Posted by PeterJ on May 22, 2000, at 0:43:42
In reply to Re: Rather not die alone (Risperidone), posted by CraigF on May 20, 2000, at 20:12:52
> Does Risperidone result in weight gain as a function of appetite? or does it cause some metabolic change?Risperidone can cause weight gain by both mechanisms. Risperidone blocks histamine, serotonin and dopamine receptors. This results in an increase in appetite, which is difficult to control. There is also some metabolic effect due to the increase in the hormone prolactin which may occur. The metabolic effect is probably relatively small at the dose you are taking, but it can be a factor.
Nefazodone can cause weght gain or loss depending on the individual.
The effects of risperidone may, to some extent, be counteracted, by diet and exercise, but it isn't easy. The appetite-increasing effect of the drug tells your body it needs more food, and it is hard to work against this.
Weight lifting (in addition to cardio) may be helpful as at least some of the added weight may be muscle instead of fat.
Appetite suppresant pills are not a good way to go, as nearly all of them can make someone more angry and will just undo the benefits of the risperidone. I'm not saying that to be preachy, it's just an unfortunate fact.
If weight gain continues to be a problem, you might want to ask your doctor to look into the drug topiramate (Topamax). It's an anticonvulsant that is being tried in mood disorders. It's said to be particularly good for people with irritablity and anger. And it causes weight loss. You can read more at these URLs:
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Topiramate.html
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.topiramate.html
Also, there is a new antipsychotic being reviewed for approval called Ziprasidone, which may not cause weight gain. The FDA is still reviewing its safety at the moment.
Many of the new antipsychotics such as olanzepine and clozapine cause more weight gain than risperidone does. There are older antipsychotics which don't cause weight gain. Molindone is one. But these drugs are more likely than Risperidone to cause movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia).
Peter
poster:PeterJ
thread:32301
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34252.html