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Q: Zyprexa - Scared of Weight Gain
I am currently taking 150 mg Zoloft, 1600 mg Neurontin, and have just
recently been put on 2.5 mg of Zyprexa. I have heard that Zyprexa is notorious
for weight gain. I have a very poor body image, and while my meds havent caused
any weight problems in the past, i am a young (22) girl who is very scared of
weight gain. Should I be worried about gaining weight when on such a small dose
of Zyprexa? I already feel fatter than usual, but I dont know if that is just
mental. Help!!
~Lorraine
Dear Lorraine --
You have heard correctly, but don't panic yet. Some people seem to be able
to take that low dose and get away with it. I worry more when the dose is
higher. Make sure your doctor knows about your concerns and takes them
into account when making choices with you. Keep a record of your weight
and your physical activity (which should be a regular thing, blah, blah, you've
heard that part before but it's really true, for anybody). Managing weight
while managing symptoms is coming to be recognized as part of the challenge of
treating bipolar disorder, not just a "problem" that some people have
with body image; so this is not your problem, this is a routine problem,
but not impossible. Good luck with your efforts.
Dr. Phelps
Published April, 2002
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