Has anyone taken lithium and not gained weight?

Question:

I'm taking lithium and fluoxetine for manic depression and I'm kind of concerned about the weight gain thing. See with lithium it causes weight gain but the fluoxetine causes weight loss-so does that mean they balance eachother out? I know I'll have to make some life changes (such as making sure I eat properly and getting more exercise) to avoid the lithium weight gain but I was wondering if anyone has taken it and NOT gained weight?

Answers:
Hi. I have taken lithium for 10 years and I gained weight. I exercise and try to eat right, but I still gained.

Some research says that it might not be becasue of the medication, but because of the increase in the calories consumed by drinking juices and sodas. Most people on lithium drink more because of the thirst, so the weight might be attributed to drinking calorie-filled beverages.

I took it for a few months and didn't gain weight, but I had to come off due to an allergic reaction. I do have a friend though who has taken it without gaining weight, but she eats really well and exercises daily. To be honest with these medications I think you need to keep a healthy lifestyle, because the weight goes on really quickly without you even noticing and before you know it your a stone heavier. I take mood stabilisers and I know that if I don't exercise and eat healthily than I would be Hugh.

Lithium is a metal

Hi- I started on lithium a month ago and was very concerned about the same issue ( see my past qs on here maybe of use to you as I got some really useful nfo from others). I have definately put some weight on but I do feel more in the mood to exercise now that my mood is more even. I have also noticed that I need to eat regularly otherwise I start to feel very unwell and sickly. As someone who in the past did not regularly in the day I have had to be careful with it - think this is perhaps why I feel heavier. I guess life changes you mentioned are the way forward - and support from others helps. Let me know how you get on and I send my best wishes x

I have taken Lithium for about a year and definitely gained weight. I thought it was nonsense that it woud occur. However I have also eaten way more and been less active.
I also take an SSRI and lithium together for bipolar.

Sounds like you are quite able to control your weight anyhow by using exercise and eating well (whereas I have NO control). The fact that I am remarkably better mentally is worth the weight gain.

Has anyone taken lithium and not gained weight?

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