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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
Hi all,
I tried switching from Seroquel to Geodon for weight loss but couldn't tolerate even 40 mg of Geodon (akathisia - anxiety and restlessness).
My next option for losing weight is adding metformin to Seroquel.
Anyone had luck losing weight with metformin while still taking the offending AAP?
Thanks,
Athene
Posted by Christ_empowered on October 3, 2014, at 22:07:28
In reply to Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
I think Lamdage and some others have done that with success. There's limited data on it, I think mostly used with Zyprexa.
Good luck to you!
PS--Seroquel may well be the *ultimate* widely used atypical. I read over this one part of a book on psychotic depression, and the doc was all about some Seroquel. Low EPS, low-ish TD risk...just the sedation and weight gain :-(
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 4, 2014, at 2:45:36
In reply to Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
> Hi all,
>
> I tried switching from Seroquel to Geodon for weight loss but couldn't tolerate even 40 mg of Geodon (akathisia - anxiety and restlessness).
>
> My next option for losing weight is adding metformin to Seroquel.
>
> Anyone had luck losing weight with metformin while still taking the offending AAP?
>
> Thanks,
> AtheneAbsolutely, and it doesn't poop out!
Posted by Phil on October 5, 2014, at 13:48:38
In reply to Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 5, 2014, at 14:29:41
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss? » Athene, posted by Phil on October 5, 2014, at 13:48:38
Its really good
Posted by Phil on October 5, 2014, at 16:14:07
In reply to Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
This was a chart of my weight loss on Metformin, Lithium, seroquel and clonazepam.
Weight loss is not a given. If it was, every person on this planet would be on it but again, try it.[URL=http://s297.photobucket.com/user/pearljo/media/weightloss_zps34576c4a.png.html][IMG]http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm216/pearljo/weightloss_zps34576c4a.png[/IMG][/URL]
Posted by Athene on October 5, 2014, at 16:17:45
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Phil on October 5, 2014, at 16:14:07
Posted by Phil on October 5, 2014, at 16:21:44
In reply to Thanks for the chart. (nm) » Phil, posted by Athene on October 5, 2014, at 16:17:45
It's not on there but I ended up at 227.
Posted by enndub on October 6, 2014, at 16:24:32
In reply to Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
It helps with diet and exercise. Alone, it didn't do much for weight loss for me (on 2g/day). Paired with a Ketogenic diet and moderate exercise, it works really great for weight loss and keeping carb cravings in check.
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 7, 2014, at 17:25:42
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by enndub on October 6, 2014, at 16:24:32
> It helps with diet and exercise. Alone, it didn't do much for weight loss for me (on 2g/day). Paired with a Ketogenic diet and moderate exercise, it works really great for weight loss and keeping carb cravings in check.
Well, for me, Metformin helps because it works in a way that prevents you from craving carbs so much. In that way it indirectly helps diet, or lets say it makes it easier for you to follow a healthier diet. It doesn't help with exercise of course. Ok my previous poster basically said the same thing.
Either way, Metformin is likely to help with weight. It depends on how many meds you take that cause weight gain. If its just one and the dose is not super high, you'll probably loose weight pretty effortlessly. If its more than one med, you will be weight neutral or gain very slightly. No matter what, you will be thinner than if you weren't taking Metformin.
At least its that way for me. I think i avoided 50-100 pounds. In a bit less than a year. Easily. My antipsychotic doses were really sky high for extended periods of time.
When i didn't take Metformin and the dose was so high, i gained like 2 pounds a day
Posted by phidippus on October 20, 2014, at 19:16:20
In reply to Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Athene on October 3, 2014, at 21:29:11
Metformin is kind of hard on the kidneys. Why not try Zonegran or Topemax instead?
Eric
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 20, 2014, at 22:59:47
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss? » Athene, posted by phidippus on October 20, 2014, at 19:16:20
> Metformin is kind of hard on the kidneys. Why not try Zonegran or Topemax instead?
>
> EricWHat is Zonegran??
Posted by SLS on October 21, 2014, at 7:41:33
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Lamdage22 on October 7, 2014, at 17:25:42
Metformin is the way to go if you can tolerate it comfortably. Besides helping to regulate insulin/glucose dynamics and to prevent and reverse diabetes, it can also facilitate weight loss. Metformin might even allow you to live longer. It definitely extends the life of rodents. This is a consistent finding. I might ask for it, despite having blood glucose levels somewhat below the maximum allowable.
Metformin is very effective to prevent the weight-gain produced by neuroleptic antipsychotics, and the metabolic effects that can shorten one's life. Metformin isn't always tolerated, usually because it can produce G.I. side effects. Metformin may not be universally effective. It doesn't work for 100% of people. It also doesn't work equally for 100% of antipsychotic.
Do your own research on metformin to see if it is something you would like to try. It is my opinion that if you tolerate metformin, and there are no contraindications for its use in your case, I would choose it before adding anticonvulsants. It is likely to prevent insulin resistence, a pre-diabetic condition. If you do need to use an anticonvulsant, I would choose Trileptal, Topamax, and Zonegran - in that order. The order represents my generalized opinion, and is based upon efficacy/side effects.
- Scott
Posted by Phil on October 21, 2014, at 9:46:43
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss? » Athene, posted by phidippus on October 20, 2014, at 19:16:20
Fact: Look at how Met can prevent cancer.
For those with pre-existing kidney problems those people shouldn't take it. For those without kidney problems, yearly tests can monitor the side effects and if there's an issue, stop the drug.
The biggest issue for this miracle drug are GI problems.
Metformin is the go to drug for these issues and is considered a fairly safe, effective treatment.http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/10/21/metformin-glucophage-side-effects-complications/
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 21, 2014, at 12:03:16
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss? » phidippus, posted by Phil on October 21, 2014, at 9:46:43
Thanks for reassuring. Metformin is the sh*t!
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 21, 2014, at 12:19:56
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Lamdage22 on October 21, 2014, at 12:03:16
For my Kidney i reduced lithium orotate to 375mg and i was gonna say some time i will go down from 1500 Metformin to 1000.
I get bloodwork every three month.
Am i fine or not?
Posted by Phil on October 21, 2014, at 20:06:25
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Lamdage22 on October 21, 2014, at 12:19:56
Looking good.
Posted by Lamdage22 on October 22, 2014, at 14:05:09
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss? » Lamdage22, posted by SLS on October 21, 2014, at 7:41:33
Besides helping to regulate insulin/glucose dynamics and to prevent and reverse diabetes,
Metformin might even allow you to live longer. It definitely extends the life of rodents. This is a consistent finding.
>
> Metformin is very effective to prevent the weight-gain produced by neuroleptic antipsychotics, and the metabolic effects that can shorten one's life.It is likely to prevent insulin resistence, a pre-diabetic condition.
@ Scott.
Do you have evidence for the claims you made that i might show my future doctor? That would be awesome if you can find it. C
Posted by phidippus on October 22, 2014, at 17:24:03
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Lamdage22 on October 20, 2014, at 22:59:47
Zonegran is an anticonvulsant which has some weight loss properties.
Eric
Posted by phidippus on October 22, 2014, at 23:13:06
In reply to Re: Metformin for atypical antipsychotic weight loss?, posted by Lamdage22 on October 21, 2014, at 12:19:56
You should be fine.
Eric
This is the end of the thread.
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