Question by Shayne: Weight Gain and Risperdal?
I’m fifteen and have recently been prescribed Risperdal for my bipolar disorder. However, after reading that “significant weight gain” is one of the more common side effects of the drug I have become more than a bit concerned about this.
Has anyone here been prescribed the drug? What is a recommended diet (as in, what should I eat and not eat) that can help me not gain weight while I am on this medication? Your help is much appreciated. =)
Best answer:
Answer by immbas
You will gain weight. Sooner or later. There’s nothing you can really do to stop it. No special diets. You will eventually have to go on diabetes medication (years on down the road). There are newer antipsychotics that do NOT cause any weight gain. I can think of two. Ask your doctor if you are concerned.
Initially, if you exercise and watch what you eat (don’t give in to the munchies), you can keep your weight gain minimal. But eventually, like the next year or two, it will catch up to you. I’m talking on average, 20 to 40 pounds in a year. Get ready and good luck.
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Yes I did some research on this med,last fall(2010)when i was prescribed Geodone.I do remember people saying they did put on weight on Risperdal,that is why i went on the Geodone.But there are weird side effects with Geodone ,such as nightmares shortly after I have taken it.