Posted by Cam W. on February 5, 2000, at 16:59:06
In reply to A question, posted by Cass on February 5, 2000, at 14:19:05
> Do anti-psychotics increase the appetite, or do they have some other effect on hormones or metabolism? I recently started Risperdal. Now I'm wondering what to expect. I don't want the weight gain.
Cass - The new antipsychotics all can cause weight gain to some extent. Risperdal is about in the middle. It is thought that they can cause a carbohydrate craving. Eating a balanced diet and snacking on veggies instead of junk food will help keep the weight gain to a minimum. Also, starting an exercise program will also help. With Risperdal there probably about a 4 - 5 lb gain in 8 months. Uusually after 8 months the weight stabilizes. Most of the old antipsychotics also caused weight gain as well, but they had so many other side effects that weigth gain was not an issue. The newer agents work so well that even those who do gain weight remain on the medication. Hope this helps. - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:20324
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20577.html