Hi,

I haven't posted here for awhile but I have always found these forums to be pretty supportive.

Recently I was voluntarily hospitalized for my Bipolar and they changed me from Wellbutrin and Abilify to Klonopin and Risperdal. The Risperdal helps me with my thinking and mood a lot, I feel more stable and less manic but I also feel more hungry and have gained about fifteen pounds! I try to do my best but it is so hard when I get these late night hunger cravings, well middle of the night has been a struggle for a me for awhile but it has gotten worse with the Risperdal.

I am switching outpatient psychiatrists because I had some issues with the one I was seeing. He didn't even notice I was manic and was disrespectful to me in my opinion. I don't want to badmouth anyone but I need some help with getting me more on track so I'm not eating the cabinets bare and still feel somewhat stable so I don't end up inpatient again.

I am not sure what to do, I am due for a med check next month which will hopefully be with a different provider. Until then though, I don't want to gain anymore weight. I have enough medical issues from the weight and am trying to make healthier choices. I am also a stress/emotional eater and have binged at times.

I'd really like to gain some sanity with the food, I have enough issues with it but the med is just making it worse although it helps me in other ways, catch twentytwo!

Thanks for reading, all input and support welcomed.

((hugs)) i dont have much input...i've never dealt with those kinds of meds before....but i know someone who is bipolar and i can sympathize with the struggles...((hugs))

glad you posted.
It's unfortunate the very meds that are suppose to help you have has side effects. stay on your Meds that is very important.
Is there anyway you can meet with a Dietitian for some meal planning ideas or could you have a care conference with your team to discuss your concerns with weight gain?
Good Luck, glad you are feeling better
Roo2

I'm not able to help with the medication issues as I've never taken those, I'm sorry.

However, I am bipolar and I know how hard it is. I just want you to know that you can do this. I'm so sorry that the medication that is supposed to make you feel better is making you feel like this. It's not fair.

Is there any way that you can call your facility and get in to see a different psychiatrist sooner? Or even your primary care doctor? Maybe they can diddle around with your dosage at least, to see if there's a way that they can make this manageable for you.

In the meantime, have you tried having a large glass of water and maybe some fruit or another healthy snack just to quiet those cravings until your next meal?

Either way, know that we're all here and we support you. You have made some amazing progress, and I for one am very proud of you!

I'm on risperdal as well. I also feel more stable on it then any other meds but this past month I have also had uncontrollably hunger. I have nothing to offer in ways of help. Just saying I understand completely where you are coming from.

Thank you everyone for the support. I greatly appreciate it. This is an amazing online community with wonderful members, such as yourselves.

I met with my therapist yesterday and we were talking about focusing on being mindful while I eat instead of shoveling food into my mouth. I tried that today and did okay with that, a little progress although I still ate a lot. It wasn't all in one sitting though, it was broken up into different times, so it wasn't as much of a binge. It dawned on me as I was sipping my tea and eating my soup, that if I could always eat that way, in a slower, concentrated way where I really enjoy the food as my therapist is encouraging me to do, I think that would be better.

I also want to exercise and get this weight off but I have some physical issues which I am trying to get under control, until they are though, it is difficult to constantly be at the gym, sigh.

I emailed my former psychiatrist and let him know that I wanted to switch psychiatrists so he contacted the scheduling people. I have an appointment with a different psychiatrist in about two weeks. I am looking forward to meeting her and seeing if she can help.

Alaskan- Thank you for your empathy and hugs. That is very kind and sweet of you and means a lot to me!

Roo- Yes, thanks, I will definitely stay on my meds. I know how important that is because I don't want to end up back in the hospital again. My therapist suggested I meet with a nutritionist too and I have looked into it but my insurance unfortunately doesn't cover any or much of the cost. There is someone at the mental health agency where I go who is a 'nurse navigator' and does work with people on nutrition issues. I think she accepts my insurance, and my therapist is going to look into this. Thanks for the welcomes and for the support!

Molly- I appreciate your encouragement! Bipolar is a real struggle, isn't it!? I wish you all the best with your journey with it and your words of kindness mean a lot to me, thanks so much!

Page- Thanks for your reply and I am sorry that you too are going through the similar issues with Risperdal. I know there is a way to deal with this! We've just got to keep the faith, right? Take care.

I take vyvanse for Attention Deficit Disorder. It has an added benefit of decreasing my appetite. However, as the medicinte wears off in later afternoon, I sometimes gorge myself.

Hi Marcwell-

I have ADD too. I stopped taking the meds for it because I couldn't easily tolerate the side effects.

Is there any way that you can plan out healthy snacks or drink some water instead of gorging yourself? Just an idea...

Thanks for your reply.