[WishfulThinker66]

I am really concerned. I joined a gym and was assigned a personal trainer. Before my first workout we did some testing, discussed of course diet, and did some goal making and set up a plan. All was really well until we came to medications I was on. I was quite up front when I told her what I take and that they were psychiatric medications. I also told her (some she recognised) that I blame the medications for my significant continuous weight gain. Her response was to ask me if I would consider alternatives. What? She was insinuating I ignore the advice of a professional? As if she knows better? I wasn't impressed. I told her diet was one thing but supplements and alternatives to my medication aren't in the cards. These are my life lines.

[sarahsweets]

You did the right things. People like that (nutritionists in gyms) have no medical degree. There are no peer reviewed clinical studies on alternatives to specific psychiatric meds. I hear st Johns wort show s promise but I dont know if its been studied. I also have adhd and fish oil helps but does not replace my adhd medication.

[still_crazy]

i agree. i don't think of my supplements as "alternative medicine," I think of them as potentially helpful, low cost add-ons. for me...high dose b-vitamins, antioxidants, etc. don't do much for the core psych problems, --but-- i tolerate my Rx psych drugs much better, so...I -personally- find it worthwhile, -for me- . other people may be able to tolerate 'atypicals' and such without vitamins, and that's wonderful.

[mugwort2]

I think you should do what is right for you and it looks like you did exactly that. General statement. If anyone gives you medical information ask what their credentials are. I own a herbal book written by an RN for RNs. I'm not a nurse Bought it for a dollar at a thrift shop. It tells the interactions between herbs and Rx and OIC drugs,. Published by Mosby