Posted by ivoovi on November 30, 2001, at 21:25:27
In reply to Long-term Zyprexa users - question, posted by Margit on November 30, 2001, at 20:01:34
Hi...I, too, was on Zyprexa. 10mg. For the first two months, I exercised vigirously (upwards of running 6 miles a day), tried DESPERATELY to eat as well as I could (often to no avail), and complied with my dosing schedule. Despite all of this, I gained 15 pounds. I finally quit. That was the only way I could get the weight to stop & come off (I've been off for a month and lost 10 lbs.)
My doctor, in a futile attempt to control the weight gain, prescribed a couple of medications to help counteract the horrid weight gain side effect. He prescribed (in chronological order):
1) Axid -- Slowed the weight gain dramatically. Doesn't work for some people, and it takes a couple weeks to start working (as with all of these meds)
2) Meridia - slowed the weight gain (almost stopped it), but I couldn't lose weight, and it raised my blood pressure significantly so I had to stop
3) Topamax -- GREAT appetite supressent, HOWEVER, it made me so anxious I would have MANY panic attacks a day and would eat anyway to alleviate the stress (I eat when anxious), so that failed.
4) He was going to try adrafinil next, but I stopped the zyprexa before we had a chance. I don't know what would happen if you tried this
5) Glucophage -- I've heard this cures the zyprexa weight gain. It's been the most successful in clinical trials at least -- DEFINATELY mention it to your doctor. I don't know if the weight you've gained will come off, however.
The weight gain dramatically slowed as time went on, but I was unable to lose weight.The weight gain will subside and slowly reverse itself after 9-12 months on the medication. So, seek one of these helpers or wait it out.
My personal opinion is that adding another medication to supress your apetite is not a good and effective idea. However, the glucophage doesn't supress your apetite but rather fixes the problem that causes the weight gain the first place.
Axid should at least be tried on EVERY zyprexa patient, IMHO, because it has ZERO side-effects, and NO effect on mood, etc. (It's an antacid). Worth a try. Dosing is 300mg b.i.d.
I hope this provides some insight in the options you have...good luck!!
-Chris
poster:ivoovi
thread:85672
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85679.html