Starting quetiapine - scared of weight gain.

[Irritateandunreasonable]

I’m starting quetiapine and I’m pretty terrified of the weight gain, does anyone have any experience with this drug?

I’m slim right now, getting fat will make me utterly miserable - has anyone had any success avoiding weight gain on this medication?

If you really need Quetiapine your doctor will have weighed up risk and benefit before prescribing it to you, and come to the conclusion that it is worth it. Remember, they take an oath to do no harm.

What dose of Quetiapine are you on? Honestly it’s not one of the big weight gainers. Maybe if you’re on it for 5 years at a high dose you might start to feel a bit heavier but otherwise I would give it a go. I have always said it’s my desert island drug, if I could take no others with me. Xx

@Dogsarebetterthanhumans Thank you for your reply. We are starting with a very low dose… I haven’t actually got my hands on the prescription yet so I’m not 100% sure.

I do trust the doctor but I have had an eating disorder in the past and I’m scared right now. I’m just trying to do the best for my health so I can be a good Mum to my kids and triggering my eating disorder will make me an awful Mum again.

I'm on Mirtazapine and have gained 2 stone in weight. Been on for 2 years this August and only since Feb (except for one time) I'm feeling better in myself can deal with spiral of depression that still happens.

Only last week did I finally feel I was ready to tackle my weight. The weight will shift if you do put on but I'd rather be where my head is now and 2 stone heavier than where I was 2 years ago.

You need help otherwise wise your GP wouldn't have prescribed the medication.

Good luck

@Irritateandunreasonable I understand where you're coming from. I have an ED and the thought of weight gain is terrifying. I started quetiapine some time ago now and it didn't cause weight gain for me. It also really helped me. I'm not taking much - 250mg a day but it's been a lifesaver.

@Rustnot Thank you for your response. Did you have any side effects when you started?

My friend took it and didn't have weight gain. Must be really difficult for you to manage the worry about whether you might gain weight.

It hasn't made me gain weight. Been taking it for 5 years but only a low dose.

@Irritateandunreasonable it made me very tired. It still does but I have some tolerance to it now and part of its purpose is to help me sleep anyway.

Thank you all for your non judgemental supportive responses.

I’m going to give it a go. If it eases my mental state I may not be so obsessed with my weight any way?

I’m going to start really slowly - having multiple mental health issues can be really tough in terms of making a decision about what to treat and how when considering the side effects.

I take a small dose for anxiety. I have not experienced any side effects other than occasional somnolence. Hope this is the case for you too.

Everyone's metabolism is different so although it can be a side effect it's not a given
I have gained weight on both Olanzapine and quetiapine but swapped to Aripiprazole and didn't gain an ounce, so there are alternatives
I completely understand the weight issue, as it impacts your MH and self image.
I have Bipolar

I've taken it for about 16 years and not gained any extra weight. Dosage from 125mg initially to 50mg for the last 10 years. Far better than lithium which caused weight gain.

Okay so I'll be honest.
Quetiapine saved my life.
I am on 200mg but sadly I put on a lot of weight. It was worth it to become mentally stable