Seroquel for the management of bipolar

Let me clarify this.  My son is 5'9 and weighed 113 when he went into the hospital.  He'd been on Adderall for a few weeks and had dropped about 6 pounds in that couple of weeks.  When they took him off the Adderall, the hospital started giving him ensure to gain weight.  They said he should weigh at least 140 at his height.

So yes he gained 20 pounds but some of that was also the fact that we're giving him ensure twice a day in addition to his meals and the fact that he's no longer taking the stimulant.

sorry,I guess I misread it.  I hope your son is doing better.  Susan

Nothing to be sorry for.  I just figured out I'd better explain the 20 pound weight gain because that is alot for 2 months.  I just didn't want anyone considering Seroquel to not take it because of my statement.

It wasn't that the person was not following instructions, it is that they have gained a lot of weight in a short period of time & has low energy.  They are seeking advice.

 

There is also something to be said about being overweight due to meds.  Your comment about "the old saying of its better to be fat and happy then thin and crazy has merit."

 

Unless you are grossly underweight & this is disturbing to you - most folks are not happy being fat especially if caused by a pill.  Being overweight causes medical as well as physical problems in and of itself. 

 

Finally, let's not talk about society's views of being "fat".  Both of these do cause a lot of self-reflection issues in folks that already suffer from depression of any type.

 

I do agree though that if you are under a MDs/Pdocs care - to not modify, reduce, or increase any medication without their advice due to possible side effects and possible adverse reactions that can come from any tweaking.  

 

Course, if you are having any adverse reactions like hives, swelling of face, difficulty breathing, seizures, etc... it's best to go to the ER or Urgent Care immediately.  You can then call your doc afterwards.

Hi, Eric  I discontinued the neurontin with my p-doc's advice due to so much sleeping.  He wanted to reduce the seroquel 400mg.at bedtime but I tried that before and I did not sleep.  I may try it again next time I see him.  This p-doc is in his 70's and does not want to talk with me about anything.  He askes when I go in "How is your medicine doing you?" and before I can finish a complaint of any sort weight gain, acne, or thinning hair what might it be he interrupts me and tells me to go see a dermatologist.  I can't afford to keep going to the doctor's for side effects of seroquel.  Susan

Hi Susan,

 

As hard as it may feel…it’s time for a new psychiatrist. What should be the expectations from us as a patient in regards to our psychiatrist? Listening & communications skills rank first and foremost when it comes to conveying the best treatment plan to follow.

 

I asked about the discontinuation of Neurontin because I happen to be on it as a stabilizer and works well. I take 2400 mg a day and have no tiredness or sleep issues. In the beginning there were the usual dizziness and forgetfulness associated to any of the classes of anti-seizers medications used to treat our illness. The reason for this medication was that it also has properties for the relief from chronic pain.

 

Tubby, I totally agree with you about the issues of weight gain… I grew up with the side remarks of being fat and over weight…Pillsbury dough boy and the local beach ball. Truth of the matter most of us guys are just as concerned about our appearance and looks as women.

 

My other concern about too much weight gain is how it affects our personal health. It basically sets us up for diabetes and heart related issues. Yes…weight gain is a big issue and there are too many medications on the market to just have to settle with all the side effects related to any one medication.

 

 

Susan…the main reason I say to find a new pdoc is that you feel you are able to convey your issues and he is unwilling to talk to you about anything. The other factor you need to figure into the equations is his age. Most after age 55 are pretty much set in their ways and unwilling to try any of the new medications because it would require a lot of time on their part to research and keep up with the information from the clinical trials.

I agree. Particularly as a woman, weight gain can lead to depression.  I would definitely talk to your doctor about your concerns and see if there's anything you can do to balance things out.

I am thinking about what could take the place of seroquel for bipolar that will help you sleep,depression,and mania?  It seems I am hooked on seroquel due to it's sleep properties.  I don't know what to do otherwise and hate the weight gain!!!

Do you have anything for the depression cause Seroquel isn't for the depressive side.  I've been told that it is primarily for mania symptoms and mania induced insomnia symptoms.

 

I also agree that you may need to switch to another pdoc.  The older the pdoc the more blaise they become with people having "complaints" about the meds.  

 

It's that they've seen it all, heard it all, and are not fazed by any of it.  A lot of them also (my experience here) tend to treat the patients with the "they are mentally ill, what do they know?" mentality.

 

 

 

You are absolutely right about the p-doc.  I was court appointed to go to this Singing River Services and see one doctor and one therapist.  I am out of that court jurisdiction now and can go wherever I choose.  I am in the process of finding someone else.  Susan

HI, SG......Sure weight gain can cause alot of problems if you let it.  I am wondering what medication you are on for bipolar that causes you weight gain.  I know that zyprexia is worse at gaining weight than seroquel.  I took trazadone and it did not help me sleep.  They will not prescribe klonopin to me due to it is addicting.  I am wondering what options there are out there for me to be able to get off of seroquel.  I sleep so good on it and if you starve yourself practically you can lose.  Just watch your carbs and sugars.  It is a struggle with all medications.  I have to think about decreasing this seroquel to maybe 300mg.  so I can have somewhat of a life.  I sleep too much and don't get moving until the evening hours which finds me getting depressed because the day is gone and it is time to go to sleep again.  Somebody Help.......................!!!   The p-doc doesn't care and I know medication all of it that I am at the end and can't think of one I haven't tried.  I am definitely looking for a new psychiatrist.  Susan

I don't know, Susan, if any of these other meds would be helpful instead of Seroquel--Geodon, Abilify, Depakote, Lamictal, Risperdal & good old lithium...it seems like there are many other options nowadays, but the darn side effects can really cause problems for SOME people.  I've had bad luck with side effects. 

 

Anyway, it's 1:15 a.m. my time & I'm up for the day.

 

I can say I would much rather have insomnia than have the opposite problem like you do.  I agree that sleeping away a life isn't much of a life.  Good luck.