Caplyta and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Esb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Caplyta is a game changer! For me, my bipolar depression is mostly compounded by my ADHD, creating extremely low energy and so much restlessness. Because all other antipsychotics block the D1 dopamine receptor, they never help me beyond pulling me out of an acute hypomanic or mixed episode. Caplyta is a D1 and D2 agonist (promoter)! It has been remarkable for keeping me level and helping with my depression without causing any weight gain whatsoever. Two months on it, and I’ve lost everything I gained and more from when I was on Abilify. Caplyta is my savior. It’s my miracle all-in-one. Please try it, and give it a few weeks."

• Fuh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I started this med a couple of days ago. I feel okay. Extreme dry mouth. I literally woke up in the night to chug milk, water, and OJ. That being said, I usually can only sleep 90 minutes each time I fall asleep through the night. I’ve been sleeping 3-5 hours each time the last couple of nights, and for the first time in years, I'm feeling like I’ve had some rest when I awake. For years, crawling out of bed in the morning, I felt like I had the crap beaten out of me. The only side effect I’m worried about is the weight gain. But I will continue to work with my doctor to see if we can make a go of this. I’ve tried many meds over the years. This is the only one I have hope for, as the others made me crazier, made me want to gamble, and one had me so zombified that I was going to Jack in the Box every night for like 200 mini churros."

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I have Schizophrenia. After four years and as many different prescriptions, a 30+ lb weight gain, and blood glucose & cholesterol levels off the charts, my doctor prescribed the new drug, Caplyta. It's been five weeks and I've lost 2 lb. In addition, my sleep, sex drive, and well-being are feeling restored to a level I’d nearly forgotten and haven't been at since my mid-20s. Looking forward to the follow-up blood work in two months."

• Mug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2021

For Schizophrenia "Well, I was previously on a combination of Vraylar and Risperdal, but I changed the Vraylar to Caplyta because Vraylar was causing weight gain. So far on Caplyta, I have experienced little to no side effects, and I’ve lost 3 lbs within my first month of taking the drug. One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that I haven’t been getting my period. Not sure if it’s because of Caplyta or not, but I’m not complaining, lol."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2021

For Schizophrenia "My 21-year-old son's been on this med for bipolar 1 with psychosis. He has been on it for 3 weeks now after coming off Vraylar, which was great until it stopped working as well (but did cause weight gain). So far, the Caplyta is not doing as well, and he's sleeping or about to fall asleep all day. He looks and acts drugged, with slurred speech at times, like he did when he was on Seroquel. And he's having sleep paralysis more often, with increased hallucinations at night. Should say he's also on Depakote, Buspar, and Lamictal (generic forms) and Ingrezza for muscle spasms, so I'm not sure if there is some interaction or overdosing going on. We talk to his N.P. this week, and he wants off it when he's awake enough to think about it."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2021

For Schizophrenia "The main psychotic symptom I experience is paranoia. I have cycled through 9 different antipsychotics until I was finally prescribed Caplyta. Past drugs caused extreme weight gain without overeating (40 lbs), major sedation, restlessness, tongue swelling (allergic reaction), akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, impulsiveness, compulsiveness, and terrifying depersonalization and derealization. On Caplyta, I experienced extreme sedation and difficulty being productive in the beginning. After 2 months, the sedation went away, then I could get tasks done and wake up early. After 5 months, I lost 13 lbs without trying. My paranoia is minimized and manageable. This drug is one simple pill that must be taken once a day, with the only minor inconvenience of having to be taken with food."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Caplyta because I was sick of the weight gain, flat affect, and sedation that I was getting from other antipsychotics. The first two weeks were physically rough. I was waking up after 5 hours of sleep every night, I was incontinent of stool 3x, and I was incredibly nauseous with no appetite to the point where I'd go 5 days without eating. Then, after 2-2.5 weeks, something changed. All the side effects went away, and I was finally able to focus on how it made me feel mentally. It has changed my life. My family says I have a completely different personality - one that is engaged in life, confident, calm, social beyond belief, and genuinely happy. I have had no psychosis, and I feel like Caplyta pulled me out of a depression that I had just unconsciously accepted as my 'normal.' I'm very happy I found this drug and will continue to use it. FYI."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Like many of you, I have tried a multitude of medications to treat my BPD, ADHD, and GAD. I take Wellbutrin and Vyvanse, but I have had horrific experiences with pretty much every antipsychotic I have tried, particularly associated with the side effect profile. With regard to Caplyta, I feel, for lack of better words, 'centered.' There is a semblance of calm and quelled anxiety that is difficult to replicate. In addition, the ability to differentiate between emotions and take constructive criticism has been an invaluable asset. With regard to weight gain, while it may vary for many people, I have lost weight and have a decreased appetite. Overall, if you are struggling, I would highly recommend trying this medication."

• Lit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I have been on Caplyta for a week for schizoaffective disorder. I have had mild nausea, and so far, I have gained 2 pounds in the week I have been on it. Will not tolerate weight gain, and so far, my psychosis is still happening. May go back on Geodon if my symptoms do not improve."

• Anonymous
• January 14, 2023

For Schizophrenia "I've been taking Caplyta for about two months, and I have improved so much. Other medications I've tried just made me gain weight, and they were just sedatives that did nothing but make me sleep and eat. I would go back to the doctor and complain and then just get another one to make me sleep and eat. But Caplyta is different, it actually gets rid of the hallucinations instead of sedating and numbing my head."

• Liv...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 24, 2022

For Schizophrenia "I have trialed this medication for 8 months and previously had a raving review about weight loss and more manageable symptoms. Problems have arisen since my initial review that have changed my opinion. It costs $2000 out of pocket and is not available in generic, so it is also not the most accessible. This medication raised my prolactin levels outside of the normal range, resulting in visible hair loss (I am a young woman). Raised prolactin levels can also affect fertility, and I could not tolerate either. Taking this medication while in school negatively impacted my schedule and caused me to have to take a medical leave. Immediately after taking the drug, I am extremely exhausted and cannot think. I could not dedicate evenings to getting schoolwork done as needed, due to slow cognition and lethargy immediately after taking. With this medicine, there is initial weight gain and then eventual weight loss, but if you miss a dose or doses, the weight comes right back."

• Yol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "My experience has been good. I am very stable, and I don't have any weight gain or sedation."