When will I start losing weight after stopping antipsychotics?

Medications
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Greetings everyone :slight_smile:

Hope you’re all doing well

I stopped the antipsychotic I was having about 2 months ago, under the supervision of my doctor. It wasn’t a smooth ride, as I had withdrawal symptoms like migraines for 2 weeks or so after gradually stopping.

Now I’m functioning normally, and feel great mentally and physically and energy wise. However, I didn’t lose any weight I put on from having the antipsychotics. I thought it would gradually come off on its own after stopping. However, my weight is stagnant on the scale and not moving. I noticed some improvements in my self, like less bloating and I feel better and have more energy, and the dryness and muscle stiffness I used to get with the antipsychotic is now much better and improving.

Yet, I can’t seem to lose the weight. So should I be patient and see how this turns out and give 2 more months until the body readjusts? Or should I consult my doctor or another specialist on this?

I noticed my body temperature is regaining momentum and I’m sweating more (which may mean that my metabolism is getting better?).

I’d appreciate any advice on how to start losing weight for those who had a similar experience of quitting the psych med. And of course I’m following a diet (a low carb one actually) and I’m also exercising around 3 times a week, playing sports.

Finally, with the help with a specialist in psych meds tapering off, I’m also having certain supplements which have really helped with quitting the antipsychotic and is helping me with the cognitive and psychological recovery after stopping the antipsychotic. One of these supplements is Vitamin B12, it has been really helpful and giving me a boost mentally and cognitively. Niacin (Vitamin B3) has been helpful as well.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice, and would appreciate to hear from others who had lost weight and/or recovered from stopping the antipsychotic

Best wishes :slight_smile:

5 Likes
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When i got off meds years ago, i dropped the weight pretty rapidly. But i was exercising a lot and eating less. So who knows? Im sure your age and various other factors will have an effect on how easily you can lose the weight. Sorry i cant help you. Just keep at it and take care of yourself. Make sure to speak up and be honest if your symptoms return after a few months or a year without meds.

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It’s a lot harder taking it off for sure and it takes some disciplined eating for me. Still on the meds but losing by lots of exercise but really stripping back the diet to some simple eating.

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When I lost weight, I was eating 1200 calories per day (I’m female and the lowest recommended calorie intake for men is 1500) and exercising several times per week.

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Your body goes into shut down mode when you eat less. It stops burning calories. It may take a long time to lose weight but eventually it will come off. My GP doctor told me this.

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When I came off antipsychotics I got more energy and walked over and hour a day without eating less and the weight just dropped off. Maybe try 16/8 fasting. I wish you luck…maybe it will drop off all of a sudden. Let us all know what happens if you can.

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Please be patient although you came of your meds two months ago that doesn’t mean you will rapidly loose weight now. The professionals say that it will take one month for every year you have been placed on meds before the drug is washed out. that means that if you f.x. have used antipsychotics for 5 years then it will take around 5 months.

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When I changed meds it took me like 3 months to lose all the weight