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Bipolar and migraines
Q: Hello! I was diagnosed with bp 6 months ago (im 15 years old)i was just
wondering if bp and migrains had anything in common...ive been getting really
bad migrains lately, maybe its my meds or just the weather.Im currently takeing
risperdal and depakote(i think i spelt those right) ive gained 60 lbs which i
hate!!!! My mom said i get migrains because im overweight now. but if you can
answer my question thank you very much! Kate
Dear Kate --
Yes, you're right, migraines and bipolar disorder do have something in
common. Only problem is, we don't know what! We see them together very
frequently. Unfortunately, the Depakote is supposed to help block
those (and is probably the cause of the weight gain). Ask your doc' about
switching to another mood stabilizer that doesn't cause weight gain (e.g switch
to carbamazepine, or add a low dose of topiramate because that can block
appetite). For more information on these, see the treatment section of my website
(the section about bipolar II). If the weight gain leads to irregular
periods and growing hair in places usually only men grow it, see also the
section on that site about hormones.
Dr. Phelps
Published December, 2000
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