Latuda and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• kat...
• February 14, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve had much trouble with medication in the past and was finally diagnosed with treatment-resistant bipolar. Latuda has seemed to be the only medication to help me. Within days, it improved my mood. I went from lying in bed for hours, unable to move because I was so depressed, to getting up early every morning and walking a few miles. I felt so lifted, and it was the greatest feeling. Unfortunately, though, after a few months, it would just stop working. But when my dosage was upped, I’d go back to feeling good again. It could be due to my treatment-resistant condition, but that, and weight gain, are the only issues I’ve had with Latuda. Unfortunately, I have gained a lot of weight on this medication, but I don’t struggle with depressive episodes, mood instability, or suicidal thoughts anymore."

• Mar...
• August 27, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar 2, PTSD, anxiety, fibromyalgia, depression, and OCD. I try to find a pill to fix most of my problems and finally found LATUDA. It is like finding gold. My life changed completely since I started to take this medication. I gained about 35 pounds but it looks great on me because I was skinny. It's very expensive, around $236 a month, but I live in Canada and the government pays 80% of my prescription."

• Kta...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 9, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "The first thing I want to say is that Latuda totally works, and it changed my life so much for the better. The second thing I will say is that it made me gain weight. I started putting the weight on as soon as I started taking it, and altogether have put on about 50 lbs."

• BPI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I have high hopes for Latuda! Over the past 15 years, I have been treated for depression, anxiety disorder, and panic attacks, and things would sometimes get a little better, but eventually get worse again. I went through a particularly awful time about a month ago, so my doctor gave me a sample of Latuda. Like many here, I felt extreme exhaustion right away, which would put me straight to sleep. However, it abated a bit after the first few days, and by a week, it is not bad. I have gained some weight, but I think it's because I've been eating or taking Latuda later at night. (Nothing like what I gained on Abilify) I am also waking up earlier in the morning (7 a.m. instead of my 7:30 alarm) in a good mood!"

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 60 mg of Latuda a day. Been on it for 3 months now. I’ve gained a lot of weight, and every time I take it, I get super tired two hours afterwards. Other than that, I feel AMAZING. I’ve suffered from bipolar disorder since I was 12 years old. I also have extreme paranoia with my bipolar, but with my PRN, I don’t have to fight my mind anymore. This has set my mood so straight I don’t feel like spending $200 on shoes when I need to pay bills, and I don’t sit in my house for weeks wanting my life to end. I haven’t had a mental breakdown in months, and I am so happy I found this drug. Although it’s kind of expensive and making me chunky. Lol"

• Rac...
• April 3, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia about 20 years ago. Being a 19-year-old girl and being forced to take medicines like Zyprexa, Risperdal, Clopixol, and sometimes two at once. The side effects were horrendous. Took away my sex drive completely, at the worst, I put on over 40 kg in 3 months. I lactated for many years, and my periods stopped. My whole world stopped, how could I ever have had a boyfriend or get married while piling on so much weight, eating and sleeping with no sex drive and leaking boobs? Antipsych meds, especially back then, were horrendous in terms of side effects. I started Latuda roughly 7 years ago, so at the age of about 31, and finally, I have my sex drive back. Although I don't believe it will ever be the same, at least I am back in working order there. My boobs no longer leak, I've lost some weight, and I can feel again. Downfall: I can lose my patience quickly and overreact. I balance that with a low-dose antidepressant as an add-on."

• ari...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Although I am totally stable on this medication, feel great, in fact, I have gained weight (40 pounds to be exact). I take 40 mg for about two months now. I'd give it a 10 but for the weight gain (I've never been overweight in my life!) which is driving me crazy, especially since my appetite is way down. My doctor is adding Wellbutrin to it. I am bipolar II. I've been on almost everything else, had bad side effects, especially on Abilify. Good luck. I had hoped to lose weight, but it looks like I'm predisposed to weight gain."

• ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar I disorder with a history of psychotic features. I have just started taking 40 mg of Latuda per day, as I am being weaned from 900 mg of lithium. I was having so many adverse side effects, such as tremors, extreme dry mouth, weight gain, and thyroid issues. Additionally, it didn't seem to be working very well. After a few days, I noticed an amazing positive change in my mood, my appetite, and my stability. I am still on 800 mg of Seroquel per day and 150 mg of Pristiq, but it all continues to go well, Seroquel will be the next to be reduced. I am very optimistic and have not felt this way in a long time."

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2011

For Schizophrenia "This is the end of the second month on Latuda and I like it because there aren't any side effects. I sleep less than I did on the many other medicines I have tried. I'm finally losing weight (with the other medicines I'd gained 40 lbs). Overall I have more energy with this medicine and it seems to be very effective. I take a 40mg dosage."

• Qbu...
• February 22, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I was given Latuda after a psychotic manic episode. Despite the 'weight neutral' claims, I gained 13 pounds. I am now weaning as my episode has cleared and am moving onto Lamictal. Here is a hint for everyone gaining weight from antipsychotics. They trick your body into being Type 2 diabetic. This changes how your body responds to eating carbs. Cut the carbs, and you won't gain weight. Eat carbs, you most likely will."

• Sam...
• October 3, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I was first put on Abilify for 1.5 years for bipolar 2 disorder. On Abilify, I gained 60 lbs and was never in a 'stable' state, although it did help some. I still would get manic a lot and hypersexual. I was then placed on Rexulti for a couple of months, it kept me okay but not stable. I would still get hypersexual and have horrible ups and downs. Now I've been placed on Latuda by a new psychiatrist. I'm starting on 20 mg, and it's already changed my life! I feel 'normal' and have real emotions! Tonight, I'm starting 40 mg, and in two weeks, starting 60 mg. I'm so happy Latuda was made. I've already started losing weight within a week!"

• Car...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I took Latuda for about 8 months for bipolar. In that time, I gained 30 pounds and became suicidal. I was depressed before I took it, but it brought me to a whole new level. I had to get electroconvulsive therapies to come out of my depression with this drug. I am only now, two years later, losing all the weight I gained on Latuda and am struggling immensely to keep it off. It messes with your metabolism a lot and permanently, and doesn’t help bipolar symptoms. It makes them worse."

• Mus...
• September 10, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Because Abilify went to generic recently, my therapist could no longer give me samples, so I had to discontinue it. After going a month with only taking my Wellbutrin and Xanax to help treat my bipolar disorder, I crashed! My therapist suggested I try Latuda, but because I have serious side effects from most drugs, I was hesitant! Finally decided, after reading a lot of reviews on here, to at least try it. I started on 20 mg and after 10 days, the only thing happening was a lot of vivid dreaming! I was still anxious and very depressed, so I increased my dosage to 40 mg and after 3 days, the depression and anxiety lifted! No nausea or weight gain, but very sleepy after a couple of hours of taking and still lots of crazy dreams! I'm happy again!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Bipolar 2 with psychotic features (voices/some visual when it's real bad). Week 3 of Latuda, now on 120 mg to replace 800 mg of Seroquel. Last dose of Seroquel will be this Thursday. Taking Lithium, Lamictal (I like this one too), Topamax, several more psych meds as required, and asthma meds. Latuda is GREAT! My mood is slightly on the manic side, but sleep is perfect, so a little (safe) fun is just fine by me. Everybody around me has noticed the change. I'll let things settle for a couple of months and ask the psych to drop the Topamax some (I think it messes with my memory at 300 mg). So far, no weight loss on the Latuda like the rest of you seem to have noticed, but the rest is so great, I'm all in."

• lon...
• May 22, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I had been on Effexor XR forever, and it wasn't working like it used to. It just kept me barely sane. I added Latuda 20 mg at night, and very quickly I was feeling normal for the first time in years. No more crying depression, no more overly happiness. But a stable feeling. A happy medium. It didn't make me numb or zombie-like. I feel productive for the most part. I sleep better and wake more positive. It has triggered my already sweet tooth, and I've gained weight, but I'm just so relieved with my mood, I can handle it... I like it overall."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I am taking this for bipolar. I'm not taking it in any combination of other meds. So far, I have had only good results. I was told it could have sedative effects, but the opposite has been true with me. When I do fall asleep, then I sleep just fine. Haven't experienced any weight gain. Latuda has helped me much more than anything else I have ever taken. I am a veteran and also have PTSD, and it has even seemed to help with that. I recommend this drug, just give it a fair try. Some side effects diminish or go away over time."

• kai...
• June 27, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I take this for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I was taking 850 mg of Seroquel, 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and 2 at night before bedtime. I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. This is something like having both schizophrenia and bipolar at the same time. I did not like taking Seroquel because it made me gain weight and I felt like I always had to keep moving. I was put on Latuda 40 mg and it seems to work. I have been taking it for a week now. Almost no side effects. I am still here and see things that are not there, but the Latuda helps me know what is real and not and it helps me better handle them. It works as well as any other one I have tried but side effect-free. I highly recommend trying this out."

• DWJ...
• February 25, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Latuda about 4 months ago with gradually increases in dosage. This medication has been wonderful. I have PTSD and bipolar anxiety/depression. I've taken all the usual meds, Depakote, Zoloft, and many others with weight gain and other side effects more than I can mention. When it comes to Latuda, though, I have had some restlessness, but that only comes when I don't eat proper meals with it. Otherwise, I find that with Trazodone and lamotrigine, I sleep well, and my night terrors are better controlled. I love this medication."

• dag...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Latuda for 8 months now. Got off Risperdal, which made me zombie-like. I am taking 120 mg of Latuda and love this medication. It has been successful in treating my depression/irritability. I am also taking Viibryd and Wellbutrin. I have experienced no weight gain. I recommend giving this medication a try if all others fail."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2012

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have been on every antipsychotic you can think of, and none of them has seemed to help. Seroquel helped quiet the voices, but I also gained almost 100 pounds. I have been going through this for almost 5 years, getting better then worse again, and the best so far has been Latuda. Been taking it for about three to four weeks, and already the voices have quieted. I'm doing things like cleaning the house again, drawing, I'm happier, not overly hungry, and I'm actually losing weight. Kind of scared to get my hopes up since I always seem to get better, then get worse... but so far so good!"

• 2bi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on multiple medications for over 20 years for Bipolar II/depression. I am currently on Vivactil, which has worked in the past, but gives a side effect of anxiety. My doctor prescribed Latuda 6 months ago. I sleep well now but still have some anxiety. I have also gained 35 lbs while dieting and working out. I have almost no appetite, but am still gaining weight. Mentally a 9, but cannot continue this because I am getting depressed and having back pain due to the weight gain."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2012

For Schizoaffective Disorder "This medicine has been amazing. I was put on 40 mg at night, and we changed it to 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night. It makes me a bit sedated during the day, but honestly, this is a relief since I'm just really glad not to be so paranoid and afraid anymore. It's made the voices leave, paranoia go way down, and I don't fly off the handle over every little thing anymore. No weight gain, no increased appetite, and I don't feel dumb as a rock like I have on Risperdal or Geodon. Would definitely recommend this medicine to anyone who hasn't tried it but who needs a change! I've been on it for about 4 and a half weeks."

• lon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking 10 mg of Latuda for two days now. I take it in the morning with breakfast, so I haven't experienced nausea. However, I do have more difficulty getting up in the morning, but once I'm up, I seem to be more energetic than I have been in ages. Last night, I was watching a comedy show on television and laughed so hard for so long it actually scared me. Like it was completely foreign to me to express that level of happiness/giddiness. On the flip side, I've noticed that I've gained 4 pounds in two days, so that is totally freaking me out. I have always been a little overweight, so the idea of gaining more weight is untenable for me. I will be watching my weight over the next few days and see how it goes."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I am taking 900 mg of lithium for bipolar and Seroquel. I was on 600 mg, and it made me gain 20 pounds in 3 weeks, so I got off, also due to high cholesterol. I was put on Latuda last week. I threw up the first two days taking it, and it was hell, but now I'm used to it and feel calm and sleep better. So far, so good. Stopped gaining, and now I don't care to eat as much. GREAT."

• Cos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I hate this drug, Latuda! I have been on it for four weeks. At first, it helped a lot, I felt like it was working. Two weeks in, and I started sweating profusely, am constantly overheated. I’m restless. My anxiety is at a 5 24/7. I can’t relax, can’t sleep. I’ve gained 7 pounds, even though I have no appetite, and my stomach is in pain and I am bloated. I feel like I’m going to jump out of my skin. I think it is also affecting my hormones as well. Going to the doctor today to get off of this stuff. I was doing much better on risperidone."