Quietapine question

[Heart17]

Hi everyone, I’m just wondering if anyone has any comments about if they take Quietapine and weight gain. I have been on it for 4 and a half years now and have gained nearly 5 stone. I take it for anxiety/depression. I’ve tried every diet going with zero success. It’s so difficult because it keeps me well (I’ve tried to come down on it and started to feel terrible again) but the weight gain is making me so upset, sad and more self conscious than I can put into words. I feel blessed that I found a medication that keeps me well but so so tired of feeling down about my weight. Please don’t think Im just being vain but could really do with some others that may have similar issues. Feeling really lost about it now. Thank you so much for reading 🙂

[Hidden]

I don't know anything about this medication however, you are feeling better. Best to talk to doctor for advice. In the meantime, no body shaming yourself and be happy

[Heart17 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 🙂

[Ragdoll15]

You are right, it is an effective drug. I took it for a few months and put on a lot of weight and my ankles swelled up so much I could hardly walk so I stopped taking it. At the moment I am on two other antidepressants but they are not really helping much and are causing other problems. It's unfortunate that some people suffer bad side effects, I suppose we have to decide what is best for us. Have you spoken to your GP about your concerns? They might be able to suggest something else for you.

[Heart17 in reply to Ragdoll15]

Hi ward146, yes have been offered some alternatives but they came with the risk of weight gain also, so decided that it was too much of a gamble to try a new med that firstly may not work and also may not help with losing the weight. I had a break down in 2014 and it took months of trial and error before I found Quietapine, I’m grateful for that as I’m in no doubt that it saved my life. Just have to find a way if losing the weight and stay on this med.

Could I ask what meds you are on. Thank you for your reply 🙂

[Ragdoll15 in reply to Heart17]

At the moment I am on venaflexine and mirtizapine. I am in the process of stopping the ven as I am having problems relating to it although a lot of people find it helpful. I am just one of those people who get bad side effects from medication. However. I find the mirt. helps somewhat especially for sleeping as I was suffering insomnia due to the anxiety. I have been on countless antidepressants over the past couple of years but just could not tolerate them. Like you, I really don't know what to do next as I am scared to take new meds.

[Heart17 in reply to Ragdoll15]

It’s a difficult one isn’t it. Trying new meds is a scary thing. I learned after a horrible couple attempts of trying them that ssri’s are something I can’t take at all. I hope you manage to find a med that is right for you. Best wishes to you

[ChicagoGirl1961]

The seroquel itself does not cause weight gain but I understand it really stimulates appetite. Since this med works so well for you, I would continue taking it. It won't be easy, but if you altered your diet you may be able to get a handle on your weight. Perhaps adopt a diet that consists primarily of vegetables, preferably steamed or boiled without added butter or other high calorie condiments, a minimal amount of meat preferably lean cuts of skinless chicken breast and primarily abstain from red meat. Nothing fried or high fat foods, and no sugar. It ultimately boils down to calories in and calories out. A low-fat primarily vegetarian diet will also be helpful in keeping your cholesterol down, as seroquel does increase cholesterol. Another option is the keto diet which is highly effective if you strictly adhere to it, however the downside of this diet is that it will likely raise your cholesterol. I stayed away from this drug because I already have a voracious appetite and was concerned about weight gain, and already struggled maintaining a health cholesterol levels. I empathize with your situation but with mindful eating you can likely drop some weight. It won't be easy but you can have success if you are all in with developing and implementing a strategy that you strictly adhere to in order to lose weight. I know it's a tough situation but you can do this. I wish you luck. Be well.

[Heart17]

Thank you 🙂 I’m more determined than ever to put a end to this weight gain. You are right, it’s the ridiculous hunger that you get with it, plus it’s very sedating so I have zero motivation to be active (I’m also Agrophobic) But I have tried various diets and will lose some and then it goes back on again. I’ve been told that it can slow down your metabolism down which is even more reason that I should be eating well and being active. Thank you for your helpful advice and your kind words. Best wishes to you 🙂

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Heart17]

It may be worth considering a dietician/nutritionist, perhaps with the knowledge they have a solid plan to reach attainable goals could be obtained. I've struggled with my weight at times over the years and I can remember at times how I just felt it was hopeless, but after many failed diets I concluded that diets don't work, but permanent lifestyle changes do. With diets I always felt deprived and that just was not sustainable, so I learned to eat different foods where I was able to eat the same quantity of food as I did when overweight by choosing foods that are not calorie dense. Don't give up, make permanent changes to the way you eat and it can help. Set realistic achievable goals and with a good plan, a little sacrifice and disipline and I think you'll be surprised what you CAN accomplish. Good luck Heart17.

[Heart17 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Thank you, I start today, you words are really helpful 🙂