Seroquel and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel makes me feel like I'm on a level playing field again. I don't feel like my thinking's distorted, and I don't cry uncontrollably like I have all of my life. I have gained weight, but I'm fixing to start taking Topamax to counteract that. If the Topamax doesn't work, I will still continue to take Seroquel. I rather gain weight and be able to cope with life 100% better than I did before."

• lyn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 3, 2025

For Bipolar Disorder "This drug literally saved my life. At first, it is hard to get used to the fogginess and feeling sleepy, but most of the side effects went away after 6 months. I did gain about 30 lbs, but that was over the course of 10 years and I have recently been able to get it off. I have had to keep track of calories and eat well to not gain weight on this med. However, that is a better lifestyle anyway. This med helped so much with my OCD/intrusive thoughts and depression. I don't know if I will ever go off this med. At this time, 50-100 mg is all I need. However, when I have a major depression episode, it is increased to 200-300, but that has only happened 2x in 18 years. I felt I needed to write this for someone on the fence about trying this medicine or not. I am glad I did."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel has been a life-changer for me. It has curtailed my manic episodes and kept me sane as I struggle with bipolar I with paranoid features. I recently attempted to switch to Geodon due to weight gain, but I immediately switched back to Seroquel because the benefits outweigh the risks of some mild weight gain. I take 400 mg daily: 200 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the evening. It helps me get a decent night’s sleep, which is crucial for keeping me from slipping into bipolar episodes. I give it a 9/10 because the weight gain can be a moderate annoyance."

• RG3...
• March 22, 2017

For Schizophrenia "The drug made me gain weight and become depressed, which I was never before using the drug. I now have an addiction that I can't beat. I would probably sue them for not warning me about the drug's addictive properties. I think this drug may help some people. However, people have a right to be informed about what they are getting into."

• o_o...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "I wanted to share my experience with this med because it has given me hope that recovery is possible. Before Seroquel, I was in and out of inpatient every 6 months for over 3 years, crippling SH problems, ED issues, MDD, severe verbal anger outbursts, and had max dosed a few different antidepressants and antipsychotics that never really did anything for me mentally (except causing weight gain, which contributed to my ED heavily). At my last inpatient stay, I was prescribed 200 mg Seroquel ER along with Prozac 40 mg after maxing out my Abilify (30 mg) and my Lexapro (20 mg) during the same stay. And within the following weeks (accompanied by group and individual therapy), I had made a visible change. Now, 5 months later, it feels like I have a lot of myself again, and I’m not cured, if that’s ever possible, but I don’t hate being alive. I don’t wake up wishing I hadn’t. It has only been a short amount of time, but it’s been helpful."

• Mik...
• October 15, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel is great. Been taking it for seven years. I take 200 mg at night for bipolar. It does take time to get used to it. It does cause me to get hungry 30 minutes after taking it. Just eat a healthy snack. At first, I did gain a couple of pounds. Searching online did not help. Everyone complains about how much you need to eat. It's self-control. I make sure to exercise every day. And trust me, it's not easy. There are days I have no energy. But I tell myself I have 3 little girls and have to make sure I do not get fat and unhealthy. I have bad mood swings without it. It caused me to make it miserable for my wife, kids, and coworkers. Driving was a mission every day."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 5, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel has been very helpful with sleep, and I also noticed some mood stabilization in combination with Lamictal and sometimes Klonopin. Sometimes it is overly sedating, but taking it a couple of hours before normally going to sleep is important for me so that I don't feel drowsy the next day. I did not notice any weight gain on it. My doctor started me on 50 mg, which was good for sedation, but no major difference in mood. 100 mg does make a difference in lowering my anxiety and some mood stabilization with my other medications, but sometimes she recommends me to take 200 mg to reduce mania from flaring up when it starts. Overall, this med has been useful for Bipolar 1 for me."

• the...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on this for about 8 months so far. I take 300 mg at bedtime. It helps with sleep, but I do feel a bit tired during the day. This has really reduced my mania. I used to argue with people until I was literally foaming at the mouth, but now I lose interest in arguments within 5 or 10 minutes. Twitter and news used to upset me, and I'd get amped up about stories, but that's gone away mostly. Now I can react to things that used to make me furious with a laugh or just a short discussion with someone. Seroquel's not perfect, but the weirdness and intensity I used to experience have gone. It also helps greatly with my IBS. I haven't had any weight gain, but my diet is low-fat and limited. Seroquel is much better than TCAs, by the way. Good luck!"

• 0rd...
• September 24, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel helped my paranoia and really kept me mentally stable, but I also was tired all the time, sometimes sleeping for 15 hours a day. I also gained 30 pounds within three months of being on Seroquel. I wouldn't recommend this medicine for anyone who does not wish to rapidly gain weight."

• Hop...
• August 6, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have tried just about every medicine there is to treat bipolar disorder, and Seroquel, hands down, is the best one for me in terms of stability. However, the weight gain has been a problem. I gained 40 pounds on Seroquel. The good news is I've lost 16 pounds of that in 3 1/2 months. It's been hard work, but I am confident I can meet my goal of losing 48 more pounds over the next year."

• San...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 17, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "I’m 61 and was diagnosed bipolar NOS, meaning I don’t fit into any category, but I have elements of bipolar. I used to be very impulsive and have made some bad decisions. I was high energy, but I also had a lot of depression. I had bad reactions to antidepressants. I would get very irritable. I've been on a low dose of lithium and 25 mg of Seroquel for several years. The Seroquel makes me a little groggy in the morning, but it has really helped with irritability. I’ve gained some weight because I’m not as hyper as I used to be. Hope this helps. I’m not ashamed to admit I need meds. Some people resist when they should be on them."

• fre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "Took for bipolar disorder (for the depression). In small doses, this caused me to be too sleepy to function. When I took a large dose at night, however, it knocked me out, and I was good the next day. This really did help with the depression and mood swings. However, it caused significant weight gain. I had to stop taking this when a job had ended and I no longer had insurance. I fought insomnia for around 6 months, but after that time, was finally able to sleep again, and the weight came out. I would recommend this for someone who really needs it, but not until other medicines have been tried first with no success."

• Par...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2017

For Schizophrenia "Out of all the antipsychotics I have taken, Seroquel makes me feel the most normal! I was put on Geodon originally in 2012 when I had my first psychotic break. The Geodon made me gain 60 lb, eventually caused insomnia, binge eating, and heavy drinking. Drugs like Fanapt and Latuda made me more depressed/mind rush. I was put on Seroquel in 2015. My binge eating disorder continued, and I gained 40 lbs that year :/. It made me feel a million times better than Geodon, though. I was able to stop popping Xanax and Klonopin every day. I eventually stopped binge eating in October 2016 and lost the 40 lbs. Currently, I take 600 mg of Seroquel and 100 mg of Zoloft, and 0.5 mg of Xanax at night as needed to quiet my thoughts."

• Boo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2018

For Schizophrenia "My daughter began taking 400 mg of Seroquel when she was 17 years old. The first year she gained over 40 pounds. Her doctor recognized that the weight gain was contributing to her depression. He prescribed Topamax. My understanding is that Topamax is normally used to treat seizures, but this medication also helps with impulsivity (which she struggles with as well). A side effect is that it’s an appetite suppressant, or at least that’s how it affects my daughter. She currently takes 100 mg a day and is back down to her regular weight. I hope others can safely be prescribed this medication if their doctors find it appropriate."

• Woo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Seroquel due to being on the 'spectrum' of bipolar and having bad anxiety, depression, and some paranoia. I remember when I started it, feeling at peace just being in public. Calmest I have ever felt in my life. Had to stop it because I was having issues with it causing edema in my legs. Have issues with type 2 diabetes prior to this, so figured I'd better not try to start it up again. I really wish I could because it was nothing short of a miracle for me. Weight gain wasn't bad. Getting up too fast from bed would cause dizziness and ear ringing sometimes, but just a few hours after I took it at night. (Didn't happen that often though.) In combination with Luvox, it made a big difference in my life for the better."

• Wyn...
• March 31, 2011

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have been treated for schizoaffective disorder and bipolar 1 since 1998. I have been on many medicines and combinations of medicines. In 2006, I had been off medicines for about a year when I went into psychosis and extremely manic - I was not sleeping and could not relax. The hallucinations and delusions were troubling. I was given Seroquel, and on the first night, I slept and slept very well for the first time in months. I woke up with a clear head and was not confused about who or where I was. I did not get the zombie feeling, but I was very tired all the time - taking Seroquel 4 times a day. When my dose and frequency were reduced, the sleepiness went away. (I take it just at bedtime now). I didn't get weight gain from it. Seroquel was my miracle medicine."

• oct...
• October 3, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been bipolar for 26 years. After my first and huge depression, I have not missed lithium, not even for a day. I have had a really good acceptance of Seroquel, but not of Seroquel XR. The difference is huge, and XR plays with your sleep patterns and more. The insatiable hunger is so, so true, as is the weight gain. I just eat less and less and less, and as a person who has had an amazing metabolism, I still am 105 lbs. After 3 children, my teen weight, I am now at 115 lbs, and I hate it. But I have no desire to stop Seroquel."

• Hop...
• April 25, 2012

For Insomnia "I started taking Seroquel about 10 years ago. I have to take about 600 mg a night plus Ambien to get a good night's sleep (this is as prescribed by my doctor). I don't know what I would do without it. It changed my life when I realized what a good night's sleep could do. My depression improved just by sleeping better. I've never had any terrible side effects. I do tend to have to eat after I take it as it seems to make it work faster. I did have a small amount of weight gain (5-10 lbs), but nothing like when I tried Zyprexa (30-40 lbs)! Seroquel is definitely something you should ask your doctor about!"

• Bro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 18, 2016

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I've been on this medication for 5-6 years now on a large dose of 800 mg a night! It's the only medication that has worked for me. Sleep slot, but my big main problem is weight gain! I went from 65 kg up to 122 kg in the years of taking it! I keep active and have a terrific diet, I just can't seem to lose any weight, so for me, I'm at a place of wondering if I should swap for something else and risk it. Fat and happy or thin and crazy?"

• Mel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Seroquel more years than I know. I have always been on the magical 200 mg. I'm only on 50 mg now because of weight gain. I really did not want to be on this and tried to go off. The headaches and misery are just awful trying to come off this drug. So, back on Seroquel... along with Lamictal, Tegretol, and Topamax. I have Bipolar 1, another name I've been told is Classic Bipolar. Seroquel helps with sleep for sure. Don't like the heaviness on the chest if it's too high a dose. Also, getting up to eat like 10 minutes after taking it. AND feeling zombie next day. I've noticed if my meds aren't taken before midnight, forget the next day. Next day is gone. Sleeping all day. And if I don't snack with these meds, my heart feels weird."

• Aub...
• September 23, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking this for a few weeks, and I think I've already gained 10 pounds because I am hungry 100% of the time. I've had insomnia for all 20 years of my life and have yet to find a medication that makes me sleep until this one, and on the 50 mg dose. That would be amazing if it did not make me sleep for the rest of the day too. It shuts me down to the point where it is harder than normal to breathe. I've been staying with it in hopes that I would improve, but all I've noticed is that I am more irritated by even the smallest things."

• Stp...
• February 16, 2016

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have been on a lot of them, and I'm now on 300 mg Seroquel. It is the best. I have not gained weight, but I exercise. I take it at night. I don't see things, I feel things touching me, but I still have one voice and not four in my head."

• pis...
• June 8, 2009

For Paranoid Disorder "I was given this medication for alcohol/drug psychosis, and after 2 years in 12-step recovery programs, I am still on 450 milligrams. I started a reduction regime and was down to 150 milligrams, and my paranoia symptoms returned. Went to see the doctor and resumed my previous dosage. I experience no side effects listed but must say I am in good health and keep fit. There is the issue of weight gain, using fitness, I managed to lose 10 kilograms."

• J M...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Pleased with this medication. I was diagnosed with bipolar II two years ago at age 48. Started on lamotrigine (300 mg) and bupropion XL (150 mg) taken in the morning, which worked well, but didn't calm the incessant negative and depressing thoughts I was still battling. Seroquel was added recently. I take 300 mg at bedtime. Great sleep medication! This is the best, most effective medicine I've ever used if I need to get to sleep early in order to wake up early in the morning for work. I exercise on my elliptical on average 5 days a week, and haven't experienced any weight gain since taking Seroquel, gratefully. I think weight gain would be less of an issue if more bipolar people committed to exercising on a regular basis."

• jel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 23, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "This was a miracle drug. I was on lithium initially, and it made me sick and incapacitated each day for lengthy periods. Being on Seroquel enabled me to discontinue other medications that one of my psychiatrists had put me on. As far as weight gain goes, I may have an edge on people since I have a lot of GI issues and don't feel well if I eat too much. I won't say that I had it easy curbing my appetite, though. I have had to monitor my weight and use restraint. My blood work does have my cholesterol and glucose inching up. My body is able to compensate so far to keep them close to the near normal range then."