Weight gain and eating

[kcha]

Has anyone suffered from weight gain because of medication? I am still on medication for bipolar disorder which I got after my PP. I find it hard to eat healthily too, craving sugary items. I never used to eat like this. I can sometimes eat five biscuits in one go!! Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello kcha

Thanks for posting this question. My PP was so long ago but I remember I did put on weight with the medication during and after PP. I'm sorry I don't have any experience of bipolar

There is a post on this site entitled "Aripiprazole, Sertraline and Weight Gain" with a few replies so I don't know if this will be helpful. I know other mums will be here offering their good advice.

Take care .......

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi

Sadly I think weight gain is one of the side effects of the medication. I suffered from this too. But it really is worth it to stay well. I am sure many more women will write about what helped them to stay healthy.

The documentary last night 'Psychosis, baby and me' showed clearly how unwell Jenny became when she stopped taking her medication - taking the meds is absolutely essential to recovering from postpartum psychosis. Yes - if you aren't seeing a perinatal psychiatrist do ask for a second opinion. APP do offer this through Dr Ian Jones app-network.org/what-is-pp/...

but never stop taking meds without a psychiatrist guidance, it can set you back so much on your road to recovery.

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer in reply to Ellie_at_APP]

Hi What Channel and which day was the documentary on? I'm wondering if I can get it on catch up

[Teresa_K_S Volunteer]

Hi Kcha,

Many meds list weight gain as a side affect. It's also hard to judge whether the weight gain is because of an increase in appetite due to a lift in mood or simply due to the tablets. One medication I was on for a year was Olazapine and that most definitely had the side effect of increased appetite for me. One morning I woke up with a jam sandwich on my pillow! After gaining 4 stone in a year I got the consultant to change my meds. I joined a slimming club and lost 3 stone. Weight is still something I have to watch whereas I used to be stick thin and never watch my weight.

Most importantly though is what Ellie says above. Don't stop taking or reduce your tablets without discussing with your doctor. It would most certainly set you back. If you are really unhappy then discuss with your doctor and take it from there. Maybe consider slimming clubs or joining with a friend for support.

Take Care

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi the documentary will be on i player, it was on BBC1 on Tuesday evening at 10.45pm. Do take care watching it, it is pretty harrowing viewing. Take care

[Harmonygirl]

Hi there , snap I have Bipolar disorder and have been on Quetiapine for three years after PP. I have battled with my weight and I constantly crave sugar and am 4-5kg overweight. I am sure it is the medication, as I never had problems with my weight before, but Id rather be a bit squishy and well rather than the alternative, but it is hard and frustrating.

[suzannah0]

Yes on 3mg rispiridone but not on 2mg