I recently been diagnosed with Bi- Polar 2 disorder, and given Lamicatal and Seroquel. I was already gaining weight and was trying to lose it for summer, should I just give up now? HELP!
2007-02-27 14:04:46 · 6 answers · asked by ahneya2003 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Meds have a weird way of making you gain weight. Its really hard to lose weight if the med your taking is making you gain weight very fast. You almost have to change you eating habits and life style to combat weight gain. Good luck!
2007-02-27 14:25:13 · answer #1 · answered by michael m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all let me ask to stay compliant and not discontinue your prescribed medications without your drs orders. I can really appreciate your predicament. I also was taking Seroquel for treatment resistant depression. I also gained weight- 50 pounds in a month's time. Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise may be beneficial in adding to your health plan. I would suggest that you seriously talk with your doctor about the side-effects that accompany the use of seroquel versus taking something else that may help you without causing weight gain. I do know that a drug named Remeron causes more weight problems than seroquel does. I have not learned of any weight gain problems with Lamictal. Yes, by all means continue with your healthy diet and exercise. It will make you feel better. Never give up. Exercising will help increase your metabolism. A healthy diet will also will make you feel better. I would highly recommend that you discuss this concern with your prescribing doctor. Perhaps you two may come up with an alternative medication. Please ask your doctor. You would not want the medicine that you are taking worry you into more depression. Remember, always stay compliant with your doctor until you can work something out.
2007-02-27 15:00:28 · answer #2 · answered by Jean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this isn't helping, but how do you know that Seroquel causes weight gain? I only ask because I am taking it and I was not aware of that and if it is true then I need to get off of it. I have a lot of chronic pain and I am unable to exercise at all and I am on several other medications that cause weight gain and they are medications that can't be changed. I have to be on them. Also, are you on the Seroquel for Bipolar? or the Lamicatal? Because I take the Seroquel to help me sleep and no one said anything to me about it being for Bipolar. So, could you email me and let me know how you came about that information? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
2007-02-27 19:41:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give up. I have read that many meds used for Bi-polar have weight gain as a temporary side-effect. So it won't last forever.
In the meantime it is good for your weight (and your mood and health in general) to exercise and eat properly. Remember also that the best and longest term weight loss occurs when you lose slowly.
If you are really having trouble, then ask your doc for a referral to a nutritionist. The nutritionist will help you come up with a plan you can stick to and that will meet your individual dietary requirements.
2007-02-27 14:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by gwennthered 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No - only stopping Seroquel will stop the weight gain. Don't let everyone (from doctors to nutritionists to weight loss programs) guilt trip and tell you that is is your own fault that you keep gaining so much weight. It is the medication.
2015-02-14 12:13:42 · answer #5 · answered by Miss M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drugs like Seroquel make you gain weight because they increase your appetite, you eat more, exercise less, and gain weight. The medication won't make you gain if you don't eat more food. Diet and exercise definitely work but you have to stick to them. It's not easy, it's hard to get motivated when you have a mental illness.
My wife is a Dietitian for a psychiatric hospital and she gives people this advice everyday. Whether they follow it or not is up to them.
2007-02-27 14:35:53 · answer #6 · answered by majnun99 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋