I love Zyprexa. It is truly the glue that holds me together. I did gain weight on it when I first started taking it, but have since lost 85 lbs. I think portion control is the key to keeping weight off...I eat whatever I want, I just eat only a little of it.

Vitamin Z does increase appetite in the early going, so be aware that this side effect may make it difficult to manage portions. Stick with lean protein foods and vegetables if you can, and definitely stay away from soda. Even diet soda contributes to metabolic syndrome and belly fat. Have your doctor monitor your cholesterol and blood glucose (A1C) levels on a regular basis.

Zyprexa doesn't work for everyone. I also don't know how long a person can stay on it...I've been on it full-time for over three years, and for much of the time since my diagnosis five years ago. I have bipolar 1 and had a great deal of difficulty bringing my illness under control. But it is now, and has been for quite some time (except for a couple of minor depressed and manic episodes). I credit Z because I was on several psych meds and still wasn't getting a handle on things, and now I'm in good shape, relatively speaking of course.