Hi - I'm new to this forum. I was at a pretty healthy weight for my height (5'4'' and 140 lbs) until I started taking atypical antipsychotics, first abilify, then seroquel, then risperdal, then geodon, then back to risperdal. I'm officially diagnosed as bipolar. I gained a lot of weight on all but geodon, on which I lost weight - but we went back to risperdal because it works so much better than any others. Risperdal is like a magic drug for me, it makes me feel so normal and content, but it also makes me lazy and I crave carbs all the time. I now weigh 260, and its just been a victory maintaining that weight over the last year and a half!

Going off the risperdal is not an option, but being so overweight is an ordeal, and I've decided to make a serious commitment to stepping up my efforts to combat the medicine. Anyone have similar experiences? Any tips? It would be great to hear about success stories for weight loss even on atypicals.

My son is on risperdal also because he has autism. They warned me the med would probably make him gain weight, but it didn't he is still small. He does want carbs all the time though. The medicine keeps him so calm it has been amazing for him. I know this has nothing to do with your post questions but I thought you would find that interesting.

I was on Risperdal and I gained about 15 lbs and I was miserable. I complained to my doctor and he switched me to Risperdal M-tab and I didn't gain weight from that. So basically there is two type of Risperdal. You should ask your doctor about it.

Most of the atypical antipsychotics (Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, etc.) have metabolic side effects and cause weight gain. I have gained weight on these drugs, although I gained more when I was on Depakote. (I gained a lot of weight on that). I have lost weight on Risperdal in the past. I basically used the smallest dose possible & started a weight/exercise program. And I lost weight. I think the body gets used to the drug for a while.

Currently I'm on Seroquel at night, which helps me sleep. I take my dose pretty early before the night cravings set in and then go to sleep. And I have been losing weight that way. So whatever cravings the Seroquel causes are compensated for by me sleeping through them.

Good luck. Losing weight on psych drugs is a battle, but I think it's possible.

I am on this medication since 99 ..and helping me.

Last year was also on Risperdal injection that you take every 2 weeks. My doctor took me off it..Since my current meds are helping me.