weight gain

08-29-2005, 09:06 AM

Hello all:
I am currently on 5 mg. zyprexa, which is an anti psychotic drug. One of it's
side effects is sleep and I am on it for that reason, as all other sleep
medications have failed miserably for me. My biggest concern is that the other
side effect is severe weight gain. I have put on over 75 lbs in a six month
period. Do any of you have any suggestions for me, I am not used to being this
heavy. My other problem is also a loss of appetite, I have to force myself to
eat at least one meal per day. I tank you in advance for any help!!
Bonnie

08-30-2005, 02:41 AM

Bonnie,
You may want to check your blood sugar; zyprexa causes insulin resistance
and eventually diabetes, which is why you are gaining weight. My daughter
gained 40 lbs. on that med. She was taking it for bipolar disorder and we
were so relieved that she was no longer trying to kill herself that we left
her on it. Then, losing the weight was very hard and she has had problems
with her weight since. That said, I would not want her to go back on it. At
the time, it was better than the alternative. Have you tried valerian root
for sleep? It seems to work fairly well for some insomnia. Insomnia is very
hard to deal with once it becomes a habit. I have also had problems with it
for years. Weird thing is, once my arthritis went into remission so I wasn't
in pain and I had a stent put in my heart (I don't know the connection, but
they seem to have happened around the same time), then some of the insomnia
went away. Also, are you of the age that you could be going through
perimenopause or menopause? That causes night sweats and problems sleeping.
If so, then maybe if you treat that, the other will improve. You may want to
get the rest of your health checked out. Sleep problems don't usually occur
in isolation.
Darla

On 8/29/05, Bonniect wrote:
> I am currently on 5 mg. zyprexa, which is an anti psychotic drug. One of
> it's side effects is sleep and I am on it for that reason, as all other
> sleep medications have failed miserably for me. My biggest concern is that
> the other side effect is severe weight gain. I have put on over 75 lbs in a
> six month period.

08-30-2005, 07:44 AM

Darla:
Thanks for your response.
I have had the blood testing done quite frequently since I have been on the
zyprexa and so far so good. I am 56 years old and still on premarin for my
menopause. I thought when I started taking it some 14 years a go it would be
the end of my insomnia, but no such luck. I think you are right about it
becoming a habit though, as I do aniticipate it happening. It has worsend over
the years to the point that I can't sleep for days. I hate being this heavy,
you have to relearn so many things. I would kill just to be able to cross my
legs again, or tie my shoe without feeling as if someone is strangling me!! So
now your daughter is no longer on the drug?? What is she taking in place of it,
and how is her weight now?? I sleep like a baby now and I don't want to give up
that good feeling. I think if I can go to the gym and start eating correctly I
should at least get rid of some inches, and maybe redistribute the weight, it is
all in my stomach. Thank you so much for the advice, and I wish you the best
with your daughter.
Bonnie
----- Original Message -----
From: Darla Wells
To: ayurvedaonline (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com
You may want to check your blood sugar; zyprexa causes insulin resistance
and eventually diabetes, which is why you are gaining weight. My daughter
gained 40 lbs. on that med.

09-21-2005, 12:36 PM

Hello--- I also am on zyprexa and it does really put
you to sleep!!! Have you ever tried to get off
zyprexa?--I did and had horrible sleepless nights and
other major problems. Zyprexa is horribly addictive
and I think that if I could I would try and live
without it. One thing I did notice when I went off
zyprexa is that I had a bunch of food allergies. When
I eat milk, gluten, egg free I feel much better but I
still continue to take zyprexa but on a lower dose.
Some things that put me to sleep when off was
SuperGreens and Enzymes along with a amino acid
homeopathic product. i have also heard that melatonin,
st. johns wart, and the amino acids 5-HTP and
ornathene work great also. I hope that helps you.
Sincerly,
Katie Carr

--- Darla Wells wrote:

> Bonnie,
> You may want to check your blood sugar; zyprexa
> causes insulin resistance
> and eventually diabetes, which is why you are
> gaining weight.