Which of the following is a weight positive mood stabilizer?

Study for the American Board of Obesity Medicine Exam. Master multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Enhance your test readiness!

Divalproex is recognized as a mood stabilizer that can contribute to weight gain, especially with prolonged use. This drug works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder and seizures. Its weight-positive effect is significant enough that patients often experience weight gain, which is essential to consider when prescribing it, particularly for patients who may already be struggling with obesity.

Lamotrigine is known more for its neutral or weight-neutral effects in terms of mood stabilization. Although it is effective in managing mood disorders, it typically does not lead to weight gain. This differentiation is crucial in identifying medications that impact weight.

Oxcarbazepine has a profile similar to that of lamotrigine and is generally regarded as weight-neutral. While effective as a mood stabilizer, it does not commonly result in weight gain.

Thus, the inclusion of divalproex with the consideration that it is a weight-positive mood stabilizer informs the correct answer. The importance of recognizing the impact of these medications on weight is critical in clinical practice, guiding healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions for patients with mood disorders and associated obesity.

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