Growl. Things are definitely falling apart here. I am forever eating, always drinking (only water, though) and pacing back and forth like a lion in a confining cage. And weighing about the same as a lion, too. I am already a dangerously hefty size, and since changing to Risperdal I have felt the changes; in chairs, in cars, in clothing fits. And I am having such a hard time NOT finding food. I can't tell if I'm eating to stay awake during the drowsey times or eating to take the nervous moving around into a different direction or eating because I don't feel full. Well, not too true. Once I reach a point, I go from starved to stuffed in 60 seconds. It sucks. Half the time, I don't even realize I've been gnawing on something or another. If I feel famished, I try to graze on salads and veggies with dip and lots of water. But then, there is the candy drawer and an ice cream float or two during the week. It all ends up giving me a weak-end weekend.
I think I am losing my happy. I am crying every little while. I still laugh, but it is harder to find things funny. I'm buzzing with energy and I'm running out of places to rearrange and things to throw out. My body thermometer is all squirrelly and I'm very Katy Perry, Hot and Cold. Me and the dog are both finding the great outdoors too overwhelming. We both get too warm in the sun, and too bored with kickball. No spent energy there. And shopping was a bad idea. Don't ask about finances.... a big red No.
I'm feeling so ... for loss of words, I'll use "double agent". As in, Happy enjoying family friends foods, and Sad sobbing sleepy snacking. When I'm not eating, I'm trying to sleep off the achey breaky Risperdal. I'll be in trouble with Doc, but I'm adding a little more benedryl to my dose... it is noticeably helpful. Sleepy, too. On top of everything else, I kept thinking I was closer to seeing my pdoc sooner. Turns out I am one week too soon. I'll see Doc NEXT week for sure. The wait is weighing on me.
Yep, most antipsychotics certainly cause weight gain. The one exception may be Abilify, although we all know med effects vary from one to another. You might consult with your pdoc.
There have been studies indicating that bipolars/depressives who maintain a healthy weight seem to manage their illness more succesfully. Not easy for us to do considering the many meds we take that cause the pounds to pile on. However, my own self-image is so much better if I can take off unnecessary pounds. I feel more self-confident and relate better with others. Not to mention improvement from a mental health standpoint.
Trouble is, seroquel is part of my med regimen and the extra pounds seem to appear out of nowhere. When I was taking Abilify weight gain was not a big issue.
I certainly share and understand your frustration - been there several times. These patterns are difficult but not impossible to break. My pdoc hooked me up with a nutritionist (free of charge) and it helped. All the best to you.
Judy
Judy
I can empathize. I am trying something new. Do a google search of: "Metformin and antipsychotic weight gain" Metformin is given to pre-diabetics and diabetics. It is not insulin. It is a medication that is pretty harmless, but allows your body to absorb the insulin it is already making. They have discovered that antipsychotics cause "syndrome x" which is basically a metabolic breakdown of the insulin absorption process. For some reason, the body is still making the insulin to process the food, but the body is not responding to it. So instead of processing/burning the sugars away, the body is just storing it away as fat. Interesting, right? So I did a lot of research and found that in China and other places in the US, they've done studies with people taking antipsychotics and taking Metformin. They've lost weight. The bodies begin to process the insulin they are making. My pdoc said he had heard of it, and told me to talk to my doctor and get a prescription. My doctor agreed as well. I mailed him printouts of my internet research, and by the time I arrived for my appointment, he agreed it was a good strategy for me. I've been on it two weeks and lost 2 pounds (I've been exercising too). I also feel better! Really better! You should do the same as me.
IMMBAS
Thanks for the good info - I will certainly take your advice by doing some research and talking to my pdoc about melformin.
Kinda' ironic that we often need to add a new drug to our regimen to counteract the bad effects of the first med. I hate that!
Judy
what a wonderful idea, IMMBAS. I'll look it up. I will need to ask the physician about an exercise program. I have a few physical problems hindering daily living, obesity being last on my list. I will make plans. Thanks!
HeyJude, thank you for your encouraging words. I'm so ready for a change. As of late, I can barely shuffle around because my legs and back seem to get stiff after a short walk. I always need a break inbetween. A slow healing process if ever there was one.