How Do Anti-psychotic Meds Cause Weight Gain?

I take Wellbutrin I lose weight. I take Seroquel I gain weight. Do they affect metabolism or is it something else? I just don’t understand how a pill can affect body weight. Thanks for responding.

5 Responses to “How Do Anti-psychotic Meds Cause Weight Gain?”

1. Homer J Marley says:

   November 30, 2009 at 5:39 pm

   some act as a diuretic and some make you retain water. I’m not sure what Seroquel is, but most SSRI’s will make people gain weight.
2. cryadis says:

   November 30, 2009 at 5:39 pm

   hmm, i forget the exact details…but its something to do with the stimulants that either speed up or slow down metabolism. i get it now, im on zoloft and it makes me gain weight…tis quite annoying, seeing as it makes me more depressed XP
   try these websites, i found them quite helpful;
   http://depression.about.com/cs/weight/a/weightgain.htm
   http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/thought_disorders/schizo/articles/weight_gain.asp
   http://www.netnutritionist.com/fa12.htm
   http://diet.ivillage.com/issues/0,,7lskq86h,00.html
   hope they help =)
   good luck!
3. anonomou says:

   November 30, 2009 at 5:39 pm

   seroquil was originally marketed as a blood pressure medication but do to its sedative effects became a psch drug, slows your mind and system down you think slower you cannot have random thoughts as well.
4. aali_and says:

   November 30, 2009 at 5:39 pm

   Wow – wish I wellbutrin would work on me like that! hehe! Seroquel actually makes you want to eat – like cravings almost – becaus of it’s chemical action in the brain. No worries…. just find something to do instead of being near the kitchen.
5. riptide_ says:

   November 30, 2009 at 5:39 pm

   Actually, the truth is no one knows. This is a VERY conterversial issue because none of the drug companies want to come out and say that the medications affect the metabolism.
   But we also know that Seroquel causes an increase in Blood Sugar even in skinny people. This would imply that it is affecting the metabolism or the way that the body processes foods.
   I take Seroquel for mania and I try and keep up-to-date on these issues. But if you ask all the psychiatrists, they will tell you that it affects metabolism. If you ask the drug companies, they will tell you it doesn’t.