Posted by Racer on January 28, 2005, at 16:05:37
In reply to Medications (Zyprexa?) and weight gain, posted by nomom on January 28, 2005, at 14:46:03
First of all, I'm a little concerned at your statement about her needing to stop a medication because of weight gain. Mind you, I can certainly understand the feeling, but I wonder who is putting the pressure on about weight?
By the way, I'm anorexic, and grew up with pressure about my body shape from my family -- especially my mother -- so I feel as if I've EARNED the right to question that comment. I'm middle aged now, and have struggled with this since early adolescence. Please, be absolutely sure you're not projecting weight concerns onto your daughter.
Back to your question, Zyprexa quite commonly causes excessive weight gain. That's almost unquestionably the culprit. Why is she taking that? For psychosis? Or for anxiety? If it's anxiety, then adjusting the other meds might be a better choice than continuing it. (Lamictal can cause agitation, for instance, and Wellbutrin is quite activating. Choosing a less stimulating combo might do as much as the Zyprexa.)
By the way, about the weight gain -- I'm all in favor of avoiding med-induced weight gain. Zyprexa, as well as causing weight gain, is implicated in directly causing Metabolic Syndrome X, a precursor to Type II diabetes. It's a life saving drug for many people. But if it's not necessary, it probably isn't worth the risks.
poster:Racer
thread:449239
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050128/msgs/449296.html