Reason i don't want to change meds is because the places was at before meds was hands down the scariest feeling of my life. In a constant panic attack, stuck at home, terrified every single second of every single day. I have been eating healthier and exercising and have lost 2 lbs in a few days so Ian just goin to keep plugging away for a while.

I have to say I am in the same predicament I am on ciprilex too and have gained so mcuh wieght I just hate myself bigger but am so scared to come off of the meds as its the first time any have ever worked for my anxiety and depression..but need to loose it so badly and so unhappy being the way I am ...I would have to say you need to do whats best for you.. If you feel you can go without the meds try it..or maybe the doctor can find an alternative for you..its worth at least a try..you need to do whats best for you in the long run.. hope you work it out.

I can relate to the fear aspect as I have the same myself I would never want to be as low as I was before I started the ciprilex I honestly believe its saved my life..I am plodding along still taking them and have lost 3lb so I will just keep going. and I am here if you need support along the way

I would not consider for a moment taking yourself off medication which works so well for you and that your doctor prescribed.

I know what panic attacks and depression feels like. It's the worst **** on earth one can suffer.

I allowed myself to get a bit overweight by overeating and now am at a healthy weight. It's very possible to lose weight while on antianxiety medication and antidepressants.

My daughter touched her antianxiety medication without her doctor's knowledge. It took her about 2 days before she sunk into depression. Her doctor had her increase her dose and she's fine again.

Congratulations on your two pound weight loss. You can do this.

I can sooo relate. I have bipolar disorder and I'm on Lithium, Lamictal, Geodon, a teeny bit of Seroquel to sleep, Rozerem, and an antihistamine for anxiety. I have gained 30-33 lbs on the drugs. Before, I was in a manic state, charging up credit cards and being very reckless, having run ins with the law. OR or the other side, I'd be too depressed to move, calling in sick to work, being suicidal, ending up in the hospital.

I'm sorry but I'd take the extra weight. I am now trying to incorporate healthy eating and basic exercise every day to lose weight. I'd rather have it come off slowly and be a little fluffier than end up in a psych ward because I can't function off of my medications.

All I can add to this is that I can totally relate to what you're going through. I'm bipolar II and have major anxiety. I've been in this medication/weight conundrum since I was 15 (now 23). I hit my breaking point when I crept up to 200 lbs in November 2010. I decided to quit taking Abilify, which I had been on for years and is what caused me to gain all the weight. I ended up losing 40 lbs within 6 months after I stopped taking it, but I had an awful depressive relapse and had to start a new medication last August. I've sadly been plateau'd ever since but I've been working really hard since mid-January to lose more of the weight. So far the scale has been fluctuating a few lbs, but for the most part won't budge. However, I've lost a few inches.
Sorry for the scattered mini rant, tl;dr I just wanted you to know there are many of us unfortunately in the same boat with these medications. It sucks to say the very least, but congratulations on losing the 2 lbs! That's awesome! Meds may slow down the process but I think persistence definitely pays off eventually. Good luck and take care.

Ugh. I am in the same boat with the medication. I take 10 mg of Abilify and since I stopped taking Topamax with it, I've gained 50 lbs. In one year... fifty lbs. It feels so humiliating and awful. I wish I had a t-shirt that says "It's not my fault, I'm on Abilify".
I cannot get off of this med or I will crash into an immobilizing depression. So I am here, looking for ways to work with this challenge. I am starting Medifast next week to see if totally controlling my food and carb intake will make a difference. Fingers are crossed.
I have come to the conclusion after trying to get off of Abilify (and try another med) because of the weight gain, that being mentally stable is my number one goal. Mental health first, physical health second. It is frustrating that I have to choose, but that is life.

Good luck to you all. I'm here if you want to talk or compare notes.