Risperidone, an antipsychotic, treats both schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder. These conditions affect a person's mood, and the medications doctors prescribe tend to affect their weight as well. It is possible to shed the extra pounds risperidone is responsible for, but it takes commitment on your part. This is sometimes easier said than done when your medical condition causes a wide range of emotions. With help from your family, friends and doctors, though, you can accomplish your goals.
Step 1
Dr. Jim Phelps of PsychEducation.org emphasizes that exercise is the most important place to start when it comes to weight loss for those taking risperidone. Although it might be difficult for you to find the motivation when dealing with the depression accompanying your disorder, exercise can be a healthy antidote. It releases endorphins, or happy hormones, which actually improve your mood. Phelps recommends repeating the words "Start with exercise" as a motivator. Begin with a 10-minute walk, increasing your time as you feel comfortable.
Step 2
Ask for help from your friends and family. Exercise is always more fun if you have someone to do it with you. Ask a relative or friend to walk with you, go swimming with you or play a game of basketball with you. The more you enjoy what you are doing, the more likely you are to do it.
Step 3
Make an appointment with a registered dietitian. Exercise is only one piece of the puzzle; you need to make dietary changes and set realistic goals as well. A dietitian can explain how many calories you should eat and the most nutritious foods to consume, as well as help you plan meals and set realistic goals. If you set unrealistic goals, such as losing 10 lbs. in two weeks, it might worsen your depression if you only lose half that.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about changing your medication or lowering the dose of your current medication. According to Phelps, some medications doctors use to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia do not cause weight gain. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for any of these drugs. Lowering the dose of your current medication, or combining certain medications at lower doses, might help avoid the weight-gain side effect.
Step 5
Consider adding a medication to assist with weight loss. Phelps refers to these medications as "antidote" meds; they suppress your appetite and can result in substantial weight loss over a period of time. However, these medications also have their own side effects you must consider -- the most common being confusion and memory problems.
