Posted by nomom on January 30, 2005, at 21:24:38
In reply to Re: Medications (Zyprexa?) and weight gain, posted by Racer on January 28, 2005, at 16:05:37
My daughter does have an eating disorder and we're in the process of trying to get her into a day program--she goes for an eval tomorrow. The weight gain has caused her much anxiety over her weight.
She was taking the Zyprexa to help with strange (odd?) thoughts as well as because she has bad anxiety, and is bipolar II as well. According to her doctor it was one of the better drugs to treat her as it treated all three.
She likes the combination she has, but is so anxiety-driven over the weight gain she quit taking the Zyprexa. Is that wise? She has an appointment next week.
I'm very new at this and am appreciative of the advice.
~M
> First of all, I'm a little concerned at your statement about her needing to stop a medication because of weight gain. Mind you, I can certainly understand the feeling, but I wonder who is putting the pressure on about weight?
>
> By the way, I'm anorexic, and grew up with pressure about my body shape from my family -- especially my mother -- so I feel as if I've EARNED the right to question that comment. I'm middle aged now, and have struggled with this since early adolescence. Please, be absolutely sure you're not projecting weight concerns onto your daughter.
>
> Back to your question, Zyprexa quite commonly causes excessive weight gain. That's almost unquestionably the culprit. Why is she taking that? For psychosis? Or for anxiety? If it's anxiety, then adjusting the other meds might be a better choice than continuing it. (Lamictal can cause agitation, for instance, and Wellbutrin is quite activating. Choosing a less stimulating combo might do as much as the Zyprexa.)
>
> By the way, about the weight gain -- I'm all in favor of avoiding med-induced weight gain. Zyprexa, as well as causing weight gain, is implicated in directly causing Metabolic Syndrome X, a precursor to Type II diabetes. It's a life saving drug for many people. But if it's not necessary, it probably isn't worth the risks.
poster:nomom
thread:449239
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050128/msgs/450366.html