Psychiatric Meds?

darlingnoire
darlingnoire Posts: 55 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Anyone else taking psychiatric medications that make it difficult to lose the weight?

I'm 31 and suffer from bipolar disorder. I'm currently on quite a few medications including Seroquel which is notorious for weight gain. There has to be others like me that are finding this journey very slow moving. Hope to hear from someone.

Replies

  • April9393
    April9393 Posts: 33 Member
    I am Bipolar and taking a ton of meds. I don't seem to be having much of a problem. When I follow the rules, of course
  • darlingnoire
    darlingnoire Posts: 55 Member
    I am Bipolar and taking a ton of meds. I don't seem to be having much of a problem. When I follow the rules, of course

    I follow all the rules and nothing! Three months of absolutely no change so it's got me wondering about the meds I'm taking. I'm glad that you finding success. :)
  • Pamelajeanne61
    Pamelajeanne61 Posts: 11
    I'm on seroquel and I've gained 10 lbs. since October. I've only been doing this for 2 weeks. no weight loss yet.
  • darlingnoire
    darlingnoire Posts: 55 Member
    I've been on it for almost a year and in that year I gained 10lbs and they just won't come off.

    Good luck on your journey!
  • musycnlyrics
    musycnlyrics Posts: 323 Member
    I have Bipolar disorder (currently controlled without meds) and when I was on medication, I took Abilify. It had no affect on my weight.

    I refused lithium and seroquel because of the side effect of gaining weight (I have been close to 300lbs most of my adult life and I didn't want meds to make me go higher)

    My understanding is that if you aren't actually gaining, then the meds shouldn't affect your ability to lose (per my psych)

    Hope this helps and good luck!
  • April9393
    April9393 Posts: 33 Member
    I am on Abilify and have not gained weight from it. I gained my weight from ice cream, fried foods,and candy.
    I love Abilify. I consider it my miracle drug. Nothing else was working.

    I would love to know how you are controlling your Bipolar without meds. That would be heaven to me. Meds are sooo expensive.
  • musycnlyrics
    musycnlyrics Posts: 323 Member
    I am on Abilify and have not gained weight from it. I gained my weight from ice cream, fried foods,and candy.
    I love Abilify. I consider it my miracle drug. Nothing else was working.

    I would love to know how you are controlling your Bipolar without meds. That would be heaven to me. Meds are sooo expensive.

    Well, my disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, bouts of mania, anxiety and bouts of depression. (I added this in here because others may experience different/more severe symptoms)

    I have learned how to manage the day to day symptoms (the anxiety and small mood swings) by removing triggers and calming methods. My calming methods are writing (I carry a journal with me), listening to music, taking deep breaths and pep talks.

    The more severe symptoms (depression, mania, extreme anxiety) I manage by recognizing my triggers, and recognizing when I am feeling it "coming on". If I feel myself feeling down, I immediately find my "buddy" (either my best friend, spouse or mother) and I talk to them about my emotions, let them "talk sense" to me. I have an AWESOME support system, and it really helps. If I ever get suicidal, I call my psych and go in for an evaluation. Sometimes I have to go back on meds temporarily, most times not. I have been med-free for 2 years now and my psych completely supports my decision because he is aware of my wants and agrees with my course of action. He has also met my support team.

    I also participate in group and single therapy sessions. It really helps me to recognize what is wrong with me, help me feel empowered to make good decisions and keeps me grounded.

    Not everyone can be without meds. Its a conversation you should have with your doctor. I was blessed to find mine who was willing to listen to my desire to be med-free and then support the decision as I went along.

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