Rexulti and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Abi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 8, 2018

For Depression "I was on Abilify for almost ten years, but, as well as it worked, I could not stop gaining weight because I was always starving. My psychiatrist suggested Rexulti, and my weight gain has stopped without a change in diet or exercise. I take Rexulti for psychotic depression, and it keeps me stable and fully functional. I take 2 mg a day at night, because it is sedating. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an alternative to Abilify."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

"I started Rexulti for panic problems, and the first 2 weeks were great. Felt amazing. Like a switch went off and was in the clear. Then developed inner hostility, rage, and irritability by week 3. Triggered a hypomanic episode, and I don’t have any mood disorder. Just severe anxiety. My cholesterol doubled, my BP, which was normal, required medication, and I needed a statin. Gained 20 lbs in 1 month. Off for 3 days, and all the negative feelings are gone. I really thought this was the winner. Through it all, no anxiety. No panic. But it made me so stressed and frustrated I had to stop it."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2018

For Depression "I was put on this medication to help with the fatigue I’ve been experiencing for close to 2 years. I was taking it in conjunction with Cipralex (20 mg), which I’ve been on for 8 years. I was taking 0.5 mg of Rexulti for the past 3 months, and my energy levels were great. Unfortunately, it made me gain 20 pounds in that time. My appetite was out of control... seriously, I was eating out like 4-5 times per week and binging at night. Insane. I just went off of it close to 2 weeks ago, and after 2 days, my appetite went back to normal. I just can’t be on antipsychotics."

• Eri...
• April 20, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "Awful medication. I’m coming off of it. I’m on day 3 of not taking it, and I don’t feel any different. It really wasn’t helping me anyway. I was still sad, emotional, and depressed, and felt like my life was out of control. I could cry at the drop of a hat. To add to everything, I have gained at least 10 lbs or more quickly, which certainly doesn’t help the situation. I feel like I gained all the weight in my face and stomach. It’s absolutely awful. I read one other review where she said she felt like a “big fat blob” and super bloated. That’s where I am. This medicine definitely increases my appetite and makes me crave sweets. If you don’t care about possibly gaining 10 to 20 lbs, I say go ahead and give it a go. Not worth it to me at all. I wish I had never started this awful medication."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Have been on Lexapro 15 mg and Rexulti 1 mg. Depression's gone, but after being on this for one month, anxiety is much worse. Also, I gained 10 pounds and am always tired. Two weeks ago, I started having full-body tremors where I lose consciousness. Was tested by a neurologist who believes this was caused by anxiety. Now my doctor increased both meds. Terrified of increased anxiety and having more seizure-type episodes."

• Odi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2022

For Depression "On 2.0 mg Rexulti, and it’s working great for my rapid cycling bipolar! Some weight gain, but if I take it before bed, I don’t notice the hunger. Starting to cook, clean, and just be a normal person again. No more angry outbursts. Have been on many antidepressants which didn’t work, or the side effects were awful (bleeding problems or breathing issues). So far, so good with this medication, but only 1 month in, I hope it keeps working!"

• ALI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

"I was switched from Abilify to Rexulti 2 mg because Abilify made me eat like a pig. Rexulti was completely worse. Within one month, I gained 5 pounds. My doc took me off of it the next appointment, I'm just on a mood stabilizer and anxiety meds for now. Honestly, I have been on Latuda, Abilify, and Rexulti, and they all were terrible for weight gain for me. My other experience with the medicine was that it did work for moods and highs and lows, but wouldn't recommend if you're trying to lose weight or preventing gaining any."

• Abb...
• April 28, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I struggle with anxiety, OCD, mood disorder, and depression. I started off on Prozac, which helped enormously with my anxiety and OCD. The depression and mood were something I still struggled with on some days, so the doc put me on Rexulti along with the Prozac. I read about the weight gain and was immediately scared, but I just lost 60 pounds (Prozac helped). I still took it though. Big mistake. I've been on it for 2 months, and I have found myself losing control. Nonstop eating, gaining weight, lost my energy and willingness to be active. I've been lacking motivation. Before any meds, I did not drive because my anxiety was so bad. Prozac changed that, and I have finally been driving! Rexulti has caused a reverse effect. I'm back to being anxious in a car. My family can see a change in a negative way. Spaced out and lacking energy. Not a fan of this medicine."

• Jay...
• August 25, 2020

"I took Rexulti 0.5 mg for a little under a year. Within a few weeks, I noticed that I was overwhelmingly exhausted. I was sleeping on weekends for about 17 hours each day, and during the week, I was terrified I would fall asleep at the wheel on my drive to work. I had no motivation at work and feared the effects on my job performance would get me fired. The first 3 weeks of treatment, I was on 1 mg but had to lower the dose as my vision became very blurred. The worst side effect was that I gained 25 lbs within 2 months or so. I just got off the medication 2 months ago and am still dealing with the side effects. I’m still more exhausted than I should be (although it has improved) and am struggling to lose the weight through diet and exercise. Prior to taking this medication, I was 5’6”, 130 lb (woman). Now I weigh 155 lb. I feel awful about my body. Though this medication did help my OCD symptoms, the negative effects far outweigh that. I wish I could turn back time and never take Rexulti."

• Gni...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Rexulti 1 mg for a year after being on Abilify for a year or longer, taken off because it didn't work and I gained a lot of weight. I feel more depressed (crying for no reason), no energy, and I am having more anxiety attacks. I have also gained 20 more pounds. I want off. I am also on Fetzima and Klonopin."

• Fou...
• April 28, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "In the beginning, it was great. I live with TRMDD, PTSD, and ADD. I put on 25 lbs in the 6+ months on Rexulti. I was constantly uncomfortable and the heaviest of my life. I was in a 'haze' constantly, happy on the outside but miserable on the inside. Slowly built up to 3 mg, but it was never as good as those first few weeks at 0.5 mg. I have decided to quit Rexulti, and the discontinuation symptoms are horrible. Agitation, flu symptoms, anxiety... My stomach has never hurt worse in my life, and my insomnia is devilish. The bad of discontinuation overshadows the small amount of good in the beginning. I do have moments of sanity since discontinuation; air moving past my body feels good, combing my hair feels good, little things like this that let me know I'm doing what my body truly needs. I would recommend staying at the lowest dose for as long as possible... or avoiding it altogether."

• cob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2018

For Schizophrenia "Rexulti has stopped my delusions and obsessive rumination where Seroquel XR, amongst others, failed, and in the short period of time I have been on this drug, it has also mostly taken away my extreme paranoid anxiety, which was unrelenting. My brain is quiet and calm. A slight opiate-like warmth and peace of mind. It is lifting a depressive episode in a much smoother, mild way compared to my experience on Effexor XR. No akathisia. I am not sure if my sleep is affected because I have always had sleep issues regardless. I am prescribed a little Temazepam to sleep if needed. A slight headache for a few days upon starting, no nausea. No weight gain. Very pleased with how this is working so far."

• bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 28, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I can say that this prescription saved my life! And I'm only on a 0.5 dosage. Wished I would have known about it sooner. Side effects were weight gain (around 5 lbs per year), short-term memory issues, and higher cholesterol. Not a bad trade-off for sanity!"

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2020

"Just started 0.5 Rexulti for depression/anxiety. Feel like I have some energy again, but still had some panic today while driving - bridges are my trigger. Taking with 20 mg Trintellex. Very nervous about the weight gain, but I can tell my depression is better."

• Sab...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking Rexulti 0.5 mg for a little over a year now for depression and cyclothymia/Bipolar III. Up until now, it has helped my mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Only recently have I started getting depressed again (I think I finally built up a tolerance), so they're going to up it to 1 mg. This drug has helped me more than any SSRI ever has, with very minimal side effects (gained 25 lbs in one year, mostly due to bad eating habits, which I've since fixed and lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks), but I also went gluten-free at the same time I started Rexulti, so...??? No other side effects at all, it's like I'm taking a sugar pill. My moods are level, I don't get as angry or frustrated as I used to, and I can finally approach life with a clear head. I feel 'normal' now. I'll give an update in a few months at the new 1 mg dosage. Good luck!"

• Hol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Used for MDD and anxiety in conjunction with 40 mg Prozac. Lifted me out of depression, only taking 0.5 mg initially made me sleepy, but felt like a miracle drug. Told my doctor I never realized I could feel this happy. Problem is I’ve gained almost 40 lbs, and so now my doctor is looking to take me off of it and try Trintellix. Hoping I can actually start losing weight. I’ve never had an issue with weight my whole life, I’ve always been around 120. In the first 3 months, I gained ten lbs, and I’m now another 30 in the last 6 months. Scared to be depressed and anxious again, but we will see. I’ve gone up 3 sizes in all my clothing. To be happy or to be heavy is my choice right now."

• Lol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2021

For Depression "Rexulti was added as a booster to my Trintellix. Once it was added, I gained 42 lbs in 4 months without changing my lifestyle. It was the worst time in my life. Obviously, meds are a decision that a doctor should help you make, but I would avoid this drug. Once I got off of both of those drugs, I got a new psychiatrist and started taking Wellbutrin. The 42 lbs came right off and my depression was so much better."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2025

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking it for over three months after I had a nervous breakdown and had to be taken to a mental health facility in December. My family noted an immediate change. I wake up automatically in the mornings, which is HUGE for me. I drink green tea with honey and I’m ready to get my day really started. I was taking it with Wellbutrin and I stopped WB after I finally noticed it wasn’t doing anything for me but making me more agitated. I’m now only on Rexulti, lamotrigine, and Adderall for my ADHD. By God's grace. Give it at least a couple of weeks. I’m huge into reviews, but this med is completely worth it and the change is noticeable. I did gain about four pounds, BUT I really needed it because I was getting too thin due to my depression. That’s on average the weight gain, but really that’s been it. You will notice within a week if a drug is not for you, so look out, but this worked for me!"

• Een...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I got a new psychiatrist, and he put me on this medication after I lost a family member. I was sad but not depressed. Anyway, I had severe twitching in my feet and hands. Also, I felt too shy to talk to people. I also gained 15 pounds. I had vivid nightmares and have been off it for a week, but the nightmares continue."

• Ano...
• April 20, 2022

For Depression "Rexulti 3 mg worked very well for 1 year, but stopped working. I also gained 40 pounds with no change in diet or activity level. I’m still stuck with the weight even since I stopped it. So, eh. Take every review and side effect with a grain of salt. If you notice excessive weight gain in the beginning (my first 20 pounds was within 2 months or so), say something to your doctor. Don’t let them blow you off."

• Man...
• October 2, 2017

For Depression "Bad. Feel restless and have anxiety attacks, also gaining weight. Have no energy and have to drink 3-4 cups of coffee every day just to stay awake and not crash my car driving to work. For me, not a good med. Tried Abilify, Seroquel, and Depakote in the past for anger and irritability, and those are as bad, if not worse, than the Rexulti. Been on 20 mg Lexapro for anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for about 10 years, but it's not working very well anymore. Doctor suggested Latuda, going to try that next."

• Spa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 30, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Rexulti helps my mood, but the weight gain is overwhelming. I can gain 3 lbs a week. I have gained over 15 lbs total. The weight gain is too depressing for me. I am going to try to go off it and see how that goes. I also take Lamictal and clonazepam. Hope I can do it. The weight gain is overwhelming."

• Jaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Rexulti for 4 days, and I hate it. The first couple of days were fine. I felt like my old self. Now I have restless legs and anxiety. I’m paranoid about gaining weight too. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and don’t want to have to worry about that."

• Rea...
• September 20, 2022

For Depression "I am over 50 years old and have tried just about every antidepressant, antipsychotic, and mood stabilizer out there over the past 30 years. Rexulti is a lifesaver. I have been on it for six months, and I’ve never felt better. I can think. I can function. There is a downside: weight gain. It came on pretty quickly, and I gained over 10 pounds, however, the way it makes me feel is worth the weight. I’m on it without a typical antidepressant. It seems to boost my Strattera, which is not prescribed as a standard antidepressant but is an SNRI. I’m also on Lamotrigine."

• Jlg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2024

For Depression "I was on the verge of admitting myself. This medicine pulled me out of the depths of despair in a week. I'm up to 0.5 mg now and may increase more. I hope the effectiveness lasts. I do think I have gained some weight from it but I would rather be fat and sane than thinner and out of my mind. The first day I took it, I felt a bit energized but that only lasted one day. The next days, I felt zero side effects. Maybe a little more sleepy in the evening. Oh, and I also take 25mg of Lexapro since this is an add-on. I've been on Lexapro for ten years and Rexulti for 2 months."