Depression and Weight IssuesHave you been diagnosed with depression, are possibly on depression medication, and find it affects your weight loss efforts? Post here for support!
I struggle with depression and anxiety. I have been on a cocktail of meds since 2004 including some antidepressant (lexapro, cymbalta, zoloft, prozac, paxil) an anti anxiety (usually ativan and xanax) sleeping pills (ambien) and added abilify and adderall. It was a lot. I was like a zombie. I had an overdose situation a few months ago. The first one was an accident, but the second one I downed all the pills I could get my hands on, I just wanted it to be over I felt awful and I couldn't even imagine ever feeling good again. I was hospitalized, then transferred to an inpatient treatment center for 2 weeks.
Anyway, I am now off ALL meds and have been for almost a month.
has anyone had any weight loss when stopping medications?
I am finding that I get fuller quicker. I used to just eat and eat and eat--I would usually get take out and eat two full meals!! But now, since stopping the meds, I feel more aware of my hunger levels. For this I am thankful.
I found that when I stopped the paxil I was finally able to feel full. While I was taking paxil I would just keep eating until I felt sick, it was terrible. Now I eat, know when I've had enough and quit, so much nicer. I lost 15lbs when I switched from the paxil to the wellbutrin.
I am totally going through the same things right now... I was on medicines for anxiety and depression since 2005 (after hurricane katrina) and I know exactly what you are going through. I never had a problem losing weight on SSRI's (paxil, zoloft, effexor, lexapro, cymbalta and the million others i tried) until my doc put me on Seroquel XR. The weight is HARD to get off now, its like my metabolism has slowed to a crawl. All the medicines DID however make me gain weight. In 2005 I weighed just over 130 pounds, I gained 110 pounds on medicines and from not exercising im sure. And you're totally right, all those meds caused me to have the munchies 24/7 and I especially craved carbs.
I did find however that I had to exercise... I do an half-hour to an hour of cardio daily (jogging or walking on treadmill) and lift weights 3-4 days a week. Since I started working out, I feel 1000% better and feel that I do not need antidepressants anymore. Of course, diet is very important also.
The point being, I find that with proper diet and exercise I don't need antidepressants. And as far as my anxiety which was much worse than the depression, since I started meditating it has calmed down drastically.
I just wanted you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I wish you luck and hope things do not get that bad for you again. Congratulations on getting off the medicine cocktail also!
Last edited by jefferzzzz; 09-03-2010 at 10:38 PM.
As per my opinion,Yoga and meditation is a best way to prevent depression.Ayurveda deals with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness.
I have been on a cocktail of meds for 10 years now. I really like Welbutrin and will continue to stay on that. Because of changes in my insurance though I am trying to wean myself off of Cymbalta. My question is 2 parts...
1. Has anyone successfully gotten off Cymbalta. This is my 2nd attempt and it's pure and utter torture.
2. Has anyone found that they are unable to lose weight while on their meds?
Any insight or help would be great!
off depression meds
