Not sure if there is anoher thread about this already or not I did search for it before but maybe there are some new people who are on this terrible medication. I have asked my dr. 5 times to take me off of it but she says there are no replacements for seroquel that do not have the same side effect of weight gain. I have gained 50 lbs in the past 18 months. I am so upset it is difficult to MAINTAIN much more difficult to lose the weight. I wish that my family would help more because it really isnt my fault. I have to be on this medication. :'(. I feel like my youth is wasting away. What have other people done who are on this or another drug that causes weight gain?

I know this is an older post but I want to say I'm in the same boat. I've been taking seroquel for quite a long time, a few years. The weight gain started out slow, but when my dosage was changed and when I had kidney surgery-- BAM! I've gained about 60 lbs. I'm trying to find an alternative. We tried to lessen the seroquel and add lamictal but I had a major depressive episode ( I'm bipolar ).
It's upsetting because like you, it's not my fault! I'm trying to lose weight but it's so disheartening to put so much effort in and get nothing in return.
This Wednesday I'm seeing my pdoc, who, fortunately, is on board with finding something else-- fat free seroquel perhaps? I'll let you know what happens.
Part of me wants to give up and work on accepting myself as a BBW, but part of me just can't do that....

Wow, I am so glad I saw this post! Although I had not had mania before, I had a major episode when my estrogen stopped abruptly. My doctor put me on zyprexa, and then on Abilify. I have gained 40 pounds, and I can't seem to take it off. It is very discouraging. I am hungry all the time--a kind of hunger that a salad used to take care of, but does not touch now. All of the so-called atypical anti-psychotics make people hungry. I would really like to find others who might have some ideas to bat around.

Look forward to hearing from others,
Marcy

This is the reason I gained weight too. I was on these meds (seroquel, abilify, and others) for years.

Jane, if you're still around- find another doc if u can! I eventually weaned off all meds, but you should be able to try something different if you want, it's ultimately your choice.

I wish I could be of more help but when I decided to try something else I googled "current med" alternative (I don't even remember what I was on at the time) and discovered a world of natural/holistic treatments as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I'm so glad I did. Know that my "problem" was less severe. But, playing around with lower doses in combination with CBT, exercise, plenty of sleep and rest, vitamins, and all the various ways to take care of yourself, will help too. Exercise helps like no other, let me tell you. I love to walk, so when I walk my dog, its really like taking my medicine, no joke.

I wish you guys the best! I know what you're going through, trust me, you're not alone.