(I am thinking about switching to Zyprexa... ) I am currently taking 1 mg Risperdal/daily. I have gained a little weight and have been going to the gym regularly for the past 3 months and am seeing no improvement. I am convinced that it is the Risperdal keeping me from being able to lose the weight. I am considering talking to my doctor about stopping the risperdal and switching it out with something different. I know of quite a few people who have gained a significant amount of weight while on Zyprexa, but i know that some people either gain no weight or actually lose some weight. My question is, if you are or were taking Zyprexa, did you gain or lose weight?
Zyprexa: Weight gain vs. weight loss?
Question posted by TrAva26 on 29 May 2013
Last updated on 19 January 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
8 Answers
sophia92
6 July 2022
I have tried a few antipsychotics (Latuda, Seroquel, and now Zyprexa). If I drink too much or eat out too much I gained weight. However I was drinking ALOT! I gained 25-30 lbs. on Latuda and Seroquel by doing that. My starting weight was 95lbs. When I was on 800mg of Seroquel ER I gained weight because it increased my appetite. I was able to lose some by not drinking as much but it made me crave carbs and desserts after taking it at night. I decided to ask my doctor to try Zyprexa because I was sleeping 12 hours a day so on 800mg Seroquel ER. I wanted something powerful but less sleeping. I was also expecting to gain even more weight on Zyprexa after reading the reviews. But I also read it was highly effective so I was willing to give it a shot. Zyprexa seems like its one of those drugs where the benefits outweigh the side effects.. To my surprise I've lost all the weight I've gained from other meds.
It doesn't increase my appetite so that's how I was able to lose all of the weight. I take 20mg(the highest dose) of Zyprexa I weigh about 100lbs now and am the most stable I have ever been but I still do sleep 12 hours a day, have Tardive Dyskinesia, and akathisia. But for me the the benefits outweigh the side effects. That's probably how people view the weight gain that comes with the drug. To answer your question it is possible to lose and gain no weight on Zyprexa but only if it doesn't increase your appetite. That's how anti-psychotics make you gain weight. However I've heard of people not being able to lose weight no matter what they do. I highly recommend Zyprexa, its a great drug, its given me my life back along with Lithium. It is one of the best medications I have ever taken. I would at lease give Zyprexa a shot but if you feel you are gaining too much weight there are plenty of options out there.
mynahwind
9 Jan 2022
I was prescribed Zyprexa 5mg for around 10 months and have gained over 12kg. I ate one meal per day to mitigate the weight gain.
WildcatVet
9 Jan 2022
Some experts argue that diet and exercise will keep the weight off but it's obvious that the best it will do is keep the superfluous weight from adding to the weight gain caused by metabolic changes to the metabolism.
"Very common (10% or more): Weight gain/increased weight greater than/equal to 7% of baseline body weight (up to 89.4% of users)"
Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain greater than/equal to 15% of baseline body weight"
This is not caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
Maloosillberry
3 April 2020
I have been on many antipsychotic medications... except clozapine. The worse for weight gain was olanzapine (Zyprexa). It made my lipids high so I got changed to a different one... I'm now back on it and losing weight... lost 10 pounds. Finally within a healthy weight range... i would recommend changing meds tho. Losing weight taking Zyprexa requires constant vigilance...
Littlealscott
11 March 2019
I gained 40 pounds
Nicole422
7 April 2018
If you don't want to gain weight, do not start Zyprexa. I have gained a lot of weight on this medication. It is a very good medication, especially for suicidal thoughts, which is why I started it but I have never been as heavy as I am now and I eat well, stay away from carbs and exercise. This medication does something to your metabolism or something. I am in the process of weaning off of it. I pray I deflate once I do. I suggest trying another medication.
Kim182535
26 Feb 2018
I gained 40 lbs because of zyprexa. I had to go on a weight loss prescription pill to lose it. But it’s still a struggle. Zyprexa is notorious for rapid weight gain.
emmanuelsb1
17 Jan 2023
My primary care physician tried giving me Rybelsus (Semaglutide) for the weight. Did your pill get rid of all the weight? Did it return you to normal, rather? I am trying the plant-based diet or mediterranean diet, rather.
GuinnessGirl54
29 May 2013
I gained 40 lbs on Zyprexa, 60 on Seroquel and 30 on lithium. I used to be a size four and now I am a 10. I have started to exercise and watch my diet and I am down four pounds since last week. The only medication that made me lose weight was topamax.
TrAva26
30 May 2013
Thank you for the response. I want to try topamax in place of my lamictal to see if it will help me lose some weight but there is an interaction with topamax and other meds I'm on. I am trying to avoid doing a full-on overhaul with my meds. I just can't stand not being able to get this weight off. I typically lose weight fairly quick once I start exercising but since I've been on risperdal, my weight won't budge.
gdhina
6 Feb 2015
I started xypreza 2 weeks back and I've already gained 7kg/15lbs. It's very frustrating. Any substitute medication for this? I just bought a pants last week Cz I couldn't wear my earlier pants and now even that i can't wear. Frustrating.
nellynicole12
4 April 2015
I was so slim before xyprexa. Ive gained 60 lbs. I am not going to take it anymore. Whats the alternative
emmanuelsb1
19 Jan 2023
Do weight loss prescription pills return you to normal (do they get rid of all the weight)? My primary care doctor prescribed Rybelsus (Semaglutide).
emmanuelsb1
19 Jan 2023
Do weight loss prescription pills return you to normal (do they get rid of all the weight)? My primary care doctor prescribed Rybelsus (Semaglutide).
emmanuelsb1
19 Jan 2023
Do weight loss prescription pills return you to normal (do they get rid of all the weight)? My primary care doctor prescribed Rybelsus (Semaglutide).
WildcatVet
29 May 2013
Hi, Tr! People have very different responses to medications and you'll hear both sides of the story. But that being said, Zyprexa IS the most notorious AAP for causing weight gain. In some studies as many as 26% of users reported weight gain averaging 20lbs and in some cases 60lbs or more.
I'm very physically fit, exercise daily, and eat a very healthy primarily veggie based diet. I gained no weight on Risperdal and I'm currently having no problem on Seroquel. But when I was taking Zyprexa, for about 2yrs, I gained 40lbs and it wouldn't budge. My psych switched me to Seroquel and the weight fell off in just a couple months.
Just my experience. I hope it helps with your decision. Best wishes, WCV
Related topics
risperdal, zyprexa, depression, bipolar disorder, weight loss (obesity/overweight), insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, weight
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