Suggest Antipsychotic Drugs That Do Not Cause Weight Gain

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Answered on

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on several psychiatric drugs, but the seroquel has made me gain a lot, 50lbs. I have never been, at the most 120. Now weigh 170. Is there another drug like seroquel that doesn't cause weight gain?

Answered by Dr. Alok Sinha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
you may be switched to Aripiprazole

Detailed Answer:
Hi,welcome to HCM.
I understand your concern.

Seroquel is a good drug of second generation antipsychotic group, but it may caise significant weight gain, dyslipidemia and raised blood sugar if taken for longer duration. Already you have gained a lot of weight. If a patient like you comes to me, I usually prescribe tablet Aripiprazole for them as a better substitute. Aripiprazole has been proven in studies not to cause derangement of blood sugar or lipid. On long term use it has not shown weight gain. You may discuss about this drug to your psychiatrist who may consider to switch you on it from Seroquel.
Apart from this you have to maintain an active lifestyle with daily morning walk/jog, exercise, low fat and low calory diet, evening workouts and sports and taking plenty of salads.

Hope it answers your query.
I wish you all the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D