Increased appetite on olanzapine

[linzi686]

I was on 2. 5mg of olanzapine at 36 weeks pregnant as a preventative with no side effects , I went up to 5mg a few days after delivery, two weeks ago and I am Constantly hungry and craving sweet foods. I'm eating so much junk, going in the kitchen and eating 500 calories worth of biscuits, chocolate over from Christmas in one Go. I know in the light of things, this is a minor thing compared to what taking it is preventing, but I put on 2.5 stone last time I was on it 7 years ago after pp with my 1st son and I never lost it. I'm hoping they let me drop down to 2. 5 again soon and it will calm the hunger/cravings.

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi linzi686,

I also craved so many sweet things while on olanzapine. I remember having a full dinner followed by 2 desserts, and if there was nothing else around I would have a bowl of sugary cereal with milk at odd times of the day, the most disgusting thing. Its such a common side effect of olanzapine, unfortunately.

I just wanted to say, please don't be hard on yourself about eating more these days, you did something pretty amazing and incredibly brave a couple of weeks ago, be kind to yourself because you are doing so so well.

I hope that when you can be more active, the weather will allow for some exercise in the fresh air. I find that so beneficial both mentally and physically.

Take good care of yourself, I hope that you are getting enough sleep these days and you continue to have good support from the perinatal team

[Buttercup12345]

Hiya

I feel for you I remember it all too well. I had a beautiful figure for 40yrs and then Olanzapine changed this I put on between 3 or 4 stone lost track. It was shocking people didn't recognise me. I came off Olanzapine a year ago and have slowly lost the weight still have a belly on me but slowly slowly i'm getting there and I am also accepting I won't be the same again physically I am embracing the changes and am grateful for really good mental health. Be kind to yourself yes you will eat more but staying out of hospital to look after your little one is your number one goal at the moment. You can address the weight gain later and i am sure your meds will reduce all in good time no rush. Congratulations your amazing.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello linzi686

Good to hear from you. It’s a fine balance taking medication to keep you well while noticing weight gain. I don’t have any experience of taking Olanzapine during my PP episodes some years ago.

I did notice under a post “Medication query for relapse episode” on the forum, there’s a reply from Bulb whose daughter swapped from Olanzapine to Aripiprazole, 4 months after her second relapse because she didn’t like the weight gain. “She has lost a stone in weight and has been on it for two years ...”

Thankfully you are doing well so perhaps you are keeping stable on Olanzapine? I think, as EmiMum mentioned, when the better weather arrives you will be able to exercise in the fresh air and feel the benefit. For now I think it’s best to be guided by your Consultant and try not to put pressure on yourself.

Take care and stay safe.

[Hidden]

For me, I found 2.5mg of olanzapine was enough, and 5mg, which is the 'theraputic dose' turned me into a zombie. With my second baby, I had the same as you, 2.5mg in late pregnancy, and then 5mg, which is a 'theraputic dose'. It wasn't theraputic for me, it was too much (I'm a small woman.) But when the CPN came to see me (2009) she could see I was 'out of it' and they let me reduce the dose. And I was fine and I can remember my second baby.

So don't be afraid to request a reduction in dose. But yes, the cravings are uncontrollable, it's not your fault at all.

[JL_Klou4 Volunteer]

Hi linzi686,

I too had increased appetite, sugary cravings and weight gain on olanzapine. Like Lilybeth mentioned, I too was swapped from olanzapine to aripiprazole due to the unwanted side effect of weight gain. I have found it to be very helpful in the want/need to over eat and always feeling hungry. However what I do find now is that it has come a little bit of a habbit to eat/want the sweet treats so I have to use my willpower more now!

But, I try not to be hard on myself about it due to what I have been through. Like EstherLinton40 said, be kind to yourself and deal with the weight gain at a later point but maybe a reduction in dose or medication change is worth asking for.

[Csanderson Volunteer]

Hi linzi686,

Weight gain is a very common side effect of olanzapine unfortunately. I too gained a lot of weight on the dose of 20 mg.

I found that what I was drinking made a bit of a difference. Drinking full fat coke and other sugary drinks meant I was drinking lots of calories. There are lots of little things you can do to help slow down weight gain. Unfortunately it’s a lot harder than most people think!

Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s far more important that you are well and happy than to lose weight.

[Hidden]

Hi, I can completely understand your frustration regarding Olanzapine. While you know it is there to help you the increased appetite can also have a detrimental affect. When I was discharged from hospital I was on 20mg Olanzapine it’s taken me a while to reduce this to 7.5mg.

Be kind to yourself and take time with things. Hope you are keeping well x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello linzi686

I hope the replies here have been reassuring and you have been able to think what a star you have been! Be proud of yourself ..... all in good time you will be where you want to be with your weight, guided by your care team. For now, wrap yourself in the comfort blanket of home and stay safe. x