Q:  Can These Meds Cause Weight Loss?

I was once placed first on Effexor then on Zyprexa by a prior general doctor about 3 yrs ago and gained 100+ lbs, then I was on wellbutrin from my regular doctor. I visited a psychiatrist finally a few months after major "panic attacts" occurred. I was diagnosed Bipolar. I am now on 10mg Lexapro, 3g Klonapin, and 750mg Trileptal. I have lost signifigant weight, about 50 lbs since. Is that common with this medicine mixture. I like the weight loss, I also do yoga, and watch what I eat but only this past month. My question is does this medicine mix (or one of) cause weight loss in some people?

Thanks,
 

Dear Ms. J' -- 
None of these medications is well known to cause weight loss (Topomax, Wellbutrin sometimes, but not these).  However, getting off Zyprexa probably accounts for much of the change, as it -- as you now know -- is incredibly good at causing weight gain.  Just maybe, there might be a component in this story of "metabolic syndrome" as well, at least a story you might find of interest (particularly if you stopped having regular periods during that weight gain time). 

Dr. Phelps


Published June, 2003