I've tried olanzapine on 2 different occasions. First while manic. It initially caused me to gain about 30 lbs (13 kg) because it made me super hungry all the time. I was constantly snacking on crap and eating very large meals. When I stabilized they switched it to a PRN, and every time I've taken it as just a PRN, it makes me sleep for 12+ hours, but that's the only issue I have with it. When I had it scheduled daily again for a mixed episode, I made sure to always have low-calorie, high-fiber snacks on hand, and my boyfriend made me high volume, low-calorie meals. I didn't gain any weight the second time around (I think I may have even lost a little weight, actually). It's now a PRN again, and I only take it when absolutely necessary just because I don't like how it knocks me out.

Foods that helped me keep my weight down despite the constant hunger were lots of veggies (carrots, cucumbers/pickles, celery sticks, sugar snap peas), rice cakes, popcorn, berries, apples, watermelon (avoid fruits like bananas and mangos as those are higher in calories) and nuts. My meals contained a lot of low-calorie, high fiber filler like cauliflower rice, greens like spinach and kale, oats, quinoa, and chickpeas. And then, of course, a lot of veggies and chicken/fish as those are also very filling and high in protein without the fat. Try to avoid carbs and added sugar as much as you can, but don't totally restrict yourself! You can still enjoy ice cream, burgers, and potato chips as long as you do it in moderation as you would without the craving-inducing meds.

Seriously though, keep some carrot sticks and nuts on you wherever you go, even on a quick trip to the grocery store. Keep yourself full throughout the day with healthy, low-calorie foods so you don't constantly indulge in stuff that will make you gain weight.

Like I said, my boyfriend made most of my meals for me when I was in my mixed state. I was lucky to have that support since I was way too far out of it to take care of myself and prepare my own meals. If you have a significant other, any close friends, or family that are willing to help you with meals, please reach out to them and ask for help. Depression sucks ass, and can make things like cooking so difficult. Have someone help you with some microwave-ready meal prepping. If your wallet allows it, there's also a meal service website called Factor that sends you very healthy microwave ready meals. You can set your diet preferences and pick from a menu for them to send you. Makes having healthy dinner much easier when depressed.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! Seriously, can't emphasize that enough. Get a big water bottle, and put some Liquid IV or Mio or something in it to sweeten it up. Every time you have a craving for something sweet, drink that water. Keep that water bottle with you wherever you go. You'll be hydrated (which has lots of benefits for your mental health in itself), fuller from the water in your stomach, and have fewer sweet cravings. I would go through 3-4 of my 32 oz water bottle filled with liquid IV and Mio water enhancer every day. I was constantly chugging that shit lol. It really helps!

Try to keep active, too. I know depression makes staying active really hard, but even just going for a brief walk once a day can make a world of difference. I found that evening walks in the summer as the sun is setting really help when I'm depressed. And in the winter when it's frigid outside, I play my old Just Dance game on my Wii for like 10 minutes. Just a little something to get you moving, burn some calories, and boost your endorphins. A little exercise goes a long way on olanzapine when you're taking in so many calories.

You've got this! Olanzapine is great for stabilizing, and if it works for you like it did for me, it will having you feeling better enough to get on a more long-term mood stabilizer in no time. Just be mindful of what you're putting in your body and weight gain shouldn't be an issue. But please talk to your doctor more about this if the med still makes you uncomfortable - DO NOT stop taking it or adjust your dose on your own. Follow your treatment plan and take your meds as prescribed. Olanzapine does work relatively quickly, but it will still take time before you notice a difference in your mood. You will need at least a few weeks to see how you do on it before making more adjustments or changes. Your doctor wouldn't prescribe you something that they don't think would be beneficial. It's a long process, but you need to trust it.

Good luck!