Weight Gain on Medication
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January 2, 2009 - 3:16 pm
Yes, weight gain is a tough one to deal with on medication for major depression and bipolar d/o. I am on Seroquel, 200mg to 300mg at night for sleep and mood. Seroquel is infamous for weight gain. I have the added complication of being a bariatric patient. I had weight loss surgery 4 years ago and maintain about a 150 lb weight loss. So, fighting my own disease of obesity PLUS the side effects of Seroquel gives me a double whammy.
I won't lie to you. It is tough. I truly struggle with it. I have managed to gain only about 6 pounds since starting the Seroquel (which is a miracle medication for me, by the way), but I fight my weight all the time. My MD put me on Topamax in an attempt to counteract the side effects of Seroquel. I think it helps a little bit, but not much. I had to keep the dose lower than I would like because of it made me stupid :) I started losing words and forgetting names... not a good thing for someone who does public speaking for a living!!
be well,
Jules
I won't lie to you. It is tough. I truly struggle with it. I have managed to gain only about 6 pounds since starting the Seroquel (which is a miracle medication for me, by the way), but I fight my weight all the time. My MD put me on Topamax in an attempt to counteract the side effects of Seroquel. I think it helps a little bit, but not much. I had to keep the dose lower than I would like because of it made me stupid :) I started losing words and forgetting names... not a good thing for someone who does public speaking for a living!!
be well,
Jules
Yes, weight gain is a tough one to deal with on medication for major depression and bipolar d/o. I am on Seroquel, 200mg to 300mg at night for sleep and mood. Seroquel is infamous for weight gain. I have the added complication of being a bariatric patient. I had weight loss surgery 4 years ago and maintain about a 150 lb weight loss. So, fighting my own disease of obesity PLUS the side effects of Seroquel gives me a double whammy.
I won't lie to you. It is tough. I truly struggle with it. I have managed to gain only about 6 pounds since starting the Seroquel (which is a miracle medication for me, by the way), but I fight my weight all the time. My MD put me on Topamax in an attempt to counteract the side effects of Seroquel. I think it helps a little bit, but not much. I had to keep the dose lower than I would like because of it made me stupid :) I started losing words and forgetting names... not a good thing for someone who does public speaking for a living!!
be well,
Jules
I won't lie to you. It is tough. I truly struggle with it. I have managed to gain only about 6 pounds since starting the Seroquel (which is a miracle medication for me, by the way), but I fight my weight all the time. My MD put me on Topamax in an attempt to counteract the side effects of Seroquel. I think it helps a little bit, but not much. I had to keep the dose lower than I would like because of it made me stupid :) I started losing words and forgetting names... not a good thing for someone who does public speaking for a living!!
be well,
Jules
January 3, 2009 - 6:52 pm
Total Posts: 13
Joined: 01-02-2009
Joined: 01-02-2009
Hello Jules,
I also am a bariatric patient had lap band just about 2 years ago. I've been on meds that made me gain weight but back then I looked at it as though whats another 10-15lbs as long as I don't go into any high or low swings I was happy. But now I could see if they told me I would have weight gain I might have trouble with that. I am not at my goal weight yet but I have learned to love my body the way it is (well at least most of the time). I work with my therapist on ways to cope with my dependancy and food as my comfort drug.
Because of my lap band some nights I do have trouble taking my meds. I have to have to cut them into quarters just so they are small enough and don't get stuck. Do you have any issues with that?
Thanks
Amanda
I also am a bariatric patient had lap band just about 2 years ago. I've been on meds that made me gain weight but back then I looked at it as though whats another 10-15lbs as long as I don't go into any high or low swings I was happy. But now I could see if they told me I would have weight gain I might have trouble with that. I am not at my goal weight yet but I have learned to love my body the way it is (well at least most of the time). I work with my therapist on ways to cope with my dependancy and food as my comfort drug.
Because of my lap band some nights I do have trouble taking my meds. I have to have to cut them into quarters just so they are small enough and don't get stuck. Do you have any issues with that?
Thanks
Amanda
Hello Jules,
I also am a bariatric patient had lap band just about 2 years ago. I've been on meds that made me gain weight but back then I looked at it as though whats another 10-15lbs as long as I don't go into any high or low swings I was happy. But now I could see if they told me I would have weight gain I might have trouble with that. I am not at my goal weight yet but I have learned to love my body the way it is (well at least most of the time). I work with my therapist on ways to cope with my dependancy and food as my comfort drug.
Because of my lap band some nights I do have trouble taking my meds. I have to have to cut them into quarters just so they are small enough and don't get stuck. Do you have any issues with that?
Thanks
Amanda
I also am a bariatric patient had lap band just about 2 years ago. I've been on meds that made me gain weight but back then I looked at it as though whats another 10-15lbs as long as I don't go into any high or low swings I was happy. But now I could see if they told me I would have weight gain I might have trouble with that. I am not at my goal weight yet but I have learned to love my body the way it is (well at least most of the time). I work with my therapist on ways to cope with my dependancy and food as my comfort drug.
Because of my lap band some nights I do have trouble taking my meds. I have to have to cut them into quarters just so they are small enough and don't get stuck. Do you have any issues with that?
Thanks
Amanda
January 3, 2009 - 9:52 pm
Total Posts: 133
Joined: 10-30-2007
Joined: 10-30-2007
Amanda.... How great to know that there's another bandster on the forum! That's exciting! When I posted that I was a bariatric patient, I had no idea that there be another one, much less someone with a lap band!
I do have to be careful with my band with my night time meds. My 300mg Seroquel is a monster, and I usually split it in two to take it. The other ones are generally okay. I do sometimes worry about my Tegretol XR 400mg. It's a big, round tablet with a rough coating. It cannot be cut because it is extended release. So far, I haven't had any trouble with it. But, I have to be super careful with it around my menses. My band is very tight during my menses. I have to be super careful with EVERTHING during that time of month.
Last year, I had an incident where I must have had some swelling at my band that I wasn't aware of. I took my night time meds and they got really, really stuck. I mean STUCK. So, I ended up at the emergency room and they had to remove the fluid from my band. The pills went through immediately. Whew... problem solved. But... it was kinda funny. All of my sleep meds (I have a raging sleep d/o with my bipolar) had gotten mushy... so within about 5 minutes of them hitting my stomach, I was GONE! OUT like a light. My husband nearly had to carry me to the car.
At least I can laugh about it now! :)
Have a great day!
Jules
I do have to be careful with my band with my night time meds. My 300mg Seroquel is a monster, and I usually split it in two to take it. The other ones are generally okay. I do sometimes worry about my Tegretol XR 400mg. It's a big, round tablet with a rough coating. It cannot be cut because it is extended release. So far, I haven't had any trouble with it. But, I have to be super careful with it around my menses. My band is very tight during my menses. I have to be super careful with EVERTHING during that time of month.
Last year, I had an incident where I must have had some swelling at my band that I wasn't aware of. I took my night time meds and they got really, really stuck. I mean STUCK. So, I ended up at the emergency room and they had to remove the fluid from my band. The pills went through immediately. Whew... problem solved. But... it was kinda funny. All of my sleep meds (I have a raging sleep d/o with my bipolar) had gotten mushy... so within about 5 minutes of them hitting my stomach, I was GONE! OUT like a light. My husband nearly had to carry me to the car.
At least I can laugh about it now! :)
Have a great day!
Jules
Amanda.... How great to know that there's another bandster on the forum! That's exciting! When I posted that I was a bariatric patient, I had no idea that there be another one, much less someone with a lap band!
I do have to be careful with my band with my night time meds. My 300mg Seroquel is a monster, and I usually split it in two to take it. The other ones are generally okay. I do sometimes worry about my Tegretol XR 400mg. It's a big, round tablet with a rough coating. It cannot be cut because it is extended release. So far, I haven't had any trouble with it. But, I have to be super careful with it around my menses. My band is very tight during my menses. I have to be super careful with EVERTHING during that time of month.
Last year, I had an incident where I must have had some swelling at my band that I wasn't aware of. I took my night time meds and they got really, really stuck. I mean STUCK. So, I ended up at the emergency room and they had to remove the fluid from my band. The pills went through immediately. Whew... problem solved. But... it was kinda funny. All of my sleep meds (I have a raging sleep d/o with my bipolar) had gotten mushy... so within about 5 minutes of them hitting my stomach, I was GONE! OUT like a light. My husband nearly had to carry me to the car.
At least I can laugh about it now! :)
Have a great day!
Jules
I do have to be careful with my band with my night time meds. My 300mg Seroquel is a monster, and I usually split it in two to take it. The other ones are generally okay. I do sometimes worry about my Tegretol XR 400mg. It's a big, round tablet with a rough coating. It cannot be cut because it is extended release. So far, I haven't had any trouble with it. But, I have to be super careful with it around my menses. My band is very tight during my menses. I have to be super careful with EVERTHING during that time of month.
Last year, I had an incident where I must have had some swelling at my band that I wasn't aware of. I took my night time meds and they got really, really stuck. I mean STUCK. So, I ended up at the emergency room and they had to remove the fluid from my band. The pills went through immediately. Whew... problem solved. But... it was kinda funny. All of my sleep meds (I have a raging sleep d/o with my bipolar) had gotten mushy... so within about 5 minutes of them hitting my stomach, I was GONE! OUT like a light. My husband nearly had to carry me to the car.
At least I can laugh about it now! :)
Have a great day!
Jules
January 4, 2009 - 3:43 pm
Total Posts: 146
Joined: 01-04-2009
Joined: 01-04-2009
Hello all, I'm Jane and I'm new here. My current meds are weight neutral but I was on Remeron for about a year--and that is awful for weight gain--sixty plus pounds. But it was that or be so anxious I couldn't sleep or get out of my house so I lived with it.
Anyway--can you tell I used to be a nurse-- if you are having mechanical problems with your meds talking to your pharmacist can be a good resource. Sometimes they can do a custom formulation so you get the same drug in an easier to take form. DO NOT whatever you do, think that your prescribing MD(GP, Psychiatrist, Internal Med or other) is aware of the difficulties caused by bariatric surgury unless you have specifically discussed it with him or her. Even if you have, remind them of it when you talk about meds and never assume they have read your complete file. Also, don't assume they always know what to do about mechanical problems with meds. When I worked in a nursing home, I lost track of the number of doctors that told me to "just crush" long acting meds.
Another reason to talk with a pharmacist is different drugs are absorbed by different parts of the digestive tract--so the pharmacist needs to be able to check which meds you are on if their absorbtion was affected by your surgury. And I hope I don't sound like a "know it all", I just worry because most folks assume doctors know more than they do.
Anyway--can you tell I used to be a nurse-- if you are having mechanical problems with your meds talking to your pharmacist can be a good resource. Sometimes they can do a custom formulation so you get the same drug in an easier to take form. DO NOT whatever you do, think that your prescribing MD(GP, Psychiatrist, Internal Med or other) is aware of the difficulties caused by bariatric surgury unless you have specifically discussed it with him or her. Even if you have, remind them of it when you talk about meds and never assume they have read your complete file. Also, don't assume they always know what to do about mechanical problems with meds. When I worked in a nursing home, I lost track of the number of doctors that told me to "just crush" long acting meds.
Another reason to talk with a pharmacist is different drugs are absorbed by different parts of the digestive tract--so the pharmacist needs to be able to check which meds you are on if their absorbtion was affected by your surgury. And I hope I don't sound like a "know it all", I just worry because most folks assume doctors know more than they do.
Hello all, I'm Jane and I'm new here. My current meds are weight neutral but I was on Remeron for about a year--and that is awful for weight gain--sixty plus pounds. But it was that or be so anxious I couldn't sleep or get out of my house so I lived with it.
Anyway--can you tell I used to be a nurse-- if you are having mechanical problems with your meds talking to your pharmacist can be a good resource. Sometimes they can do a custom formulation so you get the same drug in an easier to take form. DO NOT whatever you do, think that your prescribing MD(GP, Psychiatrist, Internal Med or other) is aware of the difficulties caused by bariatric surgury unless you have specifically discussed it with him or her. Even if you have, remind them of it when you talk about meds and never assume they have read your complete file. Also, don't assume they always know what to do about mechanical problems with meds. When I worked in a nursing home, I lost track of the number of doctors that told me to "just crush" long acting meds.
Another reason to talk with a pharmacist is different drugs are absorbed by different parts of the digestive tract--so the pharmacist needs to be able to check which meds you are on if their absorbtion was affected by your surgury. And I hope I don't sound like a "know it all", I just worry because most folks assume doctors know more than they do.
Anyway--can you tell I used to be a nurse-- if you are having mechanical problems with your meds talking to your pharmacist can be a good resource. Sometimes they can do a custom formulation so you get the same drug in an easier to take form. DO NOT whatever you do, think that your prescribing MD(GP, Psychiatrist, Internal Med or other) is aware of the difficulties caused by bariatric surgury unless you have specifically discussed it with him or her. Even if you have, remind them of it when you talk about meds and never assume they have read your complete file. Also, don't assume they always know what to do about mechanical problems with meds. When I worked in a nursing home, I lost track of the number of doctors that told me to "just crush" long acting meds.
Another reason to talk with a pharmacist is different drugs are absorbed by different parts of the digestive tract--so the pharmacist needs to be able to check which meds you are on if their absorbtion was affected by your surgury. And I hope I don't sound like a "know it all", I just worry because most folks assume doctors know more than they do.
January 6, 2009 - 3:56 pm
Total Posts: 133
Joined: 10-30-2007
Joined: 10-30-2007
Lizabeth,
I can't agree with you more about keeping the Pdocs, as well as our primary care physicians, up to speed on our bariatric procedure. I have a really smart and wise Psychiatrist. He was exactly the doctor that I needed at exactly the right time. However, there are times that he will make a comment that reminds me that he isn't a bariatric specialist. So, it is important for me to be an informed consumer and to share information when needed.
I always have to ask my primary care doc, my GYN, or any other doc that I interact with if ANY medication that they are giving me is weight neutral. If it is not weight neutral, I ask them for another possible alternative. If they don't know of one off the top of their head, I ask them to do a little research before we make a final decision. I often find myself having to educate them on my procedure, as well. I really require that my physicians include me as a partner in my own treatment. This doesn't mean that I make the decisions, it simply means that I want to be a part of the decision making process. When I was 330 lbs, I didn't feel like I had the right to do that.
I appreciate your knowlege and expertise as an RN. I'm glad you're a member of the group!!
be well,
Jules
I can't agree with you more about keeping the Pdocs, as well as our primary care physicians, up to speed on our bariatric procedure. I have a really smart and wise Psychiatrist. He was exactly the doctor that I needed at exactly the right time. However, there are times that he will make a comment that reminds me that he isn't a bariatric specialist. So, it is important for me to be an informed consumer and to share information when needed.
I always have to ask my primary care doc, my GYN, or any other doc that I interact with if ANY medication that they are giving me is weight neutral. If it is not weight neutral, I ask them for another possible alternative. If they don't know of one off the top of their head, I ask them to do a little research before we make a final decision. I often find myself having to educate them on my procedure, as well. I really require that my physicians include me as a partner in my own treatment. This doesn't mean that I make the decisions, it simply means that I want to be a part of the decision making process. When I was 330 lbs, I didn't feel like I had the right to do that.
I appreciate your knowlege and expertise as an RN. I'm glad you're a member of the group!!
be well,
Jules
Lizabeth,
I can't agree with you more about keeping the Pdocs, as well as our primary care physicians, up to speed on our bariatric procedure. I have a really smart and wise Psychiatrist. He was exactly the doctor that I needed at exactly the right time. However, there are times that he will make a comment that reminds me that he isn't a bariatric specialist. So, it is important for me to be an informed consumer and to share information when needed.
I always have to ask my primary care doc, my GYN, or any other doc that I interact with if ANY medication that they are giving me is weight neutral. If it is not weight neutral, I ask them for another possible alternative. If they don't know of one off the top of their head, I ask them to do a little research before we make a final decision. I often find myself having to educate them on my procedure, as well. I really require that my physicians include me as a partner in my own treatment. This doesn't mean that I make the decisions, it simply means that I want to be a part of the decision making process. When I was 330 lbs, I didn't feel like I had the right to do that.
I appreciate your knowlege and expertise as an RN. I'm glad you're a member of the group!!
be well,
Jules
I can't agree with you more about keeping the Pdocs, as well as our primary care physicians, up to speed on our bariatric procedure. I have a really smart and wise Psychiatrist. He was exactly the doctor that I needed at exactly the right time. However, there are times that he will make a comment that reminds me that he isn't a bariatric specialist. So, it is important for me to be an informed consumer and to share information when needed.
I always have to ask my primary care doc, my GYN, or any other doc that I interact with if ANY medication that they are giving me is weight neutral. If it is not weight neutral, I ask them for another possible alternative. If they don't know of one off the top of their head, I ask them to do a little research before we make a final decision. I often find myself having to educate them on my procedure, as well. I really require that my physicians include me as a partner in my own treatment. This doesn't mean that I make the decisions, it simply means that I want to be a part of the decision making process. When I was 330 lbs, I didn't feel like I had the right to do that.
I appreciate your knowlege and expertise as an RN. I'm glad you're a member of the group!!
be well,
Jules
Joined: 10-30-2007