Why Do Antipsychotics Make You Gain Weight? | with Dr. Tracey Marks

[@LivingWellAfterSchizophrenia]

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[@visionvixxen]

Yeah, going to bed and your body is telling you you don’t have enough cards so you revved up so actually need to eat the damn car but on top of this syndrome even when you eat them with freaking protein and fat three hours later, you wake up shaky and need to eat more and guess what you still don’t qualify for having diabetes or prediabeteswhat the hell is this? Is insulin resistance or whatever is going on not enough?

[@visionvixxen]

Yeah, going to bed and your body is telling you you don’t have enough cards so you revved up so actually need to eat the damn car but on top of this syndrome even when you eat them with freaking protein and fat three hours later, you wake up shaky and need to eat more and guess what you still don’t qualify for having diabetes or prediabeteswhat the hell is this? Is insulin resistance or whatever is going on not enough?, What happens with arrows pole and those that you feel like you’re coming out of your skin because technically they’re not doing for me or no enough we have taken Heaven so why are they causing that feeling the same one that I’ve gotten with SEI like Cymbalta and effector.

[@visionvixxen]

Yeah, going to bed and your body is telling you you don’t have enough cards so you revved up so actually need to eat the damn car but on top of this syndrome even when you eat them with freaking protein and fat three hours later, you wake up shaky and need to eat more and guess what you still don’t qualify for having diabetes or prediabeteswhat the hell is this? Is insulin resistance or whatever is going on not enough?, What happens with arrows pole and those that you feel like you’re coming out of your skin because technically they’re not doing for me or no enough we have taken Heaven so why are they causing that feeling the same one that I’ve gotten with SEI like Cymbalta and effector.

[@visionvixxen]

As far as affecting metabolism, and another video, Dr. Mark said explain some of these meds that effect I can’t remember it was long-term histamine, one receptors and that long-term second in the psychogenesis and south burning so that’s basically what happens beyond the six week trials. I’m wondering high blood sugar they’re not just the way they are due to other things and of course wait Jane might eventually cause, blood sugar issues, insulin resistance, etc., cardiovascular circulatory problems

[@visionvixxen]

My friend was not pronating with she was always very thin

[@striderstache99]

Gained 250 lbs at the age of 16 in one year. This was 1994 and the psychiatrists did not gaf about that and kept pumping me full of Depakote, Zyprexa, and Risperidol. I was mortified. Imagine being 6'2 and a lean 200 lbs and a multi sport athlete and in one year you're over 330 lbs. No one told me HOW to change my diet and not only did the Depakote cause weight gain, the Zyprexa made me eat everything that was not tacked down. I'm 44 now and I'm still struggling with this shit and I'm still bitter and angry at all of the doctors who, instead of trying to understand my trauma and help me work through it, filled me full of weight gaining chemicals. No longer on weight gainers but I'm still struggling

[@abbylebaddie]

I can totally relate! It really sucks. I'm sorry that happened to you too

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

I also had that problem... I left a comment... Almost 43 and I feel I lost my 20s to that drug olanzapine... I gained 30kgs couldn't get out of bed or even go to the supermarket with anxiety at certain points in that time... It really did a lot of other things to... I told one doctor about some issues once and she asked me if I had a car... I thought that's strange... But when I said yes she just told me I could get around I shouldn't complain and kept me on it... In my 30s one doctor listened and let me come off about 4 drugs and prescribed one new antipsychotic I'm still on now... Its very hard.... I still use the word "shock" when I think about how scared I was then... Anyway happy new year I guess hope things get better

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

Iam sorry to hear u went Thur that. I think drs should be forced to let patients know of all possible side effects including weight gain of these phy mds cause it seems drs don’t

[@danielkanka495]

This is my problem i can't take meds life is hard without them but harder on them u don't take anything now ?

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

I have an eating disorder history and quite frankly for me , I would be very afraid to touch any of these mds . This is a reason to get ur patients complete history physical and mental.

[@CheezhOfficial]

I made it possible to LOSE weight while using Olanzapine. I changed around my diet and stopped consuming simple carbs instead I mostly consume complex carbs like rice and patatoes. You can still eat fruit but make sure they do not include much sugar try strawberries and tangerines. EVERYTIME you are hungry drink a lot of water or start eating cucumbers 🥒 It will give you a full feeling in your stomache. Side note: I am at the gym 5 times a week and consume a lot of high protein products to gain muscle. To lose weight make sure you remain in a calorie deficit (most important)

[@wooooo139]

Yea losing weight on antipsychotics is possible, just drink lots of water and resist very hard the urge to eat sugars

[@jjpallas68]

Thanks for your help ❤

[@nomg563]

Thank you for this.

[@alexfitz2063]

nice sidenote

[@julianapadilha1967]

Did you continue to lose weight on olanzapine?

[@neilronan444]

i felt super bad about my rapid weigh gain so hearing that it's not entirely my fault for having bad self control or anything is very helpful. appreciate this channel as always

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

I have known several people that have struggled with phy medicine weight gain. One I went to school with and she later developed really bad treatment resistant depression and over 20 different any depression drugs she was on did nothing to help. She even had shock therapy I think it’s called and said that helped for a period of time but was not permanent, depression and anxiety returned. She was ready to end it all . Last resort was a very strong anti psychotic medication that actually started working within a day but caused another problem just as bad . She gained about 100 pounds and now was pre diabetic, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, couldn’t exercise cause her legs could barely support her extra weight. Solve one horrible problem but create another horrible problem just as bad as the one u treated. One question, how is this helpful in the long run ?

[@neilronan444]

@@kathleengivant-taylor2277 i guess it depends on the person. im overweight but not so much that it is dangerous or bad for my health. if i ever got into a situation where it started to impact my health i think i would try different meds but who's to say, only time will tell

[@jenniferjohnston6022]

Psychiatrists need work with their patients upfront , to prevent weight gain . They should have their patients work with dietitians and come up with an exercise plan , from day one of starting the medication or before if possible . Weight gain can lead to diabetes , hypertension , heart disease , obstructive sleep apnea , acid reflux , osteoarthritis , gout , cancer , blood clots , non-alcoholic fatty liver disease along with other health problems . Weight gain needs to be prevented , from the get go . Psychiatrists should also check for physical causes of mental illness such as candida overgrowth , leaky gut , heavy metal poisoning , thyroid disorders , celiac disease , non-celiac gluten sensitivity and nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D deficiency . All can cause or contribute to psychosis moreover other mental illnesses . Some people can manages without medication once they address physical causes . Candida overgrowth can also cause cravings for unhealthy foods such as sweets as well as refined carbohydrates. It can causes is metabolic syndrome , oral thrush on top of many other health problems . Cleaning out candida can also help with weight management .

[@Vamooso]

I find this agreeable

[@norse_cat]

💯 agree

[@teresastaggs7923]

Amen

[@teresastaggs7923]

They also need to consider before sedating to the hilt.

[@zz-ic6vy]

How can i check candida overgrowth? And solutions for it?

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

Drs need too warn patients of possible common side effects of phy mds before prescribing them so patients can decide if they are willing too deal with the side effects. Alot of drs don’t let pts know watz up before prescribing any phy mds. This needs too change. It should be the patients right to know the risk beforehand

[@shawnleong3605]

Do you think these money and power hungry ppl would let you know? If they let you know they would potentially lose you as a money making machine!

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

@@shawnleong3605 this is unfortunately proubley true. I really think most of the phy mds prescribed are about money. There are cases where people need to be on mds and those people should be educated on benefits and side effects of potential mds prescribed for them or the person in charge of there care should be informed.

[@sage4487]

My daughter has struggled with weight gain, has tried reducing portions and exercising but still gained. She finally spoke to her primary doctor about it and she placed her on metformin and another medication. She’s finally losing weight! She still has to watch her diet and exercise but for the first time since she started her antipsychotics, she feels like she’s actually making progress.

[@GrumpyTaurus]

My psychiatrist has suggested me metaformin & to talk to my primary about it but my pcp is not compliant. She views it that I need to find something more suitable but other medication options aren’t compatible with me I’ve tried. She said it’s covering a pill with a pill. I gained almost 100lbs in a little over a year I’m at my wits end she calls it essentially poison & to a point I agree but I have to take it I can’t just not. Did your daughter need a recommendation letter from her psych to send to her primary to be approved or something else? I’d appreciate it to the moon & beyond for some insight I’m at my wits end. Meds like these are supposed to help not make things worse 😞

[@adeline-music]

this is incredible, thank you so much for sharing. i was on abilify for two months causing me to gain 50 pounds, i've been off it for a bit now and have finally started to do research on different medications again, particularly those that avoid the weight gain. this has been by far the most helpful piece of information i've come across!!

[@shieh.4743]

Insulin. She has excess insulin causing weight gain.

[@dfms3485]

Miligrams of metformin that your daughter take? And the other medications is?

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

Me and daughter were both tried on phy mds at different times and both experienced weight gain. She experienced alot more weight gain in shorter period because of the type of md they placed her on. Also extreme tiredness, lack of motivation to exercise or do much of anything. Extreme hunger for her . She literally gained 30 pounds in one month and she already has a weight problem and was very upset because dr did not warn her about this side effect in addition she had a dangerous spike in her blood pressure due too md and weight gain. I gained like 10 or 12 pounds in 2 months a lot less thankfully but I have a eating disorder history and that should have been taken into consideration when that md was prescribed but iam the one that noticed in side effects of md it said if patient has or had eating disorder history this md should likely not be prescribed. So much for drs looking out for there patients best interest

[@URFUTUREUK]

Im so angry at this point. Everyone blaming me for gaining weight but constantly telling me to take these evil things. Im disgusted at the world at this point and never taking another drug by a doctor and just going to work out, but they have messed up my system in my early thirties ive gone from size 8 to 14 and its disgusting what these doctors have done

[@kirakeynow]

same. I am tapering off my medication right now and try to overcome my depression otherwise but its the hardest battle ever

[@visionvixxen]

It is absolutely disgusting. I will be praying for you.

[@Arusa206]

@@kirakeynowhow you are doing without antipsychotics

[@holted1984]

I’m really sorry your Drs failed to properly inform you of side effects and/or alternatives of your medication. Even blaming you for gaining weight… that’s terrible 😢 But please understand that for some people, these are life saving medicines and definitely have their place. Provided of course the patient is appropriately informed!

[@URFUTUREUK]

@@holted1984 they didn't diagnose me and put me on FIVE different psychiatric medications, during COVID, but then they did no follow up. My body swelled with fluid and I nearly died. I've lost the weight now. And got a diagnosis of which the meds were not suitable. In fact I wasn't supposed to be on meds at all. I'm better now thoughz I do wonder how many people are dead because of them and have seen people in hospitals that probably never get out so I'm one of he lucky ones. I would have hated myself and probably done something stupid if I couldn't have lost the weight, but to do it I had to fast for three months intermittently with calorie deficit and it exhausted me. I worked out like a mad thing. It's gone now and back to normal workouts walks and regular nutrition. I don't believe any meds are life saving. I'm sorry, but I don't subscribe to the medical industry.

[@samapattiyoga]

"Too much dopamine production causing alterations in your perception" - such a great description. Dynamic duo--thank you!

[@axs-xq7cq]

That sounds like a huge crock of horseshit to me..

[@Madeline96]

@@axs-xq7cq it's not - going in dopamine and opioid receptor inhibitors had seriously saved my life

[@axs-xq7cq]

@@Madeline96 No it didn't it's all bullshit placebo effect and stuff you probably feel worse than you did before you were on those psychiatric drugs right now don't you.

[@axs-xq7cq]

No trust me that's all total fucken bullshit about too much dopamine causing psychosis I mean use your brains for a second too much dopamine would probably mean like a fucken happy psychosis then wouldn't it? And what would even be so bad about that?..Ha..

[@axs-xq7cq]

I also just hate all of you psychiatry worshipping fucks so goddamn much too, yeah and I guess I kind of had to say it like that right now too..

[@gemmi1]

Im on aripiprazole/abilify and the symptoms this doctor mentioned are spot on! However I've gained masses of weight too.

[@Rouxghost]

I'm on Quetiapine (Seroquel) and I 100% relate to waking up at 2am needing food!

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

On olanzapine I used to wake up with 4 or 5 bowls next to my bed every single night.... I'd emptied them of cerial in my sleep...

[@DynAmisch69]

I can eat dinner and be fully satiated. Once I take my medication I’m starving. The pills made me a horrible night eater. I would go as far as saying that I eat the majority of my calories in the night.

[@stephaniehansen4939]

I struggle with this too!

[@jjohnson263]

Same

[@zanzah_]

I gained 20kgs on this junk

[@kinzhe83]

I find this video so interesting and relating to me. My diagnosis is bipolar I disorder with elements of schizophrenia, and I take zyprexa (olanzapine), lamotrigine and venlafaxine for 14 years now. I gained about 120 pounds of weight over that period even though I take relatively small dose of zyprexa (7,5 mg a day). However, the meds completely eliminated my manias, depressions, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia (all positive symptoms of illness) so I chose to stick with them. Thx so much Lauren and Dr. Marks for this very informative and helpful video, and I wish you and everybody here good health.

[@evolutionofwords]

I gained 30KGs in 6 months. You have to eat under a major calorie deficit & work out a lot to drop even a little weight. If you thought life was great before. It makes life even better. oh & the hair loss plus shakes wow. Just when you thought you had it so good. Life surprises you & takes it up a notch. Such a great time to be alive & flourishing. 🙄

[@j-uk2189]

I was taking mirtazapine and my hairloss started. How strange

[@mskay9597]

I know right! I’m so over it. 😒

[@darlingdeedee]

All of what you're saying is true and balanced. I just don't think it's fair to tell those of us who literally feel starved to simply watch our diet and be active. Maybe that's your truth but it isn't my reality.

[@kestrelshadowblossom6423]

My son's psychiatrist says he is her only patient that is not overweight on antipsychotic meds (clozapine etc). Our family has followed the keto diet for 6 years and he has been able to maintain his weight. He also experiences reduced hallucinations and anxiety when sticking to the diet. Keto is very sustainable if you adopt it as a lifestyle change. Please research for yourself; it really helps!

[@nmvwilliams]

I just started keto because of the weight gain I’ve experienced on Vraylar. I’m very encouraged knowing that keto can help.

[@foxiefair123]

Lol, I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I went to a dual diagnosis residential treatment facility. We were given our night meds, and went back to our cabins and had the serious munchies and had eating parties.😂 We all got really fat.😂 I’m laughing because we had a really good time together, and at the time it was good because our moods improved and we were sober, so at the time the weight gain didn’t matter much.

[@1833-j4g]

The serotonin receptor 5-HT2C is involved with the feeling of fullness from eating food, so antagonizing the receptor can cause an increase in appetite. The receptor also causes stress and anhedonia when it is overactive, so many drugs that antagonize the receptor can help with depression and the anhedonia from schizophrenia.

[@raimonvibe]

Hello Lauren, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your KZbin channel. Your videos about schizophrenia are incredibly helpful, it's important to have a platform where people can learn more about it. Your content is inspiring and I want to express my support and encouragement for you to keep creating it.

[@StarvingPoet]

I think she’s flat out wrong when she said antipsychotics don’t really effect metabolism.

[@Lady_Flashheart40]

Yeah, that was a baffling statement. I was put on Risperidone at 13 right when I was hitting puberty. I had a fast metabolism beforehand, and it slowed it down and possibly accelerated breast growth.

[@athanatossoul]

Yes it really does effect metabolism

[@j-uk2189]

It causes dislipidemia and insulin resistance! Metabolic syndrome! They effect thermogenesis. Very simple

[@ScottWitoff-hv1qx]

I agree. I've gained a lot of weight on antipsychotics, but the weight gain was not proportional to the amount I ate.

[@athanatossoul]

@@ScottWitoff-hv1qx yes same happened to me!

[@sinceritynature202]

I have known so many people that didn't change their eating and execercise habits At All on antipsychotics and gains literally 100+ lbs. I've met people who saw dietitians and got personal trainers and do everything "right" and gained the same amount of weight anyways. I'm sure increased hunger does happen for some people and contributes to it, but the real core problem has to be something chemical. I also balked a little when she said "all antipsychotics are great drugs--" with the side effects they have??? And not even just with the severity and pervasiveness of the side effects, like..... if ~1/4 of people have a good reduction in symptoms, 1/2 barely benefit at all, and 1/4 don't benefit whatsoever and are only harmed by taking them....... called them 'great' feels, um. Like the bar for what constitutes a worthwhile drug/medication is distressing low ;; They're not great, none of them are, I don't find the quality and success rate of these drugs to be justifiable. This doesn't mean don't take them if you Must, but I pray people are working to find or create less destructive and unreliable medications, and our current APs can be relegated to the trashcan of history, like lobotomies.

[@Catlily5]

Each drug might be a good drug for some people and a horrible drug for other people. A certain drug I was on was horrible for me but some other people I talked to said it really helped them. Even siblings can react differently to the same drug. Edit: I do hope that they find better medicine with fewer side effects. Or find treatments other than medicines.

[@sinceritynature202]

@@Catlily5 Of course, hence looking at the bigger picture,, Even most people who Are helped suffer from the side effects (even if they decide it's worth it, theyre still suffering), and many of those side effects are straight up Disabling. And the statistics are Not Good. Like, take electroshock therapy, which I feel similar about. It has helped Some people, I don't mean to discredit or push that aside, but it hurts more people than it helps, and imo the success rate being poor AND those "successes" almost all having severe caveats/tradeoffs on tip of it.......... I think it's fair to say that we need much, much better drugs. "Tolerable at best and often life altering (in a negative way)" is not good enough. I understand why psychiatrists try to make it sound better or safer than it really is, because it is a shitty situation, that so many people need better/less dangerous treatment, but that treatment doesn't exist yet. The options are pretty bleak and improving them is going to take a long, long, long time, if it ever even happens. Much of that is completely out of laypeople's hands as well. I just wish people would acknowledge the state of things, rather than either pretend otherwise or actively attack anyone who dares to voice concerns. I know why they don't, it just feels like things will never truly change until we're all more frank about the current reality of psychiatry and psych drugs and their real weaknesses and failings.

[@jenniferjohnston6022]

Yep , they are not worth getting diabetes , hypertension , cancer or osteoarthritis .

[@abbylebaddie]

I also couldn't believe she said these meds were great. Clearly She's never been on them.

[@Em_Elizabeth]

I was a healthy eater and still gained 20 pounds. Was never overweight but looked like a fat pig next to my thin sisters so I threw the meds away, much to my parents' anger and spat them out whenever they tried to make me take them. I'd rather be sick than ugly.

[@Jennifer_150]

My 2 favourite KZbin personalities collaborating!! ❤🙏😊 Thank you both and hope to see more!! 🙌

[@penelopevee1684]

saving this video to watch later, cause i gain like 90pounds after being placed on an antipsychotic, people say its other things but that was the only catalyst

[@pfair774]

It can affect metabolism. It's been proven with me. I didn't eat much but I gained a lot of weight on antipsychotics. When I got off my antipsychotics, I lost 50 lbs in 8 months, no exercise, no eating healthy, being at home all day and still lost 50 lbs. Because I have a naturally high metabolism and the antipsychotics affected that.

[@StarvingPoet]

I agree, I think she’s full of shit when she said antipsychotics don’t really effect metabolism.

[@kirakeynow]

@@StarvingPoet she totally is. I am sick and tired of hearing the "uh you eat more"- sh**. They literally just say what they learned in books

[@prukyyy]

Also what she doesnt mention (atleast in my experience) is that you cant really lose weight gained by antipsychotics but only if you stop using it completely or switch meds, you can lose your natural weight but i will call it "artificial weight" from meds you can not.

[@kirakeynow]

@@prukyyy yes totally!

[@ashantiii1178]

Oh yeah I’m not going to take my medication. I’m just going to refuse .

[@marcodallolio9746]

In short: like with most psychiatric drugs, we really don't know the exact mechanisms. We know very well the interactions with receptors and binding sites, but we have no clue how we get from there to the systemic large scale effects

[@crybaby-jen]

My weight gain has been 30 lbs in 5 months. I'm about to graduate an intensive outpatient program so i am hoping it is mostly due to my sitting daily in group therapies that has aided in it. But i have BPD and suffer from psychosis in the same ways you seem to, with the auditory hallucinations and paranoia, etc so i have to take my meds or i will easily slip right back into it and also become somewhat chaotic in my moods and thinking. Dont want to light my life on fire and then cry about the fact its ashes at my own hands. Struggle is real. Thank you for making videos about this issue. Of course we all know our diets and exercise matter but there are also the constant struggles of just our mental health that hinder as well as sometimes the lethargy that comes from the meds at times. As well as just the chaos that comes from the disorders that plagues our behaviors. It feels inclusive and that you care about the topics. Love your channel. ❤

[@mentalhealthwithalana]

Thank you so much! I have Bipolar and I'm on quetiapine and olanzapine and deal with an eating disorder and this side effects made me super stressed.

[@jennylee2319]

Those are the absolute the wrong meds if you have an eating disorder

[@mmimicus]

I‘ve gained 2O kg on one antipsychotic (it wasn‘t the only reason, but definitely one). I also have PCOS which makes it more difficult to lose weight and I‘ve struggled with EDs since I‘m 12 years old. Now I‘m on two different antipsychotics (Haloperidole and Quetiapine - none of them make me gain weight or influence my appetite, even though that‘s common with Quetiapine) and I‘ve lost almost 2O kg again. I‘m not far away from my goal weight! I absolutely love running and this helps me a lot with losing weight. I really recommend finding a form of exercise you like, you can do this!

[@haridelle]

I also have a history of disordered eating and I was pretty worried about weight gain when I was prescribed both antidepressants and quetiapine after a mental health crisis last year. I’m still somewhat worried, even though I’ve gained very little weight after taking them for over 6 months (and it was probably just re-gaining some of the weight I lost while my anxiety was keeping me constantly nauseous). I’m glad someone else has similar experience with quetiapine because I really don’t want to feel like I have to choose which issue bugs me more so I can treat it.

[@zebliks]

i also gained 20 kilo 2 years ago from olanzapine :( it completely destroyed my self image and it made me loose my passion about rock climbing. now i only use pipamperon for sleeping and i've lost a few kg's, i also found a new passion in a olympic weightlifting club so i hope i can regain my old self again and keep loosing weight

[@jonintorunto7708]

I think this post hits the nail on the head. I am also now on Quetiapine which for me, in low does, has been life changing/saving. I combine this with CrossFit 3 times a week (even when I don’t want to) and running once a week and I have actually lost weight during this period as I was also binge eating during my hypos.oh and be prepared for the munchies with something healthier- my classic is carrot sticks and hummus 🙈 I guess everyone is different but just like life without medication, we have to do something to stay a healthy weight 🙂

[@jennylee2319]

Yep running is good but some people can't do that . Being forced to run just to look normal is a bit unfair & painful

[@justinthomas7333]

Dr. Marks is awesome I'm already subbed to her channel and great content. It was good to hear her shed some light on this subject. I am on olanzapine and have gained 100Lbs over 7 years on it. I am limited on what exercises I can do because I have spinal stenosis and degenerative discs in my back. Also recovering from 3 surgeries. So I can't do any high impact things like running, and I am limited on what I am allowed to lift. I can't even walk that far without my back hurting. But I do simple exercises that I did in physical therapy. I have changed my diet to mostly vegetables and salads with some meat. I only have carbs once or twice a month on special occasions. But my A1C is still high every time I see the doctor. I meet with my Psychiatrist today. I am going to talk to him about changing my meds and see what his opinion is. I am 32 and am not trying to die by the time I am 40 due to a heart attack or stroke from being over weight.

[@tcort]

some antipsychotics (eg abilify) can impact impulse control. I wonder if that could make it difficult to make healthy choices.

[@layotheleprechaun]

My experience with olanzapine was it knocked me out so much I physically struggled to move, never mind do exercise

[@freebirdy9716]

Was prescribed an antipsychotic medication (Abilify) by my gp. I put on 80+ lbs in a very short amount of time, felt a ton of fatigue and agitation, and when I discussed it with my doctor, they said my side effects were abnormal! I did not need this medication, I finally got in to see a psychiatrist and have since been diagnosed and treated for adhd.

[@mrmomolad]

I'm so sorry you went through this. Doctors and psychiatrists will prescribe these antipsychotics like vitamins, without caring or knowing how the patient will be affected. These drugs can be life-altering and literally change who you are as a person. I'm so glad you got off them and got a proper diagnosis. And don't get me wrong here, I've been on antipsychotics for 9 years. They saved my life. But it literally makes me so mad how they're over-prescribed to people who aren't aware of the side effects. A doctor prescribed abilify to my sister for her mild depression. It's wild. Take care.

[@lizzthatvegan1207]

Omg! I really needed this video. I just needed to increase two of my medications and I'm gaining weight quickly. Or at least it feels quickly to me because I also have disordered eating. I know staying medication compliant is really important so I exercise everyday and try to eat well but I am on a fixed income so that's super hard to do. Sometimes I feel like I am doing something wrong if I can't maintain my weight. This felt really validating. Thank you.

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

From 6’1 185 lbs at my type 1 bipolar diagnosis @ 19 years old, to 302 lbs 4 years later. I’d drop 40 lbs here, gain 35 in couple months months. Lithium made me feel like zombie that couldn’t get out of bed, Resperidone/Abilify worked but made me gain weight. The doctor just told me to diet/exercise. Man, why didn’t I think of that?! 😑 It just feels like a losing battle.

[@Ohhso]

Hey I’m struggling with weight gain on lithium. Have you found another medthat works well for you and doesn’t make you gain weight excessively?

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

@@Ohhso With Abilify my weight has been up and down, it’s a monthly injection, but make sure to ask your doctor specifically if you can try a drug that’s not heavily tied with weight gain.

[@TheUhaya]

Was prescribed Olanzapine to treat life-long severe anxiety and 'psychosomatic' issues. Not even a shadow of psychosis in picture. Gained ~12 kg (26 Ibs) in a couple of months during which I was either eating or thinking about eating. The only thing that helped me was cutting off sugar. And then cutting off Olanzapine and getting diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder.

[@Irishrose777]

I’m in the process of investigating a possible connective tissue disorder. Which one do you have and what tests confirmed it?

[@mariadelva6935]

My son went from 175 to 264. I’m trying to help him with walking and exercise but having a hard time losing

[@vccc5783]

2 of my favourite mental health channels

[@NATEG01]

When I went on Seroquel, I gained about 30 lbs in about 4 months. It made my mental health worse by making me feel bad about myself. So I started becoming more intentional about eating healthier and exercising. It's now been 6 months, and I have lost 60 lbs and in the best shape of my life! I have a fitness tracker to monitor how many calories I burn in a day, and make sure I'm burning more calories than what I'm eating. I started off by walking about 5 miles a day, and now walk about 10 miles a day, and sometimes 15-20. Walking is the best way to lose weight.

[@kathleengivant-taylor2277]

Well said. I love fitness trackers. Way too go

[@dfms3485]

Do you still take quetiapine?

[@MG-dq7cw]

Were you able to do this fitness and weight loss while On the meds?

[@Lebomaesela]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@ematique4392]

How many mgs of seroquel are you on? I am trying to lose weight on it now too

[@HandsomeJigglypuff]

This video was so informational with Dr. Tracey Marks!

[@JulietCrapulet]

i was first put on olanzapine and gained 40 pounds in 3 months, so i was switched to abilify. then during another relapse, i was on quetiapine and paliperidone gained a bit of weight also. it's been tough but im happy with abilify at the moment, i feel pretty normal but i have oculargyric crisis that happen often. another bad side effect which is managed by valium 2mg. even though the meds are horrible, nothing is worse than losing your mind and being in psychosis. so im grateful

[@Seaturtle45778]

Thank you Lauren for making that video. I did gain a lot of weights from taking antipsychotic medications and I also have tachycardia from taking that medication.

[@Steph-el3gx]

The weight gain from this medication is really getting me down. I'm 5ft4 and before I went on this medication I was 9 stone. A healthy weight. Now I'm 12 stone! I hardly eat and exercise lots. Eat the right food. My weight just won't budge! The last time I came off olanzapine I got really bad polydipsia. Has anyone else suffered with this?

[@kavitadeva]

I started a new antipsychotic it's called Rexulti and my psychiatrist said this is NOT a weight gainer. All I know is since I've taken it I have gained 80 lb and yet she's still swears that it's not the medicine so I don't know what to do. At this point I am tapering off of it with her guidance but I don't know why don't they just say well for some people it is a weight gainer or I guess obviously you gained 80 lb. Thank you so much Lauren for having this doctor on. very important issue especially when you end up obese and you were a thin dancer your whole life like me.

[@schlubenno3827]

I don't have experience with this in antipsychotics but I know that my antidepressants caused me to gain 50 lbs because it took away my ability to feel satisfied from food so I felt ravenous constantly. Even though it wasn't a weight gainer, it altered my brain and body to the point that I wasn't able to eat a normal amount and I didn't even realize it. All that to say that sometimes doctors only tell half of the truth. It may not be a weight gainer, but it could totally still lead to weight gain. Your psychiatrist isn't a very good or honest one, I'm sorry :(

[@kavitadeva]

@@schlubenno3827 thanks for your thought out reply!.

[@nmvwilliams]

I took Rexulti and gained 40 lbs. in 8 months. I stopped Rexulti and lost inches off my waist. But I had to go back on antipsychotics. I’m on Vraylar now (1.5 mg) and I have lost a few pounds. But only because of my ADHD medication, which suppresses my appetite. Otherwise I would eat like crazy. I’m on Keto now, and I’m hoping it helps me lose the antipsychotic weight gain.

[@kavitadeva]

@@nmvwilliams Hi Nadah. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm down to 1 mg of rexulti and then I don't know what I'm going to do I want to get off of it I don't know if I said it in my comment but I have gained being on antipsychotics a total of 125 lb. I was always so active and in great shape and now I'm so obese thank God I'm tall and I'm strong or I would not be able to hold the weight as well as I am. I tried Vraylar I forget why got off of it though. The best that worked for me was Abilify. Have you ever tried Abilify? Just curious. I did the keto diet and I don't want to in any way deter you or sound negative but as soon as I went back and added just a little bit of carbohydrate boom the weight came right back it is a very difficult diet to do and stick with for long long periods of time. So yeah I lost weight but I gained it all back and more. I truly wish for you the very best and I hope this coming year brings you great strides in your mental health and well-being.

[@franny5295]

I think I'd rather be crazy. And I'm not being mean, I'm serious. It's not just the weight gain. It's all the havoc that high blood sugars do across the board. There's got to be a better way to go about dealing with this for people.

[@visionvixxen]

Exactly.

[@dionysusapollo]

Do you have a mental illness though, it's hard when you can't seem normal in public

[@lstapes7]

You clearly have never been in an extended and powerful episode. I hate the weight gain but would rather be overweight and caring if I live vs slim but suicidal. And yes, I have tried a variety of meds with the help of my terrific psychiatrist of many years. I also have training in and practice of a variety of coping techniques such as CBT, Theravada meditation, EFT, acupuncture, massage, Metta Meditation, and, of course, talk therapy and appropriate exercise. It is just for some of us, only a certain combo works. Although a bit apprehensive, I am going to talk with two doctors about whether something such as Mounjaro because my weight is not healthy. Then, I will make a decision after doing more research. But please use caution with phrases such as you would rather not take meds than gain weight. People are different, and weight is a fraught issue as is.

[@Irishrose777]

From my experience metabolism is definitely at play. I used to have a very fast metabolism and lost weight way too easily and when I would eat my stomach would empty after an hour. Now on meds I’ll eat and four hours later I’m still burping up the food I ate. So the food travels much slower and it’s impossible to lose weight even with a clean keto diet

[@drewpknutz1410]

Impossible to lose weight...You know thats BS

[@visionvixxen]

Scary- even wketoz.that’s why I will never take these meds

[@a.o.9594]

I’m in this boat as well. Trying my best reverse the weight I gain from starting taking them (60+lbs). I have lost about 30lbs but it isn’t easy. 😢

[@laurieberry4814]

I was 110 pounds while I took antipsychotics. I exercised hard. I was extremely underweight. I am 5’7.5”. I am enjoying a salad right now. I take Latuda and Lbalvi. I now weigh around 220 pounds. My providers seem to care less about my appetite. All what they say is eat vegetables and fruit. Cut down on starches and carbohydrates. It’s expensive.

[@heatherturner5750]

They tell you to cut back on starches and carbohydrates while telling to eat vegetables and fruit which consist of nothing but starches and carbohydrates. These doctor's just make no sense at all. Look into keto and carnivore. They might help you on your journey. Lots of information is available on KZbin. Hope this helps!

[@podaly]

I gained 80lbs in my first year on risperidone. Now on Quetiapine and still am obese even though not a big eater. I wish I had been told about this side effect before I started meds and that the p-docs work closely with primaries and nutritionists. Dieticians I have seen seem to have very little understanding about this.

[@sophiashmia6587]

Me too girl me to. Same thing with quetiapine. I was incredibly active, gym 2 hrs a day and muscular and 3 years later on quetiapine, I am always tired and gained 60 lbs.

[@jennylee2319]

The doctors should really tell you that your body will gain weight but not many people would take it if they if they knew and I suppose they have to get the patients taking different drugs to balance out the books.

[@Sebas0173YT]

I gained 30 lbs in year I think I will stop risberidone.

[@heatherturner5750]

Why is nobody talking about how these drugs affect your insulin level? If your insulin is high, it affects how your body metabolizes glucose and creates insulin resistance which in turn causes weight gain . It also increases your risk of developing type II diabetes. Just looked at the studies associated with Zyprexa and was appalled at the amount of side effects and the low length of time that this drug was tested in each study. The side effect that really caught my eye was that it raises your fasting insulin level by up to 26.2%. I know that that may not be with everybody who takes this medication, but that is a dramatic shift in insulin. No wonder people are unable to lose weight on these things. If you're having insulin shifts to that degree, your body can't function in the way that it was designed to. Since my husband is taking this medication, we are about to start monitoring his blood sugar daily and see if we can't find things that level it out. Sometimes it seems like the treatment is worse than the disease.

[@prukyyy]

was waiting for this comment

[@rainygreene9161]

I was put on zyprexa during a time that I had an eating disorder. Zyprexa wasn't helping me and it caused me to gain lots of weight! I wasn't eating more. In fact, what the people at the treatment place didn't know as I was still restricting after I was not in the program anymore. I later ended up in the hospital and they put me on depakote where I gained even more weight. I went from about 115 pounds when they first put me on zyprexa to 212 pounds when I finally went off depakote. I wasn't tired, didn't have increased appetite and everything inside was still overwhelming but I was silent about it. Now I will finish the video. I just wanted to say it's not always because it causes someone to eat more. The eating disorder treatment place that I was at actually blamed it on me and told me that I shouldn't be going to McDonald's or somewhere. I went to McDonald's like literally one time and they knew about it and from that moment on my weight gain was because I shouldn't go to McDonald's. Of course that's not really true but to this day it really has affected me in a very traumatic way.

[@DoreenBellDotan]

You two working together is just the perfect pairing.

[@GraveSUGAR]

Thank you so much for this interview! Being on Zyprexa, I've gained some weight and do feel lethargic, so I take it at night time, every morning it takes me an extra hour or so to really wake up and get going, but I really liked understanding what's actually going on in my brain on these meds, thank you!

[@telena5042]

I went from 110 lbs to 180 in 6 months 😢 from being on meds. (Olanzapine) and yes, I sleep-eat almost nightly.

[@striderstache99]

Damn I didn't know that was a thing caused by medicine

[@Hydroyouwasagooddog]

Antipsychotics usually makes me feel ravenous. They also makes me feel like I'm carrying a at least 50 pound body suit and just walking can feel strenuous. They also make me feel like my mind is in a mental straight jacket and I'm not as witty or sharp and instead of hearing voices I'm worried people I interact with think I'm slow or dim witted. Invega seems to have limited side effects but when I'm standing TD gets the best of me and I have to privet from left foot to right foot in a rocking motion back and forth. Being scizoaffective with bipolar I'm usually on a mood stabilizer that also tends to cause weight. It does seem to slow my metabolism my stomach gets distended and I don't digest my food as quickly as when I'm not on psych meds. And like I say I gain weight my mind is so slow I feel like I'm in a mental straight jacket and I'm paranoid now people think I'm slow or dim or not a sharp or quick. Also the feeling of the 50- 100 pound body suit plus the actual weight gain makes me feel like my matabilism is slowing down. Scizoaffective disorder is a bummer but I'm going to check out a scizoaffective support group. Also I'm starting a no sugar no grains lifestyle that seems to have a number of benefits. It's similar to a keto diet.

[@000euMJ]

Hi! Have you tried clozapine? Was it worse than Invega regarding side effects?

[@0585ccook]

I wish you'd do a video on how to make the transition easier or mitigate side effects when you have to change medications. I know it frequently causes me issues when I have to do that and it makes me put it off longer than I should.

[@tothestarsandthesky]

A secret for weight loss is to change your cravings and taste buds by starting the day with a breakfast salad. It has a positive snowball effect towards eating healthier. So far I've lost 6 lbs. in 11 days without feeling like I am dieting which is nice. Because we have a limited amount of will power and it decreases throughout the day, I find eating a breakfast salad far easier than eating a salad at the end of the day or even at lunch.

[@BipolarCourage]

Short answer: yes. And so do mood stabilizers

[@pepper419]

I was forty when I was put on epilim, 68 kg and never ever had been heavier. A year later I was 101kg and had only eaten one small meal a day. Nothing worked, it cost me my gall bladder and appendix.

[@robinkahle-solymos777]

Thank you Lauren & Dr. Marks for shedding light on this topic.

[@CNiswatching]

Went from ~175 to 305 in two years. Down to 273 now but this is by burning 1000+ active calories per day and consuming about 1500-1800 calories most days. Was on 2250 of Depakote at one point combined with Invegga Sustenna for ~ 9 months (50 lbs of gain). Switched to Abilify and another 70lbs came on in about a year. Seemingly, there hasn’t been any real concern from the Doc. Really hoping to continue in a positive direction by working my ass off and focus on the best possible calorie intake. My goal is to return to 190 or whatever feels healthiest.

[@franny5295]

The real problem with these drugs is the fact that they spike your blood sugar. Which spikes your insulin. Which is a fat storing hormone. If you can get rid of the carbohydrates so that you limit your blood sugar spikes and then as you are able to tolerate, decrease the number of meals you eat from 3 meals plus however many snacks to 2 meals and no snacks it would stabilize your blood sugar and insulin levels and that would help. But please be very careful with this. Do not do anything that's going to interfere with you taking your medications as prescribed.

[@freespirit7450]

Maybe you need to stop taking the drug. Have them wean you off.

[@OvercomingPOTS]

I gained 60 lbs after taking Quetiapine. I’m trying to go off and take latuda. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@NotSoNormal1987]

Latuda has been better for me so far. I at least stopped gaining weight. But I haven't really lost anything yet. Quetiapine was the worst for me. I couldn't stay awake. I wanted to sleep 12-16 hours a day. And my weight just balooned. I'm a little groggy on Latuda. But it's managable. I feel like I have life again.

[@sarahglanville1352]

I’ve witnessed my close family member gain over 100 lbs and develop diabetes and vascular disease due to years on antipsychotics.

[@vivianelle.6084]

I have schizoeffective disorder. I take seroquel, propranolol and DULOXENTINE. My diet is primarily vegetarian where I eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit, plus Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and dates. One cheat day a week, and I exercise a lot, so this keeps the weight down.

[@jennylee2319]

Yes exercise is so good for you. But we shouldn't have to exercise like mad just to have a normal look about us .And despite what my doctor told me you can never exercise enough. Overdoing it in the jym can be bad for you not to mention exhausting😊

[@gracebates3336]

Truth is she doesn't know why

[@Brookerulezz]

I'm 42 pounds down after a HHUUUUGGGEEEE weight gain from antipsychotics. However, antipsychotics are all that work for me 😭

[@MG-dq7cw]

Did you lose the weight even while On the meds?

[@Brookerulezz]

@@MG-dq7cw yes

[@hoyconjessi5141]

I’ve tried almost all antidepressants and now going on latuda. Was this your case? Hope you can help

[@Brookerulezz]

@@hoyconjessi5141 yeah I've been on everything you can think of antidepressant wise. I've got antidepressant resistant depression so antipsychotics are all that work for me. Does this help?

[@hoyconjessi5141]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I start this medication soon but first need to come off lexapro that made me anxiety worse 😑along with many other antidepressants that I’ve tried.

[@timmayaparis]

This video was very helpful for me. This came at the right time! 😊

[@coraliedubois5890]

I personally gained 60 pounds on those, but it is a literal life saver drug for me

[@almondwiner]

due to hunger or stuff you couldnt control like metabolism? i find it helps me sooo much too and i count my calories, im scared ill gain either way

[@Mebbe308]

I really found this Extremely useful. My daughter and I live in the UK. Access to psychiatric services is terrible.

[@MicheleBall-q5q]

Yes, anitpsychotic drugs and other drugs can and do directly affect metabolism, energy balance and mitochondrial function. Therefore some signs and symptoms may be relieved but the person will have less energy in their body, brain and nervous system. They contribute to metabolic syndrome.

[@bekah2138]

I haven't seen a lot of these videos but can you talk of family issues. Guilt. Family not respecting or not liking you or holding things against you. Family stigma.

[@FlorisRolandDrBalta]

They do cause increased appetite, but this is not it for sure. I gained more than 10 kgs in a few weeks from olanzapine. I knew about the possible side effect, so I started to eat very small portions of diabetic food after gaining 3 kgs in the first week, yet gaining weight continued. It also independent of dosage. Risperidon however didn't cause me to gain weight, but increased my prolactine to the sky and stopped my period (which I felt good about). So it seems to me that they alter metabolism and hormones.

[@prukyyy]

Its true

[@Madeofstyx]

its a tough road to walk alone, in my experience they helped me find a baseline. and like any drug one has taken for a long time, ssri's.....

[@shieh.4743]

Almost certainly it is the changes to the hormone balance and the effect on the liver. A ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting would help with the insulin spikes.

[@ZeynepC1]

I gained 37 ibs from abilify. Losed it after stopping the medication. Im now on zyprexa was on seroquel before it and only gained 5 pounds. The more sedating ones dont cause me weight gain at all

[@NeonCicada]

*Me:* Today is the day I get in shape. *My Meds:* _ICE CREAM!!!!! NOWWWWW!!!!!_ *Me:* Tomorrow is the day I get in shape.

[@CODING-FOR-YOU]

I am on espiride for two years now for anxiety, and i gained about 15kg. So i started exercising 4 days a week. Start to build muscle and lose fat. I don't gain weight anymore, but i do not loose weight. Feel better in my body now, but still need to work hard to maintain my weight. I also cut out any carbs after 2pm, and eat only vegatables and a piece of meat, chicken or fish at night time. No rice, patatoes or pasta etc. during the week. This helped me to keep my weight at a constant now.

[@m.htruth8880]

You can't loose metabolic sybdrome/diabetic weight from the drugs while still on them.

[@debk1650]

Yeah... Gained 30kg in the last year on anti-psychotics. But aside from schizophrenia I also have an eating disorder and being strict on my food in a non-sickly-way is not doable for me. It would trigger the hell out of me and make my life even more of a living hell. I'm now trying to get off the meds. You shouldn't even be on meds for that long. Have been since 2011 (on multiple ones), I was 18 then.

[@Punksimmons]

Thank you! It’s been a vicious cycle for me. I take antidepressants/anti anxiety meds and they make me gain weight, which is a huge trigger for me so I can’t win. 😔

[@timothycurnock9162]

Read my comment it might help.

[@rebezambrano]

@@timothycurnock9162 what comment

[@timothycurnock9162]

@@rebezambrano i mentioned dr seigal's cookie diet and counting calories. I also take a probiotic with fibre. My weight is fine.

[@stellaancimer8505]

​@@rebezambrano they raise insulin..did you try go keto?

[@alexthesniper1952]

I can relate to this, I'm on Risperdal 1.0 MG for Irritability and Mood issues with my Autism (PDD-NOS) If I wasn't on Ritalin I'd probably be 800 lbs lol.

[@HarpersHeadquarters]

Thank you so very much for ur video's, they help me understand and love my husband more. He's a veteran and the meds side effects suck, kept him from being an active dad and husband and gained weight which causes other health problems .. we've went a more holistic approach to help with his mental health; thanks for sharing your journey we need less gatekeepers in our community.. as a caregiver with no support your videos are a huge favor to me.💓🙏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

I wish someone would warned me that I will gain 34 lbs when I started taking antipsychotics. Fortunately first generation one (flupentixol) works great for me (I don't have almost any side effects) and don't make me gain any more weight, but when I started taking quetiapine my doc said only 'you might gain a tiny bit of weight' not 'most people taking it gain weight'. I took many antipsychotics for 3 years and gained weight, I eat really small portions, I was even on a diet made by dietician. I lost 10 pounds just by changing to first generation antipsychotic but can't lose more.

[@Miscelanou]

I didn't want to take antipsychotics but wasn't allowed to leave the hospital unless I did so I let them give me an invega sustenna injection (I'm too honest and told them I was spitting the pills out when asked) Literally went from 175 to 215 in a month or so and I didn't even take the 2nd injection

[@Miscelanou]

And when I was in the 8th grade I was put on risperidone Gained 60 pounds (140 to 200) in 6 months. Was eventually switched to seroquel but donno if it made a difference

[@Josh-hy3em]

Also suffering is considered synonymous with danger in the States.

[@realstaceylee]

Thank you so much for the video on this topic ❤

[@RexBass-nt3hj]

I find the meds work really well to keep me stable everyday. But I have put on 50kg in 10 years. I'm not angry tho because the meds keep me well. People around us that are taking these meds need to understand that it's so hard for us to keep weight down.😊

[@ezojanek]

I've been fat my whole life, so I didn't really notice any change in my weight that was that drastic... I did keep on gaining it. My first antipsychotic was Risperidone and I hated being on it. Now I'm on Aripiprazole and Paliperidone, these drugs are known to be a bit lighter on weight gain, I've read Aripiprazole combined with another antipsychotic can be helpful in weight loss. I'm also on Prozac/Fluoxetine, because the side effect of suppressing appetite is really helpful in controlling how much I eat. Recently I started a weightloss journey and I'm hoping to start working out. I hope I can do it. Wish me luck.

[@paullance1258]

My doctor today confirmed they lead to increased appetite and reduced metabolism! She’s switching me to a weight neutral prescription

[@cherrysnow4923]

Metabolism is slow on antipsychotics, the doctor didn't say it but it's a fact

[@megpi72]

I agree.

[@baileyhallfilms]

thanks Dr Marks and Lauren this was very thought provoking and detailed discussion

[@millstreetteut7835]

People should more be worried about the withdrawls of zyprexa for example

[@Joe-xj2tb]

Id love to be able to not get sick when i hit 165lbs and lose 30+lbs, Its been a struggle all my life to build skeletal myscle- Ive always been naturally strong yet cannot gain weight, Well two months ago i hit 160 waiting to hit 165 again and prayin i dont get sick for two weeks and lose it

[@AmandaHugandKiss411]

My best of advice IS: 1)that all patients advocate for new, properly tested medications that don't cause these lo long-term very real health care risks. Enough about passing the low carb bs. Your liver gets triggered to produce fat even on a low carb diet. That's what these antipsycotics do. Period. Ask a reputable liver specialist. They don't lie their faces off the way psychiatrist do. 2) have schizophrenia taken out of the psycatric hood of medicine and put under neurologist. They did tnis with epilepsy. Epilepsy isn't stigmatized, any perceived behavior problems dropped dramatically because they weren't getting srewed and labeled by the system. Proper medications were developed. And patients were properly educated on what their illness was, a wiring issue Not a chemical imbalance. Epilepsy patients have some along way. People wiith schizophrenia are living in fear of their symptoms which just exasperate symptoms and even mess with out minds because we fear that we are becoming paranoid etc. Instead of educated people who have this condition, that your brain is receiving false sensory imput from your neurons getting falsely triggered by surrounding neurons. Nothing mre, nothing less. Trust me these are a number of non medication ways to deal with these first level symptoms, once you see them for what they are. Of course, books and movies will have to come up with something other than the crazed schizophrenic axe m$rderer. Which was lazy character development to begin with.

[@atura5502]

I'm looking forward to the weight gain.

[@brandiminor1632]

These are dangerous medications and the consequences need to be considered. I’d like to know if glucose blockers are safe to take with them. I’d also like to know what I can take to give me energy. I’m sooo freaking tired.

[@axs-xq7cq]

And I not only survived 'mental illness' or whatever, but also a bunch of those psychiatric injections too that probably would have layed most people the hell out, and I not only rejected all psychiatric drugs later but just did some freakin' street drugs instead too and still managed to somehow come out on top, because I guess that I must just be like strong as fuck unbreakable hell yeah, get some..

[@sandrapetro3047]

Food choices make a difference too When i was put on seroquel 20 years ago, I changed to eating low carb and fasting and lost 30 lbs and im still following the low carb fasting plan and ive never gained weight and im also on Remeron for sleep

[@nancylaboy339]

My daughter has schizophrenia, this was very helpful. Thank you!

[@bearclaus2676]

I would love to see a collaboration video about Schizophrenia and its connection with dementia(Alzheimers). With symptoms of both being similar and sufferers of schizophrenia possibly being at greater risk of developing dementia in old age. Also, the link to Schizophrenia possibly being inherited this way. With the administration of antipsychotics also a part of that discussion. (Helping/worsening cognitive function).

[@dionysusapollo]

Look up anticholinergic and dementia

[@sweetrn3820]

I have Bipolar 1 and body dysmorphia. Every antipsychotic makes me gain tons of weight and I get even more depressed. I am off meds now but I am always worried about slipping back into mania or psychosis.

[@visionvixxen]

Yeah- no - I get it. Terrifying. I think I would end my life if I gained 10 lbs and kept gaining.

[@laurainthesky3765]

I am a BH prescriber and absolutely hate the awful side effects of antipsychotics necessary for people to have a quality of life. A good tip is that I have never had an insurance company verify a full 30 day trial to count as failed trial for prior authorizations. I don't prescribe Zyprexa anymore, but if you are already gaining weight only 2 weeks into it, call your doctor to get something else. My job is to find patients medications for symptom control without destroying your health/life. 😊

[@Tbear995]

I love you guys both! So cool to see you guys Collab!