Posted by azalea on December 6, 2008, at 21:31:26
In reply to Re: zyprexa - love/hate, posted by ricker on December 6, 2008, at 18:36:35
There is some research about adding betahistine to zyprexa to mitigate weight gain.
Betahistine is available from compounding pharmacies.
Evidence is conflicting . . .
Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2005 Mar;20(2):101-3.
The effect of betahistine, a histamine H1 receptor agonist/H3 antagonist, on olanzapine-induced weight gain in first-episode schizophrenia patients
Histamine antagonism has been implicated in antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain. Betahistine, a histamine enhancer with H1 agonistic/H3 antagonistic properties (48 mg t.i.d.), was coadministered with olanzapine (10 mg/ day) in three first-episode schizophrenia patients for 6 weeks. Body weight was measured at baseline and weekly thereafter. Clinical rating scales were completed at baseline and at week 6. All participants gained weight (mean weight gain 3.1 ± 0.9 kg) and a similar pattern of weight gain was observed: an increase during the first 2 weeks and no additional weight gain (two patients) or minor weight loss (one patient) from weeks 3 to 6. None gained 7% of baseline weight, which is the cut-off for clinically significant weight gain. Betahistine was safe and well tolerated and did not interfere with the antipsychotic effect of olanzapine. Our findings justify a placebo-controlled evaluation of the putative weight-attenuating effect of betahistine in olanzapine-induced weight gain
But the study below was terminated because interim results indicated no significant benefit of the study medication on the primary endpoint.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00428168?cond=%22Weight+Gain%22&rank=3
> Bleauberry, thankyou very much for your thoughfull reply. I appreciate you taking the time and effort. It's somewhat reassuring to hear a little positive with regards to diet and zyprexa. I agree that feeling good should not be taken lightly.... no pun intended. I'm sure my p/doc will insist I stay with zyprexa and work on my diet as you have suggested.
> I've read on another site where additives such as metformin or topamax are used to help with weight loss? I'll discuss these further at my Monday appointment.
> Again, thanks for your support.
>
> Regards, Rick
poster:azalea
thread:867001
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/867144.html