[Terabithia]

I was in the middle of changing my meds from Seroquel to Abilify and it didn't work out, so now I don't know what my Dr. will do with me. I also take Wellbutrin, Lamictal, and Depakote. My hallucinations are kept under control with this mix; although, I still have problems with apathy, perceptions, some confusion and depression. Does anybody have a mix of meds that work well for them, and does not cause weight gain?! I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[CANDC]

My friend complains that every med she takes causes weight gain. I don't totally believe that because there is always ice cream in the freezer and boxes of empty treats. Maybe they are both contributing factor.
Seroquel was a pretty good enhancer of sleep, abilify tended to wire my friend. Are you able to sleep good? That is really important. Why not tell the doc about your sleep patterns and maybe pdoc will have med suggestion?
As far as weight gain, exercise and yoga help and eating less carbs and more protein, veggies (low carb ones) and (low carb fruits). The idea is to eat small healthy snacks or meals every 3-4 hours to keep blood sugar in narrower swings and out of the roller coaster sugar and alcohol does. Just what helps me if you are interested.

[Secretum]

Zyprexa and Prozac control my symptoms fairly well (actually leave me a bit on the manic side, which I like) but they cause awful weight gain. Good luck in your quest for the perfect med combo...I'm searching too.

[Blue_Bird]

I'm on Invega Sustenna, Zoloft, klonopin prn, and Trazodone prn. No weight gain, has made life wonderful, no mania, no depression, no psychotic symptoms. It's great for me, but everything works differently for different people.

[jgo27]

Right now I take a combo of clozapine, depakote and zoloft. Compared to the other antipsychotics I've taken (zyprexa, risperidone, and abilify) clozapine had the least side affects. Though there is a very serious side effect that may cause your white blood cell count to lower (forgot the technical term). But that is stabilized by weekly trips to the lab for blood withdrawals.

[dmhobbit]

Since I have been ill (circa 1997) I have been through most of the medications but what is listed in my dx & rx is listed below in my signature and I am schizoaffective bipolar type as well... hope this helps.

[Shmooey]

Effexor 300 mg XR
Wellbutrin 300 mg XL
Lamictal 100 mg (more than that turned me into a zombie)
Buspar 30 mg (to augment my ADs)
Haldol 5 mg
Klonopin 1 mg a day

Geodon and Abilify put 89 pounds on me, hence the Haldol.

[dillpickle1983]

400mg ER Abilify Maintenna Injection once per month

Daily:
200mg Lamictal
100 mg Zonegran
200mg Seroquel

[Terabithia]

That gave me a lot of meds. to look into and maybe bring up at my next doctor visit, so thanks. Blue Bird, you're so right in that everyone reacts to meds differently. I guess that's why it's so hard to decide what to go with because you don't want to continuously be changing meds, like a big experiment.

[Terabithia]

Originally Posted by CANDC

My friend complains that every med she takes causes weight gain. I don't totally believe that because there is always ice cream in the freezer and boxes of empty treats. Maybe they are both contributing factor.
Seroquel was a pretty good enhancer of sleep, abilify tended to wire my friend. Are you able to sleep good? That is really important. Why not tell the doc about your sleep patterns and maybe pdoc will have med suggestion?
As far as weight gain, exercise and yoga help and eating less carbs and more protein, veggies (low carb ones) and (low carb fruits). The idea is to eat small healthy snacks or meals every 3-4 hours to keep blood sugar in narrower swings and out of the roller coaster sugar and alcohol does. Just what helps me if you are interested.

Even though I rarely have treats in the kitchen, this left me feeling defensive and I know I'm probably being super sensitive about it. I know you meant well. My sister has talked so much about how I complain about my weight, yet I don't exercise and I'm not eating healthy foods or eating less. I don't exercise because I have no self-motivation. My medication makes me eat more and some medicines actually make people crave sweets. I am doing a lot better with the eating though, because we're too broke to buy much for groceries. That's one way to lose weight! Wellbutrin, in the past has decreased my appetite and I've been very thin on that medicine, but the last few times I tried to increase it, I got really dizzy and kept falling. It sounds like your meds. must be helping you in a way that you do have motivation and self-control. The Abilify, Seroquel, and Trazidone, unfortunately have not had that same affect on me. My sleeping is good though. Thank you for trying to help - I know your intentions were good.

[CANDC]

Terabithia If it is any comfort to you I have made others in my house defensive with my stalwart approach to wellness. They say I am too regimented. Before I was unorganized and undisciplined so this is what I need to balance me out.
I respect whatever you decide is necessary for your path. There is no right way, there is a left and a right way and an up and down way. Each person must decide what they will tolerate and will help them through life.
I appreciate your commending good intentions. I am out of my comfort zone, but trying. Thanks for understanding.

[Terabithia]

thanks CANDC. I was worried that you'd stop replying to any of my posts. Some people can be like that. Glad you're not one of them, and I am happy for you for finding balance in your life.

[CANDC]

I am an optimist that if people keep communicating we can work things out. It seems wars and quarreling start when two people or nations withdraw into their defenses and start saying hateful and untrue things about each other. There are no people I have met like that on PC. Glad to hear your honest response.

[worthit]

I'm on Latuda 40 milligrams and klonopin for the past year. Because I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease I can't go higher on the dosage. So I have breakthrough hallucinations and voices occasionally but nothing I can't handle. I like the no weight gain on Latuda and that makes me feel good about myself. Although I'm still 30 pounds overweight at least I'm not gaining and I'm maintaining. So the doctor is happy with me.

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by worthit

I'm on Latuda 40 milligrams and klonopin for the past year. Because I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease I can't go higher on the dosage. So I have breakthrough hallucinations and voices occasionally but nothing I can't handle. I like the no weight gain on Latuda and that makes me feel good about myself. Although I'm still 30 pounds overweight at least I'm not gaining and I'm maintaining. So the doctor is happy with me.

Dear Worthit, just wanted to reach out to you and say how sorry I am to hear you suffering with kidney probs. I know nothing about the med you are on, but a friend of mine had kidney probs and improved on a vegan diet with proteins like soy or yogurt or beans depending on your tolerance. The more high level proteins like meat the more the kidneys have to work. Of course if you are on a doctor prescribed diet, please consult with your doctor before making changes.

[worthit]

Thanks. I saw a renal dietitian and am on no beans, no milk,low protein,watch sodium, potassium and phosphorus, and on and on. Thanks for reaching out. Appreciated. )

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by worthit

Thanks. I saw a renal dietitian and am on no beans, no milk,low protein,watch sodium, potassium and phosphorus, and on and on. Thanks for reaching out. Appreciated. )

Glad you found a renal dietitian. All the best to you.