I have to decide whether I want to go on clozapine or not. I was on it from age 15 to 18 so quite a while ago now.
Is anyone else on it?
Can the weight gain be managed? That's my main concern.
I don't really want to go back on it mainly because of the weight gain. But the doctor thinks it will help.
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
I'm in two minds. It did really help but I gained so much weight. I don't know what to do really. I'm unsure if the weight gain can be managed or if it's just an inevitable side effect.
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
I think also it's important to remember that when you were on it before you were really young, and so the side effects would have been more pronounced back then. Now you're older and an adult and so it might not be as severe as last time. Usually weight gain as a side effect can be managed or helped through eating healthily and getting exercise where possible. Does your hospital have a dietitian working there who can help you with your diet?
I like Carmen's idea of giving it a trial to see how it goes. I've never taken it, but I was in hospital with someone who did take it and it really helped her.
You're in hospital, sectioned (according to your RV) and intensely suicidal. I don't see how it can get any worse, so why not try it?
Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different…
you once called your brain a hard drive, well say hello to the virus.
I think you should prepare how to cope with the side effects and plan what you might need to do. For example, if the side effects kick in most in the evening, don't have your bank card with you or be ordering take away's then, stick to having your dinner and then snacking on pre-portioned stuff you have organized in the morning when you weren't raving hungry and so drowsy you think what the **** who cares.
Try and get the hospital to get you to see dietitian and OT for support in getting out more [hey it could be an excuse for more leave] so you can have frequent walks even if they're just a few minutes, every bit counts.
Whatever you decide you can review, and anything is worth trying. But this will always be your decision and you can trial it or you can take some time to think about the decision you want to make.
I think i'm going to give it a go. You're right Sarah, it can't really get any worse.
I had blood tests this morning to see what my baselines are so if I go on clozapine then they'll have something to compare it to. So I think the doctor really wants me on it. I'll give it a go. If the side effects get too much on it then I'll ask to stop it.
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
In regards to the weight gain, you won't know til you try it. People in hospital often gain wait because they're more sedentary, and there is very little to do, so that might have been a factor too. It's worth trying it, and if weight gain happens, managing it then.
Good luck.
It doesn't matter where you come from; it matters where you go.
No-one gets remembered for the things they didn't do.
We won't all be here this time next year,
so while you can take a picture of us.
We're definitely going to hell,
but we'll have all the best stories to tell.
I work with many people on clozapine and the weight gain completely depends on the individual and their lifestyle. It doesn't always happen. If you go in knowing you need to watch things and be more aware, you'll be better able to manage your diet and exercise etc and will then hopefully be less likely to gain a dramatic amount of weight.
When clozapine works it's a really wonderful medication and I think if it does help manage your symptoms, the pros outweigh the potential cons. Thinking of you, you're being so brave x
Ive been on Clozapine for almost 10 years. I did gain a lot of weight some of which I have lost but I live a normal life, I live a good life. Things can still be hard but it has helped immensely. If you want to chat about it just message me x
And if your thoughts should turn to death, you gotta stub them out like a cigarette..
I feel a bit more confident about it now. Maybe if im aware of it then I'll be in a better position to try and stop the weight gain or at least be able to control it better. And I won't be in hospital for years like I was when I was on it before so maybe if I try and stay active then it won't be such a problem.
I'm fine! Totally fine. I don't know why it's coming out all loud and squeaky, 'cause really, I'm fine!
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
