Seroquel and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• pra...
• April 21, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "This is an update of my use of Seroquel. I have been on 800 mg/day for over a year now. My doctor had to keep increasing the dose due to stubborn anxiety/depression. My moods have calmed down a lot, not so many highs and lows. I do still see a therapist which helps with coping with life stresses and behavioral difficulties. I sleep a lot, between 8-10 hours nightly. I still take a small amount of Ambien just to help shut down the racing thoughts in my mind. I am having a hard time with my weight. I want to eat the wrong things all the time. I'm 15 lbs. heavier now than I was before taking Seroquel, but the Wellbutrin I was on made me not want to eat ever again, so I was way underweight, 125 lbs. at 5'8" tall."

• red...
• February 18, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I don't mind Seroquel, other medicines made my stomach sick, but Seroquel helps. Didn't like weight gain, so I'm dieting. It's better than Geodon."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2011

For Depression "Have been on Seroquel for 4 weeks for depression. I take it before bed. Still experiencing a 'hangover' type feeling in the mornings. I gained 8 pounds in the first 3 weeks I took it. Makes me want to eat even when I am not hungry. However, I am not crying as much, can handle day-to-day life better, and I haven't had chest pain or racing heartbeats since I started, which is a great improvement."

• Anonymous
• November 18, 2010

For Borderline Personality Disorder "This medication is adequate compared to others in its class, despite still causing significant side effects such as weight gain (which is very undesirable). At first, this medicine seemed very strong and made me 'zombie-like' (e.g., slow, unemotional, sleepy), but after a couple of days, these were significantly improved. I was on a dose of up to 75 mg, and as far as the effects of each individual dose; 25 mg helped with sleep and 'anger management,' 50 mg increased my hunger (a lot), and 75 mg helped a little more with anxiety and emotional stability."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel has helped me a lot in the crisis days. However, I have gained a lot of weight and get drowsy easily. I would recommend it if you are really agitated and full of anxiety and have racing thoughts."

• sag...
• April 5, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar one about a year ago and originally took Abilify until I realized it gave me severe anxiety. My doctor changed me to Seroquel, which I take before bed. It did take a while to adjust to how sedating it was, but it relieved me of my insomnia. However, I have been gaining weight steadily since beginning Seroquel, with an insatiable urge to eat about an hour after I take my medication. No matter what I do to lose weight - 15 pounds gained since Seroquel - I cannot lose the weight. I love the fact that it seems to work well with my body and cures my insomnia, but there's got to be something better for me that doesn't cause me to gain so much weight."

• yor...
• January 28, 2009

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I've now been on this drug for 5 months. I haven't self-harmed during this time. I have gained some weight, although in recent weeks, I've been able to stop bingeing for the first time in years. I tend to wake up feeling down or agitated, so perhaps the pills aren't working for the full 24 hours. However, once I've taken the medicines, I am calm again. The major downside is that I easily sleep for 14 hours straight and find it impossible to motivate myself to do anything. The days go by very quickly, and I do little other than eat, sleep, and watch TV. In the long term, this has to be a bad thing, but for now, I'm happy not to be feeling ill."

• kio...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 30, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel is the only tricky medication I take in terms of side effects. Out of all of the antipsychotics I have tried, however, Seroquel is the one that actually helps. It is also one of the few that is advisable when it comes to long-term maintenance therapy, which all my medications need to be. I am extremely sensitive to the dosage, though: at 200 mg it was effective, but the restless legs made me want to cry; each time I tried 250 mg (breakthrough psychosis) I developed idiopathic mastitis, which is a rare side effect, despite lack of pregnancy ever or breastfeeding; anything below 150 mg is like I didn't take an AP at all. At 150 mg, my positive and negative psychotic symptoms are 95% managed, which is awesome. Still, after taking it, I cannot be walking around. My blood pressure crashes within 5 minutes, and I need to lay flat. Preexisting heart problems. The benefits for me outweigh that limitation; I just have to plan my bedtime so I have snacks and water ready. No weight gain reported."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 24, 2024

"After many years of struggling with PMDD and trying everything in the book, I found two medications that really made a difference. One of them was daytime Seroquel. I was super reluctant at first because I had to get things done on those days, and I was worried I'd be too sleepy to function. However, when my anxiety and irritability were high, 12.5 mg of Seroquel really made me feel okay and sort of good again without knocking me out. There is a comfort that the Seroquel gives me, and the feeling that I want to curl up with a blanket, movie, and snacks. I was still able to get work done, however. I do have a fast-paced job on my feet, so that probably keeps me from lolling off too. The only problem is the 'snackiness.' I've gained 10 pounds this year, and my A1C is high. All of these antipsychotics have side effects, unfortunately. I'd say I’m a better employer, girlfriend, and friend, and I'm kinder to myself now, so it’s worth it."

• Lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 13, 2021

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I had a nervous breakdown in February 2020. I had to do 20 days inpatient. They gave me Invega, which did not work at all. After I was released, I still wasn't right at all. I ended up even getting arrested for criminal trespassing. I started doing therapy and met with a medical provider. I asked to be put on Seroquel because I could not sleep at all. I take 200 mg a day, and it's very effective in stopping racing thoughts. You have to really watch what you eat on it. I have worked very hard to have gained zero weight. I also continue to take Doxepin, which I was previously prescribed."

• Max...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar mania with stages of depression. It has been like this since I was very young. It comes along with episodes of mood swings. I am on 25 mg of Seroquel now and have been on both 50 mg and 100 mg. 25 mg does great things for me. No more sleepless nights. No more intense spending sprees. No more major anxiety most of the time. A lot less depression and a lot less irritability I experienced as well. I get tired and a little unmotivated in the morning, but I have coffee and breakfast and I'm good. Weight gain is the other concern but I have controlled it with walking good amounts each day. Well worth a try and definitely something to consider for a bipolar patient."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "This medication has saved my life. I was having the worst episodes ever: high, low, high, low, no sleep, totally impulsive, on the downward spiral to self-destruction. Spending money, running around town at all hours, telling off people at work... then the crash. Sobbing in my doctor's office, she wrote the script for Seroquel. I had zero faith because all the antidepressants, etc., she'd tried me on never worked to calm the chaos/PTSD reactivity in my head. I was ready to end it all. Thank goodness I filled the script and took it. I slept! That in itself is a miracle. I kept my job, and I'm hopefully on a journey to wellness. My mind is calmer. I can think one thing after another in a logical order instead of a cloud of white noise and traumatic memories flashing. I think with this med and some good PTSD therapy, I might have a second chance... at life. I don't care if I gain a little weight... I want to live without constant chaos. So grateful."

• Tka...
• April 9, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Due to weight gain, I tried other medications to help control manic thoughts at night and help me sleep. Nothing works. What I decided to do was actually up my dose with my doctor so that the effects of sleepiness would kick in before the hunger. I take 200 mg Seroquel at night with a combination of 300 mg Wellbutrin XR for depression and 150 mg Lamictal for mood stabilization during the day. I take 15 mg of BuSpar twice a day for anxiety. I got off all of these when I was pregnant and was a complete basket case. This drug cocktail worked for 10 years and I spiraled when I went off of it. Since I’ve been back on my meds for four months, I’m completely normal again, functioning at a high level. I run a very successful business, and I know that I could not do it without these medications. I have virtually no side effects except for if I stay awake for too long after taking the Seroquel, I will get uncontrollable hunger. Seroquel does cause dry mouth in the middle of the night, but it’s worth it."

• joh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 11, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "The cons: higher appetite, weight gain, diabetes, cognitive dulling. The pros: I take 800 mg a day all at night, and once a quarter I accidentally double dose and feel perfect after that. I just slept for 24 hours during a staycation, and wow do I feel good and sharp. So my employer is aware of my condition, and we structure my workload such that I do serious creative computer programming in the afternoon after the 'dulling' wears off. My advice is to take it all at 8 pm and get in bed at 8:30 - 9:00. Then you will be able to do normal work at 9 am and complex work after noon. Diet and exercise are key because you have to manage the diabetes that comes with it. If I feel depressed or manic, I might add 400 mg, and that usually fixes it, but that is probably risky. Also note that the generic is really cheap now, under $25 a month at max legal dose, or $54 for 3 months' worth."

• 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."

• Gas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 20, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "At one point, I was on regular Seroquel as needed and Seroquel XR daily. During this time, I gained a lot of weight that I just could not take off. I was prescribed the Seroquel as needed, 25 mgs up to 3 times a day. Later on, I was going through something else, and Seroquel had just gone generic. My psychiatrist put me back on the 25 mg pill as needed. I rarely used it, and this time I didn't gain any weight from it, which I was relieved about. I know they say that the lower doses are supposed to make you really tired, but that didn't seem to have any effect on 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!"

• 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?"

• 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."

• She...
• April 30, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on Seroquel for one month. Have gained 9 lbs. Otherwise, good drug."

• gri...
• March 12, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been medically treating my bipolar disorder for 11 years. Finding the right medication and the proper doses is tremendous work. You may find that Seroquel is not helping you, but that may not be true, you may not have found the right dose, and initial side effects do subside. I take 900 mg lithium, 400 mg Seroquel, and 400 mg lamotrigine. Up until 2013, I was in and out of serious episodes that would last for months and destroy my life. I was taking 150 mg of Seroquel, and my doc was hesitant to increase my dose. This increase of dose saved me. I am no longer controlled by this disease and rarely have episodes. I do hate Seroquel for sedation, panic attacks at night, lucid nightmares, and weight gain. BUT I have my life back, and the negatives are so worth it!"

• Hea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Although my doctor prescribed it mainly for bipolar depression, he will temporarily increase the dose in response to emerging manic symptoms, especially racing thoughts, agitation, extreme irritability, and delusions. Positive - Significantly (80-90%) calms my thoughts. Helps me fall and stay asleep. Keeps my depression in check. I am now compliant with all of my medications and trust my doctor. Negative - higher doses blunt my affect. I must take my dosage at bedtime because of tremendous sedation, which is when the drug saturation is highest in my blood and brain. If I must get up during the night, for example, bathroom, I'm disoriented and dizzy. I could never take it during the day. Weight gain from 'munchies.' Sex-related problems."

• peo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel, 50 mg nightly in addition to Lithium (2 x 200 mg) and Cipramil (20 mg), a dream combo for me. Stops the racing thoughts and knocks me out cold for 8 hours/night. Slight weight gain of maybe 2-3 kilos, but hardly noticeable. I'll take the extra weight over hypomania and insomnia any day."

• The...
• September 12, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Of all medications I have taken for mental illnesses, Seroquel has been the most effective. It started working almost immediately. At first, 25 mg nightly, then 50 mg, to 75 mg, to 100 mg only at bedtime due to the drowsiness that accompanies it. I now take 150 mg at bed and 25 mg with breakfast and 25 mg at lunchtime, which is keeping anxiety at bay. It required an increase monthly for me until now. The biggest benefit was treatment of insomnia, which in turn helped me manage my days better. It hasn't been effective in preventing or even reducing the effects of mania, which is why it didn't get a full 10/10 from me. The worst side effect has been the constant weight gain."

• kay...
• November 14, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I love Seroquel but not the XR type. Helps you to sleep well at night and wake up feeling great. Gives you major munchies at night and woke up with Reese's Pieces all over the bed. Does help with a lot on highs and lows. So for me it's worth a little weight gain. Overall this medicine has changed my life."