I am a moderately active (cardio and strength 5 days a week) 49/yo woman. I've experienced a significant amount of weight gain (7-8#) within a month of starting Rexulti - despite watching my diet (1800 cals), avoiding alcohol (or having only 3 drinks per week). I have always had no problems maintaining a healthy weight bc I'm quite active and normally I am at a comfortable 139#. I'm now 146-150# and can't seem to drop it even on a lower calorie diet (1600). I don't mind a few pounds, but when I have to buy all new pants that stinks! I'm on .5 mg Rexulti and 20mg Lexapro. I read that Rexulti raises blood glucose levels and I'm wondering if that has anything to do with it. I don't have any hunger issues, (i.e. cravings) although I did the first two weeks, they are gone, but can't get much lower than 1600 cals without compromising my well being (I enjoy eating!). Thanks for any help.
Can anyone explain weight gain from Rexulti?
Question posted by Jinx342 on 29 July 2016
Last updated on 24 January 2022
7 Answers
I recently started on Rexulti and am very skeptical of taking it because of the reported weight gain. However I am so tired of being depressed. I have not had an appetite for a long time, so maybe that's part of the weight gain. I did have a taste for something the other day that I haven't had for years.
I have gained 15 lbs and have been on it 6 mo. I walk every day and watch my diet. Except weekends, I may eat out once.
I am on 2 mgs of Rexulti and gained weight. My doctor put me on 250 mg of metformin to help. This stopped the weight gain and I lost some that I had gained. Metformin will make you go to the bathroom a lot at first till your body gets used to it.
I am a 51-year-old woman. I have always been slim due to having chronic intestinal problems. I do not eat gluten nor sweets, and am a vegan; still, I gained 8 resistant lbs in 3 weeks after being put on Rexulti. Additionally, Rexulti has worsened the intestinal problems my gastro doc has been trying to get a handle on.
The new struggles of constipation, the increase in hunger, and the battle with the growing belly bulge... Dang! I I feel like I exchanged one troublesome issue for three maddening ones.
One of the most helpful things I did this year was take a GeneSight test. I found out a lot about my genotypes and what anti depressants and add on medications work for me and do not work for me. Interestingly, many of the drugs I took years ago and experienced significant side effects, are in the “red zone” or have significant gene-drug interactions.
My current dose of Lexapro 20 mg is one that according to the test reduces its efficacy. Hence why I have needed an add on several times a year when I feel an MDE coming on.
Even more interesting is that Rexulti is a drug (for me) that according to the test is in the significant gene-drug interaction column. I simply take the 1 mg tablet and cut in half. I have put some pounds on in the last week - but I don’t care - I was so depressed I lost almost 10 lbs and looked awful because I’m already 5’10” and under 130 lbs - was down to 123 - ugh! Most people wouldn’t complain, but having a healthy weight as you age is important.
I started taking my Rexulti when I noticed major depression started in August - always August - I don’t know why.
Does anyone else get MDD in August? I did some research and found out it is a thing - associated with SAD.
Had to pay huge coin out of pocket for Rexulti Bc it’s not covered by our insurance and my Dr. refused to write a letter to try and get it covered - what a shock! Here I am going through MDD and she decided she won’t write the letter from case notes dating back to a previous provider.
Oh well - at least I have my medication. And to anyone else who is struggling with finding the right medication- ask your Dr. about GeneSight by Assurex. Often times it could be free depending on your financial situation and the copay can be paid interest free for up to 12 months. It sure was an eye opener for me.
Rexulti says it doesn't let you gain as much weight from other antipsychotic medications, but it does say you will gain some weight. I have gained 10 LBS. using Rexulti. I think all these type of medications make you gain some weight, some more than others. I am coming off of the Rexulti even though it did help. I am trying to lose weight, not gain it. I am a 57 yr.old woman.
Hi, Junx! Many psychotropic drugs affect and change the body's base metabolism ~ hormonal, endocrinal, etc. It has nothing to do with diet, carbs, eating, exercise and so on although these factors can help minimize excess weight gain.
It's in our genes and in the actions of the drugs and there's little we can do about it.
As long as the weight gain is clinically insignificant there's nothing to be done but stop the medication or switch to another hoping for better results.
Sorry for the grim tone of this post. I gained weight too first on lithium, prednisone, then Abilify, and now Rexulti ~ and I've learned to love my gorgeous curves.
Jinx, not Junx! :-) Sorry 'bout that!
I had the same problem with Rexulti after 6 months and 10 lbs. weight gain I finally talked the Dr. Into taking me off if it. I also, had the shakes tremors which were pretty noticeable. I am on Vraylar now have lost the 10 lb. but, am trying to lose more from the previous medicine which I gained weight on as well. My blood glucose did increase they said I was prediabetic. Shouldn't be the case I only weigh 131.
After adding Rexulti to my antidepressants I have gained thirty pounds over the last few months. I had been to a nutritionist who had put me on a program to lose weight and I was doing really well. I am on th 2mg dose and found I got withdrawal symptoms when I didn't take it for a day. (Even though they claim that won't happen) Will have to talk to my Psych doctor. He discussed putting me on Vraylar but I am leary of that since I see it can cause weight gain as well. I did see that someone did post losing weight again after stopping Rexulti and starting Vraylar. Must say all these side effects listed for these drugs is very concerning. I have tried an array of antidepressants over the years and most of them have stopped working. When Rexulti was added it seemed to get me over the depression along with taking two other antidepressants. The antidepressants are great when they actually work but unfortunately it can really bring you down when they don't.
My next step is to stop the Rexulti and take Vraylar in its place. Will wait for the weekend to do it in case there are side effects. Will keep you posted as to how I do.
I have gained 30 pounds since April, (first month I started rexulti)despite it it lifting my mood and thus making me more active than I'd been in years. I want to try weight watchers again, but not sure if that will help as long as this drug is piling on the weight. I see the doc in 2weeks, I'm gonna see about switching to something else
Hi there:
I've been on Rexulti 0.25 mg for about 8 months in conjunction with Trintellix and Wellbutrin. I started Rexulti at 1.0 mg but I was sleeping all day. I've also gained 30 pounds and find I binge eat now. I feel unmotivated. All these issues are a detriment to my wellbeing. I'm not happy with Rexulti. I can't exercise cause after 30 push-pulls on my eliptical, I feel winded. This wasn't the case on other similar drugs. I'm feeling like I'm not as happy as I should be.
Related topics
weight loss (obesity/overweight), major depressive disorder, weight, diet, cardio, rexulti
Further information
- Rexulti uses and safety info
- Rexulti prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Rexulti (detailed)
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