Weight loss jabs and bipolar disorder

[RiderGirl]

Is there anyone who's been prescribed weight loss jabs as a result of weight gain from bipolar meds? My DD is on quetiapine plus several other meds to manage her bipolar disorder and has gained 2.5 stone as a result, making her very unhappy. Not sure how she should approach it but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask!

If you mean have they been prescribed it by the NHS, I don't think that's a thing. I know someone who works as a psychiatrist in the NHS, with a lot of patients who have the old school antipsychotics where excessive weight gain and related side effects like diabetes are common, and he talks openly about his frustrations that they can't access the drugs (most are on very low income)
Ozempic (same ingredient as wegovy) is available to some patients with diabetes but with restrictions on the levels which means it doesn't lead to much weight loss. Otherwise it's only prescribed to patients who are at the most severe end of the scale, eg high BMI, four or more weight related health conditions, have been through the levels to get to tier 3 weight management services, and even then it's a waiting list as they're only prescribing for a small % of those with that criteria due to cost.

If your daughter is in a position to fund it she could discuss with her consultant as to whether it would be safe to take weight loss injections alongside her meds, but I would think she'd need to seek a private prescription.

Thank you - unfortunately I don't think she (or we!) would be in a position to fund it privately but will look into it to see what options are available - she does work full time but is supporting herself in a pretty minimum wage job!

I do know that when you buy through a pharmacy, there is a health screening which asks about mental health conditions. Mounjaro can cause low mood so you might find a pharmacy or her medical team will be reluctant to prescribe.

I was on Olanzapine which my consultant told me was known for it's food cravings (I didn't know! I mean I had severe cravings but had been on it since 2011 so didn't really know any different?). I am also type 2 dibetic with what was badly controlled blood sugar. My consultant put me on Mounjaro as he said it would block the cravings from the Olanzapine. In just a month my blood sugar has come down from 80 mmol to 49 and I've lost a stone. The Moujaro really does help with the cravings/food noise. Could your daughter approach her GP, or specilaist mental health team about accessing WLI? I did try myself privately before I got my (Endocrenologist.) consultant but was refused on the inital questionaire, maybe because I have diabetes? Very good luck to your daughter, I hope she manages to get some help.