Abilify and weight gain/uncontrollable hunger?

FitFabBelle
FitFabBelle Posts: 27
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey all...so recently I haven't had an appetite at all which has hindered my weight loss. This was in part due to medication that I was taking and going through a rough patch. On Friday I was prescribed Abilify and now it seems like I'm hungry every night, like I just want to shovel all the food in the kitchen into my mouth. I guess it's not really hunger because my stomach isn't growling, I guess it's more like insane cravings. I'm really worried about this messing up my weight loss even more. Has anyone experienced this or have any advice??
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Replies

  • shimmer615
    shimmer615 Posts: 55
    Just from the knowledge that I have of this drug, weight gain is one of the most common side effects. Is there anything else that your doctor would be willing to prescribe in place of the abilify?
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    I'm not sure. I'm currently also on adderall, zoloft, klonopin daily and then xanax as needed. I actually feel like I can see the abilify helping my depression already, maybe it's in my mind, I don't know. But that's why I'm not sure I want to risk switching to a different medication. I took seroquel before which is in the same class as abilify but it's very sedating and I was taking it for sleep and it made me a zombie the next day even though I took it at night...
  • shimmer615
    shimmer615 Posts: 55
    You really have to do what's right for you, and if that means taking the medication, then that's what you should do. I think just the knowledge that you will have these cravings and the side effects is good to have. You just know that you'll have to be extra mindful of what you eat, that you must track everything, and that you get some exercise. Good luck!
  • sugarchic64
    sugarchic64 Posts: 52
    omg!!! life, nerves, meds, kids, husband, family in general STRESS, STRESS, STRESS did i mention STRESS all of these play huge role in your wt loss!!!! any suggestions???? I have tried exercise, phone a friend, get busy nothing works when i want to eat i want to EAT!!!!! oh yeah menapause is an *kitten* kicker!!!
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    You really have to do what's right for you, and if that means taking the medication, then that's what you should do. I think just the knowledge that you will have these cravings and the side effects is good to have. You just know that you'll have to be extra mindful of what you eat, that you must track everything, and that you get some exercise. Good luck!

    Thanks for the advice, I'm hoping I can get it under control. Its just weird to go from no appetite to huge cravings lol
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    omg!!! life, nerves, meds, kids, husband, family in general STRESS, STRESS, STRESS did i mention STRESS all of these play huge role in your wt loss!!!! any suggestions???? I have tried exercise, phone a friend, get busy nothing works when i want to eat i want to EAT!!!!! oh yeah menapause is an *kitten* kicker!!!

    Stay busy, it's really hard to get out of the habit of not snacking even if you aren't hungry. It feels like you need to do something so you eat. Drink water...two months ago I only drank water when I took my medicine and I hated water, now I love it and drink it all day. You just have to force yourself to drink it. I find it helps using a straw cause thats another part of you that is being kept busy. Go write in a journal, fold laundry, take your kids on a bike ride...hope this helps!
  • mcgeorge5
    mcgeorge5 Posts: 92 Member
    I took Abilify for 9 months and I gained 20 pounds in the first 6 months. I told my dr. about it and she confirmed that the trials on abilify did not report such weight gain, but that she has read and experienced through patients that the initial weight gain is very strong.

    Good luck. I hope you can find the right balance for you!
  • Sarah_LM
    Sarah_LM Posts: 96
    The hunger might settle down, I had the same thing when I started seroquel, but after a couple of months it just went. If not, could the doctor maybe adjust the dosage so it doesn't make you as hungry? I guess it also depends what you are taking it for because there might be alternatives that help you but don't cause weight gain.
  • 1brokegal44
    1brokegal44 Posts: 562 Member
    Could it be a combination of the meds? My daughter takes Abilify and it has actually had the opposite effect.
  • kjg1965297
    kjg1965297 Posts: 121
    My wife was on abilify and found the same thing and her doctor told her it was normal. I think the doctors nuts. You may have to change to something else but it cravings is a side effect of abilify. Don't just stop taking it but ask your doctor more questions. Good Luck
  • AnneTanne0
    AnneTanne0 Posts: 71 Member
    Abilify (Aripiprazole) is one of the so-called 'atypic neuroleptics'.
    This class of drugs is indeed known for their effect on the metabolism: increased appetite, weight gain... eventually disturbances of sugar and fat metabolism.

    Abilify is often chosen among other drugs of the same class, because it is much less likely to cause those effects, but that doesn't mean they are non-existent.

    In our clinic, policy is that in the first six months of the treatment, each patient has to be followed up closely: weight, BMI, waist size, and some blood tests like sugar, cholesterol...
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    Abilify (Aripiprazole) is one of the so-called 'atypic neuroleptics'.
    This class of drugs is indeed known for their effect on the metabolism: increased appetite, weight gain... eventually disturbances of sugar and fat metabolism.

    Abilify is often chosen among other drugs of the same class, because it is much less likely to cause those effects, but that doesn't mean they are non-existent.

    In our clinic, policy is that in the first six months of the treatment, each patient has to be followed up closely: weight, BMI, waist size, and some blood tests like sugar, cholesterol...

    I took seroquel before but didn't have any unusual cravings or weight gain. Maybe it's all in my head...
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    Could it be a combination of the meds? My daughter takes Abilify and it has actually had the opposite effect.

    It could be but I'm not sure, the adderall and zoloft definitely decrease my appetite, but I take those in the morning and the abilify at night with my 2nd dose of klonopin so maybe that's why. The cravings are at night and by then the adderall is definitely not still affecting my appetite.
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    Abilify (Aripiprazole) is one of the so-called 'atypic neuroleptics'.
    This class of drugs is indeed known for their effect on the metabolism: increased appetite, weight gain... eventually disturbances of sugar and fat metabolism.

    Abilify is often chosen among other drugs of the same class, because it is much less likely to cause those effects, but that doesn't mean they are non-existent.

    In our clinic, policy is that in the first six months of the treatment, each patient has to be followed up closely: weight, BMI, waist size, and some blood tests like sugar, cholesterol...

    Also...does the weight gain come from eating more or does the medicine actually have an effect on your body that slows your metabolism? Because the cravings I would have control over (with a lot of effort) but if it is causing weight gain that is out of my control than that is a bigger problem and I feel like would just contribute more to my depression.
  • AlexisJ330
    AlexisJ330 Posts: 97 Member
    I am on seroquel which is similar to abilify. It also has caused me significant weight gain, but I also gained weight due to eating when depressed. I found that I really need my meds to be healthy, so I am now working on losing weight while on meds. I find the nighttime carb cravings the hardest to deal with. What I do is leave some calories for the inevitable late evening snack. It is common for my to have a bowl of cereal or half a peanut butter sandwich. I have also been increasing my activity and have found that the exercise has helped to stabilize my moods. If you need any support feel free to send me a message or add me as a friend. We might have an uphill battle but we don't have to accept the increased odds of diabetes and other health affects of obesity just because we need meds to keep us going.
  • shimmer615
    shimmer615 Posts: 55
    I am on seroquel which is similar to abilify. It also has caused me significant weight gain, but I also gained weight due to eating when depressed. I found that I really need my meds to be healthy, so I am now working on losing weight while on meds. I find the nighttime carb cravings the hardest to deal with. What I do is leave some calories for the inevitable late evening snack. It is common for my to have a bowl of cereal or half a peanut butter sandwich. I have also been increasing my activity and have found that the exercise has helped to stabilize my moods. If you need any support feel free to send me a message or add me as a friend. We might have an uphill battle but we don't have to accept the increased odds of diabetes and other health affects of obesity just because we need meds to keep us going.

    I think it's great that you know what you need - and save some room for a late night snack. :drinker:
  • Loveisaiah
    Loveisaiah Posts: 51
    I have a Dr appt at 6 and I am telling him I want off of abilify. I went from 120 to 140 and I am also on adderall still gained weight on it. Now doing research, it's a very common side effect and very common for the Dr to say it's weight neutral.
  • katmariew
    katmariew Posts: 87 Member
    Abilify (Aripiprazole) is one of the so-called 'atypic neuroleptics'.
    This class of drugs is indeed known for their effect on the metabolism: increased appetite, weight gain... eventually disturbances of sugar and fat metabolism.

    Abilify is often chosen among other drugs of the same class, because it is much less likely to cause those effects, but that doesn't mean they are non-existent.

    In our clinic, policy is that in the first six months of the treatment, each patient has to be followed up closely: weight, BMI, waist size, and some blood tests like sugar, cholesterol...

    Also...does the weight gain come from eating more or does the medicine actually have an effect on your body that slows your metabolism? Because the cravings I would have control over (with a lot of effort) but if it is causing weight gain that is out of my control than that is a bigger problem and I feel like would just contribute more to my depression.

    I was just put on Abilify, and I really would like to know more about this as well. I can resist cravings and ignore hunger signals if I know what I'm getting myself into...but if it's going to shoot my metabolism, I want to know if I need to start loading up on the green tea or if I'm just going to be hungry all the time.

    I used to be on Risperdal -- I ate so much...luckily I was 15 and ran crosscountry so it did no harm.
  • okcat4
    okcat4 Posts: 224 Member
    I strongly suggest counseling along with meds. Expecting meds to handle depression alone often leads to stacking of meds which is hard on your body. The meds you are taking really impact the serotonin/ epinephrine pathways which are part of the feel good/ full/satisfied spot of your brain.
  • daddysG1rl
    daddysG1rl Posts: 1 Member
    I was on abilify for prob a year and gained about 50 lbs. I didn't know that was the reason until I went off of it - and the lbs mysteriously melted away, well at least 40 did. Seriously, get off that drug and tell your dr you want something else, quick!
  • FootballRN1
    FootballRN1 Posts: 5
    I took Abilify for 9 months and I gained 20 pounds in the first 6 months. I told my dr. about it and she confirmed that the trials on abilify did not report such weight gain, but that she has read and experienced through patients that the initial weight gain is very strong.

    Good luck. I hope you can find the right balance for you!

    Really?? Your doctor told you that?? Nice job on that one doc. Shmuck-tastic. I am an RN, and the commercials on national TV for this drug even state that one of the most common side effects is "weight gain" alongside fatigue and nausea...Yay! Just what a depressed person with body weight issues needs, right?

    The bummer is: most mental meds have the SE of weight gain, increase in appetite and or/fatigue. All of these things can lead to problems with the scale. However, if your depression and anxiety (or whatever is going on) is not under control, and the med is really effective- STAY ON IT!!! THIS PART IS IMPORTANT: THE SIDE EFFECTS WILL LEVEL OFF AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS. You just have to (SORRY) stay the course. In the meantime, make smart snacking choices, eat whole, natural foods, drink that water, and try (even when you are feeling crappy) to get that cardio in! It really will make a difference- not only in the weight, but multitudes of studies show that exercise improves mood.

    Good luck to you, and please stay away from advice that has to do with stopping your meds (irresponsible).
  • BlackPup
    BlackPup Posts: 242 Member
    I have been on abilify for 3 years and lost weight (I lost 20 kg put back on 18 with pregnancy and now I'm 4 off my pre pregnancy weight!) Guess its different for different people. I put on stacks of weight with lithium. Try saphris. It's weight neutral in 90% of people. Otherwise you can also add topamax to kill the hunger but its does make you a bit dopey! Good luck. Remember exercise is an awesome antidepressant. You only need to go for a half hour walk to get the effect. (your heart rate needs to be elevated so a fast walk) but you need to do it every day to get the best effect. I use an exercise bike for 1/2 an hour a day.
  • FootballRN1
    FootballRN1 Posts: 5
    I am on seroquel which is similar to abilify. It also has caused me significant weight gain, but I also gained weight due to eating when depressed. I found that I really need my meds to be healthy, so I am now working on losing weight while on meds. I find the nighttime carb cravings the hardest to deal with. What I do is leave some calories for the inevitable late evening snack. It is common for my to have a bowl of cereal or half a peanut butter sandwich. I have also been increasing my activity and have found that the exercise has helped to stabilize my moods. If you need any support feel free to send me a message or add me as a friend. We might have an uphill battle but we don't have to accept the increased odds of diabetes and other health affects of obesity just because we need meds to keep us going.

    And Thank You, Alexis, for mentioning that you are continuing to take your meds while trying to continue your weight loss program because it is important to do so. Controlling depression & other issues (not to mention the most important, suicidality, which Abilify is scripted for) is WAY more important. Not to mention that just quitting an anti-depressant without tapering or consulting a physician is VERY dangerous to one's physical and mental health. I CANNOT STRESS that enough. Posters: PLEASE do not advise people to quit their meds!!!! IRRESPONSIBLE.
  • FootballRN1
    FootballRN1 Posts: 5
    Excellent! You are doing the right thing to manage the side effects, and moreover- your depression. Awesome news.
  • FootballRN1
    FootballRN1 Posts: 5
    I have been on abilify for 3 years and lost weight (I lost 20 kg put back on 18 with pregnancy and now I'm 4 off my pre pregnancy weight!) Guess its different for different people. I put on stacks of weight with lithium. Try saphris. It's weight neutral in 90% of people. Otherwise you can also add topamax to kill the hunger but its does make you a bit dopey! Good luck. Remember exercise is an awesome antidepressant. You only need to go for a half hour walk to get the effect. (your heart rate needs to be elevated so a fast walk) but you need to do it every day to get the best effect. I use an exercise bike for 1/2 an hour a day.

    Excellent! You are doing the right thing to manage the side effects, and moreover- your depression. Awesome news.
  • HeadsPoppingOutOfCups
    HeadsPoppingOutOfCups Posts: 115
    Honestly, I have heard nothing good about Abilify. Me and four of my friends were prescribed it with no positive results to announce and plenty of horror stories. Have the restless legs kicked in yet?
  • Donna2d
    Donna2d Posts: 6
    I take abilify only . I have taken it for a long time.I like it because it does not have a lot of side effects.I try not to eat too late because it goes into fat storing instead of fat burning.:smile:
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    I strongly suggest counseling along with meds. Expecting meds to handle depression alone often leads to stacking of meds which is hard on your body. The meds you are taking really impact the serotonin/ epinephrine pathways which are part of the feel good/ full/satisfied spot of your brain.

    Of course. I guess I didn't mention it in this thread but I see my psychologist regularly for talk therapy so I am in no way relying solely on medication or expecting results only from medication. Really, I believe that medication is just a small part of my recovery, however the one with the most negative side effects.
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    I took Abilify for 9 months and I gained 20 pounds in the first 6 months. I told my dr. about it and she confirmed that the trials on abilify did not report such weight gain, but that she has read and experienced through patients that the initial weight gain is very strong.

    Good luck. I hope you can find the right balance for you!

    Really?? Your doctor told you that?? Nice job on that one doc. Shmuck-tastic. I am an RN, and the commercials on national TV for this drug even state that one of the most common side effects is "weight gain" alongside fatigue and nausea...Yay! Just what a depressed person with body weight issues needs, right?

    The bummer is: most mental meds have the SE of weight gain, increase in appetite and or/fatigue. All of these things can lead to problems with the scale. However, if your depression and anxiety (or whatever is going on) is not under control, and the med is really effective- STAY ON IT!!! THIS PART IS IMPORTANT: THE SIDE EFFECTS WILL LEVEL OFF AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS. You just have to (SORRY) stay the course. In the meantime, make smart snacking choices, eat whole, natural foods, drink that water, and try (even when you are feeling crappy) to get that cardio in! It really will make a difference- not only in the weight, but multitudes of studies show that exercise improves mood.

    Good luck to you, and please stay away from advice that has to do with stopping your meds (irresponsible).

    Thanks so much for your advice. I'm definitely following my psychiatrist's directions on medication. Last year I went off of adderall, prozac, seroquel and klonopin cold turkey along with stopping counseling and the results were terrible so trust me I will listen to whatever my doctor tells me. My doctor has actually acknowledged the cravings and weight gain as a side effect but I believe he is more concerned with my mental health than a few extra pounds, especially if I'm in control over my eating. I've been on it I guess close to a month now...or 3 weeks and the first week was great but then it started to make me feel really...off? I guess that's how to describe it. Like racing thoughts that didn't feel natural, I called my doc and he doubled the dose but I see him again tomorrow so we'll see where it goes from there.
  • FitFabBelle
    FitFabBelle Posts: 27
    Honestly, I have heard nothing good about Abilify. Me and four of my friends were prescribed it with no positive results to announce and plenty of horror stories. Have the restless legs kicked in yet?

    Thanks for your honesty...I've heard good and bad things. I have a relative that's been on it for a few years and has only said that they've learned to control their cravings or make healthier choices but I'm still concerned that it's actually affecting my metabolism, regardless of overeating or not. Restless legs have at times...Sometimes I get really restless all over like I want to get up and run around but it doesn't happen every night, maybe once a week so I'm ok with that for now.

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