Reaction to medication

[charlotte885]

I was on seoquel and all of a sudden i noticed my myself gaining weight like no tomorrow. I talk to my psy and he told me that med could do this to you. I wish he would of told me that in the beginning i wouldnt of let him put me on it.know how long do you think it will take the weight to come off? I MUST OF GAIN 25LBS IN 2 MONTHS THAT IS SICK, I ALL READY HAVE PROBLEMS I DON'T NEED THIS ADDED TO THEM.CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME HOPE? Thank you Charlotte885

[boogieman]

Hello. Unfortunately, weight gain is a side effect of many meds including some antidepressants and anti-anxiety/antipsychotic drugs. As previously stated, you should talk to your therapist about other options, and always ask about side effects as some are much worse- some can have permanent or even life threatening effects. Best wishes, GM-

[HoneyNut]

Did your Psychiatrist warn you about any possible side effects beforehand?  This is something any Psychiatrist should do, if not, be sure to ask!  Or if you don't have any attachment to this particular one, and aren't against finding a new one, it is another option.  Remember, you're the customer!

Are you seeing any progress with the Seroquel?  If you're not, ask your Psychiatrist if you can't try something else.  If you are, ask if there is a different dosage level you can try.  It's surprising how an increase or decrease can make a huge difference!

Generally, I've found it's hard to get the weight to come off when it's med related.  You really need to be more vigilant with what you're eating, how much, and exercise, exercise.  When I was taking Lithium, it was like my stomach had a bottomless pit, but was certainly taking in all those calories!  Sometimes it doesn't matter what you do, the weight sticks around.  In the end my Psychiatrist ended up taking me off the Lithium (I gained around 15 pounds in a month!), and within the first week I lost 4 pounds!  The rest has been harder... I've actually had to put some more work into it, but they are coming off.  But PLEASE don't just stop taking your Seroquel, especially if it's working.  Call you Psychiatrist first, and ask him to prescribe you something else if watching your calories and exercising isn't working.