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Olanzapine side effects upon starting??

Posted , 3 users are following.

cherylcxj
cherylcxj

hi there! I would like to ask regarding the side effects of olanzapine. I've read from some sources that it causes weight gain/loss... Which is more common of the 2? 

And is the weight gain only caused by an increased in appetite? If I am able to curb the cravings and maintain the same intake, will that prevent weight gain? 

If not, I am starting on a 2.5mg dose at night daily so will that low dosage cause any weight gain as well??

hope to hear some replies soon. Thanks biggrin  

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mjmdesk
    mjmdesk cherylcxj

    Posted

    Hi Cheryl,

     I suffer from bipolar illness and am a 59 year old male. In the past I was prescribed a really high dose of Olanzapine with serious side effects. I felt like a zombie during the daytime and because of the super high dose I developed diabetes. Thankfully now I am on a maintenance dose of 10 mg. in the morning and 10 mg. at bedtime as well as diabetes medication. I can now tolerate this low a dose. My blood sugar levels have stabilized to around 5 or 6 whenever I test my blood sugar levels (which is near normal levels). As far as weight gain goes I did not suffer from that. What I did suffer from was a loss of appetite. I am eating better now to keep my diabetes in check. I can't eat food with high concentrations of carbohydrates like pasta and bread. To keep my protein level at a normal level I enjoy eating eat bean salad and pork 'n beans. Seeing how you are on such a low dose of Olanzapine I doubt that you will have any problems with your eating habits.

    • cherylcxj
      cherylcxj mjmdesk

      Posted

      hello there! thanks for sharing your experience! hmm so am i right to say that for your case, you experienced a loss of appeitite instead of what people would usually experience-an increase in appetite?

      And if i really do experience a change in my appetite/cravings, would i be able to prevent weight gain by ignoring those cravings and just eating as per normal? Are there any metabolic side effects for olanzapine?

  • shinkansen
    shinkansen cherylcxj

    Posted

    From my own experience, Olaznapine does increase your appetite. So you must try to ignore these food cravings and eat as normal. I have been taking Olanzapine 5 mg for about over 4 months. I think I have gained about 2 kg.

    To maintain weight, I have reduced alcohol consumption and this has been an effective to control weight.  

    I also take Methylphenadite for ADHD and this can curb appetite.

    Overall, you need some self control, which is not always easy ! Good luck.

    • cherylcxj
      cherylcxj shinkansen

      Posted

      hello there, thanks for your reply.

      so meaning the main reason why people gain weight from it is due to the increase in appetite?

      i've read that for some, despite controlling their intake and even exercising more, they still gain loads on olanzapine..? why is this so?

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