Lithium, Seroquel

mgsweany
mgsweany Posts: 1
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
I am diagnosed bi-polar, and I take Lithium and Seroquel, which are both known to cause quite a bit of weight gain. I've been using MFP for a month now, and haven't seen the results I expected, and hoped for. Could it be that these medications are causing me to retain the 30 pounds that I gained after I began taking them?
Any answers will be much appreciated.

Replies

  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    What results were you expecting? What results have you seen?
    If your expectations were too high, that is the problem, not the drugs.
    1 month is not a long time.
  • NickyJones
    NickyJones Posts: 60 Member
    I'm currently taking both lithium and seroquel for bipolar and have for years. I've been taking meds of some sort since middle school, when I quickly (VERY quickly) gained a lot of weight and have had it ever since. When I'm not paying attention to what I eat, I do tend to balloon out. Although in the past year, with more or less watching what I eat and using MFP, I have lost over 30 lbs. This is with going through periods of a few months of not counting calories. So it is possible. Good luck! :)
  • fitforlife34
    fitforlife34 Posts: 331 Member
    I take Lithium too. Have since 2001, and yes, it is very hard to lose weight on it. NOt as bad as being on depakote, zyprexa etc. though. However, when talking to a dr. they told me that taking lithium is a salt so it may cause bloating but it WILL not grow fat cells. The only thing that grows fat cells is eating more than you are takin in. Litihium and Seroquel may increase hunger, but it's up to us to not give into those hunger cravings.

    But I know how you feel, a lot of times I will use lithium as an exsucse to not try (doubt you, but I have.) I'll say, "there's no point in eating right/exercising bec I will never lose weight." However, that's a lie i'm feeding myself. We may have to try harder than the average person, but it can be done. Dont' give up!

    I'd love to be a support/motivation to you if you want. I'll add you as a friend. Feel free to message me.
  • nursenikki829
    nursenikki829 Posts: 432 Member
    Maybe you could talk to your doctor about other medication options. Lithium and seroquel are both pretty old drugs, and there have been lots of advances in medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
  • Becky99504
    Becky99504 Posts: 30
    Seroquel is imfamous for weight gain and for causing problems losing weight. Use any search engine and check out what happens to most people. I've gained 30+ lbs back and I'm sick about it. My Dr. says I should accept the weight gain and be happy with my mood being stable. I'm not buying it, the only thing I can say is EXERCISE , EXERCISE!
    I'm also an RN so I resxearch everything, so I know all about seroquel...I'm trying to decide if i want to keep taking the med or what other options maybe available....
  • ItsLessOfMe
    ItsLessOfMe Posts: 374 Member
    Not sure what is going on. Are you not loosing. I take Lithium, fanapt, and kilonopin and I gained SO much weight from meds. All my weight actually. Since I found MFP I have lost over 50 lbs. Its wonderful.
  • MissMollieK
    MissMollieK Posts: 316 Member
    I must admit- I was on both of those at one time and must say now that I am not on those I feel like it is a bit easier to lose weight- but don't have any proof- so I can not give any real excuses or evidence either way. Sorry. I was much heavier and just looked puffier in pictures when on meds such as these- now I know this isn't the case- I think it affects everyone differently...good luck. do your research and just be strict on your diet....
  • backstreet1008
    backstreet1008 Posts: 101
    I am diagnosed bi-polar, and I take Lithium and Seroquel, which are both known to cause quite a bit of weight gain. I've been using MFP for a month now, and haven't seen the results I expected, and hoped for. Could it be that these medications are causing me to retain the 30 pounds that I gained after I began taking them?
    Any answers will be much appreciated.

    Probably not in your case. I looked at your profile and you've lost 6lbs. That's a lot for one month! I think your expectations were simply too high. Weight loss takes time, but it will be worth it if you stick with it :)
  • fitforlife34
    fitforlife34 Posts: 331 Member
    I take Litihum, and yes, I have lost 6lbs since I have been on here, a little over a month. It really raises my self esteem, and makes me think I don't need to blame the drug for my lack of success. ( something i do) It was easier to lose weight when I wasn't on the drug, BUT you are in the right place by being here!
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