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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by platinumbride on March 9, 2004, at 7:48:40
In reply to Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by bruce_w6 on March 8, 2004, at 19:35:21
I'm sorry to say that I never did find a way to not gain weight when on ssris. I could never figure out if it was the med or me eating a lot more. But I do know that while on paxil, I ate a lot more, but I was still a gym rat.
Maybe adding wellbutrin could help...
Surely adding a stimulant would help if you can stand it and/or if your doc would prescribe it.Good Luck,.
Diane
Posted by delna on March 10, 2004, at 9:15:19
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by platinumbride on March 9, 2004, at 7:48:40
Hi
I find the weight gain really awful. My experience with ritalin was that, yes i lost 6 pounds rapidly (month)despite the ssri but it came back as soon as i stopped.
I know this is really unhealthy but to lose weight i go on these really low cal diets- like under 800. this is the only way it will come down. i do it for a month and i do lose a few pounds which dont really come back unless i am bingeing ie: eating a chocholate cake a day
also i am now going to try combing exercise- i was way too ill before.
goodluck all
Posted by bruce_w6 on March 10, 2004, at 9:49:56
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by delna on March 10, 2004, at 9:15:19
Anyone have any more ideas on how to lose the weight?
> Hi
> I find the weight gain really awful. My experience with ritalin was that, yes i lost 6 pounds rapidly (month)despite the ssri but it came back as soon as i stopped.
> I know this is really unhealthy but to lose weight i go on these really low cal diets- like under 800. this is the only way it will come down. i do it for a month and i do lose a few pounds which dont really come back unless i am bingeing ie: eating a chocholate cake a day
> also i am now going to try combing exercise- i was way too ill before.
> goodluck all
Posted by awatts on March 11, 2004, at 16:54:56
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by bruce_w6 on March 10, 2004, at 9:49:56
> Anyone have any more ideas on how to lose the weight?
On 450mg of Wellbutrin XL I had no appetite. Lost over 40 pounds in 6 months.
Posted by CareBear04 on March 11, 2004, at 16:58:06
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by awatts on March 11, 2004, at 16:54:56
hey awatts,
i just went up to 450mg of wellbutrin. i'd been on 150 and 300 previously. do you find that the amount of appetite suppression is dose dependent? are you less hungry on 450 than you were on a lower dose?
thanks, cb
Posted by bruce_w6 on March 28, 2004, at 19:44:26
In reply to Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by bruce_w6 on March 8, 2004, at 19:35:21
Has anyone found any Solutions to the Weight Gain problem from meds?
Posted by PoohBear on March 29, 2004, at 11:19:44
In reply to Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by bruce_w6 on March 28, 2004, at 19:44:26
> Has anyone found any Solutions to the Weight Gain problem from meds?
I have not found a solution other than watching diet and trying to include moderate exercise. I feel that personally I've allowed my weight to go up and used the meds as an excuse for my behavior, which I'm now trying to correct.Tony
Posted by Sebastian on March 29, 2004, at 11:57:55
In reply to Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by bruce_w6 on March 28, 2004, at 19:44:26
Wellbutrin
Posted by flyingdreams on March 29, 2004, at 13:35:08
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain- to Dr. Bob-Thanks Everyone!, posted by Linda on March 31, 2000, at 16:52:25
What exactly do you do to keep the weight off, can you give us a brief idea of what to do without having to read the whole book? How much 5-htp do you take and how long does it take for one's metabolism to get back to normal after getting of ssri's???????????? Please HELP...
Any more info would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by flyingdreams on March 29, 2004, at 13:37:16
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain- to Dr. Bob, posted by sassy on August 25, 1999, at 0:34:28
Weight gain is caused by the ssri's which slow your metabolism so far down that no matter how hard you work out and exercise you'll gain weight! It's horrible! You can run 5 miles a day for a month and still gain weight!
Posted by flyingdreams on March 29, 2004, at 13:38:27
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain--to Hyde, posted by claudeah on August 13, 1999, at 0:48:52
I had the same problem, off Effexor for 11 weeks now and still waiting for my metabolism to get back to normal. I ran 5 miles and day and still gained weight and ate normaly!
Posted by LynneDa on March 29, 2004, at 14:56:40
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by Sebastian on March 29, 2004, at 11:57:55
UGH! I can now relate to the weight gain issue. I've been on Lexapro for 5 months and have put on about 10 pounds. I've never had to diet before and never have I been this hungry - is it just being happy finally or is it something with SSRIs?!?!
I just started with a treadmill, so we'll see. I asked my doctor about adding Wellbutrin and he won't do it if it's just to stabilize/speed up my formerly fast metabolism. Lex has worked to stabilize my anxiety and reduce my depression, but do I have to trade it for another (less debilitating, but still depressing) problem!
Good luck everyone!
~ Lynne
Posted by ramsea on March 30, 2004, at 5:14:39
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain » Sebastian, posted by LynneDa on March 29, 2004, at 14:56:40
Glad you are feeling better. Lexapro, Ceexa, Prozac and Seroxat never made me happy, just fat and manic. Now I can't take them at all. Doctors used to always say that the reason these meds caused weight gain is we were all feeling better and thus eating more--poppytosh!!! for most of us, anyway, nonsense.
These drugs do effect insulin, metabolism,which affects layering down fat cells, appetite problems, also can cause carbo cravings. But because it is a craving, this doesn't mean it isn't a nasty side effect. Some people get this just a little, so it's not so bad. Maybe you have this? You may well be able to keep it under control. We are all unique. Some people lose weight on SSRIs, though the longer they take them the more likely it will be that they gain weight.
Cravings happened to me--a terrible surprise. For some of us the cravings are a kind of torture. It's not just feeling a little greedy for a piece of chocolate. It's like a person who can never relax enough to sleep though desperate for rest, and for the craver no matter how hard they try and wish, pray and actually eat, they eat but are never full. They go to sleep feeling hungry, in my case I was witnessed on numerous occasions sleepwalking and eating other people's food--something I would never, ever, ever do in my conscious state, eat but wake hungry, eat to stop the mind-destroying craving but nothing helps.
It has nothing to do with will power, and any doctor or person who dismisses a patient with this side effect is ignorant or cruel. It is a very nasty mental state to never feel full but always feel stark ravingly hungry. Think about it--our human history is full of famine and our bodies are built to react strongly to hunger. Feeling severe cravings for hunger 24/7 is no way to live.
On the good side, many people find ways to cope. I recommend a good book on this subject--t"The Anti-depressant Survival Guide", by psychiatrist Hedaya. He is compassionate, tells the truth (i.e., isn't dismissive and blaming-the-victim about the subject of weight gain via psych meds), and has a plan to keep the weight off. And also improve sex life if that's ever a side effect (very commonly is).
Posted by LynneDa on March 30, 2004, at 9:20:22
In reply to SSRIs no happy, try a pdoc book, posted by ramsea on March 30, 2004, at 5:14:39
Thanks for your post Ramsea, you bring out some very valid points about cravings - something I never had before. I will look up the book you recommend. I'm open to anything at this point! Just curious, since SSRIs don't work for you, what do you do?
~ Lynne
Posted by ST on March 30, 2004, at 17:33:42
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by katie on July 25, 1999, at 17:53:21
Hi,
I gained thirty pounds on Celexa a few years ago and acupuncture really helped me while I was dieting and exercising.
The acupuncture can stimulate your system to get rid of waste and toxins more efficiently as well as curb your appetite (Celexa turned off my "I am full" button!!). I believe your body chemistry changes with meds as well as your brain chemistry. All acupuncture does is stimulate your own body to heal itself & work more efficiently. Yes, it really does work. Trying it once or twice won't do it. Committing and going at least 4 times if not more gets your body in to a rythm; it's accumulative treatment as well as preventative.
(For those skeptics out there, I worked in an acupuncurist's office for years and saw many people get better through acupuncture. Acupuncture also has nearly obliterated all my asthma symptoms)
Good luck!! And keep exercising!!
Sarah
Posted by Sebastian on March 30, 2004, at 19:18:41
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain » Sebastian, posted by LynneDa on March 29, 2004, at 14:56:40
Tell your doctor that the weight gain is making you depressed?
I think that pills enhance the flavor of food and give the feeling of being hungary.
Posted by Englebrite on March 31, 2004, at 0:04:20
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain » LynneDa, posted by Sebastian on March 30, 2004, at 19:18:41
> Tell your doctor that the weight gain is making you depressed?
I went to my GP doc for a routine exam and he ordered blood work. Never having any major physical problems, I was really in for a surprise by those test results. Come to find out, I have hypothyroidism which is partly why I'm having these crazy emotional freak outs and (you got it) weight gain (when I'm depressed, I EAT!!!) I put on over 20 lbs in less in 6 mos. You talk about depressed! So, maybe you can discuss this with your doctor. He/she might schedule a check up just to make sure you're not having some physical problems that could contribute to weight gain.
Posted by ramsea on March 31, 2004, at 7:48:50
In reply to Re: SSRIs no happy, try a pdoc book » ramsea, posted by LynneDa on March 30, 2004, at 9:20:22
Lynne, I have been given lithium which has been amazing at pulling me out of a depression/Mixed State. I am so grateful to have my life back, but I am privately, secretly distressed at my physical shape. Vanity, health reasons....nevermind. Keep the faith. Some people have no weight problem and hold onto that. Thanks for writing.
Posted by LynneDa on March 31, 2004, at 11:32:26
In reply to Acupuncture, posted by ST on March 30, 2004, at 17:33:42
Hi Sarah, thanks! I love the idea of acupuncture. I had it done many years ago for lower back pain. It is hard to find a good practitioner here in St Louis, though. The man I went to left the area. I am going to have some energy healing work done to help get myself re-aligned. It may be the closest I can get to acupuncture right now. I know I also need to eat better and drink things that will help cleanse my system!
I'm glad to hear it worked for you!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on March 31, 2004, at 11:49:55
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain » LynneDa, posted by Sebastian on March 30, 2004, at 19:18:41
You could be right about SSRI's enhancing food flavor & therefore making us more likely to eat more - it enhances everything around me in general so why not food :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on March 31, 2004, at 12:13:08
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by Englebrite on March 31, 2004, at 0:04:20
Thanks for your thoughts! I do have my thyroid checked every 6 months. I had a bout of hyperthyroidism in 2000. That's what I think kicked off my depression. But it self-corrected so I never took meds for it. I wouldn't mind some of the hyper right now cuz I lost about 10 lbs. (just kidding, I know that wasn't healthy!). I do want to have other things checked tho, like my blood sugar.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tell your doctor that the weight gain is making you depressed?
>
> I went to my GP doc for a routine exam and he ordered blood work. Never having any major physical problems, I was really in for a surprise by those test results. Come to find out, I have hypothyroidism which is partly why I'm having these crazy emotional freak outs and (you got it) weight gain (when I'm depressed, I EAT!!!) I put on over 20 lbs in less in 6 mos. You talk about depressed! So, maybe you can discuss this with your doctor. He/she might schedule a check up just to make sure you're not having some physical problems that could contribute to weight gain.
Posted by LynneDa on March 31, 2004, at 12:29:13
In reply to Re: SSRIs no happy, try a pdoc book » LynneDa, posted by ramsea on March 31, 2004, at 7:48:50
I understand, no explanation needed :-). I'm glad the Lithium is working for you. Good luck!
~ Lynne
Lynne, I have been given lithium which has been amazing at pulling me out of a depression/Mixed State. I am so grateful to have my life back, but I am privately, secretly distressed at my physical shape. Vanity, health reasons....nevermind. Keep the faith. Some people have no weight problem and hold onto that. Thanks for writing.
Posted by ST on March 31, 2004, at 16:52:25
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain » Sebastian, posted by LynneDa on March 31, 2004, at 11:49:55
Yes!! Also, my pdoc said that some SSRIs turn off that satiety center in your brain that tells you when you're full. Sounds about right, at least for me. I never got full when I was on Celexa! I do not have this problem with Serzone.
~Sarah
> You could be right about SSRI's enhancing food flavor & therefore making us more likely to eat more - it enhances everything around me in general so why not food :-)
> ~ Lynne
Posted by bruce_w6 on June 6, 2004, at 21:29:56
In reply to Re: Solutions - Weight Gain, posted by ST on March 31, 2004, at 16:52:25
I am on Lamictal (250 mg) & Lithium Ototatate (6x120). Bipolar II. I also take Gemifribazil & Niaspan for cholesterol ad triglycerides. My weight has crept up unmercifully fast. I started Topomax and went up at 25 mg a week to my currant dose of 150 mg. No side effects except for some forgetfulness. No weight loss yet. Pleases respond. When does the weight loss start? What can I do? I am really scared.
Posted by sooshi on June 7, 2004, at 9:26:49
In reply to Weight Gain, posted by bruce_w6 on June 6, 2004, at 21:29:56
Hi bruce_w6,
I didn't start losing until I had reached the 150-200mg mark of Topamax and had been on it for awhile, so give it some time. Lamictal and Lithium Orotate are supposed to be weight neutral, so hopefully they won't stimulate your appetite, but everyone reacts differently. I don't know about your cholesterol meds..you might want to check into those and see if they cause weight gain.
Once Topa kicked in, I began losing weight rapidly, and then evened out...now I take a similar drug to Topa (Zonegran) and am losing again. Hopefully in a few weeks the Topa will kick in and you'll experience the same appetite loss and "fullness" described by Topa users, and the weight will start to come off! Good luck to you,
Sooshi
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