Seroquel Weight Gain: Why and How Does It Happen?

Obesity in people with schizophrenia occurs at double the rate compared to the general population and significantly worsens psychiatric and physical health outcomes.

Schizophrenia may cause premature death in patients, often due to cardiovascular diseases, with obesity and overweight being significant contributing factors. While obesity may manifest early in the course of this condition, starting antipsychotic therapy also induces weight gain changes in patients.

Seroquel® (quetiapine), an effective treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, is one of the antipsychotics linked to weight gain. If you are concerned and wondering: why does quetiapine cause weight gain? Continue reading to learn about Seroquel weight gain and its management strategies.

Table Of Contents:

• Seroquel Overview
• Does Seroquel Cause Weight Gain?
• How Much Weight Does Seroquel Make You Gain?
• Why Does Seroquel Cause Weight Gain?
• How to Counter the Weight Gain on Seroquel?
• Seroquel Weight Gain − Key Takeaways
• People Also Ask

Seroquel Overview

Seroquel, the brand name for quetiapine, is a prescription-only atypical antipsychotic medication that modulates the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial in mood regulation, perception, and behavior.

Seroquel is primarily used to treat psychiatric conditions such as:

• For schizophrenia, to help with hallucinations, delusions, social withdrawal, and apathy.
• For bipolar disorder to stabilize mood swings and prevent manic episodes.
• For major depressive disorder (MDD) to enhance other antidepressants’ effectiveness.

Seroquel dosage varies significantly depending on the targeted condition, the patient’s age, and the presence of co-occurring disorders.

It’s available as immediate-release tablets (IR) from 25 to 400 mg and extended-release tablets from 50 to 400mg (Seroquel XR). It is typically started at a low dose, which can be gradually increased to reach the ideal therapeutic effect. Yet, 800 mg/day is the maximum recommended dose for quetiapine IR.

Does Seroquel Cause Weight Gain?

The quick answer is yes, one of the common Seroquel side effects is weight gain. However, each patient’s experience can vary. External factors to the medication can contribute to weight changes or even no changes at all.

Even though antipsychotic-induced weight gain can be a significant concern for patients and healthcare providers, Quetiapine carries a moderate risk of causing weight gain. In the antipsychotic spectrum therapy, olanzapine is associated with the highest risk of weight gain (13.23 lb. on high dose/9.92 lb. on low dose).

How Much Weight Does Seroquel Make You Gain?

Quetiapine weight gain varies based on the dosage, patient’s baseline weight, and duration of treatment.

On average, patients experience a weight gain of approximately 7 lb. Other data suggest that about 63% of patients gained at least 7% of their baseline body weight. Yet, Seroquel weight gain could be dose-dependent. Patients on less than 200 mg/day gain around 3.4 lb., while those on higher doses (600 mg/day or more) gain approximately 7.87 lb.

Yet, is there a time frame for this gain? How fast do you gain weight on Seroquel? Data shows that the most significant weight change occurred within the first 12 weeks and throughout a 52-week treatment. Doctors should aim to prescribe the smallest effective dosage and regularly review the treatment, especially as metabolic changes begin to appear.

Why Does Seroquel Cause Weight Gain?

Antipsychotic medications often lead to higher blood sugar and fat levels, mainly because they disrupt the balance between how many calories you eat and how many you burn off. Patients often report cravings for sweet or fatty foods. Are you wondering why Seroquel makes you hungry? This is the answer.

Other reasons for weight gain on Seroquel may be:

Metabolic Changes

Quetiapine can cause negative changes in metabolic parameters, such as increased lipid and glucose levels, leading to conditions like hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.

These changes increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and are closely linked to weight gain. Does Seroquel slow metabolism? In a way, yes. A slower metabolism means the body burns fewer calories at rest, contributing to weight gain when combined with a higher caloric intake.

Hypothalamic Disruption

Seroquel affects the hypothalamus, a vital brain region that regulates appetite and energy balance.

The hypothalamus integrates signals from various parts of the brain with hormones like leptin (signals satiety) and ghrelin (signals hunger). Seroquel can disrupt this complex hormonal communication, leading to an imbalance in increased appetite and food intake.

Neurotransmitter Receptor Interaction

Quetiapine affects serotonin 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors, which regulate appetite. Seroquel’s influence on the histamine H1 receptor and dopamine D2 receptor impacts the reward and pleasure pathways of eating, further increasing caloric intake.

Genetic Factors

Genetic predispositions contribute to the variability in weight gain observed among Seroquel patients. Polymorphisms in several genes, including the gene coding for the 5-HT2C receptor, have been linked to a higher risk of weight gain.

The combined effect of multiple genetic variations influences an individual’s probability of experiencing significant antipsychotic-induced weight changes.

How to Counter the Weight Gain on Seroquel?

Seroquel weight gain doesn’t need to be an unsolvable issue. One key strategy to manage Seroquel and weight gain is gradually introducing treatment. Evidence suggests that a person starting antipsychotic medication for the first time is likely to gain more weight than someone starting the same medication who has previously taken other antipsychotics.

If you want to approach how to lose weight on Seroquel, some effective approaches include:

• Keep track of your weight from the start of treatment to catch significant changes early.
• Avoid high-calorie, sugary, and fatty foods. Focus on a balanced, diverse diet.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Drink enough water to help control appetite and reduce overeating.
• Discuss with your doctor the possibility of adjusting the dosage or switching medication.
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop healthier habits.

Seroquel Weight Gain − Key Takeaways

Long-term quetiapine treatment often results in moderate weight gain, primarily within the first 12 weeks. However, gradual treatment introduction and preventive lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, effectively reduce weight and improve metabolic risk factors.

Also, the treatment review should include regular physical screenings for blood sugar levels and triglycerides to avoid comorbidities. Medications like metformin can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Patients must discuss with their doctor if they want to consider switching to antipsychotics with lower weight gain risk. Prioritizing addiction prevention and weight gain in patients on Seroquel improves mental and physical health outcomes.

People Also Ask

Can Seroquel cause weight gain?

Yes, Seroquel can cause moderate weight gain by increasing appetite and altering metabolic processes. Gradual treatment introduction, diet, exercise and regular monitoring can help mitigate this side effect.

Why does Seroquel make you gain weight?

Seroquel can cause weight gain due to increased appetite, changes in metabolism, and its effects on hormones that regulate hunger and fat storage.

Can you lose weight on Seroquel?

Yes, weight loss on Seroquel is possible. Some patients, particularly those with obesity, have reported weight loss during long-term trials and after stopping the medication, particularly after adding dietary control and increased physical activity.

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