I Just Can’t Do This Anymore

Hello everyone,

I’ve been around for five years and I’m finally getting more comfortable with posting. I’m struggling with “meds vs. weight gain”. Now first off I don’t want to be a size 2. In my culture it’s not cute. Before my diagnoses and meds I was a size 9/10. I’m 5’4 and it looks great on me. I felt confident and alive. Lithium was the first med I took. Then a month later Risperdal. I don’t know which is worse for weight gain. The weight started packing on. I have SAD and started Zoloft. It caused weight gain and digestive problems.
I’m now tapered off. I’m going to stay on Lithium and a small dosage of Risperdal. I’m listed to take 6 mgs. I will to do 2 or 3 mgs. The new med my pdoc suggested is Amitriptyline. I’ve heard it’s known for weight gain. I just not going to try it. I’m where a size 24?!!!!! I’ve had three kids and never reached that size. It’s time for me and my new pdoc to meet at the round table. I know I’m not the only person that feels this has gotten out of hand. I’m going to go the fall and winter with no SAD med. just try to help me if I need to chat or vent. Thanks everyone

Hi,
I get where you're at. For me to choose stability I have to accept that some weight gain is inevitable. I hate hate hate it but can't seem to change it.
Sitting down with your Pdoc is a good idea. I've tried a number of meds. I used to be on a number of meds. We've consolidated them down to Lithium (2 times a day) and Seroquel (4 times a day). I use Seroquel and Valium as PRN's.
Lithium is weight neutral for me but Seroquel not. My pdoc is doing her best in avoiding prescribing me as many weight gain meds.

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about the weight gain. I don't blame you for wanting a meeting with your pdoc. I would want a meeting too.

I hope your pdoc will be helpful when you decide to meet. No one deserves to suffer from weight gain.

I suppose you could always add something like metformin or contrave to your cocktail if you can't change meds. That could help with the weight gain. Maybe bring that up?

Morning....thanks for bringing them two up. I will look into both.

It gets so frustrating, I know.

Have you ever tried light therapy for the SAD?
Many people find it helpful, including my own mother. She has a table top model she uses in the mornings while having breakfast, reading the newspaper, etc. The units are increasingly affordable.

We are here for you should you need to vent.


WC

I need to checkout prices for a SAD lamp. A few years back I did and they were expensive but I think I’ve heard they are more reasonable now. Thanks for bringing the lamp up. I look into it this month for sure.

I'm the same as you I was a size 14 now I'm a size 20. I'm peeved and angry at myself. I got blood work done and my blood pressure was high so I had to go to my GP. I went and it was fine but my GP says I have to lose the weight I know he is right but I get the munchies from the tablets. I eat all the time. I need to kick myself up the butt now

I've been weight neutral on Abilify and lamictal. I've gained a ton of weight on zyprexa so we lowered it a little but it looks like I've leveled out at a size 14. However before my son I was a size 5, after I was a size 8. So it freaks me out being a size 14. Hopefully the dr can figure something out.

I get cravings for sweets....so I went and purchased yogurt, crackers and pretzel chips.
I went on Pinterest and found some healthy snack ideas. I’m going to the grocery store this weekend to get the items. I hope you have luck, it’s so hard in the beginning. Thanks for replying

Yes have a sit down with Pdoc , we don’t need excess weight gain and be come diabetic to manage BIPOLAR!

Exactly. My maternal grandfather was diabetic. I’m trying to be in better health than he and others in the family. It’s definitely not me stuck on the tag size in my clothes. I want to feel comfortable again at my regular size. I’m so glad you all understand.

It's a dilemma...lithium is all that's ever worked for me...but I gained 35lbs putting me in the "obese" range and developing hypertension. Funny because I've never gained on any other meds ever...
Will be seeing my new pdoc (hopefully)soon and yes...it's time for a sit down.
I hope it works out for you!

Oh my same here with Lithium. I tapered off once under pdoc supervision. It was terrible....I was hospitalized for the first time ever....twice in two months. I went back on Lithium and I have not been hospitalized since 2013. Good luck to you too.