My grandson (13 yrs old) is taking Abilify for Mood Disorders. He has gained 80 lbs in the 8 months he has been taking this medication. His endocrinologist has ruled out thyroid as cause of weight gain, but genetics plays a part and Abilify is definitely partially responsible. Although Abilify has been wonderful in helping him control his mood disorder, I was wondering if there was another medication without the weight gain side effects that you could suggest as we have an appointment with his physciatrist and I would like to have information about other medications for us to try.
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Q: What other anti-phycotic medications are available for teens without the weight gain side effects?
Answers (3)
2/13/09 10:24am
ABILIFY!!!
2/12/09 11:57pm
I think that with his health at risk both psychologically and physically you may have to take him to both doctors and have them come up with the healthiest concoction they can. All of those medicines have side effects, some cut your life short because of diabetes, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, but that has to be balanced against the risks of untreated bipolar. Abilify is one of the ones that normally is "weight neutral" but I haven't seen that to always be the case. I think it depends on the other medicines. It may be that he needs some lifestyle changes since he isn't used to having his symptoms controlled he may suddenly have become a lot less active and started eating differently. I know the mood swings themselves change my weight by 30 pounds if they last very long. My son is on several that cause weight gain. It's a big difference.
I am also very concerned about his health.
3/ 1/10 12:28pm
Most of the antipsychotics cause weight gain, but Abilify is supposed to be better than most. I was on Abilify for a couple of years. It did nothing for me but make me gain 40 pounds. My pdoc insisted that it didn't cause weight gain, but as you can see from the responses that isn't the case.
If you can't discontinue the drug (and it sounds like it is helping him), try to work with your doctor and a nutritionist if you can afford it. Exercise is also really important.
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By NanaIsTired— Last Modified: 10/26/11, First Published: 02/12/09
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