We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Medication and Weight Loss

abrooke1976
abrooke1976 Posts: 13
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I am currently taking Seroquel along with Prestiq for Bipolar disorder. One of the major side effects of Seroquel is weight gain. I am and have been eating carefully and excercising and the scale hasn't budged except for up a pound or two and I am very frustrated. So, I am thinking that maybe the Seroquel is hindering my weight loss and I am not sure what I should do. The Seroquel also helps me get to sleep at night and with out it I am an insomia mess. Any advice on what I should do?? :grumble:

Replies

  • safetypins
    safetypins Posts: 70
    I would consult your doctor. They can be really helpful with things to do while still remaining on the medication.
  • Tennessee2019
    Tennessee2019 Posts: 676 Member
    I am on Effexor XR & it also affects weight loss. But without it, I can be either a psyco beeoch or an emotional mess. So I weigh the options & deal with the slowed down weight loss. But that is my choice.
    So the only advice that I can give you is to talk to your doctor & see what your options are. .
  • brendansmom1
    brendansmom1 Posts: 526 Member
    I don't think any medication can add fat to your body...I think the weight gain is more water retention. I could be wrong, but that is what I have found.

    I had a similar conversation with my ob about weight gain and birth control....so I am not completely talking out of my butt. LOL

    Anyway, since it is probably water weight, maybe upping your water intake to compensate will help? Maybe your doc can prescribe a water pill if he feels it necessary.

    JMHO

    Oh, and edited to say that, in my case, when I was on Effexor, I noticed I did have an increased appetite.... so yeah, if I would have given in to it, I would have gained weight too. :)
  • drasr
    drasr Posts: 181
    Medicines for bipolar usually make you put on weight. They slow down your metabolism. You can try small frequent meals, maybe 6 times a day if you are not doing that already. But if you decide to take any supplement, do consult your doctor first.
  • AshinAms
    AshinAms Posts: 283 Member
    I am meant to start lithium for bipolar and am too scared to do so because of the weight gain. I tried Wellbutrin for about 2 weeks which did two things - preempted a manic episode and also made me gain 8 kilos in 2 weeks (!). I'm trying to lose the weight now and am too nervous to start lithium in case the same thing happens :(

    Would be interested to hear what your dr says although in my experience they downplay the role the meds have in weight gain.
  • jesseBYAH
    jesseBYAH Posts: 446 Member
    I agree with the above posters- I would definitely talk to your doctor about it. Tell him your frustrations and see if there's anything you can do to counter-act the weight gain. I agree that it is probably water retention more than fat retention, and maybe there is a way to fix that. Good luck hun!
  • mobaypop
    mobaypop Posts: 15
    I know how you feel. I am on Lithium and Sertraline. I was overweight any way but since taking lithium I have put on more. This of course could be down to eating too much. If I mention it to the doctor they just say the benifits out way the side effects.

    I plan to seriously try to lose weight so I can be honest if its me or the meds.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories