HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Weight Gain After Taking Seroquel?

default
Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015
Question: I have a cyst in my ovary and I am taking seroquel 25mg and inderal 20mg along with a probiotic. I Excercise regularly minimum 4 times a week. I drink 3 litres of water a day and manage my diet throughout the day very well. I get extreme hunger pangs at night after my medication and can't control my hunger. I have put on a lot of weight but the weight doesn't seem to decrease even with the excerxising and dieting. please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
seroquel can be the possible cause of weight gain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

I can understand your concerns.

You are having cysts in ovary. You get hunger pangs at night.

In my opinion, the reason for weight gain even after diet management and exercise is seroquel.
Seroquel is known to cause weight gain by multiple mechanisms.
Although, 25 mg is a minimal dose, still it can cause weight gain.

I would also advise you to get your blood sugar levels and thyroid profile checked.

These medical comorbidities are frequently seen with cystic ovaries and can possibly cause hunger pangs.

I am curious to know why you are taking seroquel? Is it anxiety or insomnia?

Discuss with your doctor about changing this drug, if possible.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 minutes later)
I am taking quitipine because of hyper anxiety and because of that insomnia. please suggest me a way to stop this medicine. my psychiatrist has prescribed it to me when I was in rehab.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
consider switching to another antianxiety drug.

Detailed Answer:
As i told you earlier, 25mg is a very minimal dose of quetiapine.

You can reduce it to half a tablet for 2 weeks and then stop.

But there is a risk relapse of anxiety, I would suggest addition of an SSRI like escitalopram (prescription drug) to control anxiety.

Escitalopram will show its effects in 2 weeks. Then you can consider reducing and quitting quetiapine.

To sum up,
Take escitalopram for 2 weeks alongwith 25 mg quetiapine.
Then reduce quetiapine to half a tablet for next 2 weeks and stop.
Continue with escitalopram.

Kindly discuss this strategy with your doctor. Do not take any drugs on your own.

Hope this helps.

Take care.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (11 minutes later)
I don't want to be dependent on any drugs. how will it be if I just stop quitipine cold turkey. please tell me the easiest way to stop quitipine cold turkey. I want to be in control of my mind.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
It can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, restlessness, mood swings and insomnia if stopped abruptly.

However, as the dose you are taking is minimal, the withdrawal signs (if any) would be short-lived.
After quitting drug:

You must drink lots of water.
Eat fruits and green vegetables.
Avoid caffeinated drinks.
Ensure adequate sleep.
Practice relaxation exercises.

This will help you to bear withdrawals (if you experience any of those).

I wish you well.
Take care.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2145 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Weight Gain After Taking Seroquel?

Brief Answer: seroquel can be the possible cause of weight gain. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns. You are having cysts in ovary. You get hunger pangs at night. In my opinion, the reason for weight gain even after diet management and exercise is seroquel. Seroquel is known to cause weight gain by multiple mechanisms. Although, 25 mg is a minimal dose, still it can cause weight gain. I would also advise you to get your blood sugar levels and thyroid profile checked. These medical comorbidities are frequently seen with cystic ovaries and can possibly cause hunger pangs. I am curious to know why you are taking seroquel? Is it anxiety or insomnia? Discuss with your doctor about changing this drug, if possible. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further. Thanks.