A Reply from Stinker and the question on Bipolar Antipsychotics and Weight Gain

If you go down below- you will see a blog about Seroquel and weight gain.  Here is an update from Stinker- a great name I must add.

Julie,

First, thank you for answering my question. I have spent two whole days just reading about the medications I am on, and what they are for. I also read chapter 1 of your book “Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder.” Then I went to Healthy Place and found the article “Psychiatric Medication: Medication for Mental Illness.”

I was able to talk with my doctor about my weight gain, and my desire to get off the Seroquel. I told him that my hunger was very intense, and I felt literally like someone who was denied food for a long time. He thought for a while and then decided to increase my intake of Ritalin. I felt very discouraged. I felt like he just wasn’t getting it or listening to me. I do want to give him credit because he is great. He pulled me out of a very dark place and an illness that placed me into hospitalization a lot.

I was able to read your article “Which Atypical Antipsychotics Carry the Highest Risk for Diabetes.” I had no idea that the drug Abilify is an Atypical Antipsychotic. I was put on Abilify over a year ago. It was a miracle. For eight months my life was finally worth living.

I now can ask my doctor about getting off the Seroquel and using the Abilify. I now have the ability to feel like I am in the drivers seat, and I can take responsibility for my own wellness.  

My deepest thanks to you again
Stinker

Hi Stinker,

What great news! It’s up to us to learn about our meds and ask for help- you did such a great job becuase you rationally looked at side effects and then decided to take charge.  I always encourage people to weigh out the benefits vs. the side effects. You have done that. Awesome! Julie