Olanzapine/Zyprexa - will my metabolism/weight ever be normal again?

Treatment and medication
1

Hi,

I was put on olanzapine after getting psychosis from trauma, I'm better now and started coming off it nearly a year ago. I gained an INSANE amount of weight - went from a size 10 to size 18 (UK).

I'm literally doing EVERYTHING to get my weight normal again, i've accepted there will always be horrific stretch marks all over my arms,legs,belly, and I will have to always cover up for the rest of my life. 

I'm now paying £90 a month for gym and swimming membership,(london prices for ya) but the weight is still not shifting? I've had to stop seeing people I know because of all the whispers, and the fact that I sit there like a fat lump being self conscious the whole time, in the heated summer only one wearing long sleeves. 

I'm also annoyed the doctor who put me on it never mentioned anything about weight gain? I would of looked for different alternatives if I knew I would be permanently obese. 

In all honesty, I don't know if there is much scope for me sue-ing the organisation? As I'm sure it doesn't mention long-term obesity problems on the instructions... or does it? I'm not sure, I started coming off them nearly a year ago. 

Has anyone else struggled to lose weight? what worked for you? 

Pleasee give me hope, I don't want to be an obese recluse for the rest of my life  

2

How long has it been since you've been off it completely in months? What was your dose? And how long were you on it?

3

Hi tiffany I was on olanzapine for 20 years. Same as you I had psychosis and recovered but it took me 11 years to finally get off it mainly because of anxiety and insomnia. I did put on a lot of weight but lost it quick when I came off the meds cos I changed my diet soon after. When I was on meds I was a lazy eater no veg loads of take aways and bread. I always exercised but still put on a couple of stone. Exercise alone won't solve your problem but changing your diet not only how much but what you eat will.

4

I dont wanna ake some depressed...but i came off it after 10 years and i swear i could do it sooner...but i still feel like a bit disfigured after it...hope it is personal and it gets better...wich slowly i feel it is...but let be honest ending up in psyhciatry something had to be wrong...

5

It is a side effect of olanzapine weight gain which causes diabetes and high cholesterol. Try lowering your dose through the Dr and if poss look at coming off altogether. it should be used for a time, but not forever!!

For me, it slowed metabolism I became lazy, and increase appetite carbs esp. so no wonder I put on weight.