Zeldox v.s. Quetiapine

[doctora]

My GP switched me over to Zeldox, as I was gaining weight rapidly on Quetiapine, however the side effects from Zeldox, such as not being able to sleep, vomitting, feeling like my throat was closing, shakes, dizziness, severe heart palpatations, I got off the Zeldox and went back on the Quetiapine.

What is the ingrediant in Zeldox that would cause these hyper side effects?  I am searching for something where the weight gain is minimal but offers the benefits I get from Quetiapine, but I am now nervous to try anything that may have this mystery ingrediant in it that Zeldox has.

Can you tell me what is in Zeldox that is not in Quetiapine, and if there are any other meds I could try that wouldnt cause these side effects but also not make me gain such a massive amount of weight?

[Alison L, RPh]

Quetiapine and Zeldox have two different active ingredients but they both block the  same receptors in the body to treat the same conditions. In the same way, how much they block a receptor contributes to their similar and different side effects.
The way quetiapine works it blocks receptors causing an increase in appetite therefore leading to significant amounts of weight gain as you have experienced. Unfortunately, the majority of all these drugs that treat your condition cause weight gain except the one the doctor switched you to—Zeldox.  Zeldox has shown to have the least amount of weight gain and is an appropriate choice to those who wish to avoid weight gain. Zeldox as well as the other drugs that treat your condition—all have the potential to cause the same effects that you reported having. Some people may not have it and some people may experience it, it is really all individualistic and how well a person can tolerate it. If you are fine on quetiapine and do not like how you feel on Zeldox—you should stay on quetiapine and talk to your doctor & he may have options on what to do about the unwanted weight gain.

[doctora]

Thank you for the information. Reading this, would it be safe to assume that Abilify would also give me the side effects that Zeldox did?  I have noticed a lot of postings on this site where people are quite pleased with Abilify. I realize that it is trial and error for each drug, but I am hoping there is something close to the benefits Quetiapine offer without the high anxiety Zeldox gives me.
I know exercise would help me out with the weight gain, and I plan on starting a gym routine, however I have severe osteoporosis, and break my bones easily, it seems everytime I prepare to go to the gym, as luck would have it, I break a bone. I also eat minimally, I dont have a strong appitite, and that is what baffles me about the weight gain with Quetiapine.
I did speak to my Dr about the weight gain and the side effects and she suggested I take 300mg of Quetiapine at night along with the Zeldox and Clonazapam to sleep, but it really didnt seem to work. I also wonder whether taking both Quetiapine and Zeldox together is a good idea?

[Alison L, RPh]

Abilify still has the possibility to cause weight gain as well as anxiety, insomnia and agitation. As you said it is trial and error and the doctor is basing her decisions on her clinical expertise on how to treat you in the best manner possible as well as trying to minimize the side effects. Quetiapine and Zeldox are not recommended to take together so you should check with your doctor regarding that.