Trileptal and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Ewo...
• June 5, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have just begun Trileptal as a treatment for Bipolar I. I was previously on Seroquel 150 and was unable to function at all within 45 minutes of taking it. I experience rapid cycling and more manic episodes than depressive ones, so the Seroquel helped me sleep. However, I noticed weight gain almost immediately and immense hunger - almost ravenous. When it would wear off, I was extremely hostile and agitated. The side effects seemed to outweigh the benefits. So far Trileptal has left me with no side effects except for a slight headache, and I have smoothly transitioned out of my manic episode. I feel like I may need a sleep aid, however, still experiencing a bit of insomnia. I can only hope the success continues!"

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Depakote, Lithium, and now Trileptal. Trileptal has given me absolutely no side effects, no weight gain, and it controls my mood. I was bumping into walls, throwing up, feeling like I was high, and eating everything in sight on Depakote. I gained so much weight. On Lithium, I did well, but couldn't deal with the gastrointestinal issues, as well as urinating every other hour, and being thirsty all the time. Nothing quenched my thirst. This medicine is like taking a vitamin, and it has stabilized my moods for almost 5 years now."

• mis...
• January 3, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I have taken this medicine for about six months now. It has been such a life changer for me! I was on Depakote as a mood stabilizer for my not terribly severe bipolar disorder. Depakote caused weight gain. Since I have been on Trileptal, I have lost 30 lbs and feel great. I am just about to start my student teaching in college and I am more confident than ever that I will succeed with flying colors."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 14, 2019

For Seizures "I had my first seizure at the age of 20, I am healthy otherwise. I was diagnosed with a type of seizure caused by a small heterotopia and put on 600 mg of Trileptal twice daily. I was seizure-free for 15 years until 3 days ago. The only side effect was weight gain. I see my neurologist tomorrow and am anticipating an increase in dose. I would highly recommend this medicine to anyone doing research."

• lea...
• October 14, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "After reactions to Lamictal and Topamax, Trileptal didn't space me out and levels my mood. I take it with nothing else for mild bipolar episodes. No weight gain, and my hair loss is not as drastic, if at all. Lamictal and Topamax made it fall out."

• Sar...
• November 6, 2010

For Seizures "Been taking Trileptal for about a year. Mostly because every 5 to 6 years, have to change my medicine because I tend to get immune to them. Have taken Sodium Valproate, Tegretol, and Carbamazepine over the last 30 years. With Oxcarb, seizures are controlled but not totally gone. Also, am putting on an extraordinary amount of weight, looking for other options for what is becoming an obesity problem."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 1, 2022

For Epilepsy "I have been taking Trileptal for nocturnal seizures since I was young, and aside from a few instances of breakthrough seizures believed to be caused by sleep deprivation or my levels being off due to weight gain, this drug has completely controlled my seizures."