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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 20:01:34
I have beeen on Zyprexa now for about 2 1/2 month. I gained about 15 pounds. Could any of you tell me what experiences you had with weight and how you handled it. Thanks for any responses.
Posted by ivoovi on November 30, 2001, at 21:25:27
In reply to Long-term Zyprexa users - question, posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 20:01:34
Hi...I, too, was on Zyprexa. 10mg. For the first two months, I exercised vigirously (upwards of running 6 miles a day), tried DESPERATELY to eat as well as I could (often to no avail), and complied with my dosing schedule. Despite all of this, I gained 15 pounds. I finally quit. That was the only way I could get the weight to stop & come off (I've been off for a month and lost 10 lbs.)
My doctor, in a futile attempt to control the weight gain, prescribed a couple of medications to help counteract the horrid weight gain side effect. He prescribed (in chronological order):
1) Axid -- Slowed the weight gain dramatically. Doesn't work for some people, and it takes a couple weeks to start working (as with all of these meds)
2) Meridia - slowed the weight gain (almost stopped it), but I couldn't lose weight, and it raised my blood pressure significantly so I had to stop
3) Topamax -- GREAT appetite supressent, HOWEVER, it made me so anxious I would have MANY panic attacks a day and would eat anyway to alleviate the stress (I eat when anxious), so that failed.
4) He was going to try adrafinil next, but I stopped the zyprexa before we had a chance. I don't know what would happen if you tried this
5) Glucophage -- I've heard this cures the zyprexa weight gain. It's been the most successful in clinical trials at least -- DEFINATELY mention it to your doctor. I don't know if the weight you've gained will come off, however.
The weight gain dramatically slowed as time went on, but I was unable to lose weight.The weight gain will subside and slowly reverse itself after 9-12 months on the medication. So, seek one of these helpers or wait it out.
My personal opinion is that adding another medication to supress your apetite is not a good and effective idea. However, the glucophage doesn't supress your apetite but rather fixes the problem that causes the weight gain the first place.
Axid should at least be tried on EVERY zyprexa patient, IMHO, because it has ZERO side-effects, and NO effect on mood, etc. (It's an antacid). Worth a try. Dosing is 300mg b.i.d.
I hope this provides some insight in the options you have...good luck!!
-Chris
Posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 22:21:07
In reply to Long-term Zyprexa users - question, posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 20:01:34
Thanks for your information. How long did you stay on the Zyprexa and what are you taking in its place?
Posted by ivoovi on November 30, 2001, at 22:45:33
In reply to Re: Long-term Zyprexa users - question to ivoovi, posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 22:21:07
I stayed on the Zyprexa for about 2.5 months before giving up completely -- I was too frustrated with the weight gain/inability to lose weight. My body is very important to me, and it was causing a great deal of anxiety. Since I stopped the Zyprexa without my doctor's consent, I had to find a new doctor (he wouldn't see me anymore because of it), and the new doctor changed my diagnosis from bipolar to unipolar depression. Right now I'm currently on Wellbutrin. It works very well, I am also on Neurontin, but am quitting soon due to sexual dysfunction/weight gain.
There are many alternatives to Zyprexa. One of the newest is called Geodon, and has no weight gain side effect...however, I've heard it doesn't work as well. If Zyprexa is working well for you, you might want to talk to your doctor about the medicines for controlling weight gain...like glucophage, and if all that fails switch meds.
It is very important though to exercise regularly and eat as best you can...even if it's not great.
During my first trial of Zyprexa I gained 30lbs in one month -- I didn't exercise or try to watch what I ate. During my second trial, I only gained 15lbs in 2 months...I exercised and did my best to eat well (however NOT well that may have been).
So, exercise does make a HUGE difference.
Best of luck to you ~
-Chris
"Live long and prosper"
Posted by ChrisK on December 1, 2001, at 4:22:48
In reply to Long-term Zyprexa users - question, posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 20:01:34
I've been on Zyprexa for well over 2 years and the weight gain does stop after a few months. The problem was that I did put on better than 50 pounds with Zyprexa. Since the weight gain stopped I have been able to lose weight sometimes when I get serious about my diet. I still have another 45 pounds to lose but since August I have been able to lose 20 punds.
You can take it off but you should really try to make it throught he first 3-6 months when most of the weight gain will occur. My experience is that once you are clear of that time period the weight problem will level off.
Chris
> I have beeen on Zyprexa now for about 2 1/2 month. I gained about 15 pounds. Could any of you tell me what experiences you had with weight and how you handled it. Thanks for any responses.
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