Lithium, Seroquel & Visteril- Weight Gain

I've been taking these three meds for about 4 months and have gained about 20 pounds since. I was wondering whether one of these is causing the weight gain or if it's the combination of the three? They've worked well for me so far, but I really can't handle the weight gain, so I'm debating going off them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It is probably not the Vistaril.

Weight gain is not unusual for Seroquel and Lithium so it could be one or the other or both. Tell your doc. Especially for the seroquel, there are alternatives, so maybe try changing that one first? Your pdoc will be able to advise. And you may need to devote extra effort to self care when on these meds--good diet, exercise, etc. Good luck.

I would say its Seroquel ... I gained alot very quickly while on it. I went off it! I currently take Lithium and find it weight neutral. My understanding is Vistaril is pretty much Benadryl.. Maybe I am wrong.

In summary ... YES most all AP's can cause quick very unhealthy weight gain.

There are options that are weight neutral

first offf...... get off of the seroquil if u dont want to gain 100 pounds in two years.... thorazine destroyed me psysically and seroquil is just as bad with weight gain as thorazine, may be worse. unless u stay on a low dose. like 50 or 100 mg. usually when u get into the hundreds is when the weight gain starts. also it could be making u eat more due to an increased appetite. i was bodybuilding for years,, always self consiuos about my weight. if i was 5 pounds overweight it was the end of the world. thease drugs ruined me. no matter how much u exersice or how healthy u eat, if u take too much medication it will make u gain weight.

@ETPhoneHome

funny you say that

seroquel made me gain 80 pounds in two years. if i hadnt stopped it i woulda been 100 pounds over weight.

not to mention i almost got diabetes with all that.

While Lithium can do it, Seroquel is far more likely to be the culprit as has already been mentioned. Plus, Lithium is pretty unique in what it does whereas there are many other AP's to substitute for Seroquel.

Seroquel is probably the most likely culprit; I don't know many people who have dodged weight gain on seroquel. Lithium can cause weight gain, but not everyone has that problem with it; I didn't. Don't quit seroquel cold turkey though. Talk to your doctor about trying a different antipsychotic that is more on the weight neutral end instead.

I've been on Seroquel for about 6 months now, and I haven't gained any weight. My weight has shifted about 3lbs MAX which I'm sure has more to do with the fact that I'm no longer walking 4 miles a day than the fact that I'm on Seroquel.