Do schizophrenia medicines make women gain weight?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. I often hear voices and feel very anxious when I am around people. My psychiatrist has started me on medication, but it makes me feel constantly tired, and I have noticed some weight gain. Is this something that usually happens with these medicines?

I really want to continue working and live as normally as possible, but I am afraid of being judged if others find out about my condition. Please let me know the following:

Are there treatment options with fewer side effects, especially for women?
Also, can therapy actually help when used along with medication?
I would like to understand how to manage this condition in the long run and how to cope without feeling so alone.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out.

I understand that living with schizophrenia, a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and behave, can be very challenging. It is great that you are actively managing your treatment and looking for ways to feel better.

Your psychiatrist has prescribed an antipsychotic medication to manage symptoms such as hearing voices, anxiety, and mood changes. Because these medicines affect individuals differently, finding the right option may take time, as some can cause side effects like weight gain or sleepiness.

Aripiprazole (Abilify) is often preferred because it has fewer metabolic side effects, including less risk of weight gain or blood sugar changes. Some people may experience restlessness or sleep difficulty initially, which usually improves and can be managed with supportive medicines if needed. Starting at a low dose and increasing gradually helps reduce side effects.

While medication is essential, CBT for psychosis can be added to improve coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention. Therapy works best alongside medication, not as a replacement.

Weight gain can occur with certain antipsychotics, so supporting your physical health is important. Focus on low-fat, low-sugar foods, avoid processed snacks, sugary drinks, and excess caffeine, and stay physically active through simple routines like daily walks. Avoid sedating medicines unless prescribed, as well as alcohol and recreational drugs, which can interfere with treatment. If lifestyle measures are insufficient, your doctor may consider Metformin to help manage weight gain.

If your current medication controls symptoms well, continuing it with healthy habits is usually best. If side effects become distressing, discussing a switch to Aripiprazole or Ziprasidone, which have fewer metabolic effects, may be appropriate.

Your symptoms are most likely related to medication-associated metabolic changes, sometimes worsened by sedatives. To assess this, your doctor may recommend a CPK test and a lipid profile. Based on your history and findings, the probable diagnosis is schizophrenia with metabolic side effects.

Long-term care focuses on balancing symptom control with side-effect management through the right medication, therapy, and lifestyle choices. With appropriate adjustments and open communication with your psychiatrist, it is possible to manage schizophrenia effectively and maintain a healthy, active life.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.