Quitting Quetiapine: A Path to Weight Loss or a Risky Journey?

Are you considering discontinuing your Quetiapine medication, but also curious about the impact on your weight? This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and risks involved. Understanding the long-term effects of Quetiapine on weight and body mass is crucial, especially given the complex interplay between mental health and physical well-being.

Effect of Quitting Quetiapine on Weight

Stopping Quetiapine can indeed lead to significant weight loss. However, the process may be gradual, and it is important to approach this decision with careful consideration. If you are on Quetiapine for a pre-existing condition, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of stopping the medication. This article will explore the factors that influence weight loss and the potential risks associated with abrupt discontinuation.

Case Study: Cold Turkey vs. Tapering

Many have experienced substantial weight loss after discontinuing Quetiapine, with some individuals even losing as much as 30 kilos in a relatively short period. For instance, one person, who had gained 120 kilos on Quetiapine, managed to lose the excess weight by slowly tapering off the medication. Despite this success, the journey can be challenging, and it is advisable to avoid cold turkey discontinuation.

One former Quetiapine user had a dramatic experience. They lost 30 kilos in 6 months by discontinuing the medication suddenly, but quickly relapsed, experiencing severe mental health issues that required long-term hospitalization. This case underscores the importance of tapering under medical supervision. Additionally, the person had to return to taking the medication due to the negative mental health impact of the abrupt discontinuation.

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“BTW I lost 30 kilos in 6 months. Before I was on seroqual I was 50 kilos. After seroqual I gained 120 Ive just last year I lost 30kilos for going off the meds cold turkey. But I relapsed extremely extremely Badly! Almost ended up in a psyic centre long term it was horrible. All my mental illness came back worse then ever before in my life. So please please dont go cold turkey. Taper off under your doctors guidance and I know I could not get my doctors to allow me to taper because they were getting paid alot for every script they made so I did it myself. But I highly encourage you to not do that. And I had to go back on anyway because my mental health had relapsed that bad. Now Im back on track Im tapering again but never cold turkey again!”

Considering the above case, it is crucial to follow a structured approach to withdrawal to ensure mental and physical well-being.

Impact of Quetiapine on Weight Gain

Quetiapine, commonly known as Seroquel, can lead to significant weight gain due to its potent antipsychotic properties. The medication influences several physiological processes, including hormone regulation and fluid retention, which can contribute to weight gain.

Weight gain associated with Quetiapine often manifests as fluid retention and hormonal changes. It is not just about fat accumulation; the medication affects your body’s moisture balance and influences your appetite. This can create a complex and often surprising series of physical changes. Diets and exercise play a crucial role in managing these weight changes, but it is important to maintain a balanced approach during the discontinuation process.

Tapering Off Quetiapine

For those looking to discontinue Quetiapine, a gradual approach, commonly known as tapering, is recommended. This method allows your body to adjust to the reduction in medication gradually, reducing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.

The process of tapering can be challenging, especially when you reach lower dosages. Sleep disturbances and strong withdrawal symptoms may occur, but these can be managed with medical guidance. It is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider to ensure that you have a safe and effective withdrawal plan.

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“But I also have had so many medical issues since then coursed by seroqual. I now have underactive thyroidtis which makes me gain weight too. But I wont fully be able to get back to my normal size until I get off seroqual completely. 50mg at the moment and I cant get past 100kilo mark. I exercise alot and Im on a strict diet of 1000calories a day. If I go over I gain weight. You see its not really fat seroqual makes you gain fluid really bad and makes you swell aswell as tricks your hormones into think you need to hold onto everything more. Its alot more complex then just fat. But dieting did help me.lose 8 kilos while on 50mg. But you must first pass the horrible food binging stage until you will no longer be hungry.”

By following a tapering regimen, you can reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and manage the psychological and physical challenges associated with discontinuation.

Conclusion

Quitting Quetiapine can lead to significant weight loss, but it is important to approach this decision carefully. Gradual withdrawal, under medical guidance, is the recommended approach to ensure both mental and physical well-being. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of discontinuing Quetiapine, and consulting with a healthcare professional, is essential for a successful and healthy transition.