Posted by Greg on October 22, 2000, at 14:29:24
In reply to Re: Nizatidine for Zyprexa (olanzapine) Weight Gain , posted by SLS on October 21, 2000, at 18:10:48
> Hi Greg.
>
> > Thanks for posting this. I started Zyprexa 10 days ago. Great results! I have put on a couple of pounds, but I haven't noticed any increase in appetite. If anything I don't seem to feel as hungry. I do notice that more often than not, I get bloated when I eat.
>
> I'm glad to hear that Zyprexa has you feeling so much better.
>
> How has Zyprexa helped you? Did you use it to treat depression?
> How much are you taking? What other drugs are you taking?The Zyprexa has made feel calmer and more relaxed. Probably the biggest benefit for me is the quieting of my "committee". My mind is quiet. I think about the things I want to think about and not flooded with 20 thoughts at the same time. I use it to treat Bipolar II. I take 2.5 mgs per day (bedtime). I also take Neurontin, 900 mgs per day. One of the unexpected benefits for me is that I haven't had a single depressive "episode" in 12 days. This has been a miracle med for me! Can't say it will work for you of course, but I've heard much more on the positive side from others about than the negative. If you try it, please let me know how it works for you.
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> I suffer from bipolar depression. I am currently taking an MAO-inhibitor to which I am probably going to add either Zyprexa or Risperdal. It would be helpful to me to know more about your situation to make a decision between these two drugs.
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> > I was wondering if possibly the Zy is causing an increased level of fat retention in the foods I eat? I've heard that some drugs can do that. Do you have any thoughts along this line?
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> I think this is an excellent way of looking at it.
>
> I am not very knowledgeable regarding the reasons why drugs produce weight gain. What I can say is that a drug can produce changes in how the body manages energy independent of food intake. There are several different ways in which a drug can do this. A lot of drugs produce weight-gain by blocking H1 histamine receptors. Remeron is an example of this. Other drugs produce increases in the secretion of a hormone called prolactin. One of the functions of prolactin is to encourage the body to deposit and retain fat. Zyprexa does both. It blocks H1 histamine receptors and increases prolactin levels. Double-whammie. I wish I had a clue as to why some people gain weight on SSRIs. I believe that increased prolactin may be involved in a subgroup of individuals. However, I can't seem to find anything that addresses the exact mechanisms behind this side effect.
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> It is not necessary to eat fat to gain fat. The body can use sugar to manufacture its own fat. It is not so much how the body processes the fat in the foods you eat as it is how the entire system is regulated to manage energy utilization.
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> I hope someone can amplify and correct what I have said here.
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>
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> - Scott
poster:Greg
thread:46967
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47086.html