Lithium ER and weight gain?

[Evey]

Hi everyone,

I’m on 750 mg of Lithium ER and have been for a few years. I never really noticed weight gain. If my dose was increased to 900 mg do you think it’s possible I’d see an increase in weight? What’s your personal experience. Did you see weight gain? If so, what dose? Thank you 💜

[Iceberg]

Never saw anything significant from lithium alone even at doses well above 900

[0112358]

I don't think I experienced weight gain. That was on a dose of 300mg, though. I know it can happen for some people.

[mcjimjam]

I take 1000mg a day and I don’t think it’s put weight on me. I have gained from AAPs though. I’ve heard that the lithium weight gain is due to the increased thirst and people drinking sugary drinks to satisfy that. Stick to low calorie drinks like diet soda, water, coffee and tea (no sugar, sweetener if you want). Avoid fruit juice because it is naturally high in sugar.

[Gearhead]

Yes, I gained weight on lithium. I know this is paradoxical, but when I took lithium, I craved salt. So French fries, potato chips, pretzels, I think-anything that could be used to get salt into my mouth. Note that those are all high carbohydrate foods. I don’t remember what the dose was. It was too long ago.