Posted by chemist on September 24, 2004, at 20:14:24
In reply to Question for Chemist...Zyprexa vs. Risperadol, posted by malthus on September 24, 2004, at 16:25:24
> Hello Chemist:
>
> Today my pdoc and I decided that I should come off of Zyprexa. I have gained about 20 pounds in a short 6 months. She says that Risperdol (spelling?) is a similar drug but without the side effects of ravenous hunger. Do you know anything about this drug? Also, how long typically does it take for Zyprexa to wash out of the system and does decreased hunger occur fairly quickly after stopping?
>
> Thanks Chemist.
>
> malthushello malthus, chemist here...i can provide the following information: of the atypical antipsychotics, olanzapine (Zyprexa) is notorious for weight gain and there is a not insignificant chance that treatment with this drug can result in the onset of diabetes mellitus and other problems associated with blood sugar. the weight gain is, from what i recall, a result of some real metabolic changes associated with the use of the drug (c.f. increased appetite associated with antidepressants that heighten mood and hence appetite returns, just an example). risperidone is another atypical antipsychotic that does not have the incidence of side effects associated with it nearly as high as olanzapine. while this varies from person to person, it appears to be a fair assessment if the few (maybe 3 or 4) people i have known taking either drug and from what i have read. there is a risk of blood sugar problems and diabetes mellitus associated with risperidone, but i do think it is safe to say that you will lose weight for sure. the EPS are dose-dependent, and i do believe that there are some anticholinergic SE (do not hold me to this, yet i am almost certain they are present, if very low). apologies for the lack of more in-depth goods. i can state that i do know that olanzapine - despite the almost guaranteed weight gain - has been a ``magic bullet'' for some, while the side effects have been reason enough to swith to another medication. all the best, chemist
poster:chemist
thread:394611
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040921/msgs/394714.html