Prozac?
Options
alittlelife14
Posts: 339 Member
Anyone ever been on prozac? My ED specislist and physician are contemplating putting me on it to assist with my binge issues and stabilize my mood and judgement. I fear side effects esp weight gain
Your experiences if comfortable sharing?
Your experiences if comfortable sharing?
0
Replies
-
Hey,
I'm not a doctor, I'll just thought I'd get that out the way before others start jumping on my personal opinion.
I've been on about 10 different types of anti depressants in my life, all of which caused various degrees in side effects.
Prozac for me had one of the least affects on weight, but others will tell you differently.
Anti depressants aren't an easy choice, they aren't a magic cure and quite often can cause dependency down the line. If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time. As always, consult a doctor when you decide the time is right.
A side from weight loss/gain, anti depressants can effect sleep, sex drive, balance. All of which can have an impact on your ability to lose weight, it's worth noting.
Eat properly, exercise and drink plenty of water.
0 -
I was on prozac for a while. It wasnt so much the medication itself caused weight gain or even increased my appetite- it made me numb emotionally. I just didnt care - so i would eat the cupcake at work, have the pizza at night etc. I just couldn't bring myself to care about weight gain. I gained about 10lbs before i came off it.0
-
My son is on Prozac for generalized anxiety. His doctors were hoping it would cause him to gain some much needed weight, but he's been on it for five months and hasn't gained an ounce.
I've been on other anti-depressants and have had no issue with weight gain.
I would NOT let fear of weight gain or other side effects keep me from trying a drug that could be very beneficial. IME there can be tremendous improvements in quality of life on anti-depressants.0 -
My side effect from Prozac was anxiety attacks.
Has your ED specialist referred you to group therapy? I think that would be beneficial for you. Also, are you getting cognitive behavioral therapy to help you develop a new relationship to food?0 -
My mother is on prozac. It doesn't just "pack on the pounds", but it did make her more hungry. You might gain weight, you might not. I'm also on Remeron which is apparently a big "eater" drug. If you're worried, keep strict to your tracking, and talk to your doctor. They're there to help you, and your mental health is just as important as your physical health!0
-
roblloyd89 wrote: »Hey,
I'm not a doctor, I'll just thought I'd get that out the way before others start jumping on my personal opinion.
I've been on about 10 different types of anti depressants in my life, all of which caused various degrees in side effects.
Prozac for me had one of the least affects on weight, but others will tell you differently.
Anti depressants aren't an easy choice, they aren't a magic cure and quite often can cause dependency down the line. If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time. As always, consult a doctor when you decide the time is right.
A side from weight loss/gain, anti depressants can effect sleep, sex drive, balance. All of which can have an impact on your ability to lose weight, it's worth noting.
Eat properly, exercise and drink plenty of water.
Wow, no. Please do not minimalize some peoples need to be on anti-depressants. You may have been able to handle your symptoms with out medication, but that is not true of everyone. Clinical depression, bipolar depression and other conditions that ADs treat can be life threatening. Saying things like this can lead to people not getting he treatment they need.
OP-I have been on Prozac for 2 years now. It actually suppressed my appetite a lot and helped with weight loss. Good luck and if one medication does not help you, please speak up to your doctor so you can find one that does. Do not let people who belittle medication impact your/your doctors decision on what treatment is best for you.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »My side effect from Prozac was anxiety attacks.
Has your ED specialist referred you to group therapy? I think that would be beneficial for you. Also, are you getting cognitive behavioral therapy to help you develop a new relationship to food?
^this. Regardless what you decide with respect to medication (though I strongly encourage you to research any antidepressants before starting them, specifically side effects, long term use, and discontinuation), this is solid advice. I've had my struggles in the past and found group therapy very beneficial. It was great having people that could relate to my issues and thought process. I also did cognitive behavioral therapy and it has dramatically improved the quality of my life, to the point that I was able to finally be free from medication. I realize that everyone is different, and what works for some may not work for others, but it's definitely worth trying out. Good luck!0 -
Are you exercising every day? I just read a study talking about exercise being just as effective at treating depression. Throughout his life, my coworker JC has been on all sorts of antidepressants. He says that the best thing for him is to exercise daily. It works...I don't have depression, but I can tell you that when I exercise, my mood is MUCH better. I am more patient, feel better emotionally and physically.0
-
OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.0 -
What she said.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
0 -
PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
I believe the rough breakdown is 1/3 of people respond to Prozac and most SSRI's as an appetite suppressant and 2/3's respond as an appetite increase. Though I question what is meant by appetite by it. I actually imagine the biggest way an SSRI will affect weight is that it will probably numb any anxieties that are inhibiting eating.
I also agree that you have a medical professional that specializes in it -that is almost always going to trump the collective wisdom of an internet message board - so listen to their opinion.0 -
PeachyCarol wrote: »I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
Co-signed.0 -
roblloyd89 wrote: »Hey,
I'm not a doctor, I'll just thought I'd get that out the way before others start jumping on my personal opinion.
I've been on about 10 different types of anti depressants in my life, all of which caused various degrees in side effects.
Prozac for me had one of the least affects on weight, but others will tell you differently.
Anti depressants aren't an easy choice, they aren't a magic cure and quite often can cause dependency down the line. If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time. As always, consult a doctor when you decide the time is right.
A side from weight loss/gain, anti depressants can effect sleep, sex drive, balance. All of which can have an impact on your ability to lose weight, it's worth noting.
Eat properly, exercise and drink plenty of water.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.DeguelloTex wrote: »
What she said.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.snickerscharlie wrote: »PeachyCarol wrote: »I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
Co-signed.
Who is advising the the OP go against the advice of the care team? The statement is qualified with an If and includes an ideally, nowhere does it say not to take the medication. Along those lines, why so dismissive of therapy? It works for some people, and everyone is different so it's worth mentioning to the OP while they are working with their care team as an avenue to explore. Antidepressant medication is not a cure to mental health issues, and most users eventually build a tolerance to the medication. That's where therapy and CBT are useful, so the patient can learn valid coping mechanisms to better deal with their disorders.
Do you really believe that it's better for people to just blindly take medication and not try to get to the root of their issues, so maybe one day they can manage on their own? It may not work for everyone, but it works for many people. Don't you think now would be a good time for the OP to explore that since they are actively working with a team? Antidepressants are not candy - they come with their own very real set of side effects, and if taken long enough, begin to physically alter neuroprocesses. Not to mention, they have a systemic effect, and are tough on other organ systems. The OP has an ED, at some point they will have to learn how to cope and have a heathy relationship with both food and themselves, as they cannot just stop eating. A pill isn't going to make this magically happen.
0 -
MorganMoreaux wrote: »roblloyd89 wrote: »Hey,
I'm not a doctor, I'll just thought I'd get that out the way before others start jumping on my personal opinion.
I've been on about 10 different types of anti depressants in my life, all of which caused various degrees in side effects.
Prozac for me had one of the least affects on weight, but others will tell you differently.
Anti depressants aren't an easy choice, they aren't a magic cure and quite often can cause dependency down the line. If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time. As always, consult a doctor when you decide the time is right.
A side from weight loss/gain, anti depressants can effect sleep, sex drive, balance. All of which can have an impact on your ability to lose weight, it's worth noting.
Eat properly, exercise and drink plenty of water.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.DeguelloTex wrote: »
What she said.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.snickerscharlie wrote: »PeachyCarol wrote: »I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
Co-signed.
Who is advising the the OP go against the advice of the care team? The statement is qualified with an If and includes an ideally, nowhere does it say not to take the medication. Along those lines, why so dismissive of therapy? It works for some people, and everyone is different so it's worth mentioning to the OP while they are working with their care team as an avenue to explore. Antidepressant medication is not a cure to mental health issues, and most users eventually build a tolerance to the medication. That's where therapy and CBT are useful, so the patient can learn valid coping mechanisms to better deal with their disorders.
Do you really believe that it's better for people to just blindly take medication and not try to get to the root of their issues, so maybe one day they can manage on their own? It may not work for everyone, but it works for many people. Don't you think now would be a good time for the OP to explore that since they are actively working with a team? Antidepressants are not candy - they come with their own very real set of side effects, and if taken long enough, begin to physically alter neuroprocesses. Not to mention, they have a systemic effect, and are tough on other organ systems. The OP has an ED, at some point they will have to learn how to cope and have a heathy relationship with both food and themselves, as they cannot just stop eating. A pill isn't going to make this magically happen.
Do you have any idea of the hell of having an eating disorder and of the possible nuances involved in the OP's situation?
You are so against the use of anti-depressants that you have no idea what sort of time period her treatment team has in mind for her to be on them.
For now, getting a handle on her eating issues is the most important thing. Stabilizing her mood seems to be a priority for her treatment team. They are considering this approach, along with everything else they're doing.
READ HER INITIAL POST without your own personal bias coloring your response. Even in this reply, you sound as if she isn't in treatment at all. For goodness sake.
0 -
Anyone ever been on prozac? My ED specislist and physician are contemplating putting me on it to assist with my binge issues and stabilize my mood and judgement. I fear side effects esp weight gain
Your experiences if comfortable sharing?
I have not taken Prozac. Since you have an ED, you need to ask your specialist and doctor about the side effects, especially when it comes to weight issues. Good luck!0 -
PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
I believe the rough breakdown is 1/3 of people respond to Prozac and most SSRI's as an appetite suppressant and 2/3's respond as an appetite increase...
+ a "was not on it long enough to notice an affect on appetite one way or the other as the side effects were so bad I quickly discontinued it."0 -
PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
I believe the rough breakdown is 1/3 of people respond to Prozac and most SSRI's as an appetite suppressant and 2/3's respond as an appetite increase. Though I question what is meant by appetite by it. I actually imagine the biggest way an SSRI will affect weight is that it will probably numb any anxieties that are inhibiting eating.
Although if OP is dealing with bingeing I can see it going the other way -- helping with the feelings and impulses that are leading to that.
In any case, I also agree with Carol. This is something where you should listen to your medical team, OP, not random internet people who may or may not have an axe to grind against anti-depressants.0 -
PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
Cosigned.0 -
MorganMoreaux wrote: »roblloyd89 wrote: »Hey,
I'm not a doctor, I'll just thought I'd get that out the way before others start jumping on my personal opinion.
I've been on about 10 different types of anti depressants in my life, all of which caused various degrees in side effects.
Prozac for me had one of the least affects on weight, but others will tell you differently.
Anti depressants aren't an easy choice, they aren't a magic cure and quite often can cause dependency down the line. If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time. As always, consult a doctor when you decide the time is right.
A side from weight loss/gain, anti depressants can effect sleep, sex drive, balance. All of which can have an impact on your ability to lose weight, it's worth noting.
Eat properly, exercise and drink plenty of water.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.DeguelloTex wrote: »
What she said.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.snickerscharlie wrote: »PeachyCarol wrote: »I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
Co-signed.
Who is advising the the OP go against the advice of the care team? The statement is qualified with an If and includes an ideally, nowhere does it say not to take the medication. Along those lines, why so dismissive of therapy? It works for some people, and everyone is different so it's worth mentioning to the OP while they are working with their care team as an avenue to explore. Antidepressant medication is not a cure to mental health issues, and most users eventually build a tolerance to the medication. That's where therapy and CBT are useful, so the patient can learn valid coping mechanisms to better deal with their disorders.
Do you really believe that it's better for people to just blindly take medication and not try to get to the root of their issues, so maybe one day they can manage on their own? It may not work for everyone, but it works for many people. Don't you think now would be a good time for the OP to explore that since they are actively working with a team? Antidepressants are not candy - they come with their own very real set of side effects, and if taken long enough, begin to physically alter neuroprocesses. Not to mention, they have a systemic effect, and are tough on other organ systems. The OP has an ED, at some point they will have to learn how to cope and have a heathy relationship with both food and themselves, as they cannot just stop eating. A pill isn't going to make this magically happen.
First: "If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time." was said by roblloyd89. So yes, someone said the ideal is not taking medication, which goes against the care team's recommendations.
Second: Who said don't do therapy? Who was dismissive of it?
Yeah, by that token, therapy is not a cure either. Both are just treatments. Many mental health issues will be a matter of treating, not curing.
Stigmatizing chemical treatment of the issue isn't going to help anyone.0 -
MorganMoreaux wrote: »roblloyd89 wrote: »Hey,
I'm not a doctor, I'll just thought I'd get that out the way before others start jumping on my personal opinion.
I've been on about 10 different types of anti depressants in my life, all of which caused various degrees in side effects.
Prozac for me had one of the least affects on weight, but others will tell you differently.
Anti depressants aren't an easy choice, they aren't a magic cure and quite often can cause dependency down the line. If you can manage your symptoms without medication then that would be ideal, if you really are struggling, look to take them with the view that you won't be on them for a long period of time. As always, consult a doctor when you decide the time is right.
A side from weight loss/gain, anti depressants can effect sleep, sex drive, balance. All of which can have an impact on your ability to lose weight, it's worth noting.
Eat properly, exercise and drink plenty of water.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.DeguelloTex wrote: »
What she said.PeachyCarol wrote: »OP, I would be leery of accepting any advice in this thread excepting that which relates to the weight-influencing properties of Prozac.
You are currently working with a medical team to address a very serious issue of your ED, and they, knowing the exact nature of your case, are contemplating this move. I'd take their advice over whether or not actually taking the drug is best for you.
I've taken Prozac in the past and it suppressed my appetite.
I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.snickerscharlie wrote: »PeachyCarol wrote: »I will add that I am appalled that people reading this thread ignored the fact that you have ED and are just so against anti-depressants that they are ready to jump in to advise you to go against the advice of your care team.
Never change MFP.
Co-signed.
Who is advising the the OP go against the advice of the care team? The statement is qualified with an If and includes an ideally, nowhere does it say not to take the medication. Along those lines, why so dismissive of therapy? It works for some people, and everyone is different so it's worth mentioning to the OP while they are working with their care team as an avenue to explore. Antidepressant medication is not a cure to mental health issues, and most users eventually build a tolerance to the medication. That's where therapy and CBT are useful, so the patient can learn valid coping mechanisms to better deal with their disorders.
Do you really believe that it's better for people to just blindly take medication and not try to get to the root of their issues, so maybe one day they can manage on their own? It may not work for everyone, but it works for many people. Don't you think now would be a good time for the OP to explore that since they are actively working with a team? Antidepressants are not candy - they come with their own very real set of side effects, and if taken long enough, begin to physically alter neuroprocesses. Not to mention, they have a systemic effect, and are tough on other organ systems. The OP has an ED, at some point they will have to learn how to cope and have a heathy relationship with both food and themselves, as they cannot just stop eating. A pill isn't going to make this magically happen.
I couldn't leave this alone. She's seeing an ED specialist. What makes you think that a holistic approach isn't being taken to her ED and they're simply throwing a pill at her?
Medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan happens. It seems to be what is being recommended in this case.
0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 392.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.6K Getting Started
- 259.9K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.7K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.4K Fitness and Exercise
- 403 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.8K Motivation and Support
- 7.9K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 983 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.4K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions