Epilepsy and Weight Gain

Has anyone else got epilepsy and had to suffer the side effect from their meds of gaining weight?

I am on Epilim (sodium Valporate) and have gained at least 42 pounds whilst I have been on it.  It gives me a hunger that I have to feed.  I kind of feel like I am hungry all the time.  I also get 'the shakes' if I don't eat enough so its kin of hard to lose weight without feeling like I am gonna collapse!

zulu ~ that sounds difficult.  have you asked your doctor if there is an alternative medication you can try?

in the meantime, try eating foods that are lower calorie but with more fiber.... for example a 2 cup bowl of veggie soup can be about 100 cals but will fill you up and feel soothing or the 100 cal bags of popcorn (about 5 cups = 100 cals)...  a cup or 2 of cut veggies dipped in a fat free sour cream & salsa dressing or other low cal dressing.

also, try to get a little protein and maybe some of the healthy type fats with your meals and snacks.  like low fat cheese or nuts or peanut butter, or a cup of stew or chili made with legumes (starchy beans, kidney, black, navy, or lentils, or split peas etc..)

or things that are whole grain, like a cup of oatmeal really sticks to the ribs more than 1/2 a doz saltine crackers...

Hope this helps :)

I am an epileptic and I take meds....only I don't think that they make me gain weight though. I take Phenytoin Sodium and the side effects that I do get is bad gums and a bad odor in my mouth. I think that my meds actually aids in my weightloss. I am currently 158lbs and I am going for 145.......so far so good.

Just go to your doctor and tell him/her your problem. I am sure that they will change your meds if it is making you gain weight or making you bothersome.... In the meantime eat some fruit like an orange or an apple, before and after workouts. I snack on fruit cups and fruit though out the day to keep me full...... I hope that helps, good luck!!!