What Causes Rapid Weight Gain While On Seroquel?

Question: I have been taking Seroquel for sleep only and started at 200mg 2 years ago and now am down to 50mg at night. Since the time I began taking Seroquel (which works great for me) I have gained 20 pounds in two years. I have always been incredibly thin and fit. I still walk 6 miles everyday and eat a very healthy balanced diet of about 1000-1500 calories per day. However this also happened in my 60's, age wise. I was told by my psychiatrist that there was a law suit against the makers of Seroquel because they did not indicate that weight gain was a side effect. The FDA ordered that they do so. Now they write that it "will cause weight gain," not that it "might cause weight gain." My weight gain has been in the belly, hips, and thighs mostly. I never had a problem with my weight but was always mindful of it. I hit my 60's and needed Seroquel for sleep and then came the weight gain. What is your opinion on the drug and what to do about it. I need to be able to sleep and Seroquel works. What is it in Seroquel that causes weight gain even when you are staying with your same exercise program and following a healthy diet plan of about 1000-1500 calories per day. I was told by a doctor that a professional ballerina taking Seroquel for sleep had to cut her normal calorie intake by 1/4 just to stay the same weight. Why does it put weight on you for no reason and why do you feel hungry within 20 minutes of taking the drug. It seems so illogical. Your ready to sleep, you are not hungry and the drug makes you feel like you are staving. My psychiatrist said it reacts in the brain as if you are not satiated even when you are before you take it. So odd.

Just wanted to let you know I agree and understand all that was in your reply. I am a Speech Pathologist by trade (retired now) so medical terminology doesn't throw me. Anyway, yes when I began taking Seroquel (200mg) my metabolism really changed. I used to have loads of energy and then some to spare. Not so after I began Seroquel. The weight just started piling on but really it seems like mostly "belly fat" which I have never had. My stomach has always been flat as a board. It was a shock to me so I gradually reduced the Seroquel dosage down to 50mg and have been at that level for a year. Let me tell you so maybe you can tell your patients that the "CRAVINGS" after taking the meds for sleep are so intense. That still happens at 50mg. I take the pill and 30 mins later I want to eat anything that is fattening. Forget celery sticks, my body wants to go for the carbs. I have to fight it but when you are trying to go to sleep and your body "feels" hungry it is hard to drop off to sleep. When I was taking 200mg., forget it, I ate anything I had in the house that was a carb. So interesting because up until I took the Seroquel I had to remind myself to eat. Never "lived to eat" if you know what I mean. My diet can be perfect all day, and/or my need for calories very limited but I take my Seroquel and "BAM" it really hits me. So what I try to do is eat dinner a bit later and then a small snack before bed and then take my Seroquel. I could not eat all day, if I chose to, and be fine but when I take the Seroquel it feels like I am starving. TRULY UNBELIEVABLE!

SO....because the Seroquel lowers my metabolism I take a 120mg (12 hour) Sudafed in the morning just to get my body going. Then I am able to walk 6-8 miles and feel so....good after I get back. I drink plenty of water and, as I said, I eat a balanced diet.

I understand that the antihistaminic effects of this drug are the main reason of weight gain by this drug but, interestingly enough, if I take Benadryl, as many of my friends do for sleep, it doesn't work for me, however Seroquel does.

I am going to have my regular physical in two weeks but prior to that I am going to have blood work done. I have asked my doctor to include a request that my thyroid levels (especially T3 & T4) be done as you suggested.

I have also been told that Seroquel can increase your triglycerides so I am anxious to see what my blood test shows.

Even though Seroquel works for me for sleep I would like to get off it but if I don't take it I just lay there all night, wide awake. The anticholinergic and/or antihistamines just don't do it for me.