I've found this to be the most annoying part of getting stabilized on my medication. When your depression is at a point that you're in bed all day and "nothing matters" you're willing to try anything just to make it go away. But these meds make you gain weight quite quickly, thereby ironically also contributing to the depression. I gained about 40 pounds on risperdal. Now I finally lost 20 again and got switched to Abilify. I'm not completely unhappy with my weight at this point but still want to get back to where I used to be. Thankfully, I haven't been very depressed, so I'm very grateful for that blessing. And of course, for being able to lose half of what I gained. What are your experiences with these medications? In a way, the weight gain makes a tough situation even tougher. But also, you have to take the plunge because what else can you do when you're that low?
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Gaining weight on antipsychotics and mood stabilizers
- Thread starter Aurelia
- Start date
I have used different medications. Antipsychotics made me gain a lot of weight. Some were worse than others. Zyprexa for instance, which is known for this side effect, made me gain immensely in just a few weeks (from 60kg to 80kg!). I am back to my old weight now, but no longer on Zyprexa.
In retrospect, I would not have started medication, had I known all their effects.
When you are that low, it is difficult to known what else to do, though. For instance, the right diet often solves depression and anxiety for me...but if I'm extremely depressed and scared, no way I can stick to the right diet. So what then?
I do not know really. Except wait, pray, and hope for the best.
In retrospect, I would not have started medication, had I known all their effects.
When you are that low, it is difficult to known what else to do, though. For instance, the right diet often solves depression and anxiety for me...but if I'm extremely depressed and scared, no way I can stick to the right diet. So what then?
I do not know really. Except wait, pray, and hope for the best.
I gained over 30 pounds from Seroquel/quetiapine. Now on abilify at a somewhat higher dose of 15 mg and can’t seem to lose weight. I work hard to manage what I eat and get exercise but this is just enough to slow the rate of weight gain. I’m not even staying constant, let alone losing weight.
If I don’t take abilify though I become actively suicidal and might have to go to the hospital. So I have to choose between taking a big risk in the short term, or risking health problems from obesity in the long term.
I am often too depressed to exercise and so I don’t get it every day. It’s so hard to just get out of bed that doing so takes all the willpower I have. I sometimes wonder if I should be in the hospital just to get stable at a place where doing anything is less of an overwhelming challenge.
If I don’t take abilify though I become actively suicidal and might have to go to the hospital. So I have to choose between taking a big risk in the short term, or risking health problems from obesity in the long term.
I am often too depressed to exercise and so I don’t get it every day. It’s so hard to just get out of bed that doing so takes all the willpower I have. I sometimes wonder if I should be in the hospital just to get stable at a place where doing anything is less of an overwhelming challenge.
Sorry you struggle. I didn't read your comment until now. I know how hard it can be to do things when depressed.
For me, a hospital was not helpful. But I know other people did benefit. They take care of the basics - food, daily rhythm, getting out of bed. I think this can be a plus, when you are so depressed.
Have you had therapy? Or try diet? For example, for me, quitting dairy (I found out I'm lactose intolerant) and eating more clean (e.g. skipping sugar/colourings/additives) helps lots and lots. Keto diet helped even more, but is too tough for me.
For me, a hospital was not helpful. But I know other people did benefit. They take care of the basics - food, daily rhythm, getting out of bed. I think this can be a plus, when you are so depressed.
Have you had therapy? Or try diet? For example, for me, quitting dairy (I found out I'm lactose intolerant) and eating more clean (e.g. skipping sugar/colourings/additives) helps lots and lots. Keto diet helped even more, but is too tough for me.
