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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NikkiT2 on June 26, 2003, at 10:41:14
I've just seen my pdoc, and we discussed the possiblitiy pf using metformin... I have Polycystic ovary syndrome, and was sent a report on how metformin help with the weight gain and "hairyness" from that.. so thought I'd bring it up with him.. and he said he had heard of it being used to counter anti psychotic weight gain.. but he wasn't 100% sure about it.. does anyone know anything about this???
he also suggested doing some research into Amisulpride as this has less weight gain than Zyprexa... what does anyone reckon to that?? I love my zyprexa as it keeps thise suicial / self harm thoughts right at bay, but am getting very fed up with looking like a beached whale...
Nikki
Posted by polarbear206 on June 26, 2003, at 13:30:31
In reply to Metformin for Zyprexa weight gain? And Amisulpride, posted by NikkiT2 on June 26, 2003, at 10:41:14
> I've just seen my pdoc, and we discussed the possiblitiy pf using metformin... I have Polycystic ovary syndrome, and was sent a report on how metformin help with the weight gain and "hairyness" from that.. so thought I'd bring it up with him.. and he said he had heard of it being used to counter anti psychotic weight gain.. but he wasn't 100% sure about it.. does anyone know anything about this???
>
> he also suggested doing some research into Amisulpride as this has less weight gain than Zyprexa... what does anyone reckon to that?? I love my zyprexa as it keeps thise suicial / self harm thoughts right at bay, but am getting very fed up with looking like a beached whale...
>
> Nikki
Nikki,
I saw a news segment on this topic on TV. It's also being used for long term SSRI induced weight gain. My pdoc new about this when I mentioned it. Those who participated in the study (a large percent) were able to lose on average of 25-30 lbs over a period of about a year.
www.psycheducation.org/hormones/insulin/metformin.htm
Posted by Dinah on June 28, 2003, at 22:14:52
In reply to Metformin for Zyprexa weight gain? And Amisulpride, posted by NikkiT2 on June 26, 2003, at 10:41:14
Well, I don't know how often it's used for that, but I have very little appetite now. I'm not sure if it's the Glucophage or not. But it's also got another lovely little way to help you lose weight. The couple of times lately I've given in to temptation and I ate something I probably shouldn't, I was stricken with horrible stomach cramps and intestinal disturbance. It's enough to put you off food forever. :(
They've told me it's pretty safe, so it shouldn't be a huge risk to try?
Posted by Ethel Basset on June 28, 2003, at 23:26:09
In reply to Re: Metformin for Zyprexa weight gain? And Amisulpride, posted by Dinah on June 28, 2003, at 22:14:52
Hi
There is an entire website that deals with medications that are taken for PCOS, and it has many posts about the side effects of metformin/glucophage.
http://forums.obgyn.net/pcos-medication/I am taking it for hyperinsulinism and PCOS.
I had not heard that it is being prescribed for AD induced weight gain (which I surely have)
If you have any references on that subject, I would appreciate having them.The side effects you are experiencing on glucophage are VERY common.
The most common side effects are nausea, stomach cramps, diahrea (sp?)fatigue and shortness of breath. I suffer from the shortness of breath and fatigue when I take it.That is why most doctors recommend starting out with a very low dose and increasing it very gradually. From what I have read, you have to be very patient with this medication. It takes a long time to get acclimated to it for it to work. I had to start with cutting a 500 mg tablet into one-fourths, and taking one fourth tab a day and increasing it by one fourth every week. This is where the patience comes in to play.
Also, it helps to lay off carbohydrates and to stay on a low carb or a 40-30-30 diet.
Hope this helps. Try that website.(I just wish I could find an AD that works and that is energizing and doesn't cause weight gain and lack of libido. I am sick of the SSRIs. )
Good Luck!
Posted by Dinah on June 29, 2003, at 9:18:20
In reply to Re: Metformin for Zyprexa weight gain? And Amisulpride, posted by Ethel Basset on June 28, 2003, at 23:26:09
Thanks Ethel,
Boy, it's important with any drug to find sources other than the official ones to check out side effects. So now my suspicion that high fat or high carbohydrate meals combined with glucophage cause pretty nasty abdominal distress is verified. That's one way to lose weight!
But to find out that malaise and lowered testosterone is also a side effect is really enlightening. And vitamin B-12 malabsorption too. Isn't that the energy vitamin? That explains a whole lot too.
I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow morning to ask for some ways to offset these things. I had thought the reason I was feeling rotten was my change in diet, but now I see the Glucophage could be contributing too.
Thank you for your post.
Dinah
This is the end of the thread.
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