Psych meds and weight gain

I’m curious to hear how everyone else is doing with this. I haven't been able to get back to my original weight since I started taking them.😠

Scott Fowler39 said:I'm curious about everyone else's experience here. I haven't been able to get back to my baseline weight since I started taking them.😠

I had that same issue with Percocet; it just sent my appetite through the roof. It happens, but I suspect drinking enough water before bed might help trick your stomach for a little while.

Back when I was taking my medications—diazepam, bromazepam, and Valium—I was on them quite frequently for a long time. During that period, my appetite completely vanished; I’d usually only manage to eat once a day, typically around 4:00 PM.
Generally speaking, those pills were incredibly sedating for me. I didn't feel any hunger at all until I reached a point of total physical exhaustion, where I’d start seeing spots or feeling nauseous.

I posted this over on Psychosoft (in the Psychology subforum) too, but I figured I’d ask for some advice here as well.

I’m on Seroquel (a second-gen antipsychotic—taking half of a 100 mg pill once a day), which honestly saved my life at one point, but now I’m dealing with massive weight gain issues.
It’s infuriating. I used to have this lean, athletic build before I ever had to touch heavy-duty stuff like Depakote and Seroquel, but that version of me is gone. To put it bluntly, I've ballooned. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but I’ve put on at least 25 to 30 pounds, give or take. My diet is actually healthier than it's ever been—back when I was drinking heavily and living on pizza and greasy takeout, I was much thinner. Now, it's mostly veggies, legumes, fruit, nuts, stews, fish, and poultry. I eat probiotics and I strictly limit bread to just the mornings, sticking to whole grain or rye.

I try to work out whenever I can—ideally every single day. I cycle, I do thirty minutes of indoor aerobics, I even use a hula hoop, but the weight just won't budge. In fact, I'm stuck in a plateau, fluctuating around 155–160 lbs at 5'8". My waist is hovering around 31 inches, though it swings by a few inches either way. That 31-inch mark is pretty alarming for women; it's right where you start looking at cardiovascular risks. My limbs haven't changed much, but I'm widening at the waist and developing this soft midsection that makes me look like a total blob.

I’ve scoured international forums endlessly looking for ways to lose weight while on Seroquel, and 98% of the consensus is that it's a lost cause—basically a pipe dream.

Does anyone actually have any advice? Are there specific drinks? Should I be chugging insane amounts of water? Do I need to push my workouts to at least an hour a day? And is this actual fat, or am I just bloated from water retention? Are there "magic" teas? Specific types of exercise? Should I cut out sweets forever? (Honestly, I think I’d snap—I never used to care for sugar, but since starting Seroquel, I've developed this craving for chocolate that I can only manage in tiny doses). What about dieting? Would a diabetic-style diet work, and is that dangerous? What about metformin? (By the way, I asked my psychiatrist about metformin given my struggles, but they refused to prescribe it, even though I've read online that you don't necessarily have to be diabetic to use it).

I just want to get rid of this doughy silhouette and somehow achieve the impossible—an hourglass figure (even if I don't have much hip to work with)—but I don't know if that's even feasible with this medication regimen.
I've thought about liposuction, but it's expensive and doesn't solve the root problem. I've even considered wearing a waist trainer 24/7 just to stay snatched, but that seems desperate.

Oh, and I have PCOS. I'm not sure if that's making everything worse or just adding fuel to the fire.

Is anyone actually going to offer some advice or an opinion here? I got some decent suggestions regarding alternative medications over on Psychosoft, but I’m looking for specific ways to deal with the weight gain. Antipsychotics are notorious for slowing down digestion, spiking appetite, triggering metabolic syndrome, and potentially causing Type II diabetes—not to mention they seem to mess with your thyroid.

Does anyone know if these drugs actually contain sugar, or if they just trigger specific neurotransmitters that drive hunger or cause water retention? And how do you tackle weight gain when it all settles right in the gut and around the waistline? Are there specific exercises or dietary regimens that actually work? What are the absolute "no-go" foods? If I want to indulge in a treat every now and then, how often is that realistic? Is there a specific calorie limit I should be aiming for?

Does the standard rule still apply—that you lose weight if you burn more through exercise and sweat than you consume—or does the medication make it so the weight stays regardless?

Personally, I have an apple-shaped body (slim legs and narrow hips, but larger breasts and much heavier torso and arms when I put on weight).

It seems impossible that nobody has dealt with this or can at least give me some direction. 🕺

Rachel Kern36 said:Is there really no advice or perspective to be found here? I managed to get some decent suggestions regarding alternative medications over on Psychosoft, but what I’m really looking for here is some guidance on how to actually manage the weight gain. It seems to me that antipsychotics slow down digestion, spike your appetite, trigger metabolic syndrome, and can even lead to Type II diabetes—not to mention their potential impact on thyroid function.

Does anyone know if these medications actually contain sugar themselves, or if they stimulate appetite by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain, or perhaps cause water retention? And how does one deal with weight gain when the pounds seem to settle almost exclusively in the abdomen and around the waistline? Are there specific exercises or dietary regimens that actually work? Is there anything I should absolutely avoid eating at all costs? If I were to indulge in a little treat now and then, how often would that be acceptable? Is there such a thing as a daily calorie limit I should be mindful of?

In this situation, does the standard rule still apply—that you lose weight if you burn more through exercise and perspiration than you consume—or do the pounds stay on regardless?

Personally, I have an apple-shaped figure (slender legs and narrow hips, but larger breasts and a heavier torso and arms whenever I put on weight).

Surely someone else here has gone through this or can offer some direction. 🕺

I'm bumping this thread.

I received some wonderful advice on fitness and nutrition over on FitnessForum, but I was hoping to gather more perspectives here. Perhaps some ideas on which medical checkups I should undergo, or hearing from others who have dealt with this. When using psychotropic drugs, is the issue primarily increased appetite, a slowed metabolism, or is there actual sugar in the pills—or is it a combination of all three? For those of you on psychotropic medication, how much daily exercise do you find necessary? Are there certain foods that should be avoided specifically when taking Seroquel or Depakote?
I've read that Depakote is absolutely not recommended for women of childbearing age who want to have children, especially those dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), because that medication can exacerbate the syndrome and potentially lead to female pattern hair loss, along with bloating and edema.

Please, please, please share your thoughts—so many people are using these psychiatric "candies," and surely we aren't all just sitting here in silence, letting these side effects pass us by. We shouldn't let these meds numb us or turn us into zombies to the point where we stop caring about our physical and mental well-being, our fitness, or our mood. We shouldn't just give up and become total couch potatoes. A wide waistline isn't just an aesthetic concern either; for women, a waist circumference over 31 inches is practically a guarantee for heart disease and diabetes down the road. I care about this. And I truly hope to receive at least a few suggestions, for heaven's sake. 🕺

granitemason55 said:Keep talking, people—seriously. So many folks are popping psychiatric candy, and it’s messed up that we’re all just sitting here silent about the side effects. Are we really okay with these meds turning us into total zombies, making us go numb until we don't even care about our mental health, fitness, or mood anymore? Like, who cares if we become total couch potatoes? That extra weight isn't just an aesthetic issue either, especially for women; having a waist over 31 inches is basically a fast track to heart disease and diabetes down the road. I actually give a damn. And honestly, I'm hoping for some suggestions, for heavens sake. 🕺

I don't really have a magic fix for the weight gain because, looking at everyone else's stories, it feels like there isn't one... I can only say what worked for me, and hey, maybe it won't work for everyone—but I decided to stick to just taking Xanax as needed since it doesn't make me gain weight. I was prescribed an antipsychotic too, but I never even touched it just to avoid the weight issues...
Xanax doesn't cause weight gain at all for me. When life gets messy (stress, family drama), I’ll take up to five 5mg doses a day, then once things settle down, I taper off completely over about two weeks—mostly because stopping cold turkey gives me heart palpitations. I don't touch it again until the next crisis hits. It’s how I manage, because the heavier stuff would definitely pack on the pounds, and I can't afford that since my waist is already 47 inches. I've lived on the edge of anorexia for years; I have zero appetite, but I still gain weight because of constant existential stress—my body is basically in survival mode, hoarding everything it gets, even if it's just some steamed greens...
So, my suggestion? If you can get by just on Xanax without needing the heavy hitters, do that.

Michelle Sullivan3, why are you messing around with your health? Honestly, I don't think anyone prescribed you antipsychotics just to make you gain weight or whatever other excuse you're using to say you don't need them. There's a real reason they're in your cabinet.

Elizabeth Davis said:Michelle Sullivan3, why are you messing with your health? I honestly don't think anyone prescribed those antipsychotics just to make you gain weight or whatever reason you're using to say you don't need them—I mean, why do you actually need them.

It’s all about health priorities. If a physical ailment is more life-threatening than a mental one, you gotta prioritize saving your life first.

It really depends on the person and their specific situation. Dealing with a DSM-5 diagnosis is different for everyone. If psych meds are threatening your physical health—like, if you're risking your life because of massive weight gain or abdominal issues—then you have to weigh whether you can manage with something milder just to stay alive.

Obviously, tons of people can't function without psych meds. But I'm pretty sure there are people out there who, like me, face actual physical risks, yet can handle their diagnoses without the heavy stuff.

If someone has, say, schizophrenia, then yeah, they absolutely shouldn't refuse medication. But if we're talking depression or PTSD, things are going to get way worse if you lose your physical health due to weight gain. That'll just trigger the PTSD even harder and send you spiraling into deeper depression and anxiety...

Michelle Sullivan3 said:since there are medical priorities, if a physical ailment is more life-threatening than a mental one, you have to choose saving your life first.

it really comes down to the individual and their specific health situation. being able to cope with a DSM-5 diagnosis is different for everyone. if psych meds are actually threatening your physical health—like, risking your life because of massive weight gain or metabolic issues—then a person has to weigh whether they can manage with something milder just to stay alive.

obviously, plenty of people can't function without psych meds, but I'm pretty sure there are others who (like me) face actual physical risks, yet can handle their mental stuff without them.

if someone has, say, schizophrenia, then yeah, they shouldn't refuse meds under any circumstances. but if we're talking depression or PTSD, things are going to get way worse if they lose their physical health due to weight gain. once that happens, the PTSD flares up, and you just spiral into even deeper depression and anxiety...

you sound anorexic. regardless of what you actually weigh, talking about pounds like this feels straight-up anorexic to me.

also, Xanax isn't some "milder pill." it's harsher than half the newer antidepressants out there.
and you aren't "handling" your diagnosis without meds.

I don't get this obsession with weight (look, I struggle with it too) to the point where you're popping Xanax like Tic Tacs (5x5) instead of actually finding real ways to help yourself. 😲

Elizabeth Davis said:you sound anorexic. regardless of what you actually weigh, talking about weight like this feels straight up anorexic to me.

and Xanax isn't a "milder pill." it's way worse than half the newer antidepressants.
plus, you aren't handling your DSM-5 stuff without meds.

I don't get the obsession with weight (yeah, I deal with being overweight too) to the point where you're popping Xanax like Tic Tacs (5x5) instead of actually helping yourself.😲

what kind of anorexia are we talking about with a 47-inch waist? every extra pound just pushes you closer to a disease you can't come back from.

Xanax isn't a milder pill, and I never even said it was. Ativan is.

I said I only take them (Ativan) during crisis periods—like when life hits the fan (surgeries, cancer, death, lawsuits, etc.). Once that passes, I'm off the meds, so yeah, I handle my DSM-5 stuff just fine.

if you actually know anything about psychopharmacology, then you know Ativan can be used as needed, and once you don't need it anymore, you can easily stop. antipsychotics don't work like that—it's not a little bit or a lot, you have to take them continuously. and unlike Ativan (which doesn't cause weight gain at all), they pack on the pounds. we're talking way more than 2-3 kg.

the topic is about weight gain and pills. I was just sharing my experience because I know some people have to take certain meds just to stay alive since their mental illness is life-threatening. but for those of us who can manage without the heavy hitters, yet the weight gain itself is becoming a health threat—we shouldn't have to gamble with our physical health (assuming the person is capable of making that choice).
I think I made myself pretty clear: you have to weigh the risks and see which side of your health is under more threat. whichever one carries the higher risk—that's the one you save.

I honestly don't get how you think you can manage a DSM-5 diagnosis without meds, especially when it calls for antipsychotics. If you’ve ever actually brushed up on psychology, you’d know those things aren't exactly something you just hand out like candy.

But whatever, that's not really what we're talking about here.

Bumping this thread.
I’m dealing with the exact same struggles right now, and I’m working with my psychiatrist to slowly taper off—hopefully—until I can finally get rid of all these pills for good.
The thing is, Seroquel and Mirzaten absolutely wreck my appetite, and my metabolism has just... slowed down to a crawl.
Honestly, seeing the scale go up is making my depression even worse. It’s like this endless, vicious cycle. On top of everything else, I struggle with insomnia, and I guess Seroquel does help with that part.
So, sure, it helps me sleep and maybe manages my mood, but I just want to stop taking this junk so badly. I mean, you can't exactly cure my depression or mania if you make me gain a massive amount of weight in the process!
Besides that, I’m wondering... is there ANY way to lose weight while being on these? And is there such a thing as a psychiatrist who doesn't just hand out prescriptions like candy, but actually tries to get to the root of what's happening? Like, my years of chronic insomnia or these mood swings.
I am 100% convinced that just relying on these pills isn't going to get me anywhere long-term.
Is there any actual solution out there? Or maybe a different kind of doctor altogether???
Sometimes I feel like just quitting everything cold turkey to get rid of my biggest headache—the weight gain—but I don't want to be irresponsible or, well, stupid about it.
So, what about diet and exercise?
Or finding a psychiatrist who won't just shovel pills down my throat and might actually listen for once.
I’m starting to lose hope completely... both about ever getting back to my normal weight and about ever finding a doctor who actually hears what I'm saying.

Edit: + oh, and one more thing. Ever since I started these meds, my heart rate has been really high. A resting rate of 100 is pretty much normal for me now. When it hits 90, I'm already starting to worry. -.-
And apparently, that’s just another side effect of Seroquel.

Though, I suppose... maybe that's the easy way out—just dying from heart issues so I don't have to deal with any of these other problems anymore. -.-