I am a 17 year old male currently taking 400 mg of Seroquel as well as 200 mg of Lamictal. The only thing I have found that works to lose weight would be to reduce the amount of Seroquel. If you then can not lose weight then you should talk to your doctor about that. He/She will be able to help you with it more than this blog can. If you go on a diet, seeing from your past of eating disorders, you should have someone else (family member of professional) monitor you so you don't do anything rash. I wish you the best of luck in all your medicational endevears.

I am a 17 yr old female and I've been on seroquel for a couple months. Before I went into the hospital, I weighed 102 pounds. Now I weigh 135. I am 5'3 so you can just imagine how I look. I dint know I was on this because I was bipolar. The dr told me it was a booster for my Cymbalta. I noticed I gained weight, but dint realize it was my medictaion causing it. I have also been on Wellbutrin, Zoloft and Prozac.

Wow,this hits home. I was just diagnosed Bi-Polar 6 months ago and at the time, weighed 220-big but not fat-I'm male, 54. In one month on seraquel I went to 250, a pound a day. I was at the gym 5 times a week, light weightlifting (cardio style) for over an hour and an hour of cadrio (elyptical and bike). It's been a y0-yo since then between 250-260. I watch everything I eat and seriously can't work out more than 10 hours week. I'm at my wits end. My family doctor wants me off seraquel and my shrink obviously thinks that;s a bad idea. I'm starting to wonder if going through another manic episode wqhere I lost 40 pounds and not sleeping might be better?

PS-I'm also on Lithium

Kanna I am also on lithium but managed to have it halved so only take one a day now, also on Lovan which is Prozac and now on Seroquel just 125mg at night to help me sleep but have put on 6 kilos (I am australian) and have stepped up my exercise so early days yet but will keep an eye on it all as I do not want to put on weight again and I know it is the Seroquel.  Blessings....

Thanks for the reply. I put on 30 pounds the first 30 days ( about 13 kilo's-lived in Canada a few years :)-on 900 mg Lithium and 300 mr Seraquel daily. I can't change my meds as they are working . I've always been athletic, but the only way I'm finding to lose weight is literally an hour and a half of light, cardio type weightlifting and an hour of cardio daily. Time consuming but it's working. Manged to lose 12 pounds but have a long way to go.

PS-I'm also on Lithium

PS-I'm also on Lithium

PS-I'm also on Lithium

PS-I'm also on Lithium

hi just wanted to respond to you. I am a forty six year old man. Have had a varying diagnosis over the years and all types of medication. It started off with schizophrenia in 1996 I was somewhere in my twenties which they say is typical.

I got admitted to the hospital after an overdose several times. Kept going to the county hospital.  They had navane back then. and the serious risk was tardive

dyskenisia. involuntary movements of the mouth. etc.  I was able to get some help and medical coverage outside of the county. Went to all types of psychiatrists

I was bi-polar, manic, had some ocd, lots of anxiety I started on seroquel, lamictal, and watched my weight gain and seroquel helped me out on that one. the saying skinny and crazy is true! so true! I was re admitted to the hospital this last year after two overdoses. Again they did monitor me in the hospital I am taking depakote  works like a charm! seroquel helps me relax and sleep, and doxepin, thinking about checking out latuda.. I had tried to get off my medication in fact I did yet could not sleep found that not sleeping effects my life and well being in so many ways. I now work evenings and do the best I can part time. Have had the help of many and a great teacher and hypnotherapist. The end result that I am trying to share is.  For me I feel awful weighing what I do

around 180 and I am a 5'6 man.  Yet choose sanity over the other. I was on a non stop trip to the other side befor. When I did go off of my medication they weighed me in at 140 on the hospital bed. Guess I have to live with this one I have found that dressing right and low carb diet does help. Its a journey and a process but guess we have made it this far! which is good!

Thank you so much for your reply. The thing is I can not live without seraquel. At least my days of not sleeping from anywhere to 3 - 11 days are now over (and when I did sleep I'd be lucky to get 3 hours). I never knew, for the past 30 years anyway, how it felt after a good night's sleep for both the mind and the body. I guess I'll trudge on with the extra pounds rather than being a walking zombie.

Hi there. I understand how you all feel. I'm 16 years old. Been off and on few medicines for 2 years. I am 70 kg, standing at 1.80m. I am currently med free for 6 months. To be honest, it is more challenging living and sleeping without seroquel. However I feel that I am at least in control of my life and moods and can attribute my successes to my own diligence. To face the sleeping issue, I recommend you guys try natural means such as meditation , reading a boring book or listening to soothing nature sounds from your iPod. Let's face it . The main reason we have our moods can be linked to our sleep, or lack of it. Btw, before going on my first dose of lithium at the hospital, I weighed around 62 kg and sported a 4 pack. After 1 and 1/2 years, my weight ballooned to 75kg with seroquel( I stopped lithium after 3 months). 6 months ago, after my granddad passed away, I decided to stop my 400mg seroquel intake totally. Gradually, after exercise, living a balanced lifestyles and trying to maintain my moods, I maintained my weight around 70 to 75 kg range and am still physically fit. To challenge the weight issue, I recommend you guys try adopting a multiple prong approach. Firstly, you must love yourself enough to change for the better. 1. Eat 6 small meals a day instead of 3 big ones. This will jumpstart your metabolism. 2. Sip cold water and unsweetened tea throughout the day 3. Hit the gym and run if you can 4. Lifting weights boost lean muscle mass which helps you burn fat throughout the day. 5. Share your ambitions with your closest kin. They can motivate you continually when u begin to feel down and out 6. Live your life as you would want to live it! Be free and proud of your achievements. 7. Stay motivated and do not expect immediate results Hope this helped. Life is short. But you still gotta plan it. God bless all you. Mace

Hi there. I understand how you all feel. I'm 16 years old. Been off and on few medicines for 2 years. I am 70 kg, standing at 1.80m. I am currently med free for 6 months. To be honest, it is more challenging living and sleeping without seroquel. However I feel that I am at least in control of my life and moods and can attribute my successes to my own diligence. To face the sleeping issue, I recommend you guys try natural means such as meditation , reading a boring book or listening to soothing nature sounds from your iPod. Let's face it . The main reason we have our moods can be linked to our sleep, or lack of it. Btw, before going on my first dose of lithium at the hospital, I weighed around 62 kg and sported a 4 pack. After 1 and 1/2 years, my weight ballooned to 75kg with seroquel( I stopped lithium after 3 months). 6 months ago, after my granddad passed away, I decided to stop my 400mg seroquel intake totally. Gradually, after exercise, living a balanced lifestyles and trying to maintain my moods, I maintained my weight around 70 to 75 kg range and am still physically fit. To challenge the weight issue, I recommend you guys try adopting a multiple prong approach. Firstly, you must love yourself enough to change for the better. 1. Eat 6 small meals a day instead of 3 big ones. This will jumpstart your metabolism. 2. Sip cold water and unsweetened tea throughout the day 3. Hit the gym and run if you can. In the gym you can be left alone to work out so minimizes the pressure of communicating when oars down. 4. Lifting weights boost lean muscle mass which helps you burn fat throughout the day. 5. Share your ambitions with your closest kin. They can motivate you continually when u begin to feel. down and out 6. Live your life as you would want to live it! Be free and proud of your achievements. 7. Stay motivated and do not expect immediate results Hope this helped. Life is short. But you still gotta plan it. God bless all you. Mace

I am a 17 year old male with 12.5 milligrams of seroquel and I have been excercising for the past month and a half, before I begun with seroquel I was able to have control on my eating and I was able to be healthy, but as time went by I started to get really hungry at random times such as 12-1 am and I can't never feel like I've eaten enough. I wen from 220 to 212 before the seroquel and now I am 230 after about a month of having it even though I am excersicing. I have a history of eating disorder( Ana/Mia) and it really bothers me because I have begun purging after I have been in control of it for a long time. It also causes stress because I have been working hard on the gym and to not see any results it really bothers me!! btw I am 6'0, 230lb my starting weight before any treatment was 149-156 and I have been having the same height since then !! 

I lost 20 pounds while taking seroquel.butit wasn't till I wason it for a year and mybody got used to it more. however i foundit hard to keep off. the way i lost it was literally counting my calories and excersizing like crazy. on the treadmill for 1.5 hours a day.my problem is my depression and anxiety function off my diet maning. i keep crashing. if i eat less then 2000 calories a day all crash into a depressiona and not be able to get off the couch. I take tons of vitamins imwondering if anyone has any advice to keep from crashing. email me at staceycurry101@hotmaill.com. oh and my doctor added zeldox and when added to seroquel made me bing eat like crazy and gain 30 more pounds im now trying to take them in the night  to reduce binging in morning but its been hard. i have gained a total of 100 pounds in 2 years. dieting and excercizing the whole time. but my depression is severe and i have tryed over 40 meds so i can't go off im really depressed about my weight gain however if there is anyone out there that has any advice please contact my email as i know i won't be back on here good luck everyone and how do i not crash? its so discouraging

Crashing sounds like a blood sugar problem. Protein of corse stops that but also chromium stops crashes. try 200mg or cut a 500mg from a 1000mg pill with a razor or knife. Seroquel may be playing with blood sugar i have to research. This is going to take some research to fix this weight gain.

eating has nothing to do with the weight gain, i used to be on this medicine also, i got asked to try something that dont make you gain that much weight, now im on geodon, my doctor said its the one bipolar med that makes you gain the less weight and i love it. hope this helps you :P

Kathleen- I was also around 153 and began taking Seroquel (for Bipolar) and now I weigh 166. I'm trying very hard to lose weight but I have not had success yet. I'm sticking with it for at least a few more weeks though because I need to give it a chance and Seroquel has worked very well for me in terms of fighting my depression. Are you considering going off of it? Not sure if you're using it just for sleep (because there are other medications out there) or for Bipolar like me where you may fear the return of old and horrific symptoms. It is a HUGE toss up! If my weight stays "stuck" like you said yours is I may have to stop taking it. Side-note: 800 calories a day is not enough...in fact you are starving yourself and are most likely slowing down your metabolism. Aim for more like 1,200...you'll lose weight (might be a bit slower) but you won't mess with your metabolism and it's a much healthier way.

I am Bipolar and have been taking Seroquel for almost 3 years now. I was a thin person before and could eat anything I wanted without gaining a pound. As soon as I started taking the seroquel regularly I started gaining. I used to weigh 100 Ilbs and I now weigh 190!! That's right I have gained 90 Ilbs. I hate myself and feel fat constantly. I have had to buy all new clothes. I dont want to go out anywhere becuase I dont want people I know to see how heavy I am. The seroquel has definitely helped me sleep at night and helped my manic episodes decrease but I dont feel it is worth it. I am not constantly depressed about being heavy and have a very low self-esteem. I have been bugging my doctor for months to take me off of it so he prescribed Lithium. It has taken some time but now that my Lithium levels are higher he has finally started decreasing the Seroquel. I have heard from a few different people that the weight was easy to come off. I really hope that is the case and that my body will go back to normal. When I started taking this med no one told me about this horrible side effect. If you are considering taking it please be aware that this could happen to you. I will let you know what happens when I am off of it and whether I got the weight off. I want to add that I did join a gym and started working out every day to no avail. I didn't lose even one pound. My stomach is distended and I get asked all the time if I am pregnant. The water retention makes you very bloated and puffy. In my opinion the benefit of the med is not worth the side effects.

I see it's been a few weeks since you stopped Seroquel.   My story is similar, haven't gained as much but only been on it 6 mths- 15 lbs.   So I'm headed in the same direction and after reading have decided off of Seroquel I take for insomnia.    How is your weight loss coming along?

If you are taking lithium you need to have bloodwork done regularly Sometimes Lithium will not even work on certain indivuals, others like my fiance it has worked miracles for while part of a Seroquel and effexor cocktail. The only way to know is to have your levels checked. It also can be damaging to your kidneys, this isnt the case usually but better to be safe. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water, lithium is very dehydrating hence the name.

 

There is a medication that calms the weight gain and other side effects of seroquel. It is called zantac, and will more than likely help. Im also pretty sure but not positive that it helps with prozac and other meds as well. Things like sex drive, weight gain, dry mouth etc. Of course check with your Dr. and they will send you down the right path that is best suited for you. If you have questions or concerns no matter how small make an appointment, thats what theyre there for. GOOD LUCK!!

How does the Zantac work. is it the heart burn meds or a weight loss pill i havent heared of??? I gained 30 lbs since I was diagnosied with bipolar 1 (mania) i am on all sorts of meds and even now i am  on thyroid meds due to one of my meds causing thyroid problems such as lithium as the culprit.  I have gained 20 lbs since this jan when I started on Levothyroxine (thyroid meds).  i been on lithium 900 mg, lamictal 600 mg, sequel 800 mg for sleep bc without it i cant sleep. im also on oxcarbazepine 600mg for sleep.

 

let me know if you know of any diet method or weight loss pill to help this, ps im extreemly tired form my meds and do not get out of bed until 10am or even as late as 12pm.  any suggestions

 

thanks Maria

You sound just like me! I worked out every day for two months straight and didn't lose a single pound! This has been sooo frustrating to me. My stomach is also distended. I feel like a big fat bowling ball! It's awful. Today I had to go out and buy some "fat" clothes. This will make you depressed in itself. Seroquel is a good sleeping pill though. I had a lot of trouble sleeping before I started taking it. Now I sleep like a baby (a very large baby)! All I want to do is eat and I feel too sluggish to exercise. It is 90+ degrees every day where I live and that just drains me so much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi, I would like to reply to you. I completely understand what you have gone through. Before I was diagnosed with bipolar  I weighed in at 67kgs which for me was slim. Then I was put on ziprexa for a manic episode I had and ended up weighing in at 110 kgs. The thing the doctors dont seem to understand is that bipolar is exactly that two extremes of emotions. Depression and mania. I dont understand how this day and age they can not come up with a medication drug that doesnt have such destructive side effects. They dont seem to understand that body mind and soul work together, and if one of them is out then it upsets the balance. Body image is a major thing in our society, I had eating disorders when I was a teenager, but being over weight or obese is as much of a eating disorder as anorexia or bulimea. How we feel about ourselves determins our outlook, and if we dont like what we see then we can plunge into depression, anyone can, not just people who have been diagnosed with bipolar personally. Its funny, you take an antiphycotic and put on 30 per cent of your body weight., plunge into depression then they say oh your depressed, and are going through a depressed fase, then prescribe you with an anti depressant, which in some cases puts weight on aswell. Seriously, it needs to be said that doctors are not taking a holistic approach to the healing stages of the illness, and are just looking at the medication sides, without doing their job, simply saying take this drug and see if it works, on your way now. Regardless of the side effects. I acctually believe that people with mental illnesses are being taken advantage of because they are in a vonerable position when they need help and serious side effects of medications arnt taken into consideration, and they are put on these drugs involuntaraly. Personaly I am over the mass consumerism of medications within the western world, and the free and easy approach to presciption medication that is surrounded with conspirousy, that I no longer wish to take part in it and am going to trust in myself, and stay medication free, using natural ways to deal with my highs and lows. And believe me I have had them. I have been hospitalised 3 times involuntaraly for Bipolar Mood Disorder, it has been a long journey, but god gave me my brain, and made us all differently, and I dont believe that the higher power that created us all would want us to be taking drugs that are man made, to deal with society how it is today. It takes education, a true change to your life style for example not taking drugs in regards to substance abuse, nutrition and excersise, sleep and stabilty in your work, social and home life. Balance is the key, and medication to some degree is a bandade. Im not saying stop taking your meds, I tappered off mine and there were SIDE EFFECTS, its not an easy road, but at the end of it you have yourself, your true self. And thats what is most important in this life not to loose.

 

Good Luck I wish you the best

 

Anita.

     I DON'T KNOW YOUR NAME  BUT I JUST HAD TO SAY THIS   ...

 

I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOUR SAYING..... I'VE SUFFERD FROM MANY THINGS.. MY HEALTH SUCKS. I HAVE FOUND A BIT OF HELP  MEDS LIKE SEROQUEL CAUSE CONSTIPATION SEVERE ....  USE A LAXITIVE  IF YOU DON'TLOSE WEIGHT IT CAN BE BAD.. I TAKE 400 MG OF SEROQUEL GABAPENTIN VALUM CITRALOPRAM ......... I USESED TO BE ZONED OUT ON PAIN MEDS DOCTERS WERE KILLING ME   .. IT'S ALSO HEREDITARY  MY FATHER HAD IT AND WE DISPIZE EACHOTHER  ALL BECAUSE HE KNOWS I INHERITED IT FROM OUR FAMILY TREE...IT WAS ALSO HERITITARY THAT WEMEN SUFFER FROM RH...... NOTHING HEALS YOU JUST HELPS YOU COPE   ...     BECAUSE OF ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ANY DRUG .. IM SUPPOSED TO TAKE SEROQUEL BUT NOT B DIAGNOSED AS SHITZO............ I HOPE YOU CAN TRAIN YOURSELF TO ONLY EAT ONCE A DAY BUT LITTLE PORTIIONS  , BIG PORTIONS  USE LAXITIVE  , GET RID OF THE FECAL MATTER LOSE THE WEIGHT...  

I know how you feel,I weighed 170 pds (at 5 ft 11 I wasnt skinny but definitely not fat either).I started taking seroquel late in 2008 and now im up to 225 pds!.Im not bi polar but  my depression and anxiety were out of control and I am also bulimic  and I have tried everything else, and nothing worked.Seroquel works but its also left me soooo huge and my depression has gotten even worse because of it.Im as active as I can be for a single mom with 3 kids, but all the exercise and dieting in the world isnt helping!.My belly is distended as well, im bigger than I was after having my third child, almost 6 yrs ago!.My pdoc will not switch my meds even though he knows how upset I am about the weight gain,so I am just going to stop taking it (I take 250 mgs a day) and see how that works.Its just not worth the weight gain in my opinion.

I know how you feel,I weighed 170 pds (at 5 ft 11 I wasnt skinny but definitely not fat either).I started taking seroquel late in 2008 and now im up to 225 pds!.Im not bi polar but  my depression and anxiety were out of control and I am also bulimic  and I have tried everything else, and nothing worked.Seroquel works but its also left me soooo huge and my depression has gotten even worse because of it.Im as active as I can be for a single mom with 3 kids, but all the exercise and dieting in the world isnt helping!.My belly is distended as well, im bigger than I was after having my third child, almost 6 yrs ago!.My pdoc will not switch my meds even though he knows how upset I am about the weight gain,so I am just going to stop taking it (I take 250 mgs a day) and see how that works.Its just not worth the weight gain in my opinion.

I sympathise. I think I've had the worst luck of all. I was 144 and went to 215 I'm now 204 but I have seroquel for bi polar and DID as well as Prozac and buspirone. The prior for mood stabiliser and the latter for anxiety. If i stopped it I would be sectioned its that bad. I am only 5"2 so I look a d feel so fat and disgusting I want to kill myself. I gotta get off these meds

Hi..Any luck on your weight lose since april. My wife is in the same boat. Was a thin girl now over 200 lbs. She is taking lithium at the same time though as the seroquel. I need her to get off it...

Not helpfull. 

Most of us here are taking Seroquel that is 'holding' the weight on.....no matter how hard we 'work out, work out, work out' or want to 'work out, work out, work out'.

And unfortunately, because of this drug, no matter any of our best intentions to 'work out, work out, work out', that is the last thing we actually FEEL like doing.

I know everything you said above to be true but for some reason I feel extreemly unmotivated and am less likely to excersise now than ever before. 

Even during the weeks that I am able to rally myself out the door for a run 2-3x a week the weight is not budging and is in fact rising. 

I came to this forum to research my above symptoms/experience in corolation to Seroquel and I just found your post to be the most discouraging here.

I have been on seroquel since the beginning of dec and I was 102lbs now I weigh 125lbs it's soo frustrating because I too am going to the gym 4-5 days/week. I never feel fully and I hate that!! I used to feel full after a small amt of food but now I feel like I could eat 3 meals in one sitting :/ Sooo my choice is to either be fat and sane or skinny and nuts lol great choices!

I have started on weight watchers meeting.  I also have thyroid problems and this is really a help.  It took awhile longer than the most people but it does work.  exercise also helps I just started walking and it really helps.  I am to two miles a day but did not start that way.  Good luck there is alot of support at weight watcher meetings.  I am on Seroquel also and only 25 mg and have gained the weight.  Maybe you can reduce your dose and it will help.

im 5'6 and i used to be at 145.  i've been on seroquel for quite some time and now i am at 206.  i've given up the exersise and dieting because none of it helps.  i think im just going to stop with seroquel.  i'd done it before and the pounds just shed away.  so i think that is what i will do. 

reading this terrifies me, because I have similar numbers -- I'm 5'6' at 150lbs.

 

how long did it take for the weight to increase?  was it gradual, or noticab

noticeable?

I am 5'5 and was 135lbn when I started Seroquel 4-5 years ago. I do work out every day and eat healthy.... but I'm still 200lb. I am really upset about it! I plan on bringing it up to my doctore next time we meet... but.... I CAN'T stop taking the Seroquel or I will go back down the rabbit hole.... I wrather be sane and a good mother than give it up just to look better.

reading this terrifies me, because I have similar numbers -- I'm 5'6' at 150lbs.

 

how long did it take for the weight to increase?  was it gradual, or noticab

noticeable?

you will never lose weight on seroquel, ever.  it will increase, slowly over time.  there are other alternatives.  seroquel had some pretty heavy duty side effects.  i stopped taking it and once again weigh 110.  and i feel clear minded and happier.  good luck on your journey.  i truly think this drug is intended for folks who are truly incapacitated.

Hi I just finally weaned myself off hte seroquel I stopped taking it this past week. I haven't noticed any weight loss even tho I was at 200 mg's a few months ago and was recently down to 25mg. I am so focused on my weight because I am so unhappy with myself and I am paranoid that I wont lose any weight even tho everyone seems to say that the weight comes off. How quickly did you start to lose the weight and how long was it until you were back to normal? Did you do any heavy dieting or exercising?

You are awesome. You hit the nail right on the head, its not a long term solution. I agree with your statement about thinking that this drug is intended for folks who are truly incapacitated. It is similar to ziprexa, my weight shot up to 110, I decided to tapper of it because I know there is a better life for me and the side effects were interesting to say the least, extremely itchy all over my body constantly like I had hives for a good two weeks, but it was worth it, as now I have clarity again in my thoughts. I have myself back again.

 

Wish you all the best and good luck with your journey

 

Anita

ANITA,

 

            I,M DEPENDANT ON MY PILS .. IM A CHRONIC INSOMNIAC..... I GET ALL TINGLY AS IF  ELECTRICITY SHOOTING OUT  EVERYWHERE ........  I WITHDRAWL , SIT IN THE DARKEST PART OF THE ROOM, OBSERVING EVERYONE...... I JUST HOPE SEE THAT WHAT PEOPLE SAY WORK , USAUALLY DON'T..... I HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED  AND TREATED LIKE A SUCIDE ATTEMPT  . WHEN ALL OF IT WAS A MEDICATION  THAT SENT ME  COMEPLETELY NUTS.I WAS  NEVER ASKED WHAT HAPPEND I WAS SCREAMING TIED TO A GURNEY SHACKLED AND ALONE. I KEPT TELLING THEM THAT IT WAS A NEW MED, I TOOK 4 PILLS AND BOOM ....I DONT REMEMBER ANYTHING BUT BEING TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL DURRING THE DAY AND UNDERSTOOD AT NIGHT   ...   CRAZY

Hi

Did you replace it with something else?  I'm afraid to come off of it due to major depressive disorder which is controlled with serequel, lamictal and welbuitron.  The Serequel keeps my mood balanced and without it I can not sleep.  I take 600mg nightly.  Just wanted to know the side effects when you stopped taking it.

Thank you

 I too am 5'6, and weighed around 145 before Seroquel. I now weigh 158. I refuse to get past 165 lbs (I once weighed 250lbs). I think I'll go off both the Seroquel AND the Depakote, which also causes weight gain.

Hi

I just finally weened myself off the Seroquel. I haven't noticed any change in my weight as of yet and I was wondering how long it took before you started to lose some weight? I am trying to be patient and have changed my eating habits but I am finding it hard to be optimisitic since I still haven't lost any weight and I went from 400mg to nothing. I just got off it completely this past week.

Same story here, sounds like we are all in the same boat.

 

I weighed 155 and after only one and a half months on Seroquel, I have now blossomed to 167. I have been watching my intake of food, walking, and never have been an overeater. I have noticed an increase in cravings for sweets

but do that in moderation, not enough to gain this much weight.

It is magic for helping me sleep, just love that part of it, but do think I will quit

because this fat belly is making me more depressed than anything I can think of.

I have Lamictal as well, so that should help me from going in to a Non- Seroquel episode, also I have Ambien for sleep and Klonopin.

 

 

 

 

I don't know how old ur post is, but it caught my attention. Did u go off of Seroquel completely? Does the Lamictal alone with Klonopin/Ambien for sleep help u still, without taking Seroquel. I want to wean off Seroquel, and will ask my Dr. to start the process next month. He has mentioned weaning me off of it, but I have had such good effects that I questioned it while going through a family crisis at the time. Weight vs. Good Mood, I can only try to go without it and see what happens. New coping skills are helping along with exercise for mood and well-being. But no weight loss, that is the problem...eating under 1,000 calories, but I had a gastric by pass, that is not unusual for me. Never dreamt I would be in this place again with the weight thing, but this medication has helped me along with Lamictal.

BECAREFUL ON AMBIEN IT CAN MAKE YOU SO DEEP IN SLEEP THAT YOU FORGET TO BREATHE.MIXING MEDS ARE ALWAYS A RISK.............JUST A WARNING

I too am on seroquel (400mg) and have an eating disorder.  Since the birth of my child- when I started retaking seroquel, I have gained over 10lbs.  I've tried everything...working out, detox, juicing, even restricting/purging and still no weigh loss. I'm really freaking out and am considering stopping the medication cold turkey.  I know this is stupid on the medical issue but the weight is really driving me crazy.

Same story!!!!!! I went from 95 lbs to 156 lbs in a space of one year. I have always been a small person and I look like a balloon, I am on a strict diet less than 1300 calories a day sometimes even 800-900 calories and the scale wont budge. In fact I keep gaining a steady 1 lb a day. I am also going to stop it because I cannot even move sometimes because of the weight gain. I would suggest other alternatives and I am pretty sure it is the seroquel causing your weight gain. Good luck with stopping it. There are some side -effects but overcome them as they are worth getting off it. I tried to come off it a couple of times as well.

I've been on 300mg of seroquel for quite a few months now and have been trying hard to find out if ecsessive weight gain is a general side effect.  I gained 27 pounds, more than I ever gained in my life.  My cousin gained 24 pounds on seroquel in the space of 3 months.  She is now going onto topamax and molipaxin as an alternative.

Seroqeul has done miracles for my insomnia and anxiety.  I wouldn't advise going of it cold turkey - I have tried that a few times with very bad results.  More succesful was lowering the dose every week.  I've transferrered to lamictal as a mood stabiliser and I can already feel my cravings for sugar going down in the one week i've been of seroquel completely.  I'll just have to wait and see if the numbers on the scale also go down.

I AGREE BUT LAMICTAL IS A BAD DRUG IT PUT SORES ON MYFACE AND ARMS  . SEROQUEL IF ITS NOT TAKEN  ITS LIKE YOU CANT CONTROL YOURSELF BOUNCING AND RESTLESS NEED I GO ON ?  ,............................

I WISH YOU THE  BEST

there will be no weight loss on seroquel, only a steady increase over time.  there are other alternaties out there! astra zenace\a psuhes this drug had for off label uses and the side effects are horrific.  i will NEvER take it again. it ruined my body and my personality!! i stopped a month ago, went onto trileptal and have elost 10 lbs rapibly.  im not a doc, obviously, but there are many options and great dofs with compassion... but this one worked for me! id rather be manic than fat though lol

Wow.  It's great to know that I'm not alone!  I'm 22 and 5'5" and at this time last year, I was 115lbs.  After being on Seroquel for a few months, I am now 140lbs.  I take it for insomnia and it generally works pretty well, but the weight gain has made me extremely depressed.  I stopped taking it last night and woke up this morning not even hungry, which is a complete 180 from my life on Seroquel.  I'm just frustrated because my psychiatrist doesn't recognize the weight gain as any sort of problem even though I have voiced my concerns many, many times.  And my primary care physician says she doesn't want to do anything because she isn't a psychiatrist.  So I'm currently frustrated with the medical community and I think I'm going to try to go at this alone until someone educated in this kind of thing is willing to help me.  And responses or tips are greatly appreciated!  Thanks!  :)  

It looks like everyone has the same issue with Seroquel.  I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 5 years ago and started out on Seroquel.  I started out at about 170 pounds, and I now weigh 200 pounds.  I have asked my doctor to change my meds and she tried me on numerous other ones, but nothing worked for my bipolar disorder nearly as good as Seroquel, so i am back on it.  I am 5 10 and I weigh 200 pounds.  I used to be able to lose weight pretty easily, but not anymore!  I watch what I eat and go to the gym 4-5 days a week for at least an hour.  Lots of cardio and weight training.  I should be losing weight considering what I'm doing, but I continue to gain.  Talk about becoming more depressed!  I tried weight watchers, atkins and many other diets and diet products, but nothing works.  I have a history of eating disorders, so this is dangerous ground for me.  It's a real struggle.  My doctor is moving out of the area, so I'm hoping whoever I start seeing will be able to help me with these issues.  I am going to request being taken off of the seroquel and on a regimen that will NOT cause me to gain weight.  I really need to lose weight, not only because I look fat, but for my health.  If anyone finds help for this issue, please post it.  I think we'd all like to know what might be able to help.  :)

 So sorry to hear that. I too have gained (11 lbs after being on Seroquel for about 3weeks). I do sleep better on it, but I'm prescribed to take 200mg in the morning, 200mg at 2PM, and 400mg at bedtime. I don't like getting sleepy during the day, and I don't like the increase in appetite, and decrease in metabolism. By checking out this website, I am hoping to find another med solution. I'm also on Depakote, which also has a side of weight gain. Does the doc actually believe that getting me fat will make me less depressed? I certainly hope not! I am 5'6, and now weigh 158. I was weighing 147 before the meds. I want to go off. I'm also on Wellbutrin. I think this one would help me to lose some weight, if not for the other 2 drugs. It has in the past ( teen years). I am now 32.

 

if you take seroquel in the am and/or during the day, you will for sure gain weight.  My doc's suggests taking full dosage 30 mins before bedtime...and make sure you do not eat after taking it

 

if you take seroquel in the am and/or during the day, you will for sure gain weight.  My doc's suggests taking full dosage 30 mins before bedtime...and make sure you do not eat after taking it

 

Seroquel may well be stopping you losing weight as it affects the metabolism process. Apparently all neuroleptica do this, so getting off altogether might well be the only chance of success in losing weight.

The subject of homeopathic medicine as an altenative to conventional treatment is also worth considering.

When I was in the hospital. I was on 700mg. for four months. I gained 60lbs which increased the depression. Seroquel company will tell you right up front it will make you really hungry and probably gain weight. I was eating cottoge cheese or saurkraut just to try to get full. My Dr. carefully put me on Topamax, an appetite depressant and I have lost 25 and am still losing. Seroquel is the only thing that works for my bi-polar so I have to take it. I also count calories and exercise.

I have never heard of Topamax, but I will certainly asked my doctor.  Seroquel works very well for me, but the weight gain is just more than I can handle - I am so upset about it, I feel depressed! 

I have put on 15 pounds in 2 months and I have a small frame.  I don't mean to sound vain, but looking good on the outside helps me feel better about my self and my self-esteem is better.  It is doubly frustrating because I eat less, to no avail....

My "fat" jeans are tight!

 

Hi

I have the same problem, for years I hardly slept until I started to take seroquel, so as you quite rightly said are we carrying on with being able to sleep or having to come to term with a weight increase, a real dilema. I have been taking seroquel now for at least 4 years and am on 350 mg p/night. I have lived with Bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years and the only thing I can say is that the drugs we are having now are a lot kinder than the ones 20 years ago which not only made you put on weight but also had some very very nasty side effects. I am thinking of going swimming several times a week but with my forever changing moods I find it difficult to 'stick' to what I want or plan to do.

Hi

I have the same problem, for years I hardly slept until I started to take seroquel, so as you quite rightly said are we carrying on with being able to sleep or having to come to term with a weight increase, a real dilema. I have been taking seroquel now for at least 4 years and am on 350 mg p/night. I have lived with Bipolar disorder for nearly 20 years and the only thing I can say is that the drugs we are having now are a lot kinder than the ones 20 years ago which not only made you put on weight but also had some very very nasty side effects. I am thinking of going swimming several times a week but with my forever changing moods I find it difficult to 'stick' to what I want or plan to do.

meee tooo....much to consider,ay?! Ive gotten much heavier in a relatively short time. Seroquel commonly allows me a nice deep sleep- something only lots of beer would allow throughout some thirty of my fifty odd years. By lots of beer, I mean 10-16 oz. cans per night... that is 10 cans times 16 ounces... I've been told by professionals that's "alot of beer".  It's what allowed deep rest... and never a hangover... only beer, no wine, no heavy stuff.... never gained weight... thought I was truely healthy... is it possible  was healthy??

hi my name is Heather and i have been told that i have manic depressive i'am sure i have had this condition for many years two and half years ago i tried to take my own life thank god i was unsuccessfull now i have a Doctor treating me i'am on seroquel and my weight has gone from 45kg to 68kg and swallon up like a ballon i have just taking myself of seroquel the last two nights my sleepind is not that good but my swallow feet have gone down i hope my Doctor tomorrow will be able to help me i will keep you in touch by for now Heather

my doctors are going to put me on seroquel and i am wrried about the weight gain ,your comments have given me a little hope if i work really hard i too could maybe loss or not gain weight.I will keep you posted and well done for your weight lost keep at it..

I've been on Seroquel for 3 months now and I've gained 20 pounds. I've had gastric bypass 5 years ago and weight loss has never been hard for me. I've even reverted back to my liquid diet and the baby food portion of the diet. I worked out everyday and I actually GAINED five more pounds. Also, I've been retaining water and I've got Type 2 Diabetes. I go back to the doctor next week and I will discuss this with my doctor. I've even tried the WW meals and the Slimfast and Glucerna shakes to curb my appetite. Perhaps I should try Topamax versus the Trileptal I'm taking. The call of the fridge is ridiculously strong, but I am not going to give up. Thanks for your advice and insight.

This is the first helpful post that I have found.  I am going to try this because I have been on Seraquel for 4 days and have gained 5 pounds.  OMGosh.  I have gained weight in the past on Tricyclic Antidepressants, so, I am already really unhappy with my weight.  I hate this.  I got my recumbant bicycle out 2 days ago and will use it.  I have had Depression my whole life and I am 56 y.o. now.  I am looking forward to my son's wedding but wish I didn't have to go because I don't want people to see me so fat.  Yikes! It is so strange that the medicine that should help us move out into the world and embrace life again, makes us want to hide because of the way we look.  Thank you so much for your post!

Hopeful

I had a sudden weight loss after dropping from 100 - 50 - 25mg, 9lbs in a week and I am pretty sure most of that was fluid retention. Do you reckon that could be part of your experience?

Hi,

 

Do you mean that you lost weight because you went down from 100mg to 25mg of Seroquel?  If this is the case with you, then my answer is no, this was not part of my experience.  I am pretty sure that if you are on a lower dose of Seroquel, then you will not have as difficult of a time with weight gain as you would if you were taking a high dose, so you might have solved your own problem.  If I am way off...then please ask me your question again and I will respond, no worries.

Hi,  I've been on Seroquel for 4 years. I went from 115 (my doctor says I should weigh 129) to my all time high of 201.5. I am now trying to eat healthier, increase my activity and cut calories. I tried Topamax for a month, lost NO weight and it made me dopey and forgetful. I'm glad it works for some people but for me it was worthless.

 

Loci

I recently came across and article you would be very interested in. AstraZeneca's Seroquel and study known as "Study 15 and AstraZeneca's internal documents released by law firm, Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers, which also lists diabetes & hyperglycemia in thousands of US patients...check it out, quite scary how drug companies can control the available research about their products.

Agreed. Research whatever you put in your mouth. All the meds are is added chemicals...

 

As a bipolar person myself, I know that my body is SUPER DUPER sensitive to any changes. I've gained 10 lbs because of the depression side of Bipolar II. The med I'm on doesn't seem to have weight gain as a side effect so I know it's my inactivity. I know that it will come off again when this dang blast winter goes away and I can be outside more. I have consciously tried to eat decent and exercize to the best of my ability but sleeping so much takes a toll.

 

The key to any weight loss is less calories in than you expend. We can really screw up our already sensitive metabolisms by trying different fad diets or starving ourselves. Balance. I've taught nutrition for many years. Balance in anything with us is the ticket.

 

Eat right (see a dietician if you don't know how), Exercize at least 3x a week, get enough sleep (sleep deprevation is a major cause of weight gain and retention), and for us...see our therapist, take our meds, keep stress at bay as much as possible.

 

Good luck!

 

you"re a fucking idiot

AWW the words from any known drug dealer or pusher. Hopefully no one will take you seriously. What kind of person would say that to people working hard to keep their lives together. You are just sad.

If no one else wants to admit to their true and utter desperation, I will.  I would never turn to illicit drugs like Meth to take care of my un-wanted weight gain but I'll say right now that IT HAS occured to me that it would probably help me lose the weight.  Unfortunately I care about my teeth, etc--not to mention my children...  I think the person who offered that opinion either is out to be a jerk or is feeling as hopeless as I am.  Who knows.  I just hope no one goes that route. 

To tell you the truth...it has also occurred to me :( NOT that i'd actually go and do it...but I am SO desperate!!! My freaking doctor is NOT takng me seriously about this weight gain!! AAAAARGH!

Time to find a new Doc - this one is a moron - I was on 300mg of Seroquel for 8 years I gained 95lbs. weight was gradual but NEVER stops..ever. Without lowering your dose of Seroquel significantly you will not be able to lose weight & no matter what you try you will continue to gain. There are currently many class action lawsuits against the makers of Seroquel for hiding the severe weight gain consequences they were AWARE of & HID. Seroquel also has caused Diabetes in thousands who are also suing for hiding the fact that it does cause Diabetes, (the makers also hid that info) After lowering my dose from 300mg to 75mg I was able to easily return to my original weight of 105lbs. The only things that could help the insomnia & anxiety increase I had from lowering my Seroquel was Ristoril for sleep and Xanax for anxiety, although many doctors may not be willing to prescribe these because of the possibility of addiction. I talked with my Psychiatrist & we weighed the pros & cons of my new medication schedule, but since I have no history of substance abuse issues, and the weight gain was SOOOO depressing, we decided this was best. Plus I am no longer at risk of developing Diabetes, which I was very close to. now my weight & blood sugar are normal - don't know if I'll ever be completely off Seroquel - but you can reverse the problems it causes by keeping your dose at 100mg or less. Hope your Doc is as smart & open minded as mine - I did meet Docs that thought that the weight gain & diabetes were worth the risk to avoid perscribing benzodiazapines (narcotics) - those Docs are okay with you getting a life threatening illness - they just don't want you possibly addicted to anything cheap. The Docs who feel that way should have their licenses revoked. Healthcare should not about $ it should be about improving health & the risks of high doses of Seroquel do not outweigh the benefits, since lowering my dose to 75mg & adding the dreaded "narcotics" I am in much better physical & mental health than ever before(I have been in treatment of some kind for over 20 years).  

I took Seroquel 300 mg for five years for chronic insomnia and boy did I sleep but I was groggy in the morning.  I am up 30 pounds but dieted and exercised some off along the way, then it came right back.  All the while my psychatrist never mentioned that maybe it was my Seroquel.  *&%$#!  All I have to say is if you are just taking it for insomnia and your doctor won't take you off of it (as mine would not) then FIND A NEW DOCTOR!  That stuff is terrible.  I just spent a fortune on a diet program and followed it perfectly and lost 1/3 of what the average woman of my age should lose, and I was down to 50 mg of Seroquel.  My weight loss doctor said Seroquel is horrible for your weight.  My Pharmacist said, "Everybody gains weight on Seroquel."  I am on Tomazepam (sp?) and not sleeping very well.  Seeng my new psychaitrist this week to try something else.  If she can't help me I am going to a sleep specialist.  My body is really resistant to sleep.  If you can try another drug, do it.   

I am in the samee boat I cannot sleep I take 100mg of seroquel and ambien. I am trying to loose weigh but the night time eating is killing me. What have you done to get sleep. I just cannot sleep without something.

I have bipolar 1 and  been taking Serequel now for 3 years and I am also a type 1 Diabetic I have 5 injections a day but as of yet I have not gained any weight in fact I have lost 30 Kilos sorry as I  dont know the diversion in pounds I just make sure I dont over eat this takes willpower but does work I must admit that my dose of serequel has just been increased from 100mg at night and 25mg in the morning to 50mg in the morning and 100mg at night  I also take 200mg in the morning of Lamactil and 400mg of Lamactil at night I sincerely hope the extra dose of serequel doesnt affect me but I can assure you it is not wise to stop or decrease you meds without a doctors advise or monitoring as the side affects of this are severly extreme, believe me I have been silly and done just that and have ended up having to be put into hospital for up to 3 months. I believe only a psychiatrist should monitor and prescribe this sort of medication as General practitioners dont have enough knowledge or experience to correctly prescribe such psychotic and mood stablising drugs successfully. On this Medication I am a completely a different person my moods have become stable my depression episodes have decreased dramaticly. Please if your specialist has prescribed this medication discuss with him your concerns about any weight gain and ask him how this can be addressed and be firm with him that this is a major concern for you  I am not a drug company or representitive of any kind just a fellow sufferer of Bipolar as type 1 which is the most severe kind Please let me know if this post has helped at all. I would like feedback.         

Thank you so much, it really does help to hear that you haven't gained weight, its the first i have heard! but it makes a big difference. i stopped taking it without really giving it a chance but i moved away for school back in October and have tried to be in contact with my doctor to find a solution and all he had time for was a 5 minute phone consultation and an Rx for Clonazepam... which does nothing at all. in the short amount of time he had, i told him i was sleeping for the most 2-3 hours a night because of my insomnia and therefore everything else was getting that much worse. i called back to tell him many times and still have not heard from him.. and that was in November. i still have my Serequel Rx of 25 & 50 because i didnt take it for long because of the weight fear before but for the very short time i was taking it, i did feel better so i have been trying to remember to take it to try and get myself on track again, ive been having angery mood swings but i'm very much hoping that after it gets into my system that it will settle out for me. again, thank you for responding! it truly means a lot to me!

I apreciate your response to my post it does take at least 2 weeks or more for you to really feel the effect of Serequel. My mood swings were unbelievable one minute on an extremely high and the next angry then in the deepest of depression where suicidal thoughts were in my mind this could all happen within a day or 2. The small amount of Serequel dose that you have been prescribed should not affect your weight I personally believe the pro's and cons should be weighed up. What is more important weight gain which can be managed if guided in the right direction or severe mental health issues?  I stick to a diabetic diet and I believe that is a contributing factor to keeping my weight down. Unfortunately most bipolar sufferers feel they dont need their medication because they are feeling better  and then believe I dont need this, I feel good now, but it is quite the opposite they are feeling better because of the medication. My personal opinion is my personal opinion only but from my own  experiences you desperately need to change your doctor and keep looking till you find a doctor who will respond to your inquiries but most doctors these days dont advise over the phone they really do need to have you go to their rooms to discuss all issues you may have. that is the professional way to do it.  Please dont try to be your own doctor let your professional psyciatrist do this for you. I have found over many years of study on Bipolar and the many therapies that are available to help manage this crippling condition. Self diagnosis and changing medications without GOOD medical advise is a dangerous thing to do. I have suffered this crippling desease now for 14 years or mabye longer but I have found medicaton and continual therapy which you must be viligant about will change your whole world for you As I have previously said this is a personal opinion but one mad with a lot of ups and downs and when you find the right method to remain in good health STICK TO IT. I sincerley hope that I have not come across as a know it all, but just a long time sufferer who has finally found acceptance and peace in my world.   

I apreciate your response to my post it does take at least 2 weeks or more for you to really feel the effect of Serequel. My mood swings were unbelievable one minute on an extremely high and the next angry then in the deepest of depression where suicidal thoughts were in my mind this could all happen within a day or 2. The small amount of Serequel dose that you have been prescribed should not affect your weight I personally believe the pro's and cons should be weighed up. What is more important weight gain which can be managed if guided in the right direction or severe mental health issues?  I stick to a diabetic diet and I believe that is a contributing factor to keeping my weight down. Unfortunately most bipolar sufferers feel they dont need their medication because they are feeling better  and then believe I dont need this, I feel good now, but it is quite the opposite they are feeling better because of the medication. My personal opinion is my personal opinion only but from my own  experiences you desperately need to change your doctor and keep looking till you find a doctor who will respond to your inquiries but most doctors these days dont advise over the phone they really do need to have you go to their rooms to discuss all issues you may have. that is the professional way to do it.  Please dont try to be your own doctor let your professional psyciatrist do this for you. I have found over many years of study on Bipolar and the many therapies that are available to help manage this crippling condition. Self diagnosis and changing medications without GOOD medical advise is a dangerous thing to do. I have suffered this crippling desease now for 14 years or mabye longer but I have found medicaton and continual therapy which you must be viligant about will change your whole world for you As I have previously said this is a personal opinion but one mad with a lot of ups and downs and when you find the right method to remain in good health STICK TO IT. I sincerley hope that I have not come across as a know it all, but just a long time sufferer who has finally found acceptance and peace in my world.   

I'm on Seroquel too, along with Lithium, Zonegran and Wellbutrin.  The Seroquel dose is 900mg for me and the Zonegran is being used as an appetite suppresant.  I have tried a laundry list of drugs with no success and didn't want to try Seroquel because of the weight gain issues.  But when it came down to it, I had no choice.  It has been the only thing that has controlled my cycling so that I can live a normal life.  Thanks to the my doctor, he prescribed the Zonegran which took away that awful hungry feeling you have all the time with Seroquel.

 

I exercise everyday and eat healthy.  I have been unable to lose weight.  I'm not sure if the Seroquel messes with the metabolism but it seems like that's the only answer to my weightloss problem.  I'm training to run a 5k in September and have been running for 4 weeks now with no weightloss whatsoever.  It's very frustrating when your working so hard and getting no where.  So I just wanted to let you know I know where you're coming from.  Except I'm at a much higher weight than you.  I hope things get better for you.

I was on 300mg of Seroquel for 8 years I gained 95lbs. weight was gradual but NEVER stops..ever. Without lowering your dose of Seroquel significantly you will not be able to lose weight & no matter what you try you will continue to gain. There are currently many class action lawsuits against the makers of Seroquel for hiding the severe weight gain consequences they were AWARE of & HID. Seroquel also has caused Diabetes in thousands who are also suing for hiding the fact that it does cause Diabetes, (the makers also hid that info) After lowering my dose from 300mg to 75mg I was able to easily return to my original weight of 105lbs. The only things that could help the insomnia & anxiety increase I had from lowering my Seroquel was Ristoril for sleep and Xanax for anxiety, although many doctors may not be willing to prescribe these because of the possibility of addiction. I talked with my Psychiatrist & we weighed the pros & cons of my new medication schedule, but since I have no history of substance abuse issues, and the weight gain was SOOOO depressing, we decided this was best. Plus I am no longer at risk of developing Diabetes, which I was very close to. now my weight & blood sugar are normal - don't know if I'll ever be completely off Seroquel - but you can reverse the problems it causes by keeping your dose at 100mg or less. Hope your Doc is as smart & open minded as mine - I did meet Docs that thought that the weight gain & diabetes were worth the risk to avoid perscribing benzodiazapines (narcotics) - those Docs are okay with you getting a life threatening illness - they just don't want you possibly addicted to anything cheap. The Docs who feel that way should have their licenses revoked. Healthcare should not about $ it should be about improving health & the risks of high doses of Seroquel do not outweigh the benefits, since lowering my dose to 75mg & adding the dreaded "narcotics" I am in much better physical & mental health than ever before(I have been in treatment of some kind for over 20 years).  

Trios

 

Just found your post. im on low carb (cavemen diet) and have my fingers crossed. after 9 days ive lost 3.5 pounds. will see how it goes!

 

Erica

anyone try amantadine (symetrell) to counter weight gain from Seroquel?  I have been trying metformin for over 6 months and unfortunately have not lost any weight, although my weight stopped gaining.  I went from 160 to 185 from Seroquel only 50mg per day.  I went from 500 to 1,000 mg of metformin per day and nothing.  I also don't feel that hunger is the problem seroquel is causing because I have been eating pretty lightly most days, I think its more the metabolic problems.  I recently saw some things on Amantadine, any know if this is worth trying?  

THANKS FOR THE HELP WITH SYMETRELL   IM ASKING MY DOCTORFOR IT BECAUSE I CANT  KEEP GAINING  AND   I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH . I'LL SEARCH THE MED AND SEND IT OUT

Love your food hunger trick. im going to try it on food and by compulsive shopping habbits.  you rock!

 

thanks for your post.

 

many blessings to you and ur family

Gabriel

 

I think that probabaly most everyone who has posted on this website can relate to you.  The sad truth that I have come to know is that the only effective treatment w/o too many side effects that I have found is seroquel.  So, like you said, its either manic or fat.  Im right there with you.  I am 46 years old and very athletic.  I take 200mg. I used to take 400 but found I could do as well on 200mg. The thing I have noticed, however, is that I seem to gradually build a tolerance to it and eventually become manic and unable to sleep.  I got sick of the weight gain when i was taking 400mg and switched to lithium which i couldnt tolerate. it felt like poison in my body.  Lamictal I found was effective but i got a rash which couldve been indicative of a dangerous and life threatening reaction (this is common with lamictal).  And risperdal made me feel just awful!  I think i have tried everything there is.  The thing about seroquel is that it works so incredibly well to tame the BP and to aide with sleep but that one horrible side-effect, weight gain, is enough to make you reconsider whether or not its worth taking.  Im at a point where Im trying one last time to lose weight since im now on 200mg and being really careful about my diet.  Im doing the low carb which used to keep me at a size 2 prior to seroquel, but now im a size 14-16 and have gained over 50 lbs.  Ive been on the diet for 9 days (yes im counting!) and have lost 3.5 pounds.  The thing is I know this might just level off and I stop losing no matter what I do.  But this is my last ditch effort and Im going to see if it works.  If it doesnt Im going to decide which I can live with, being manic and thin, or sane and fat.  My family and my husband are 100% behind me and my husband truly understands and accepts my weight gain which is fantastic.  My advice to you, after all of this babble, is to weigh your options. I would never go against doctors advice though.  But perhaps you can talk to your doctor about options. Have you tried other drugs to treat the BP that dont cause weight gain?  Have you considered a lower dose?  Im not sure how much of a difference a lower dose would make. im investigating that now!  anyhow, keep in touch and let me know how things go!

 

Erica

Gabriel -

I just left my doctor and he suggested using Seroquel on an as needed basis.  All that aside, I have found wonders in using 400 mg Topamax (losing 20 pounds when I was at my heighest- - I am 5' 1" and now about 102 pounds), Lamictal, and Wellbutrin - 300mg.  It has changed my life.  Also a "Happy Lite" for SAD, as I live in New England.  Amazing.  Just my thoughts. I lost the weight in about 2 months.

I am so sorry to read how unhappy this is making you and can totally understand why you feel frustrated. 

 

My advice to you is to get a second opinion. It's possible that you don't need to be on all of these drugs or at least not on high doses of them. There is such a thing as pdoc's prescribing too aggressively, and you owe it to yourself to make sure that there isn't another way for you to go. Seroquel is a good drug, but it is also a huge moneymaker for Astra Zeneca and BP II can treated with other medications.

 

Good luck and I hope that you are able to find some peace with this soon.

So i first posted on here about 11 months ago because i had gained 45 lbs on seroquel. I was on 600mg and after my doctor increasing my dose to 1200mg every night, i had not only gained 45 lbs, but my weight skyrocketed almost immediately and by this past october i was 65 lbs heavier than the day that i started taking the seroquel. My doctor is relentless and the other psychiatrist that i saw said that since ive been on the medication for 2 years and its been working so well, ive not had a manic episode in over 7 months so i guess it justfifies his persistence. But anyway, after doing plenty of research, i read somewhere that seroquel makes it next to impossible for your body to metabolize the carbohydrates and sugar that you are taking it. So, 2 months ago i started a self modified of the Atkins diet which is no carbs, high protein/veggies (i know most people think its really bad for you, but since ive been on it, my LDL (bad cholesterol) has gone down significantly as well as the triglycerides, and my HDL has increased very significantly. Basically my diet consists of meats and fish, a salad practically everyday, and pretty much zero simple sugar. I try and stick to less than 25g of carbohydrates per day and i use brown rice, wheat pasta etc whenever i think its appropriate to venture into carbs for that day. My diet is not as strict as the one that is in the book, but in 2 months an 18 days i have lost 36 lbs! and that is with ZERO exercise. My brother in law who was also on seroquel (only 100 mg ) and had gained 20 lbs has done the diet with me and he has lost 22 lbs in this time frame. I encourage yall to atleast look into it, i finally have that weight of the severe weight gain on my shoulders. and while i still have about 30 lbs to go, my future is bright! (and i need to start working out again)!

Christy...you are so wise !!!!!  I wish I didn't care what other people thought of how I look and I sure "ain't" telling them WHY I'm gaining.  Tried that a couple times, our enlightened (HA..HA) society is NOT that enlightened about Mental Illness.

 

I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar.  I have been wrongly treated for Panic Attacks and Clinical Depression for 20 years.  Guess what?????  The Seroquel has helped BOTH. 

 

 It is really !!!!  hard for me to accept the diagnosis as my husband is Bipolar 1 and just last year had a psychotic break and caused all kinds of HELL.

 

Weight gain !  Can I just say...OUCH !!!!  140 lbs - 250 lbs in 10 years.  Most of the weight gain was from Tricyclics like Elavil.  My counselor told me to ask my Psychiatrist about adding Topamax.  I did and I just started it.  You do not know how much I want it to work.  BUT....I was taken off SSRI ( Zoloft ), had to increase my Klonopin (no remarks, please, from the peanut gallery about having to take this medication.  Walk in my shoes before you judge,) and I feel so much better.  Seroquel is the ONLY thing that makes me sleep.  Glad to hear others say they have bad dreams. 

 

I will remember that Kristy said: " Choose your battles and weight shouldn't be one of them ".  Thank you, Christy, so much. (BTW, I am a nurse and I still have trouble doing exactly what my Psychiatrist says.)

I re read what I wrote and I want to clarify....Seroquel works.  Its done great things for keeping my moods in check.  The weight gain, however trivial, has had the adverse effect on the depression part of my illness.  Somewhere there has to be a happy medium....Im just not sure what that is.

I have been on seroquel for 2 years now and it has worked wonders for me. I am in my early 30's and I am only 5 foot tall. I went from being a size 2 to a size 11 to 12. I didn't wear jeans for 2 years because of it. It has been a horrible experience. I gained about 45lbs in 4 months. I am very active and eat very healthy and nobody could understand why my weight wasn't going down. They didn't understand the effects of Seroquel. My doctor told me there was a chance of weight gain but he made it sound like a slm possiblity.

I am just now lowering my seroquel for different reasons. After 7 years of treatment they think I have been misdiagnosed.

I hope to see some improvement of my weight.

Good luck to you

This is such a wonderful post. Thank you for your kind and caring spirit!