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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SalArmy4me on August 8, 2001, at 10:39:10
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
Volume 19(4) August 1999 pp 316-321
Weight Gain: Side Effect of Atypical Neuroleptics?"Marked weight gain ( >3 kg) has to be considered as a rather frequent side effect of antipsychotic medication, especially during treatment with atypical neuroleptics such as clozapine, risperidone, sulpiride, and zotepine. There is evidence that many patients with chronic schizophrenia suffer from obesity (also seen in our study), [12] which is associated with an increase of morbidity. Therefore, the weight-inducing effect of neuroleptics has to be considered particularly in long-term treatment, because the weight gain seems to be only slightly reversible without a rigorous diet. Our results show the following:
- Young subjects, previously not treated with neuroleptics, have a higher risk of weight gain, particularly if they are receiving new atypical neuroleptics. [25,26] Therefore, this side effect has to be taken seriously in view of the compliance with long-term neuroleptic medication, because as is known from the experience with lithium salt medication, weight gain is associated with a high rate of refusal of any further medication. [37]
- Atypical neuroleptics such as clozapine, risperidone, and zotepine induce a greater increase of weight and do so more frequently than do classic neuroleptics such as butyrophenone and phenothiazine derivatives. This leads to a therapeutic dilemma in planning treatment strategies for young schizophrenic patients: the high risk of weight gain during therapy with atypical neuroleptics on the one hand, and the high risk of severe extrapyramidal side effects during treatment with classic neuroleptics on the other hand. Both side effects occurring early in neuroleptic treatment can reduce patient compliance, particularly for long-term treatment..."
Posted by noah4321 on August 8, 2001, at 11:46:44
In reply to Atypical Antipsychotics and Weight-Gain, posted by SalArmy4me on August 8, 2001, at 10:39:10
Dear SalArmy4me,This is why I want to get off these drugs, they take away one problem and give me another problem. I would rather deal with my schizophrenia without medication. I have dealt with my schizophrenia without medication since my early twenties. The only reason I was put on risperdal was to get me off a manic episode I was having from taking sudafed while on paxil by mistake. Now I am stuck in this rutt. I get frustrated going to the gym each day because I know I am not going to get results. I have remained at the same weight for months. I have tried tapering off the risperdal and 16 days later I have experienced terrible withdrawal symptoms: anxiety, panic, paranoia, nightmares, etc. I never had these symptoms before taking the medication. I was a little bit paranoid but it was not severe. I think the drugs have made me worst off. What can I do to deal with these withdrawal symptoms? I don't know how you quit cold turkey.
Posted by SalArmy4me on August 8, 2001, at 13:06:30
In reply to Re: Atypical Antipsychotics and Weight-Gain, posted by noah4321 on August 8, 2001, at 11:46:44
I got really lucky in going of Risperidone, I guess....Sounds like you can use some Depakote ER for those symptoms (possible mania, panic, amd anxiety).
This is the end of the thread.
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