I have a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. I have had two episodes and have been told I need medication for life. Unfortunately I gain 1kg or 2,2 pounds on average per week whilst on medications. I have tried every weight neutral drug on the market as well as a couple of others and they all make me gain weight. I have tried dieting and exercise and cannot lose the weight. I have tried metformin and topiramate and they do not cause weight loss. I have put on 35 kg or 77 pounds in a year. The weight gain does not plateau. I cannot keep taking the medications due to the rapid weight gain. I will end up not being able to work or take care of myself.at some point in the near future.
I lost all the weight I gained after my first episode because the psychiatrist said I could come off the drugs. Going off the drugs is the only way I can lose the weight. I am thinking of going off the medication for a couple of months, losing some weight and then going back on them for a couple of months (and repeating this pattern until I lose what I have gained). I do not want to go off the medication but at the same time I cannot stay on it indefinitely if the weight gain never stops. My doctor and at least 2 psychiatrists have said they cannot help me any further regarding my weight.
Has anyone been in the position of constant weight gain despite trying diet/exercise/weight loss medications/different AP’s? What worked for you if anything? I am at a loss and it makes me miserable and very stressed knowing the only two options I have are never ending weight gain or risking another episode…
Trouble is going off meds may not make them more effective when you get back on them. There’s no rhyme or reason to it and we don’t understand enough about the mechanism’s in the brain on how these drugs really work…
It’s a risk and that is something you need to be aware about. If your mentally good it’s not so bad and you need to be proactive with food intake and exercise. It’s just something you need to do…
Welcome! You’re in the right place! There’s a wealth of knowledge, experience, and support on this site. Every case of paychosis is different just like everybody’s personality is different. But we do have a lot in common on here nevertheless.
Ask questions, post how you are feeling, post your diagnosis, maybe give a little of your background (but not too much. Some things are private and best kept to yourself) but nevertheless we are pretty open-minded, tolerant, accepting, and friendly. We all want to see each other succeed. Every last person on here has suffered because of schizophrenia so we can relate to each other.
And we don’t talk exclusively about problems or negative stuff. People post successes, good times they’ve had, stories or incidents in their lives, funny stories (even funny stories about hospitals and schizophrenia) I hope I’m not overwhelming you with information. Anyways, good luck.
I’m in the same boat as you as far as weight gain. Ap’s are horrible for weight gain. Although I think I’ve leveled off and started to lose a pound here and there through moderate exercise and eating just a little bit less. It’s tough though. I wouldn’t recommend going off and on your meds. That"s a recipe for disaster if your Sz. If diet and exercise and diet pills are not working for you I’m not sure what to tell you. I know it’s not the answer your looking for but I believe Diet and exercise is the best solution. Anyway…welcome to the forum!
Thank you rogueone. Unfortunately I have tried being proactive with diet and exercise whilst on AP’s and in my case it doesn’t work. The weight just keeps piling on. That’s why I’m so worried…
Yeah it’s hard and most here have the same issue. Sometimes trying other meds helps. It’s hit or miss though so that is a problem. I’ve actually lost weight on zyprexa. I am more motivated and it’s a notorious weight gainer. It improves my mind enough I can get some energy but it’s hard work…
Talk to your doctor. It’s not easy but I’ve lost weight on a notorious weight gainer simply because it’s better for me mentally. That is the problem. There’s no easy answers and sometimes you need to try things that might be counter-intuitive.
I just started taking Phentermine. It’s an appetite suppressant. But when my doctor gave it to me she said that the reason I’m struggling so much with my weight is because of the anti-psychotics. Then she went on to say “it’s like you can be stable or thin”. You may have to settle with being fat. I’m going to try to lose weight but I’m not getting my hopes up.
Are you taking lithium? And yeah check your thyroid, hypothyrodism can make you gain weight, same for lithium. For how long and at what intensity do you exercise? How many calories and fat are you eating daily?
Even if weight gain cannot be completely conquered, exercise and eating healthy can still be very valuable to overall health and wellness, especially when it comes to mental health. Stay with the meds, the body cannot function without the mind.
I am sorry about what you are dealing with. Typically its the thyroid is the most common culprit explination for unexplained weight gain. You mentioned you were on metforman, that is a diabetic medication and AP’s have been known to raise insulin levels. Suga deposits as fat in the body. Therefore I would recommend you consult a degistered dietetian as soon as possibleto do a dietary inventory and focus on your caloric expenditure. Becasue as long as it is negative you will lose weight. You may just have to increase your amount of exercise to get there. But it is possible to lose weight by doing so. I would also recommend you meet with a doctor that spcialises in metabolic disorders before you gain anymore weight
Yea its impossible to not loose weight if your net calories intake is negative. Calories intake minus calories burned should be negative. You will loose weight unless you have a metabolic disease like @gcar said.
The only other differentials I can come up with are cushings disease, pancreatic cancer, or congestive heart failure. Its most likly metabolic syndrome which can be interceded by a RD and PCP. Best of luck