Quetiapine and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

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

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine 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."

• Seb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "It works to reduce obsessiveness and anxiety, but has made me go up two dress sizes, which is horrible, and I have to stop taking it. But now, I'm lowering my doses, the obsessiveness is back. I have been diagnosed with GAD, not OCD, because I don't have compulsions but only obsess on things."

• DET...
• April 26, 2010

Quetiapine 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."

• Tik...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been on quetiapine since I was 13 for major depression and anxiety. I was off of it for a brief period of less than a year when I was 19, and completely decompensated. As soon as it was restarted, within a matter of days, I was already feeling like myself again. While I’m not a fan of the increased appetite (and therefore weight gain), as well as the increased sedation, I feel like a normal person when I’m on it. I’m 21 now and able to excel through college because of this medication. I can’t express how grateful I am for it. If you deal with those same side effects, I recommend asking your doctor about adding a low dose of Vyvanse to your morning medications. It decreases appetite and wakes you up a bit, getting you out of that sedative head fog. Just my two cents. :-)"

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

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine 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."

• Mar...
• December 27, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had episodes of extreme anxiety/depression, but on my third episode I was under constant stress at work, so could not heal naturally. Therefore, I was put on SSRIs and benzos, but they did nothing. Then I was put on Avanza, which worked for a month, then suddenly stopped. Then I got a thyroid problem, and I was in a bad way, so they put me on Seroquel 300 mg with a month off work. It worked fine, I felt good, so went back to work, and then I relapsed again. I ended up in the hospital, and they finally diagnosed me with bipolar spectrum disorder after I explained some strange sensations I had experienced, mainly extreme irritability, followed by an inability to get out of bed, etc. I am stable, and the Seroquel has definitely helped, but it does have side effects like weight gain, mental and physical slowness, being dumbed down, and the ability to sleep all day unless I have a reason to get up, like work. I have started to reduce the dose from 300 mg to 250 mg and already notice feeling less drugged."

• Hop...
• April 25, 2012

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine 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?"

• Lit...
• August 5, 2013

For Insomnia "I have been on quetiapine 50 mg for I don't know how long, but my sleep lasted 3 hrs. Then I would wake up and sleep the rest of the night. I was very tired and depressed all the time, very unhappy. About 5 days ago, my psych put me on 100 mg. Now I sleep all night, it feels like I'm in another world. I have not seen any more hunger. I won't know about weight gain for a while."

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

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine 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."

• Air...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2015

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I am a veteran of Iraq and have been struggling with PTSD since I got out. I have also bipolar disorder and was thinking about suicide a lot. I will tell you one thing, this medication (forgetting the weight gain) has saved my life! I feel completely normal, of course, I am not taking it by itself. I take another mood stabilizer and an antidepressant with it. Right now, I take 3 doses of 100 mg daily, and I feel normal again!! This medication is just great!"

• Stp...
• February 16, 2016

Quetiapine 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."

• may...
• May 9, 2013

Quetiapine 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."

• mtb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

For Depression "I am 65 and have PTSD from the loss of my son. I was prescribed Xanax and Klonopin for a few years, but they did not deal with the panic attacks that I was experiencing. I cannot take SSRIs due to side effects, so I mentioned the Seroquel to my doctor, who said it did have a mild antidepressant effect. I take .25 mg in the morning and 3 of them at night. No weight gain, I am very active. If anything, my appetite has fallen. I sleep 8 hours of REM sleep and don't really need as much of the Xanax or Klonopin now. The Seroquel has helped me function greatly and won't allow the panic to set in. So, I am happy with it."

• pis...
• June 8, 2009

Quetiapine 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."

• Bri...
• April 5, 2017

Quetiapine 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."

• Z B...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 26, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Helped me sleep when even benzos and Ambien didn't. Also helps with my lack of appetite. I did gain 45 lbs the first few months, but eventually, I lost the weight. I actually liked the weight gain, I've been underweight my whole life. As far as anxiety, I'd say it helps me relax but doesn't slow my mind down like the Xanax I used to take. Still, mildly effective for anxiety. Download card from website, 30-day supply with no insurance will cost $11, without card, $77. Big difference."

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

Quetiapine 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

Quetiapine 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."

• Kae...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 12, 2018

Quetiapine "Let me just say, I hate Seroquel! I was prescribed it for sleep 8 years ago. For the first couple of years, I was on about 300-400 mg a day, and I would feel like I was literally dying when it kicked in. My heart would race, I felt like I couldn’t breathe, and then I’d just black out. It made me feel so sluggish the next day. Also, I gained so much weight on this! It makes you have an insatiable hunger, and it’s terrible. I would walk down the halls and knock into them like I was drunk, my vision was so blurry, and I couldn’t think. It was the worst sensation ever! I’m now down to 50 mg of the XR and trying to wean off, but I’m scared. Last time the doctor tried, I blacked out and my blood pressure dropped, and the hospital said I couldn’t wean off it. Now, a year later, I’m trying again, and it’s terrible. I can’t sleep, restless legs, can’t get comfortable, and feel tired all day. I don't recommend this to anybody!!!"

• eli...
• December 28, 2011

Quetiapine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Have been on and off Seroquel for a few years for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Self-harm has been a big compulsion for me. With this medicine, it really helps reduce that and many other compulsions. Only big side effect is weight gain. But after being on it for half a year, I realize I'd rather be overweight than have the symptoms I typically have."