Why do antipsychotics make you gain weight?

Medications
21

This causes major weight gain and loss if your hormones cycle. My friend has the same problem.

I was on risperidone for one month. It made me nauseous and I threw up nearly everything. I still gained 30 lbs in that one month of vomiting. I really think it messes with your blood sugar to make you gain weight.

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22

Can totally relate. I was a skinny guy before Risperidone, with a very low appetite (I’d eat once a day) Now, I get so famished and actually enjoy eating. My weight is now what you would definitely call on the larger side.

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23

Thanks for all your replies everyone! Have any of you combated that and kept a healthy weight/lost weight while on antipsychotics
?

24

When I switched to Geodon, I lost all the weight. Then I added gabapentin and gained it back. Then I switched from gabapentin to wellbutrin and lost it again. It’s really all down to the meds for me. I don’t pay attention to my weight anymore. As long as my bloodwork comes back fine, I don’t worry.

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25

I’m on 81kg used to be 96kg.i think it may be down to going on a lower dose. Still losing weight thou wanna get down to 55kg.tje day that happens will be a party day for me :grinning:

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26

Awesome! :grinning: what medicine are you on?

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27

Thanks

I’m on aripiprazole

Which are u on, are u finding maintaining weight normal hard

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28

Ah I see I see. I’m on risperidal (risperidone) consta injections. I’m going to lower my dosage to help with side effects such as hunger, muscle stiffness, and emotions

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29

But yes I do find it hard. I’ll do good for little while then mess up and gain ton of weight

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30

Yehh this Xmas I gained 4 kg over one week. Its pretty dreadful. But I’ll be back on my diet soon.

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31

Same here. When you lowered the dose, did other side effects lesson?

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32

Yes the main difference I noticed is I slept less and felt less like a zombie, like zoned out.

Hope the dose reduction helps you.

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33

Awesome! Thank you, best wishes to you.

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34

It feels like it fills you up with water and blows you up. Its weird. When im on Geodon everything returns to normal but solian has far better effect on my concentration.

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35

I’m constantly hungry, even minutes after I eat a big meal!
Always stuffing my face with food!

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36

What @anon12381882 said.

That’s why so many SZ smoke as well …

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