[cutebagaddict08]

Hello Everyone! I was diagnosed with Pre Menstural Dysphoric Disorder about a year and half ago. I was put on Sarafem (gyno took me off because I was having an increased in PMDD symptoms to the point I couldn't work or function). Then saw a specialist and was put on Zoloft and then Effexor ..again same thing happened with both medications, this time worse. I ended weaning myself off the medications and finding a new doctor because this doctor was not listening to me at all and I felt she talked down me to alot, "you just have to deal with it...." kind of attitude. This all happened in a 3 month period....I was on 3 different anti depressants and 2 different anti anxiety medication (Ativan and Klonopin); I was on a medication, then off, then on another....this went on and off for about 2-3 months. (I still don't remember my 'life' during that period.)
Anyways, I found a new doctor-male, that is alot more understanding and listens to me and my husband-now I am only on Klonopin to control the symptoms and went off my birth control pill. Things have been getting alot better.
My issue is during that 3 month period when I was on the anti depressants: I gained about 25lbs. I gained it very quickly probally within the first few weeks. I can not loose the weight....the most I can loose is probally about 8lbs. I'm so self consious because of it....and angry.
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few weeks ago, so a virgous work out plan is out of the question for now. I just want to feel better about myself physically and I think that would help me emotionally have stregth to continue to fight this.

Any advice? (Thanks!)

[Travelinglady]

Don't let anybody tell you that some of these drugs can't cause weight gain! They definitely can!

I also have fibromyalgia, so I can't engage in vigorous exercise (add a bum knee to the picture, too.) So, I don't plan on running marathons or engaging in demanding aerobics. I have gotten away from my exercise program, but I do know that ANY exercise at all is better than being a couch potato. I also tend to eat when I'm stressed. Not good....

I am being somewhat of a hypocrite at the moment because I do need to lose some weight, too. But I did get a bunch of weight off several years ago that I gained from Remeron. For one thing, we just have to watch the amount of calories we consume and what we consume. (Of course, we all know that.) Fruits, veggies, less bread, and avoidance of many sweets. Also, can you get access to a swimming pool? Exercising in a pool cuts down on the stress to the body. Those are two ideas that come to mind.

Okay, gang, what did the rest of you suggest?

[Yoda]

How long has it been since your thyroid function was checked?

[cutebagaddict08]

I've had thyroid panal tests done I think almost every 4-6 months it seems for the past 2 years-everything's A-ok there. I seemed to get the weight right when I went on the Zoloft.

[feary]

cutebagaddict08, we could be the same person. I am and have gone through something similiar. I am so angry about this weight gain and everything and these meds.

[missbelle]

yes, I have weight gain. I did loose about 70 pounds 10 years ago but then gained half of it back. I am on Effexor and before that prozac. I have been on anti-depressants 20 years at least. My issue now is severe arthritis which really curtails my exercise program which also is a bummer. It's hard to loose weight but I am going to try. I want to eat healthy if not for the wieght loss but just for the health benefits. Being heavier is also not good for the arthritis either.

Believe me I hear ya.....

Some tips for you and me!!

exercise more
stay away rom the refrig at nite
eat very healthy
keep a food journal
drink more water and no juices
develop a large support system
pop a multi-vitamin

[cutebagaddict08]

It's so annoying isn't it! Your trying to deal with all these negative emotions (like depression at times, irritablitly, etc.) then ya gotta deal with possibly low self esteem with the weight gain.
I know the weight gain has totally affected my intamacy relationship with my husband, it's so frustrating.

It is soooo frustrating - I have gained so much weight from meds, and have struggled mightily to get them off...so many psychotropic meds make you gain weight, from slowing you down, to making you hungry...and even when I eat right and exercise, I barely lose weight. i've taken thyroid meds, seen a nutritionist, a trainer...and it totally affected my marriage as well.

MissBelle's suggestions are all the right ones - i try not to focus on all of the weight and inches i need to lose - I am just proud day by day of the accomplishments i have going to the gym and eating healthy (or healthy-ish).

I need the meds to feel good inside, so I take them and then the rest will come after...or I keep telling myself that.

[splitimage]

It is possible to lose weight while on meds. I've been heavy all my life, but didn't actually gain any additional weight from the meds. But my current cocktail is Effexor XR, Celexa, Risperidone, Naltrexone, Klonpin, and Antabuse.

I finally got fed up with being overweight and back when I had supplemental health insurance I went to a registered dietician & she developed a food plan for me. I worked with her for 3 months then lost my insurance so I joined weight watchers, and I'm sort of combining the best of both programs. I've lost 25 lbs so far, through diet alone and I don't feel hungry. And it was all through making little changes, like eating breakfast (1/3 cup branbuds, mixed with 1/3 c 0% fat yoghurt & a piece of fruit), eating smaller portions generally, being smarter about carbs, and eliminating anything high in fat or sugar.

I still have about 50 lbs that I want to lose, but I know I can do it, despite the meds.

--splitimage

[PTSDlovemycats]

I hear you, the weight gain totally sucks and does wonders to the self esteem...

[Can't Stop Crying]

Ditto on everything above - with all the focus on appearances, the last thing I need on top of my issues is weight gain....I actually had someone say, what have you been doing, sitting around eating bon bons and watching soaps?
Talk about a blow to the self esteem.
I try to pay attention to what time I eat too, like not too close to bedtime.

[tantasugarman]

Hi all...So sorry about the weight gain. In the 90's I too packed on the pounds but I was finally able to lose them. I stopped the anti depressants. Actually at that time I started pain medication for my fibromyalgia which enabled me to exercise. I then went on Atkins Diet and finally lost the weight I gained. I think the pain pills helped me not be so hungry though I don't recommend taking them for weight loss.

I have had fibromyalgia since 1988 and I found water aerobics is the best exercise for it.

My question is does anyone know which meds DON'T pack on the pounds?

Thanks!

[cutebagaddict08]

It's hard to find the energy to exercise at times....ugh! But, I'm hoping as time goes it will get better and I'll have more motivation.

Water aerobics-sounds like a good idea.

[stampinnanny]

I am struggling to lose 45 lbs that mood stabilizers and antidepressants put on me. I started walking 4 miles a day last May but only lost 6 lbs initially. Now I am on Weight Watchers and I have lost 9 lbs in 9 weeks and still walk 4 miles a day. The Tegretol and Lithium both make you gain weight so it is an uphill battle but I won't give up! My doctor just added Topamax to help with the weight loss and I am going to see a nutritionist because even though I am staying on my points I am hungry all the time. I refuse to let this thing win!