Greetings! I guess I should introduce myself :)

I posted in a thread with some questions regarding weight gain and Seroquel prior to properly introducing myself - my apologies :(
I was diagnosed as Bipolar II in 2000 and have not been on medication since about 2006 due to a bad experience with a cocktail of drugs and a psychiatrist I should have quit seeing at that time.
I was improperly diagnosed with depression at 18 (I'm 42 now) and was on various medications that worked for a bit but then caused other problems as I flipped into manic episodes.
Since my Bipolar diagnosis I have been on a combination of Depakote, Lamicatal and Trazodone at varying doses and Topomax, Lamictal and Trazodone also at varying doses with the addition of Seroquel many years ago which I threw away after a month after not being able to function at work because of the "fogginess" in my head.
After 2 years of struggling with major depressive episodes and the occasional manic (while trying to avoid the reality that I probably need to be medicated for life) by trying hormone replacement - which did nothing - and natural alternatives such as St. John's Wort which made me suicidal, I sought professional help again. My visit was today.
I was prescribed Lamictal increasing from 25mg to 200mg and Seroquel at 50mg working up to 150mg.
I am scared to death of the weight gain I've read about with Seroquel but desperately need to get better again. I'm interested if anyone has had any success at staying at their current weight while on this drug by maintaining their current diet. I struggle to stay at 136lbs. at 5'2" and it's harder to maintain as I get older.
When I was on the Topomax and Lamictal combo I lost the weight from the Depakote (which also made my hair thin) but I had to stop the Topomax because of the "dopomax" effect. I had to communicate in meetings in my job and it was almost impossible.
Any advice or weight maintenance suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you for your time :)

Hi Mn_girl!

Welcome, I am a new member also diagnosed with Bipolar II. I have to say that I've been really happy with my seroquel 300 mg. I have never struggled with being overweight, but about 1 1/2 years in, I am 10-15 lbs over my target weight. It's not terrible, but not pleasant either. I have not really tried to do anything to help myself yet, but I'm starting to get to that point. From what I've read, some people can lose weight on it, some can't. I will let you know how it goes for me. Regardless of the weight, I am happy with the results of the seroquel. I'd rather be at mental peace and a little overweight, than tortured and skinny!

Good luck to you!