![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 18 to 42 of 58. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by sassy on August 25, 1999, at 0:34:28
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by nancy on July 31, 1999, at 18:10:04
dr. bob
Is celexa known to cause weight gain at a specific dose?
Can you identify the thread that mostly answer this weight problem?
I've read superenergy and weight loss for some, while weight gain for others.
Does this medicine affect the thyroid, adrenals.
What causes the weight gain?
Sassy
I too am having a serious problem with this> 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 Kim on August 25, 1999, at 3:00:11
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain- to Dr. Bob, posted by sassy on August 25, 1999, at 0:34:28
I am glad to know the weight gain problem isn't mine alone! We moved a year ago so I have a new psych doctor and he tells me to do aerobics 5 days a week--and some days it's all I can do to get out of bed. Sometimes I think I'm depressed because I look like the Blob! I asked about the new weight loss medication (that replaced the fen-phen) and he just told me if I'd do 40 minutes of aerobics 5 times a week I could lose a pound a MONTH. At a pound a month, I'll likely die of something else before I take off all the weight I've gained on ADs.
Kim
Posted by Sassy on August 26, 1999, at 19:24:31
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain- to Dr. Bob, posted by sassy on August 25, 1999, at 0:34:28
> dr. bob
>
> Is celexa known to cause weight gain at a specific dose?
>
> Can you identify the thread that mostly answer this weight problem?
>
> I've read superenergy and weight loss for some, while weight gain for others.
>
> Does this medicine affect the thyroid, adrenals.
>
> What causes the weight gain?
>
> Sassy
>
> I too am having a serious problem with this> 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 ; )Thanks for everyones comments. I think I will
wean myself off this medication. Since I've always had a weight problem, overweight is an issue for me.I will keep checking out the site for any new
leads that may help.Much success to everyone.
Sassy
Posted by Linda on March 31, 2000, at 16:52:25
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain- to Dr. Bob-Thanks Everyone!, posted by Sassy on August 26, 1999, at 19:24:31
I just wrote a book and think I lost it here is the short version. If you have gained weght on antidepressants get the book 5-Htp by dr. michael Murray, N.D. Readit and you will have your answers to loose the weight, keeping sane off antidepressants and many other things you may dealing with migranes sexuall dysfunction exaustion and on and on. I have spent hours researching this before I started my journey to true health and happiness.
> > God Bless Linda
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > What causes the weight gain?
> >
> > Sassy
> >
> > I too am having a serious problem with this> 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 ; )
>
> Thanks for everyones comments. I think I will
> wean myself off this medication. Since I've always had a weight problem, overweight is an issue for me.
>
> I will keep checking out the site for any new
> leads that may help.
>
> Much success to everyone.
>
> Sassy
Posted by Stephanie on January 14, 2001, at 17:09:19
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by katie on July 25, 1999, at 17:53:21
HI,When I was 11 years old (1982).I had both my legs run over by a car,I broke my right ankle in 2 places and broe my tibia.Back then I was really thin now I am about (90lbs.) over weight.I have Perenneal Nerve Damage in my right leg & it takes seizures.I was on Neurotin for them but it made me sleep to long.I also have Fibromyalgia.I am going to a Neurolgist,He says because Neurotin was not helping the seizures so he put me on Topamax a couple of weeks ago.I only take one at bedtime.I lost 13 pounds alreay & it helps my leg seizures.I just wanted everyone to know how it is working for me. Thank You Very Much,
Posted by Alli on January 16, 2001, at 14:06:26
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by Stephanie on January 14, 2001, at 17:09:19
Topamax at bedtime. I lost 13 pounds already & it helps my leg seizures.I just wanted everyone to know how it is working for me. Thank You Very Much,
What exactly is Topamax prescribed for? Is it an anti-depressant? Thanks for the info! Alli
Posted by KarenK on January 18, 2001, at 13:15:08
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by greg on August 2, 1999, at 14:32:18
> > 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!I'm in the process of getting off depakote now that in on topamax and the nasty side effects have gone away but I gained 30lbs on the stuff as if I wasn't fat enough! I'm still on prozac and I have lost 7lbs in 2 weeks. I don't have the cravings for ice cream and custards like I used to. Fruit will satisfy a sweet tooth now. I'm just hoping I can keep going.
KarenK
Posted by bruce_w6 on March 8, 2004, at 19:35:21
In reply to Re: Damn Weight Gain, posted by katie on July 25, 1999, at 17:53:21
Has anyone found any Solutions to the Weight Gain problem from meds?
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!
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.