advertisement
Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Question Apr 27, 2011 at 01:32 PM
  #1
My pdoc is taking me off of Seroquel (Yay)

I've been on it since 2007 and gained about 30 - 40 pounds. With diet and exercise I have lost 20 of that and she has been lowering the dosage slowly - I was at 300mg and am now down to 50.

i'm just wondering from anyone else that has been through this, how long does it take after you come off of Seroquel to lose weight a bit more easily. I have struggled for about 18 months to lose this the rest of the weight- I eat healthy, I work out, I have been to diet drs, personal trainers and a well known nutritionist, who told me i was his toughest client in 20 years.

I'm so frustrated to never see the scale move when i'm working so hard.

Did anyone see a big difference in their weight after coming off of this? What about Lamictal because I may come off of that next.

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated!
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
DePressMe
Grand Magnate
 
DePressMe's Avatar
DePressMe has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 3,921
15 yr Member
273 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Apr 30, 2011 at 04:39 PM
  #2
I have been on seroguel for a long time. Currently I take 600 mgs. At first I had a weight gain but I've managed to adjust my diet and exercise so my weight is at an acceptable level. It's hard to do but maybe I'm one of the lucky ones who can keep the extra weight off.

__________________
You don't have to fly straight...

...just keep it between the lines!
DePressMe is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 01, 2011 at 09:16 AM
  #3
Quote:
Originally Posted by DePressMe View Post
I have been on seroguel for a long time. Currently I take 600 mgs. At first I had a weight gain but I've managed to adjust my diet and exercise so my weight is at an acceptable level. It's hard to do but maybe I'm one of the lucky ones who can keep the extra weight off.
Thank you for responding.
The seroquel made me so hungry when I first went on it and took 300mg- like RAVENOUSLY hungry! Now that i'm cutting it down i do notice i'm a bit less hungry, and i can control the cravings better. It's a step.

I have a good diet. I exercise very regularly. i've been on 1000 calorie diets, i've been on 1200 calorie diets. i'm not obese, I'm 15 pounds over the weight I should be for my height and no matter what I do the scale doesn't move. I feel like it's really altered my metabolism. or maybe it's because i'm in my 40s now too - we'll see when it's all out of my system.

i see my pdoc again in a week and a half.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 03, 2011 at 10:48 AM
  #4
UPDATE
I have lost 2 lbs in the last 4 days. It was taking me weeks to lose 2 lbs when I was working with the nutritionist and diet dr.
I have not drastically altered my diet or workout schedule. In fact, I was away over the weekend.

My dosage of Seroquel has been at 50mg for 2 + weeks. Coincidence? Hmmm.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous32910
Guest
Anonymous32910 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 03, 2011 at 02:48 PM
  #5
When I went of antipsychotics (seroquel and abilify), I started steadily losing weight. I have so far lost 16 pounds without really working at it. I still have a long way to go, but I'm already feeling so much better not carrying around those extra pounds.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 03, 2011 at 06:09 PM
  #6
16 pounds is a lot to lose without working at it. i'm so happy to hear that! I hope you keep losing if that's what you want to do - I'm hoping i do too.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Jerrypharmstudent
Member
 
Jerrypharmstudent's Avatar
Jerrypharmstudent has no updates.
 
Member Since: May 2006
Location: Illinois, USA
Posts: 203
15 yr Member
Help May 07, 2011 at 03:45 PM
  #7
Quote:
Originally Posted by jadedmoonbeam View Post
My pdoc is taking me off of Seroquel (Yay)

I've been on it since 2007 and gained about 30 - 40 pounds. With diet and exercise I have lost 20 of that and she has been lowering the dosage slowly - I was at 300mg and am now down to 50.

i'm just wondering from anyone else that has been through this, how long does it take after you come off of Seroquel to lose weight a bit more easily. I have struggled for about 18 months to lose this the rest of the weight- I eat healthy, I work out, I have been to diet drs, personal trainers and a well known nutritionist, who told me i was his toughest client in 20 years.

I'm so frustrated to never see the scale move when i'm working so hard.

Did anyone see a big difference in their weight after coming off of this? What about Lamictal because I may come off of that next.

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Seroquel can cause "metabolic syndrome" which basically messes up your metabolism which can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Seroquel effects histamine receptors which cause the drowsiness and the weight gain. Once you are off of it for about a month I would guess you'll find it much easier to lose weight. It takes a while for the med and its metabolites to clear your system. And if it was causing metabolic syndrome, it will take a while for your system to re-adjust and return to normal.

So hang in there and try to be patient!

Jerry

__________________
PsychCentral's Psychiatric Medications Forum Med Expert
-->Please read my disclaimer at the top of the forum.
_________________________________________________
"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too." - Rodney Dangerfield

Coming off of Seroquel and losing weight
Jerrypharmstudent is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Thanks for this!
Hope4Struggles
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 07, 2011 at 07:17 PM
  #8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerrypharmstudent View Post
Seroquel can cause "metabolic syndrome" which basically messes up your metabolism which can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Seroquel effects histamine receptors which cause the drowsiness and the weight gain. Once you are off of it for about a month I would guess you'll find it much easier to lose weight. It takes a while for the med and its metabolites to clear your system. And if it was causing metabolic syndrome, it will take a while for your system to re-adjust and return to normal.

So hang in there and try to be patient!

Jerry
Thank you...I wish someone had explained it to me so specifically initially

I'm trying to be patient. losing 2 lbs in one week while I'm still taking 50mg is pretty good - I see my dr this Thursday so we'll see what the next step is.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 13, 2011 at 07:54 AM
  #9
Update

My dr gave her blessing to stop taking the Seroquel last night.

Hoping this will work and I will have good mental health and my weight will slowly come down after it's all out of my system.

sleep was not great last night but I slept before i took Seroquel so I just have to get used to it I guess.

And her scale had me 5 lbs lighter than my home scale so that was nice to see.

I haven't come off of a med in 5 years so this is a huge step for me!

  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
FuriousGeorge
Member
 
FuriousGeorge's Avatar
FuriousGeorge has no updates.
 
Member Since: May 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 80
10 yr Member
Default May 13, 2011 at 11:20 AM
  #10
I want to be weened off Seroquel after being on 100mg for 4 years.

The weight gain is horrible and does nothing for my self esteem. Plus, I feel foggy in the mornings, almost like a mild hangover.

I am interested to see how the Seroquel withdrawal goes for you, because I am afraid that I may be addicted to it.

Good luck and best wishes.
FuriousGeorge is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 13, 2011 at 06:39 PM
  #11
Quote:
Originally Posted by FuriousGeorge View Post
I want to be weened off Seroquel after being on 100mg for 4 years.

The weight gain is horrible and does nothing for my self esteem. Plus, I feel foggy in the mornings, almost like a mild hangover.

I am interested to see how the Seroquel withdrawal goes for you, because I am afraid that I may be addicted to it.

Good luck and best wishes.
Hey Furious George

I actually switched to Seroquel XR towards the end (was able to get free samples), which does not have the same "sledgehammer" effect as regular Seroquel at least for me.

I went from 300 mg for several years to 200 mg for a few months to 100 mg for 2 weeks to 50 mg for 3 weeks to now 0. I did this after many discussions with my doctor and making a lot of lifestyle changes.

Last night was my first night off of it and i definitely didn't get my usual sleep - up for about 2 hrs in the middle of the night - luckily I am not working right now (one of those lifestyle changes) so i wasn't freaking out about it - I know i'll sleep eventually.

Make sure you talk to your dr and make a plan...I'm hoping I don't have too many symptoms! I'll let you know - feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Thanks for this!
FuriousGeorge
FuriousGeorge
Member
 
FuriousGeorge's Avatar
FuriousGeorge has no updates.
 
Member Since: May 2011
Location: Canada
Posts: 80
10 yr Member
Default May 20, 2011 at 12:54 PM
  #12
Sorry to be nosy, but how is the withdrawal going for you? Good I hope.
FuriousGeorge is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default May 21, 2011 at 08:06 PM
  #13
Not nosy at all - so far so good - not sleeping great but that was to be expected. the first few days i had some stomach issues, but it's been about 10 days now and physically, other than the not sleeping, i think i'm doing ok. mentally, I feel more alert...I'm DYING for the weight loss to start, but I know that will take a few more weeks but i'll be kicking up the exercise now too.

feel free to PM me with any question if you want too.

i really appreciate you asking
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Jun 02, 2011 at 08:35 AM
  #14
Update
3 weeks off of Seroquel
Lost 2 more pounds.

Definitely feel less hungry all around and don't have that starving feeling at night that I used to get.

Sleeping about 4-4.5 hours per night in a row, then I wake up and usually doze back off for a little. i think I've developed a tolerance to Ambien and I'm going to bring it up in T today and see if she will mention it to the dr who I'm not seeing for 2 weeks.

Mentally I feel ok - having some issues at home but I feel like I'm handling them well considering I just dropped a major medication - will also speak to T about that this afternoon.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
noneedtoknow
Veteran Member
 
noneedtoknow's Avatar
noneedtoknow PRACTICING my tools
 
Member Since: Mar 2011
Posts: 506
10 yr Member
91 hugs
given
Default Jun 02, 2011 at 02:01 PM
  #15
Quote:
Originally Posted by jadedmoonbeam View Post
Update
3 weeks off of Seroquel
Lost 2 more pounds.

Definitely feel less hungry all around and don't have that starving feeling at night that I used to get.

Sleeping about 4-4.5 hours per night in a row, then I wake up and usually doze back off for a little. i think I've developed a tolerance to Ambien and I'm going to bring it up in T today and see if she will mention it to the dr who I'm not seeing for 2 weeks.

Mentally I feel ok - having some issues at home but I feel like I'm handling them well considering I just dropped a major medication - will also speak to T about that this afternoon.
Good job jadedmoonbeam!
How encouraging your posts are. I know how hard it is to loose the weight-especially when you are doing everything "right"
Good work on weaning off your meds and doing well without them! You go girl!!! I really appreciate the updates too-that's where the hope comes in-you can see your progress and it's wonderful!
Good luck in the future to you!
noneedtoknow
noneedtoknow is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Jun 02, 2011 at 08:08 PM
  #16
Quote:
Originally Posted by noneedtoknow View Post
Good job jadedmoonbeam!
How encouraging your posts are. I know how hard it is to loose the weight-especially when you are doing everything "right"
Good work on weaning off your meds and doing well without them! You go girl!!! I really appreciate the updates too-that's where the hope comes in-you can see your progress and it's wonderful!
Good luck in the future to you!
noneedtoknow
Thanks noneedtoknow
This site has given me so much more support to do this - - posts like yours really make me feel encouraged!

I was able to see my pdoc today - she's in the same group with my T - She said everyone who stops Seroquel has trouble sleeping and she doesn't want me to go without sleep - she gave me a prescription for Lunesta to try instead of Ambien. I'll let you know how that works in the morning!
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
feary
Veteran Member
 
feary's Avatar
feary has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2010
Posts: 651
10 yr Member
3 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Jun 02, 2011 at 11:30 PM
  #17
Quote:
Originally Posted by jadedmoonbeam View Post
Thank you for responding.
The seroquel made me so hungry when I first went on it and took 300mg- like RAVENOUSLY hungry! .
I am on abilify, celexa, klonopin plus vitamins and I feel ravenously hungry, and even if I eat a ton of food I still feel extremely hungry and like my stomach is empty and growling. My pdoc won't take me off anything so you are lucky. I have gained 45 pounds since november.
feary is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Jun 09, 2011 at 09:58 PM
  #18
Quote:
Originally Posted by feary View Post
I am on abilify, celexa, klonopin plus vitamins and I feel ravenously hungry, and even if I eat a ton of food I still feel extremely hungry and like my stomach is empty and growling. My pdoc won't take me off anything so you are lucky. I have gained 45 pounds since november.
I'm sorry you're going through it. When I started working out regularly and eating very healthy i was able to maintain my weight. I don't know a lot about Abilify and Celexa - they might slow down your metabolism or thyroid - maybe you can have your thyroid checked?
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
crazymusiclvr
Member
crazymusiclvr has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 97
15 yr Member
Default Jun 17, 2011 at 12:55 PM
  #19
One of the major side effects of seroquel is weight gain. I have been on it for over ten years and continue to struggle with that as well. I have bipolar disorder. Although, I am also on lithium which can make you gain weight too. I have, "fallen off the ban wagon" lately but for several years I ate extreamily healthy and jogged. Still couldn't lower the scale. However, it keeps me alive. If the dose is lowered, I struggle with both anxiety and depression. At times when I have been at the end of my rope, the doctor upped the dosage and it made me feel better. Can't live with it, can't live without it I guess.
crazymusiclvr is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Anonymous33005
Guest
Anonymous33005 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Jul 01, 2011 at 09:09 AM
  #20
So it's been 2 months since I stopped taking Seroquel.

I am happy to report that I can finally sleep about 6 hours a night which is a huge improvement from the 2-3 hours of restless sleep that immediately followed. I'd been trying all different sleeping remedies - i'd originally been on Ambien CR, switched to Lunesta with Ativan, then Sonata, added some Benadryl, took some extra Xanax, and am now back to taking Ambien CR.

My appetite and control of my appetite is finally back in check. That ravenous feeling is pretty much gone and the scale is moving a little bit.

My mood...well...i have a LOT of stuff going on at home, but I am not falling into deep depression or getting super manic...i am seeing my pdoc very regularly and trying to avoid going on any other meds at this point.
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:59 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.