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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 58. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
My meds have basically saved my ass..I'm no longer depressed, and have very few anxiety -ridden /panic attack days...HOWEVER ..I am turning into a fatass..a huge happy blob...well err not really happy about the weight thing...that's why I am turning to you..my Babbling friends who have had experience with this sort of thing. I have actually resorted to "Slim Fast" (Yuck) I swear everyday i wake up I have put on another pound. I"m not used to this since I have always been slim & trim (When I was depressed I hardly ate at all) Is this the trade-off? I must say I am grateful for how I feel...but if this continues, I'll surely die of a heart attack!!
I take 40mg of celexa a day..plus Klonopin as needed.
I have tried many other ssri's with little help..finally found the combo that is right for me..
I look like "Fat Bastard" in the new Austin Powers flick..haha..not really
A penny for your thoughts guys....
Posted by HYDE on July 20, 1999, at 1:41:08
In reply to Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
Try wellbutrin, its supposed to help
Posted by MelindaJ on July 20, 1999, at 8:27:30
In reply to Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
Uhh... my husband has gained 30lbs on Wellbutrin this past year.
Posted by jj on July 20, 1999, at 11:15:50
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by MelindaJ on July 20, 1999, at 8:27:30
> Uhh... my husband has gained 30lbs on Wellbutrin this past year.
If you get the Slim Fast powder, it takes 100% better. Add 1cup milk to a blender, add 4 ice cubes, a banana and blend real good. It makes it frothy like a fast food shake. Then add a scoop of slim fast and blend. I really enjoy the taste a lot better than the canned type.
Posted by Racer on July 20, 1999, at 11:49:33
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by jj on July 20, 1999, at 11:15:50
Slim Fast is not necessarily a lot of fun: the fiber content in it tends to increase flatulence. Be careful, you could end up slender and lonely if no one wants to be in the same room with you...
Somewhere here on Dr Bob's site there's a discussion about weight gain from ADs, and it basically says that there's not much to be done. I don't quite believe that, but I'd ask your doctor about it. Maybe there's another drug you could add which would help some?
This is the worst part about ADs, the side effects are sometimes as bad as the disease!
Posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 1999, at 14:37:23
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by Racer on July 20, 1999, at 11:49:33
I've got a q about this: *has* anyone tried any weight loss strategies (in addition to diet and exercise or changing meds) with success?
I've heard rumors about a number of over-the-counter "food supplements" (i.e. unregulated drugs!) but I don't know which of these claims can be substantiated.
Posted by claudeah on July 20, 1999, at 22:08:37
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 1999, at 14:37:23
My regular doc put me on the Atkin's diet to lower my blood pressure. I must also say that I gained over 100 lbs. because of the meds. On the positive side--the Atkins diet lowered my blood pressure from 173/104 to 120/88 in a month and a half and I have lost one whole size in 4 weeks! It is the only thing I have found to have work so far and I used to be an exercise fanatic.
Claudea
Posted by Sean on July 21, 1999, at 17:11:08
In reply to Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
> My meds have basically saved my ass..I'm no longer depressed, and have very few anxiety -ridden /panic attack days...HOWEVER ..I am turning into a fatass..a huge happy blob...well err not really happy about the weight thing...that's why I am turning to you..my Babbling friends who have had experience with this sort of thing. I have actually resorted to "Slim Fast" (Yuck) I swear everyday i wake up I have put on another pound. I"m not used to this since I have always been slim & trim (When I was depressed I hardly ate at all) Is this the trade-off? I must say I am grateful for how I feel...but if this continues, I'll surely die of a heart attack!!
> I take 40mg of celexa a day..plus Klonopin as needed.
> I have tried many other ssri's with little help..finally found the combo that is right for me..
> I look like "Fat Bastard" in the new Austin Powers flick..haha..not really
> A penny for your thoughts guys....These drugs slow down your metabolism, so the
only real defense is to eat less, which is hard
because some of these drugs actually stimulate
one's appetite!Having been on AD's for going on 15 years now,
I have noticed that I am not aging as fast as
others in my family. Has anybody else noticed
this effect? One of the primary ways scientists
have extended life in mice is through a low-calorie
diet which has the result of slowing everything
down. By taking an AD and eating less, we may in
fact live longer than we might have otherwise.Oh, and probably a lot happier...
Sean.
Posted by MelindaJ on July 22, 1999, at 8:31:05
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by claudeah on July 20, 1999, at 22:08:37
From what I've read, the Atkins diet, the Protein Power Plan and Sugarbusters are all similar and can be very effective. But, AD's tend to increase my carbohydrate/sugar cravings? How did you deal with that?
Posted by HYDE on July 22, 1999, at 8:56:42
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by MelindaJ on July 22, 1999, at 8:31:05
DID ANYONE HERE EVER TRY EXCERCISE?
Posted by Roo on July 22, 1999, at 10:56:51
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by HYDE on July 22, 1999, at 8:56:42
Yeah, I exercise really regularly--run 4 or 5
times a week, or power walk for an hour 4 or 5
times a week....When I started taking prozac a few
years ago, however, I gained weight, about 10
pounds. I still exercise just as regularly
but I find it's a lot harder to get motivated
(that ssri apathy). I did lose a little weight
one time when I started eating less...
I guess it is a metabolism thing...
Posted by Confused on July 22, 1999, at 13:21:34
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by HYDE on July 22, 1999, at 8:56:42
> DID ANYONE HERE EVER TRY EXCERCISE?
No!! Duh! I don't think anyone here ever thought of that! Why don't you explain it - without *SHOUTING*
By the way, do you also post under the names Jc and Bob Marley?
Posted by HYDE Question for CONFUSED on July 22, 1999, at 18:40:38
In reply to Re: HYDE - Damn Weight Gain, posted by Confused on July 22, 1999, at 13:21:34
HOW DO YOU SHOUT OVER THE INTERNET?
Posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 18:59:25
In reply to Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
Jeff,
True, most of what these people have said is correct. Although most anti-depressants help, there is that stupid side effect of weight gain that almost flips you 360 right back to being depressed. They also do slow down your metabolism which makes exercise and dieting (even healthy wise not starving) EXTREEMLY difficult and horribly unrewarding. I have been dealing with this same problem for 5 years now and I am sick of it. Do you ever just weigh the conquences- thin and unstable or fat and mentally okay? I am at that stupid point again and I wish there were more studies on finding a drug that has less side effects. Best advice I can give is to sit down and really write out on a piece of paper what you really want to do. Like, loose 10 or 100 pounds or to start to be more active. Thats all we really can do because were not the chemists coming up with these new wonder drugs. I struggle every single day - this one being the worst in 2 months - so trying to help somebody else helps me in a way too. There is a lot of us out there, just take it one day at a time and try hard to eat smaller portions and less fatty foods! Oh and walk instead of driving when ever you can - just try and stay moving!Hope this helped somewhat...Jen ; )
Posted by katie on July 25, 1999, at 17:53:21
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by Elizabeth on July 20, 1999, at 14:37:23
> I've got a q about this: *has* anyone tried any weight loss strategies (in addition to diet and exercise or changing meds) with success?
>
> I've heard rumors about a number of over-the-counter "food supplements" (i.e. unregulated drugs!) but I don't know which of these claims can be substantiated.
***************I've heard good and bad news about supplements. I tryed one with "thermogenic herbs" and didn't notice any effect on weight loss. Just making myself stay on a strict diet and exercise plan is about the only way I can lose weight. Those diet shakes to me are just that...shakes. Hell, I could have a milkshake and eat 3 regular meals. To me drinking a meal is TOTALLY different than eating one.
Since taking lithium I have gained weight, but I'm not going to put all of the blame on a drug. I haven't been trying real hard to lose the pounds. When I do finally get motivated, I should be able to lose this extra baggage. I was successful while on the lithium last year and lost 20 pounds on "Weight Watchers" It's a really sound program and they require you to exercise only 20 minutes a day. That's really not that much, plus you can eat pretty well considering it's supposed to be a "diet".When it comes to changing meds to help you lose weight...think about it first. The topamax was supposed to make me lose weight, but instead the other side effects outnumbered lithium's and I didn't lose any weight and had to get back on the lithium. It's been my experience that you can't put too much stock in a drug for use in weight loss. I don't feel that popping a pill can change your personality enough to create a super person who can conquer everything life throws at him. Don't get me wrong I need my meds to get through the day, but I will always believe that it is within us as humans to create our own destiny and that we ultimately control the course our life takes. Whether that course is to quit smoking, stop drinking, losing weight or just being happy. God I think wants us to have faith, not only in Him, but in ourselves.
Sorry about the long-windedness, but I just wanted to make my point. Thanks for listening,
Katie
Posted by catherine on July 31, 1999, at 12:10:07
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by katie on July 25, 1999, at 17:53:21
I've put on 4 stone and have decided I've had eough of antidepressants. The side effects for me are nearly as bad as the depression.However now med free I'm getting more down about being so fat.
I'm trying eating sensibly and exercising but before when taking effexor I CONTINUED TO PUT ON WEIGHT. hOPEFULLY I'LL COPE WITHOUT THE DRUGS but at the moment I feel like I am going to explode all the time.
I'll try and stick it out.
catherine
Posted by nancy on July 31, 1999, at 18:01:45
In reply to Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
so sorry to see another "weight tragedy" among us. :( Been there...hated that.
Ok. recently, I've been much better(stablized, lite mood, no more mixed-state pain, yadda, yadda, yadda). don't anyone get upset at what I'm gonna write. Finally, I've been able to go to the gym once a day. What I do is, just some weight lifting (as much as I can tolerate without fainting dead away or throw up my guts). I couldn't do this while the depression was still so (what's the word...) #%$@^*&$*. ok...I don't mean to sound like I'm demanding that we all should be out there pumping iron.
I know that many of you are really just trying to stay alive, right now. keep it up. you will, one day, feel better AND be glad that you're still in the land of the living. Remember, I killed myself, but was revived in the ER, back in Dec. 1998. Up to that point, I lived out three years of agony. I'm happy to be alive, now.
If you can lift weights, it's an excellent fat-buster, toner and mood-improver. I'm beginning to recognize that this mass residing below my head is a human body! :) My diet consists mainly of fresh fruities and veggies, plus lots of water. Geez, I probably run two miles a day just to the bathroom! LOL
> My meds have basically saved my ass..I'm no longer depressed, and have very few anxiety -ridden /panic attack days...HOWEVER ..I am turning into a fatass..a huge happy blob...well err not really happy about the weight thing...that's why I am turning to you..my Babbling friends who have had experience with this sort of thing. I have actually resorted to "Slim Fast" (Yuck) I swear everyday i wake up I have put on another pound. I"m not used to this since I have always been slim & trim (When I was depressed I hardly ate at all) Is this the trade-off? I must say I am grateful for how I feel...but if this continues, I'll surely die of a heart attack!!
> I take 40mg of celexa a day..plus Klonopin as needed.
> I have tried many other ssri's with little help..finally found the combo that is right for me..
> I look like "Fat Bastard" in the new Austin Powers flick..haha..not really
> A penny for your thoughts guys....
Posted by nancy on July 31, 1999, at 18:05:53
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by MelindaJ on July 22, 1999, at 8:31:05
> From what I've read, the Atkins diet, the Protein Power Plan and Sugarbusters are all similar and can be very effective. But, AD's tend to increase my carbohydrate/sugar cravings? How did you deal with that?
get the carbs from fresh fruit...really eases the candy cravings. I've even eaten up to a pound of grapes in a sitting. But, I'm losing weight. Something about the way fruit (fructose, which passes immediately into the Kreb's cycle) vs "the OTHER carbs.
Posted by nancy on July 31, 1999, at 18:10:04
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 18:59:25
I did the exact same. I decided that if I were going to be a "bigger version of my typical self", then at least I was going to be toned and shapely!
> Jeff,
> True, most of what these people have said is correct. Although most anti-depressants help, there is that stupid side effect of weight gain that almost flips you 360 right back to being depressed. They also do slow down your metabolism which makes exercise and dieting (even healthy wise not starving) EXTREEMLY difficult and horribly unrewarding. I have been dealing with this same problem for 5 years now and I am sick of it. Do you ever just weigh the conquences- thin and unstable or fat and mentally okay? I am at that stupid point again and I wish there were more studies on finding a drug that has less side effects. Best advice I can give is to sit down and really write out on a piece of paper what you really want to do. Like, loose 10 or 100 pounds or to start to be more active. Thats all we really can do because were not the chemists coming up with these new wonder drugs. I struggle every single day - this one being the worst in 2 months - so trying to help somebody else helps me in a way too. There is a lot of us out there, just take it one day at a time and try hard to eat smaller portions and less fatty foods! Oh and walk instead of driving when ever you can - just try and stay moving!
>
> Hope this helped somewhat...Jen ; )
Posted by greg on August 2, 1999, at 14:32:18
In reply to Damn Weight Gain, posted by Jeff on July 19, 1999, at 22:08:22
> I have a relative who gained 90 pounds on Depakote.
After stopping the Depakote she was unable to lose
the weight...maybe because she continued taking
Prozac. Her psy then switched her to Wellbutrin.
In the 7 months she has been on Wellbutrin she has
lost 75 pounds and intends to stay on the stuff
until she loses the entire 90 pounds that she had
gained. The Wellbutrin (and maybe the dieting)
does make her very irritable and exacerbates her
paranoia, but it sure did solve the weight problem!
Posted by colleen on August 6, 1999, at 14:31:29
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by greg on August 2, 1999, at 14:32:18
I know what everyone is going through. My weight has been
going up and down like a yoyo for 20 years. When
I'm on antidepresents I gain up to 100 pounds, then
when I stop the medication I loose all the weight
in a matter of a couple of months. Right now I'm
on Effexor and Risperdal and have gained the most
weight ever. It is depressing but the alternative
is being off of meds and mentally unstable. I've
tried diets, including perscription diet pills,
but they seem to have no affect. I try and get
some exercise, but my motivation for activity
is very low. You need to try and come to terms
with your weight and realize that what's inside of
you is what counts even though our society promotes
thinness.Good luck and hang in there.
Posted by Ania on August 9, 1999, at 19:30:03
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by colleen on August 6, 1999, at 14:31:29
I'm glad I'm not the only one! Of course, I'm not glad that this is happening to any of us, but it's good to know that others understand what I'm feeling.
I have similar problems with AD's. I started taking Effexor XR about 9 months ago. It works great for my depression, but I'm extremely sleepy and I've gained about 20 lbs.
And YES, I DO exercise on regular basis. I use weights and run. I try to stay active, but it's VERY hard.
I've done some research and found that adding Ritalin (med used for ADD) can elevate the tiredness and it suppresses apetite. I haven't tried it yet because my doctor is sceptical and wants more information. I'm still searching for more. If anyone's heard anything about this, please let me know.Thanks,
Ania
Posted by mary on August 10, 1999, at 21:30:30
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by Ania on August 9, 1999, at 19:30:03
I have taken Ritalin with Prozac and probably one other AD(I am on Celexa now, which must be why I can't keep it all straight -- lol, i wish it were funny -- oh well!) and I found that it definitely helped me to rise above the tiredness and concentrate on the various reports and evaluations I needed to complete for work. At the time, Ritalin was a lifesaver. HOwever, it did nothing to help with weightloss. I can lose weight and did when I was taking Wellbutrin (almost thirty pounds lost) but I couldnt get an effective dose. Effexor was the next drug of choice and twenty-five pounds, fivemonths later I find myself on Celexa. I sometimes wonder if Ritalin might help jump start my apathy. I've given up spending money with weight watcher's. Better to eat right and weigh myself. I felt Ritalin was worthwhile. I would assume there is actually quite a bit in the literature about using Ritalin with ADs. Is your physician a psych? Good luck.
Mary
> I'm glad I'm not the only one! Of course, I'm not glad that this is happening to any of us, but it's good to know that others understand what I'm feeling.
>
> I have similar problems with AD's. I started taking Effexor XR about 9 months ago. It works great for my depression, but I'm extremely sleepy and I've gained about 20 lbs.
> And YES, I DO exercise on regular basis. I use weights and run. I try to stay active, but it's VERY hard.
> I've done some research and found that adding Ritalin (med used for ADD) can elevate the tiredness and it suppresses apetite. I haven't tried it yet because my doctor is sceptical and wants more information. I'm still searching for more. If anyone's heard anything about this, please let me know.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ania
Posted by claudeah on August 13, 1999, at 0:44:36
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by MelindaJ on July 22, 1999, at 8:31:05
> From what I've read, the Atkins diet, the Protein Power Plan and Sugarbusters are all similar and can be very effective. But, AD's tend to increase my carbohydrate/sugar cravings? How did you deal with that?
Sorry it took so long to respond....been out of town on business. For the most part, my cravings for carbs/sugars went away. Also my highs and lows during the day went away. It is absolutely wonderful. I'm almost down 2 sizes now. I must say that I am also under a Dr's. supervision while doing this.
Best of luck,
Claudea
Posted by claudeah on August 13, 1999, at 0:48:52
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by HYDE on July 22, 1999, at 8:56:42
> DID ANYONE HERE EVER TRY EXCERCISE?
Yes----i was working out 5 days a week and could do the stairmaster at level 6 for 30 mins, plus biked to work everyday-----a regular exercise aholic. However, while doing this and on
Zoloft I gained two dresses sizes in one month---all due to the medication.So sarcstic remarks such as this we can do without.
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