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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
Hi everyone,
I don't know what to do, I'm very upset. About a year and a half ago I gained 10 pounds very quickly. I had recently started taking both the pill and risperdal. I also graduated from college and started working. I didn't know what to attribute the weight gain to; I figured it was probably the pill. But I've been off that for a few months and still no weight loss. I also wondered if maybe I'm less active than I was in school, but that doesn't explain my appetite, which seems much increased from previous years.My dose of risperdal is only .5 milligrams. Is that enough to cause weight gain? The reason I'm so upset is that I've tried to go off it, but every time I do I get very depressed. I know 10 pounds probably sounds like a very small problem, but I am truly upset about it. I used to have an eating disorder, so it's very hard for me to deal with it. Basically, my weight feels "out of my control" and it's very upsetting. I don't feel confident in how I look.
What has your experience been with weight gain and this medication? Do you have any advice? I want to go off the drug, but I think I need it.
Posted by ItsJustMe on March 21, 2001, at 22:21:26
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
I have gained 75+ pounds over the 6 years that I have been on ADs - You just won't hear me whining about it. It sucks, deal with it.
> Hi everyone,
> I don't know what to do, I'm very upset. About a year and a half ago I gained 10 pounds very quickly. I had recently started taking both the pill and risperdal. I also graduated from college and started working. I didn't know what to attribute the weight gain to; I figured it was probably the pill. But I've been off that for a few months and still no weight loss. I also wondered if maybe I'm less active than I was in school, but that doesn't explain my appetite, which seems much increased from previous years.
>
> My dose of risperdal is only .5 milligrams. Is that enough to cause weight gain? The reason I'm so upset is that I've tried to go off it, but every time I do I get very depressed. I know 10 pounds probably sounds like a very small problem, but I am truly upset about it. I used to have an eating disorder, so it's very hard for me to deal with it. Basically, my weight feels "out of my control" and it's very upsetting. I don't feel confident in how I look.
>
> What has your experience been with weight gain and this medication? Do you have any advice? I want to go off the drug, but I think I need it.
Posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:31:17
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by ItsJustMe on March 21, 2001, at 22:21:26
And furthermore, if you're just going to be rude, why bother posting? I sure hope you don't "whine" about anything on this board, because you won't get any sympathy from me.
Posted by aDaMs on March 21, 2001, at 23:03:28
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
10 pounds is no big deal, I dont think stoping your medication will help you lose weight anyway, but I could be wrong
Posted by pat123 on March 21, 2001, at 23:39:51
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by ItsJustMe on March 21, 2001, at 22:21:26
Sorry, but all psyco meds cause weight gain in most people. I prefer to be happy. I wish i had just 10 lbs to lose ! You might try another med
to see if weight gain did not happen. I really don't think there is a med that does not cause weight gain. Diet and excersise will help; pay attention to carbs. It seems in some the weight gain is caused by increased intake as many meds increase appitite (thats me !) but there also seems to be changes in the rate one burns food off. Excersize can increase metabolisim.Pat
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 22, 2001, at 0:42:33
In reply to What are ADs?, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:31:17
> if you're just going to be rude, why bother posting? I sure hope you don't "whine" about anything on this board, because you won't get any sympathy from me.
Please try to be mindful of how what you say may be taken by others, and at the same time to forgive those who don't. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by judy1 on March 22, 2001, at 8:23:29
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
Shannon,
I also had an eating disorder when I was in college and 10 pounds is a huge deal when you have this to cope with also. Please ignore the rude comments, people who have not been anorexic or bulimic simply don't understand. I have also gained weight on risperdal, but was in the 4-6mg/day range. I plateaued (sp) after about 6 weeks. How long have you taken it? Zyprexa is considerably worse, but the new form that just came out supposedly does not cause weight gain. Perhaps that is something you can discuss with your pdoc. You can also gain weight on BCPs, but I found switching to a low dose (I think it's norynil- again spelling- but I'm not sure) I strongly recommend you discuss your concerns with a therp, so you don't relapse with the eating disorder- pretty easy to do. I wish you well- judy
Posted by Kingfish on March 22, 2001, at 8:50:12
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!! » Shannon00, posted by judy1 on March 22, 2001, at 8:23:29
> Shannon,
> I gained 10 pounds almost immediately when I took Zyprexa. I stopped it because it bothered me so much. My pdoc was very understanding. When you're dealing with depression, you just don't need any extra factors to contribute to it.
I'm not sure what your "diagnosis" is - I'm BPII and am currently taking Celexa, Neurontin, and Topamax. The Topamax is a mood stabilizer and has actually helped me lose weight. Perhaps it's an option for you. Some people have trouble with its side effects, some don't, just like all meds.
Good luck. I'm so tired of people not being supportive about this issue. I completely understand where you're coming from.
- K.
Posted by avoet on March 22, 2001, at 18:25:43
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
> Hey, I am totally understanding of you weight gain problem. I am twenty five and I am also on risperidal and have gained some weight. I, like you cannot go off of it because I get unstable and I get angry with everything my husband does. I have learned to accept it but it does make me feel bad and I feel fat sometimes. I am sure you are beautiful with an extra ten pounds!
Posted by Mr. Scott on March 25, 2001, at 22:40:28
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
Weight gain is no joking matter. Hopefully pharmaceutical haqve gegun looking at this as a serious side effect and are addressing it during R&D. I sympathize and have also gained around 15 pounds from psych drugs (not risperdal). I would encourage you to talk with your doctor about this side effect. If it is just depression you have, perhaps another drug would do the trick without that side effect. But in all reality you will probably have some cross to bear for the relief you get, be it fatigue, or whatever.
Find a good psychopharmacologist with an appreciation for this side effect.Good Luck
Posted by ShelliR on March 26, 2001, at 8:12:11
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
Shannon, you might try talking to your doctor about trying geodon. Just came out, is also an atypical antipsychotic and claims no weight gain. shelli
Posted by Shannon00 on March 26, 2001, at 22:10:55
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!! » Shannon00, posted by ShelliR on March 26, 2001, at 8:12:11
> Shannon, you might try talking to your doctor about trying geodon. Just came out, is also an atypical antipsychotic and claims no weight gain. shelli
Hey, thanks for the advice, everyone. I have been trying to wean myself off of the Risp., but I have been getting extremely irritable :( I think my mind and body (all 10 pounds heavier of it) are telling me to stay on the medicine.
I will bring up the Geodon with my doc. when I see her this week.
Tomorrow I start my starvation diet, probably the only way I will lose weight! I am half-joking and half-serious. I have no idea how to get the weight off. Well, I guess I might just have to get used to the idea of never regaining my youthful bod. :(
Posted by Jed00 on March 26, 2001, at 23:34:44
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 26, 2001, at 22:10:55
Shannon00,
I *really* sympathize with you. I too gained *a lot* of weight from first Depakote (which was the worst (+30 lbs)), then later Xyprexa(+10 lbs). I did just what you were saying about starving. It was very difficult at first but I lost a lot of weight. I never want to go through that again!!! If I start taking an AP again I will definetly try the Goedon and hope it works for me. I'm on Lamictal too and that does not cause any weight gain, it actually suppresses my appetite a little. So, I'm very happy with that.
I know how depressing the weight gain can be and you don't feel attractive anymore. It in itself caused me to feel suicidal. It really hurts especially if you are young and trying to find a special someone. Now that I have lost that weight I have met new people to date and people actually hit on me again!!! People, especially young ones, ARE vain. But, I feel so much better now I'm glad I forced myself through my sarvation.
I wish you the best!!!!
Jed> Tomorrow I start my starvation diet, probably the only way I will lose weight! I am half-joking and half-serious. I have no idea how to get the weight off. Well, I guess I might just have to get used to the idea of never regaining my youthful bod. :(
Posted by swptea5 on August 9, 2003, at 12:58:49
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Jed00 on March 26, 2001, at 23:34:44
I have been taking risperdal for about 6 months, and I have also experienced weight gain of about 10 pounds. I suffered with anorexia for 3 years and have been recovered for close to three years now. I have recently started to watch what I eat more, less fat and carbs in the diet. And to try to exercise in this busy life! 10 pounds is not worth starving myself for. And I would like to point out that all you do when you stave yourself is start a cycle of anorexia again.....and who wants to be there?? It slows your metabolism, to be honest. You won't notice the weight loss. I am sorry to hear that you suffer with this problem too. But realize we can't and won't be a size "X" forever!!! We must all age and deal with wrinkles & weightgain. Luck to all!
Posted by jessi_only on August 9, 2003, at 14:52:40
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by swptea5 on August 9, 2003, at 12:58:49
I have a very ambivalent relationship with Risperdal. For 8 weeks now it's been reducing my mood swings, anxiety and depression, but at the same time, making me incredibly miserable (I'm sure you all know why). I've gained about 17 pounds in the past 8 weeks thanks to this damn "wonderpill" of one 0.25 mg tablet at bedtime. Lately it seems that I'd rather be off it and have all my old problems back again if it meant I'd be able to lose the weight. The reason I am so upset is because no matter what I do, I can't stop gaining weight, much less lose any. My doctor has told me there is pretty much nothing I can do about it. It's so frustrating because I hear all this crap about diet and exercise being a big help with plateauing the weight gain, so that's the advice I'm given. Well, it's not working for me. F.Y.I. - I adhere strictly to a long-term, low fat vegetarian diet of about 1200 calories per day, and I exercise moderately to as much as I possibly can every day. I also load up on a reasonable amount of diet pills and metabolism boosters (interesting tidbit - my appetite has not increased as many people's do, since I've been taking Risperdal. Actually, it has decreased and I've been eating even less than ever). Still, I continue to gain weight. Am I defying the logistics of metabolic science or what?! Is anyone else having a similar problem? I sure could use some support/advice. Thanks for letting me rant..
Posted by TJO on August 9, 2003, at 14:54:24
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by swptea5 on August 9, 2003, at 12:58:49
> I have been taking risperdal for about 6 months, and I have also experienced weight gain of about 10 pounds. I suffered with anorexia for 3 years and have been recovered for close to three years now. I have recently started to watch what I eat more, less fat and carbs in the diet. And to try to exercise in this busy life! 10 pounds is not worth starving myself for. And I would like to point out that all you do when you stave yourself is start a cycle of anorexia again.....and who wants to be there?? It slows your metabolism, to be honest. You won't notice the weight loss. I am sorry to hear that you suffer with this problem too. But realize we can't and won't be a size "X" forever!!! We must all age and deal with wrinkles & weightgain. Luck to all!
I've been taking Risperdal for 2 yrs and have gained 30 lbs. I was usually quite thin so this was a surprise. Recently I lost about 8 lb-this was due to lowering the dose of Risperdal, starting Abilify and watching what I ate. Also to being a little more active. It seems the Risperdal made me hungrier. I don't think its necessary to get fat as we age and think that staying fit at any age is a good goal.
Tammy
Posted by TJO on August 9, 2003, at 14:57:24
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by jessi_only on August 9, 2003, at 14:52:40
How about switching to another antipsychotic like Seroquel or Abilify?
Tammy
Posted by Essence on August 9, 2003, at 18:25:30
In reply to Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 21, 2001, at 22:15:36
I was on Risperdal for 18 mos before I knew it was an antipsychotic, my psych-doc told me it was a sedative. In that 18 mos period, I gained over 40lbs and didn't leave the sofa. Risp has to be the worse drug I have ever taken. It literally sapped the life out of me. Needless to say, I no longer see that psychiatrist but have lost most of the weight since starting Remeron.
Ess
Posted by Quirky Blossom on October 27, 2003, at 0:34:00
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!! » Shannon00, posted by Essence on August 9, 2003, at 18:25:30
I too have been taking Risperdal and have gained about ten pounds. This is particularly upsetting to me because I lost 35 pounds on weight watchers and have kept it off for over two years. I attributed my weight gain to stress but decided to look at other changes as well. The only other change that has taken place is my taking .5 mg of risperdal every night before bedtime. I have not talked to my doctor about it but have an appointment on Tuesday. But after reading all of your testimonys, I refuse to take it any more. The major stressors are gone and I was just taking it as a mood stabilizer. If my Dr. still wants me on one, I suppose I will ask him to put me on Topamax instead. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR POSTINGS! I AGREE IT IS THE MEDICATION AND I REFUSE TO BE PORKY AGAIN.
Posted by HenryO on October 29, 2003, at 2:04:30
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by Shannon00 on March 26, 2001, at 22:10:55
I gained weight on Resperdal too. I hated that, it's depressing. I have been taking Lamictal as a mood stabelizer, it works well and seems to be weight neutral. All meds effect each of us so differently. Good luck.
Posted by countrychick_72 on May 17, 2004, at 12:30:13
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by HenryO on October 29, 2003, at 2:04:30
I also have experienced weight gain while on Risperdal. I have been on Risperdal for 7 months now and have gained 30 pounds and still climbing as we speak. As of right now the 30 pounds have been well worth it. Thank god for such a wonderful medication it has been a lifesaver for me. I can even overlook the lactating for me to have my old life back once again. I am so sorry about your aneroxia I hope you have not had a relapse due to your weight gain. If I could I would gladly take your 10 lbs for you. I'm 5ft 4 inches and weigh 140lbs. 150 would be well worth it if I could take the stress off you. I can't even imagine how horrible aneroxia or bulima could be. God bless you and good luck!!!
Posted by Froso on October 30, 2004, at 7:04:59
In reply to Re: Weight gain and risperdal...very upset!!, posted by countrychick_72 on May 17, 2004, at 12:30:13
Still asking about this. Has anyone managed to lose weight while being on risperdal? I've gained more than 40 pounds and I feel horrible. Can a dietician help?
This is the end of the thread.
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