who knows why - at this point, it's not mine to question. LOL

Good luck - remember your mental health is every bit as important as your physical health.

So I had my social worker appointment today and apparently there is a protocol for Evival and Lithium users specifically: 

http://twhbari-care.org/3d-blood-works/