Seroquel XR and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 6, 2013

For Depression "I have had depression since I was a child, but I didn't start getting help for it until I was 19. I have tried Prozac and Celexa, which did nothing for me, and then my doctor asked me if I have ever heard of a medicine called Seroquel XR. I started out on 50mg and then worked my way up to 300mg. The only side effects for me were weight gain and drowsiness, but the drowsiness went away after a couple of months of using this medicine. Overall, I really like this medicine. It has helped me tremendously!"

• Kmt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2015

For Depression "I have taken it for PTSD at night for a long time. I'm able to sleep without having horrific nightmares. There is weight gain, but that boosts me to eat healthy and exercise, which helps my depression! Klonopin to help with daytime anxiety and Seroquel before bed are the two drugs that keep me sane and able to live a normal life."

• Sof...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 4, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar disorder type 2. I'm on Seroquel XR 150 mg for 10 years now. Before, I was on Seroquel 300 mg for more than a year. I have tried different antipsychotic medicine combinations for years, but only Seroquel works for me. Changed my life for the better. I have chronic insomnia, tried all sleeping pills, but only lasted for weeks, then I couldn't sleep anymore. But Seroquel put me to sleep, deeper sleep, and I wake up feeling better. I just need to sleep every night at the same time. Also, I gained weight, and the side effect when I feel groggy at night is I feel hungry, so I ended up eating at midnight. I know it sucks that I gained weight. I tried to stop taking it for a few days, then my depression attacked me very suddenly and my mood fluctuated. From then, I never stopped taking Seroquel and I feel better. I told my psychiatrist that Seroquel is my best friend, without it, I feel horrible. It is indeed a lifesaver."

• Koo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2013

For Depression "I have had bipolar disorder/personality disorder and severe depression for about 30 years and have tried just about every medicine there is. A recent setback had me in the hospital: my doctor decided to put me on Seroquel XR 400 mg along with my other medicines. In the beginning, it seemed to help me, as time went on, my symptoms of low mood, suicidal thoughts, etc. came back. Most important to note was the weight gain. In under a year, I gained almost 50 lbs for no real reason. Extreme fatigue and sleepiness made it hard to get out of bed in the mornings! I am now reducing my dosage to slowly get off it as per my doctor's orders and switching to an alternative. I am hoping this will work."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2008

For Depression "My 16-year-old daughter has been in and out of the hospital for a year and 8 months with a lot of ups and downs. She was given Seroquel XR, and she is like a new person. She has gained weight from it and wanted to be taken off of it, but as the doctor started taking her off of it, she did not like what was happening to her and said, 'I would rather gain weight and be stable than skinny and angry and sad all the time.'"

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I've only been on Seroquel for 2 to 3 weeks, but I have had a largely positive experience. I have had a diagnosis of depression for about ten years and was using Cipralex (Lexapro). I came off Cipralex twice, and both times I became very depressed. Even on Cipralex, my mood was constantly changing, so I went to see a psychiatrist who thinks I may have Cyclothymia or bipolar II, so he started me on 50 mg of Seroquel. Initially, I was very groggy but have gotten over that. I've also gained a stone in weight. But my mood has really stabilized for the first time. I feel happy, confident, and passionate. I no longer have a million thoughts in my head, so I can focus better. Hopefully, this continues."

• Ban...
• January 18, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "SEVERE WEIGHT GAIN and METABOLIC SYNDROME! I had always suffered from anxiety from childhood to adulthood. My doctor prescribed a low dosage of 150 MG in December 2010. At the time I was prescribed Seroquel XR 150 MG, I weighed 96 lbs, petite frame, size 0 or 2. On January 11, 2012, I weighed in at 136 lbs. The 40 lbs of weight gain within one year went to my abdomen, and I am covered in cellulite on my abs, hips, back, buttocks, and thighs. I monitored my diet and intake the entire time, but the weight gain was out of control."

• Nat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 8, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar II about 5 years ago, and I've tried everything on the market. Nothing worked for me except Seroquel. Right now, I take 300 mg twice per day, and I'm so stable. I'm loving it. The problem, though, with Seroquel is that it's a major weight gainer. I would stop taking it on and off when I felt better, but then would use other meds to bandage my symptoms... get back on, then off again... until one day I decided to stop with the denial and allow someone to help me for real. I've been on it now faithfully for 9 months... but I've put on 60 lbs! It makes me eat after hours in the middle of the night. I'm depressed because of the weight gain. So I work out at home at times, trying to be more consistent. You have to work this medicine."

• lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been in and out of mental health clinics for a long time, just trying to find something to slow my racing thoughts and make me feel like life is bearable. I've taken benzodiazepines, only to become drug-seeking and take too many and need early refills, thereby being forced by the prescriber to wean off. Done SSRIs with no effect whatsoever. Remeron made me gain 40 pounds in like 2 months' time and didn't help me sleep. Marijuana made me paranoid. I just started some new therapy and was diagnosed with bipolar II and post-traumatic stress disorder. She gave me Seroquel XR, and my mind is calm and I sleep well on it. I'm still on a pretty low dose, going up to 100 mg tonight and then 150 mg in 2 days. Just hope I don't gain weight, but so far I feel productive and my mind is quiet."

• Ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2013

For Depression "I have been on 400 mg of Seroquel XR along with my antidepressant for more than 1 year. Initially, the medicine worked great for my stress, delusions, and helped me sleep well at night. Lately, the anxiety has returned, and I have severe anxiety during the daytime. At night, I pass out, so I don't feel much. However, this medicine has caused me to gain a lot of weight. I would say I have gained about 25 pounds since starting the medicine."

• DET...
• April 26, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 with psychotic features 3 years ago, but always dealt with grandiose thinking, mild delusions, and a good deal of depression. After self-medicating for two years, I had a mental meltdown, and after spending 2 months cooped up in my apartment, anorexic, dying; I decided it was time to see a psychiatrist. The medications I was prescribed ranged from mood stabilizers to antipsychotics, benzos, sleeping pills, many I was allergic to, like Depakote and Trileptal. Anyway, at first, I tried the regular Seroquel but gained 40 lbs in one month and slept 14 hours a day. Switched to Seroquel XR, not as tired, lost 20 lbs, appetite/mental noise decreased, panic relief, strong sleep aid, life manageable; they are expensive. HIGHLY recommend."

• may...
• May 9, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I take this medication for Bipolar II, and it has been amazing at stabilizing my moods. I no longer feel filled with rage and irritability and no longer have issues with impulsive thoughts. The big problem that I am having with this medication is horrendous weight gain. I exercise at least three times a week and eat well, yet I have gained 20 kg (44.09 pounds) in the 8 months that I have been on this medicine. Another issue I have is vivid dreams. But I think this is just a sign of getting deep and sound sleep-something I could never achieve prior to taking this medicine. It is amazing but a nightmare all rolled into one."

• Bri...
• April 5, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this for about 2 months, and I've recently been getting extremely tired all day long (even if I take it way earlier the day before). The drowsiness is so extreme that I can't even watch a show. I'm literally struggling to stay awake all day because I feel like I just want to sleep my life away. My depression has been through the roof as well! And to top it off, the weight I have gained since I have been on it has been insane. I constantly want to eat all the time! I have gained at least 20-30 pounds in the past month or two! I am definitely going to tell my doctor I want off of it ASAP! I can't take it anymore."

• B30...
• May 13, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel XR has changed my life for the better. I am currently on 400 mg once daily. (I also take Klonopin before I go to work.) For the last 6 months, I have not had to call out sick from work, which was a monthly occurrence before Seroquel. I have not had to take a leave of absence in the last year. I used to have to take 2 six-week leaves a year. I feel much more positive about my job and my life in general. It has been a game changer for me. The only downside is the weight gain. It seems to slow your metabolism down and increase your appetite after taking it, making it difficult to lose weight. I am currently not overweight, so the weight gain is a small price to pay. I do have to exercise regularly and watch more carefully what I eat."

• Joe...
• July 16, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "First of all, let me start by saying that I hear that this is an expensive drug because of how new it is. Luckily for me (perhaps, lol), my insurance considers me catastrophic due to my checkered past, and pays the entire price because they want me to take this medication and stfu, lol. Since taking Seroquel XR, my life has improved so much, and I really have never felt more stable in my life. I've tried anticonvulsants and other antipsychotics, and they have not worked for me. This medication really does, to my surprise! The only downfall is that I've gained 10 pounds taking it, but any antipsychotic will do that. Strongly recommend Seroquel XR!"

• Dai...
• April 6, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "At first, I hated this medication. It made me really tired, with feelings of non-reality and weight gain. The doctor who put me on it said to wait and give it a chance. I'm glad I did. I use it to sleep at night. At some point, I will reduce it, but it's great for now. I have very restful sleeps, but I am unable to remember my dreams. I am bipolar, and although I am on other medication for it, I believe that Seroquel has been key in my mood stability. I take 100 mg every night and 25 mg PRN for anxiety if needed. Although I get tired on it, it does slow down my thoughts."

• van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Have been on Seroquel XR 25 mg (once before bed) for about 6 months now, and my life has completely changed for the better. Yeah, the weight gain is a pain, but it's a small price to pay for normality. Social anxiety/severe insomnia has not been an issue for months!! I'm finally myself again. Have tried other antipsychotics, but nothing works as well as this one. Only downside is an insatiable appetite - but you can minimize weight gain by substituting with fruits, etc., which is what I'm currently doing."

• txf...
• March 9, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "Seroquel XR has been a blessing for me. I currently take 600 mg at night. I have suffered from terrible insomnia, but with this medicine, I actually get some sleep at night. As far as anxiety goes, it works wonders for me. It totally wiped out my anxiety, and I was able to get off of Lithium. In my opinion, it works wonderfully for mania, but I wish it helped a little more with my depression. I take 10 mg of Prozac to boost that. I did gain some weight, but the benefits outweigh this problem. Overall, I think it is a wonderful medicine. I would recommend it highly."

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

For Depression "I was on this medication for around 3 years at different doses, anywhere from 50 mg to 600 mg. It was a very good medicine and helped a lot with my anxiety and depression and really calmed me down and was very helpful, but the weight gain was a killer. I would try to go off over and over and would have to keep going back to it because I would be in such bad shape without it. I had a love/hate relationship with it. I became pre-diabetic while on it. I finally was able to go off and stay off at one point. It's a great drug, but the side effects are horrible as far as weight gain."

• Bef...
• February 7, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I've taken this medication in the past. I required a higher dosage because I was feeling paranoid. A few months ago, I weaned myself off of it, but I took other medications. I started to lose weight, and I was feeling healthy physically, but mentally my mind was active. I don't feel paranoia like I did in the past, but lately I'm taking a low dose of 150 mg compared to 600 mg several months ago. If I take it too soon before bedtime, I tend to feel groggy in the morning, and it takes me 9 hours of sleep. It can cause weight gain and diabetes. Make sure you have your blood sugar monitored every 3 months. Eat small snacks, fewer carbs, and exercise. Healthy sleep makes you happy."

• Sle...
• March 9, 2012

For Insomnia "Seroquel was the only thing that knocked me out. I've been on it for 8 months, but have gained 50 lbs, which I have attributed to Seroquel. Not to mention that diet and exercise aren't cutting it to lose the weight. Wish I could find something that could make me sleep as well as Seroquel without the weight gain."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2011

For Depression "Seroquel XR is very good. It boosts up my energy. After trying other medications, this is the best, with little side effects. In the morning, you feel like staying in bed and weight gain because of hunger cravings."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I don't understand all the negative reviews. For me, this pill has worked well. It's calmed me right down and has been blissful at moments. It's expensive, unfortunately. As for weight gain, I've noticed that it's pretty neutral... Granted, I'm weaning off of Zoloft as well, so who knows, but I find with medications with 'weight gain' as a side effect, just trying your hardest to eat a well-balanced diet will prevent it. It's too easy to give up and say, 'Oh well, I'm gonna get fat'-it's very much not the case. Don't give up. If you're bipolar like me, there's a chance you can do a lot with your brain, so give it a shot and take your life back. I think much more clearly and am more productive. The overwhelming tiredness subsided after one week."

• Lon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was taking 300 mg of Seroquel XR for 6 months. The best part was being able to get a good night’s sleep. I had only been getting 2-3 hrs of rest each night. My mind would race and it was a struggle to stay in bed. I would get up and start cleaning. Additionally, I would spend hours creating plans to organize my life. I had not actually followed any of those plans, and I was depressed. I took Latuda for a short period, but it made my inability to sleep worse. That’s when I was switched to Seroquel. I loved the way it helped me feel normal. The bad - I gained 30 lbs in 6 months. I asked to be taken off and started taking Geodon. Once again, I cannot sleep. I am going to ask to go back to Seroquel XR and focus on following a healthy diet."

• Nes...
• March 15, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm 24 yrs old, have severe RA and have been taking Seroquel XR at 300 milligrams a night for nearly a year. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 years ago but had so much trouble finding a psychiatrist who was caring enough to listen to me (like a psychologist and work as a psychiatrist, pill pusher) so my diagnosis went treated and untreated on and off for a while. But since I've been seeing my doctor regularly and she seems to genuinely care, I've trusted her judgment with her diagnosis and what she thought would help me most. Besides the weight gain, honestly I feel much more stable, and I can deal with the world around me as I see it and haven't had any serious depressive episodes or hypomania. This medication has worked wonders for me."