Posted by SalArmy4me on May 18, 2001, at 23:01:37
In reply to depakote? assume weight gain???, posted by katrina on May 18, 2001, at 17:55:28
Most studies record weight-gain with divalproex, including the latest one:
Biton, V. MD. et al. Weight change associated with valproate and lamotrigine monotherapy in patients with epilepsy. Neurology. 56(2):172-177, Jan 2001:
"Valproate monotherapy was associated with significantly greater weight gain than lamotrigine monotherapy. Weight gain associated with divalproex was significant within 10 weeks after initiating therapy and continued throughout the study..."On the other hand, divalproex may have less weight gain than Lithium:
Gitlin, Michael J. MD. Unanswered Questions, Unknown Future for One of Our Oldest Medications. Archives of General Psychiatry. 54(1):21-23, Jan 97.
"The adverse effect profile of lithium, especially weight gain and cognitive dulling, has also diminished lithium's attractiveness to many patients and clinicians. These adverse effects are among the most common causes of lithium noncompliance, which has been estimated as ranging between 18% and 53%, with adherence to medications especially difficult in the time-unlimited maintenance phase of the illness. Compliance may be even more difficult now that alternative treatments such as divalproex sodium and carbamazepine are available. Compared with lithium, these other mood stabilizers possess different adverse effect profiles..."
poster:SalArmy4me
thread:63514
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63571.html