Anti-depressants and weight loss?

Athijade

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

Pandora_King

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

Athijade

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

I've been at a healthy weight for years, and have exercised daily for years as well. I've been a pretty healthy and happy person for those years as well. This year I was diagnosed with brain cancer and had surgery to remove a tumor. I'm on a very high dose of anti-seizure medication because of this. One side effect of the anti-seizure medication is mood swings, and I'm also dealing with the very scary prospect of dying of this cancer at some point in the next few years. This has caused me to need an anti-depressant.

Do you think I should just "get off the pills"? You don't know everyone's story, don't be so judgemental and give blanket advice about stopping medications that may be very essential.

I am so sorry hun. Cancer sucks. I was a caregiver for my mother during her fight with cancer. I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope you have many years to come.

Let me tell my story. I have no issues telling it because it is who I am. Why should I be ashamed about it?

In 2003 (or so) I was diagnosed with depression and general anxiety disorder after having a full blown panic attack right before a college class and then threatening to harm myself. To help get through the semester I took a low dose (.5mg daily) of Ativan for the anxiety. For the depression I changed my diet, started to be more active, forced myself to get enough sleep (hard to do in college, and learned some coping mechanisms. That worked for me and after that semester was over I was also able to stop taking the Ativan.

Over the last few years I still dealt with depression, anxiety, and what I now know was OCD. However, I was able to control them with coping mechanisms, diet, and sleep. I did really well 99% of the time.

Then I split with my significant other of 10.5 years in 2012. I made it through thanks to the help of my friends and family.

Then my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. I was her only caregiver unless my Grandmother or Aunt had a chance to drive down (they lived 7.5 hours away, my Grandmother could not drive herself, and my Aunt had to fight to get time off). They did what they could, but the vast VAST majority of things was handled by me. She was in the hospital for Christmas, my birthday, and my graduation. Oh, did I mention I was in my last 2 semesters of Graduate School during this.

My mom passed away in May 2013. Then I had to deal with all the funeral stuff and all the legal junk like selling her house. Until this is done, I can't get on with my life fully. Jobs around here for my degree are not super easy to find so I am wanting to move to an area with better jobs. I can't do that until I sell her house. So I have had all of that junk that just brings up the pain of missing her.

Then I had to put my dog to sleep in June 2013. Almost exactly a month after my Mom left, I was losing the only other living thing that I still had in my life.

Then I was diagnosed with a chronic health condition that causes me pain just about daily.

Add in the stress of every day life, like finances, bills, family... and it got to be too much. Especially when my 2 closest friends moved away because of job opportunities and I no longer had that support system.

I started with counseling and it really helped. It gave me ways to deal with the overwhelming anxiety and depression. I helped me focus on the causes and what I could do about them. But it didn't help 100%. Through all of this I was also working out and eating pretty well. But that didn't help 100%. I adopted 2 cats from the shelter. But that didn't help 100%. I was still having thoughts of self harm, severe anxiety that caused multiple panic attacks, and depression that made it very difficult to do anything. Getting out of bed was hard.

During those months I was diagnoses with moderate depression, severe anxiety, severe stress, PTSD, and OCD.

Finally I made the decision to see a psychiatrist about what my next step was. I didn't want medications. I know how badly those who take these meds can be judged (just look as some of the posts here). I didn't want to deal with that. But I also knew that the meds may be what I needed. I couldn't allow the anxiety and depression to get in the way of me living my life anymore. The road I was on was dark and dangerous. The meds were, in a way, a street light or flash light to help me see through the darkness.

Right now I am on a low dose anxiety medication. Next month we will most likely go to an anti depression medication because while the anxiety is better, the depression is still very strong. I am not at all ashamed at taking these medications. Just like others need medications to control their illness, so do I. My illness just happens to be different.

mccindy72

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

I've been at a healthy weight for years, and have exercised daily for years as well. I've been a pretty healthy and happy person for those years as well. This year I was diagnosed with brain cancer and had surgery to remove a tumor. I'm on a very high dose of anti-seizure medication because of this. One side effect of the anti-seizure medication is mood swings, and I'm also dealing with the very scary prospect of dying of this cancer at some point in the next few years. This has caused me to need an anti-depressant.

Do you think I should just "get off the pills"? You don't know everyone's story, don't be so judgemental and give blanket advice about stopping medications that may be very essential.

I am so sorry hun. Cancer sucks. I was a caregiver for my mother during her fight with cancer. I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope you have many years to come.

Let me tell my story. I have no issues telling it because it is who I am. Why should I be ashamed about it?

In 2003 (or so) I was diagnosed with depression and general anxiety disorder after having a full blown panic attack right before a college class and then threatening to harm myself. To help get through the semester I took a low dose (.5mg daily) of Ativan for the anxiety. For the depression I changed my diet, started to be more active, forced myself to get enough sleep (hard to do in college, and learned some coping mechanisms. That worked for me and after that semester was over I was also able to stop taking the Ativan.

Over the last few years I still dealt with depression, anxiety, and what I now know was OCD. However, I was able to control them with coping mechanisms, diet, and sleep. I did really well 99% of the time.

Then I split with my significant other of 10.5 years in 2012. I made it through thanks to the help of my friends and family.

Then my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. I was her only caregiver unless my Grandmother or Aunt had a chance to drive down (they lived 7.5 hours away, my Grandmother could not drive herself, and my Aunt had to fight to get time off). They did what they could, but the vast VAST majority of things was handled by me. She was in the hospital for Christmas, my birthday, and my graduation. Oh, did I mention I was in my last 2 semesters of Graduate School during this.

My mom passed away in May 2013. Then I had to deal with all the funeral stuff and all the legal junk like selling her house. Until this is done, I can't get on with my life fully. Jobs around here for my degree are not super easy to find so I am wanting to move to an area with better jobs. I can't do that until I sell her house. So I have had all of that junk that just brings up the pain of missing her.

Then I had to put my dog to sleep in June 2013. Almost exactly a month after my Mom left, I was losing the only other living thing that I still had in my life.

Then I was diagnosed with a chronic health condition that causes me pain just about daily.

Add in the stress of every day life, like finances, bills, family... and it got to be too much. Especially when my 2 closest friends moved away because of job opportunities and I no longer had that support system.

I started with counseling and it really helped. It gave me ways to deal with the overwhelming anxiety and depression. I helped me focus on the causes and what I could do about them. But it didn't help 100%. Through all of this I was also working out and eating pretty well. But that didn't help 100%. I adopted 2 cats from the shelter. But that didn't help 100%. I was still having thoughts of self harm, severe anxiety that caused multiple panic attacks, and depression that made it very difficult to do anything. Getting out of bed was hard.

During those months I was diagnoses with moderate depression, severe anxiety, severe stress, PTSD, and OCD.

Finally I made the decision to see a psychiatrist about what my next step was. I didn't want medications. I know how badly those who take these meds can be judged (just look as some of the posts here). I didn't want to deal with that. But I also knew that the meds may be what I needed. I couldn't allow the anxiety and depression to get in the way of me living my life anymore. The road I was on was dark and dangerous. The meds were, in a way, a street light or flash light to help me see through the darkness.

Right now I am on a low dose anxiety medication. Next month we will most likely go to an anti depression medication because while the anxiety is better, the depression is still very strong. I am not at all ashamed at taking these medications. Just like others need medications to control their illness, so do I. My illness just happens to be different.

We sure have similar stories. I had to put my dog down last March, and have a chronic back problem (plus the cancer, thank you for your kind words). We've been through a lot, but we're still here! There's no shame in our having the problems we do that have led us to needing medication. Add me if you'd like.

JesusBiscuits

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

Just STOP. You clearly have no idea what you are talking about. :noway:
A depressed person does not 'decide' how they'll feel. They'll adjust to a medicine while others won't do crap.
Depression can be related to the inability to produce or react to mood-related chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, it's not 'a state of mind'. It is a disease, and as such, needs MEDICAL treatment. Only a doctor can tell you wether you should or not take pills.

Cut the bollocks, you are wrong.

SerenaKitty

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

Going off meds is a very personal thing. You are not living proof any more than I! I decided to quit all meds and have been med-free for years. It went well for me - I found that medication did not help, and sort of stopped my life in its tracks. I got well on my own for the most part, but guess what? It doesn't work that way for many, many people.

Please get off your high horse and stop spreading dangerous mouth diarrhea.

Athijade

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

Would you tell a diabetic to "just get over it"? That their illness is "mind over matter"? To no longer take their medications?

I doubt it. That would be stupid and dangerous.

Telling someone with a mental disease the same things is just as stupid and dangerous. I tried to every other way. Months and years of trying it other ways. And guess what? It did work for most of it. So I KNOW that meds are not needed sometimes.

However, other times, it is just like another illness and meds are the best way to help someone. The fact that you are blind to this is very sad. You really should just stop posting because it is obvious you have no sympathy or real understanding of the facts. It just makes you look bad and lose any respect anyone may have had for you. I really, truly hope that those who may need real help do not see your posts and decide not to get it. That sort of shaming can kill people because they decide they do not want to be mocked for taking meds.

mccindy72

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

So I should just change my state of mind about my cancer, or the effect of the other medications that I take? You are one person, and your experience does not prove that everyone in the world is just like you. Perhaps you just got over your bout of self-pity and that's why you didn't need medication anymore...... others have more serious problems.

Pandora_King

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

So I should just change my state of mind about my cancer, or the effect of the other medications that I take? You are one person, and your experience does not prove that everyone in the world is just like you. Perhaps you just got over your bout of self-pity and that's why you didn't need medication anymore...... others have more serious problems.

We're talking about depression medication here. No need to drag this into a big thing. But actually it you do some research, people have gotten better from some pretty terrible diseases using only mind power.

BlueBombers

I take Citalopram (Celexa) every day and have been for years and managed to lose the weight you see below. Good luck!

Gizziemoto

Yes, you can lose weight while being on medication. I have been on several types of medication since my early 20's and still am over 20 years later. The medication did not make me fat, the depression did. Since then I dropped 5 sizes and am almost out of the plus size stores. It is slow but it is happening.

mccindy72

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

So I should just change my state of mind about my cancer, or the effect of the other medications that I take? You are one person, and your experience does not prove that everyone in the world is just like you. Perhaps you just got over your bout of self-pity and that's why you didn't need medication anymore...... others have more serious problems.

We're talking about depression medication here. No need to drag this into a big thing. But actually it you do some research, people have gotten better from some pretty terrible diseases using only mind power.

Well, OP, if you were paying attention to MY original post, you'd see that I am on anti-depressants because of side effects of another medication, as well as the trauma to my psyche of having a terminal illness. If I do some research? After being diagnosed, I've done nothing but. People with brain cancer don't get better with mind power. If they're lucky, surgery, chemo and radiation will give them a few more years.
You've made this into a pretty big thing with your blatant statements about topics you obviously know nothing about. And if you really want to preach to me about doing research, perhaps you should go over to your other thread about sugar and carbs and do some research about that rather than asking forum people about it and then being rude to them.

soupandcookies

I'm not even going to comment on the debate that's going on here, because I know it'll just make me totally annoyed, but I have been on Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, and I'm currently on Wellbutrin. None of them have caused weight gain, but they have caused a decrease in anxiety, and a sense of apathy. Both of those things led me start eating more, and I became much less careful and concerned about my weight. I don't find it difficult to lose, because of the meds, but sometimes I find that it makes me not quite as motivated. Wellbutrin has been the best, because I don't have that "flat" feeling, that I had on the other meds, which made me feel a total loss of caring about anything.

I commend you for knowing that you need the meds, and continuing to try and get to a healthy weight!

jharb2

That is bad advise and not very supportive.

TEMMEAlexa

Anti-depressants are okay. You can go with it. But keep one thing in mind that you don't need them forever. Have 1200-1300 calories a day and approx and hour of cardio exercises. Have a lot of water, but not too much...
And, cheer up, you can do it.

JesusBiscuits

Replying to OP, since other people simply won't admit being wrong...

Been on Prozac 20 mg since 2010. I was fit, played roller derby and did cross country. My depression sprung for no reason: I do not have financial issues, had a happy relationship at the time, family is great, studied at a good university, etc. Can't pin point an external reason for it, but my entire family (father's and mother's sides) has cases of major and minor cases of depression.

The medication itselt did not make me gain weight. After I started taking it, my self esteem increased and I stopped with destructive habits such as starving and overcompensating bad diet with strainous exercise. I ended up gaining a little weight, yes, but I feel more beautiful now than I did back then.

Whenever I have short breaks with my medication (or even change the brand, mind you) I feel prominent changes on my mood swings, lack motivation and drive, etc. I think it's a key ally on my weight loss since it allows me to do things like someone who is not depressed would -- like myself, when I was not depressed, would.

Greytfish

If a mental health professional prescribed anti-depressants, she should take them. To tell someone to just stop taking them is irresponsible and dangerous. It also implies that depression isn't a real disease, which it most definitely is.

It would be better if they were prescribed and monitored by a mental health professional, but unfortunately in most instances they are not.

Espressocycle

I gained 20 lbs on SSRI, lost it here with no great difficulty while remaining on medication. It might mess with your metabolism or hunger a little, but it can't break the laws of physics - eat leass, move more and the weight will come off.

xombiebite

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

i find this very insulting. i "got off the pills" with medical help, i exercised and ate properly and guess what happened? i ended up in the hospital. so now I'm back on pills i still am not completely back to normal (this happened in June) and i have **** days like everyone else. some people need medication to get by. I've seen it and i live it. this is something i have to live with my entire life i don't see myself as a victim of depression/anxiety i have a ****ty brain that doesn't work properly and I'm a survivor of it. maybe getting off the pills worked for you but some of us are born with chemically imbalanced brains.

babayaga1676

I did manage to lose 8 kilos with a (much too) low calorie diet whilst being on Deroxat (Paxil). I gained the kilos back afterwards and I think I had a few health issues because of this unhealthy diet (more wrinkles and hair loss) but just to say it is possible.

I am now on Cipralex (Celexa) and have gained quite a bit of weight from the moment my anxiety came back with a vengeance. I'm reading this book now about serotonin and dieting. I'm finding a few interesting guidelines in it and I will be trying the recommended diet as it seems healthy and accurate for people who are on antidepressants. The book is "Serotonin Power Diet: Use Your Brain's Natural Chemistry to Cut Cravings, Curb Emotional Overeating, and Lose Weight" by Judith Wurtman, Nina Frusztajer Marquis.

Hope this helps!

1ZenGirl

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

Well. I am glad that you found what worked for you. And maybe your "mind power" thing worked for you in how easily got you off drugs (ADs and weed) Unfortunately you come across so arrogant and rude that anything you think may be remotely helpful gets lost in translation. Maybe you should go here for information on how to relate to others...http://www.wikipedia.org/
Oh wait---or the homeless man under the bridge?

I have reported you for providing dangerous medical advice. Now take your toys and go home.

RllyGudTweetr

Replying to OP, since other people simply won't admit being wrong...

Been on Prozac 20 mg since 2010. I was fit, played roller derby and did cross country. My depression sprung for no reason: I do not have financial issues, had a happy relationship at the time, family is great, studied at a good university, etc. Can't pin point an external reason for it, but my entire family (father's and mother's sides) has cases of major and minor cases of depression.

The medication itselt did not make me gain weight. After I started taking it, my self esteem increased and I stopped with destructive habits such as starving and overcompensating bad diet with strainous exercise. I ended up gaining a little weight, yes, but I feel more beautiful now than I did back then.

Whenever I have short breaks with my medication (or even change the brand, mind you) I feel prominent changes on my mood swings, lack motivation and drive, etc. I think it's a key ally on my weight loss since it allows me to do things like someone who is not depressed would -- like myself, when I was not depressed, would.

Well said.

mccindy72

Argument over.... Pandora_King deactivated. OP, I hope you were able to get the information you needed out of the helpful posts that were included in your thread.

SerenaKitty

Argument over.... Pandora_King deactivated. OP, I hope you were able to get the information you needed out of the helpful posts that were included in your thread.

People really deactivate over arguments here?

This site isn't at all bad compared to many online message boards. :laugh:

wiscck

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

You need to stop. Your comments are flat out ignorant and dangerous.

Guess what? I have not been on meds for 11 years. Recently I have been through hell. The WHOLE time I was eating right and working out. I just got put back on meds for severe anxiety 2 days ago and the difference already is amazing. So, you are 100% wrong and uneducated on these things. So just stop the BS posts that just show how much you do NOT know.

It's not BS. I'm living proof. And so are a lot of other people. SOmetimes it's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Only you can let yourself be stressed out by things you cannot control. Only you can decide how you feel. YOu think it's the pills that are helping but really, it's your state of mind. YOu think the pills are working so you feel better but I'll bet you could be taking a placebo and if you didn't know better, you would still feel better. It's all in our heads. Ever heard of Obecalp? Check out the studies they did using that and you might see my point of view.

You cannot think your way out of a chemical imbalance. I suggest you stop spouting dangerous advice.

I'd also recommend that you wake up and realize that the world does not revolve around you, and that just because something worked for you does not mean it will work for everyone.

kathrinnbauer

She deactivated her account, but I still would like to add that her failure of showing empathy and her aggression might be a symptom of some mental illness that she did not get over just with good will....

Athijade

Argument over.... Pandora_King deactivated. OP, I hope you were able to get the information you needed out of the helpful posts that were included in your thread.

To be blunt... good. We do not need people posting like they did. Their posts were the opposite of what this site is about. Real support. Though I expected them to post a "OMG bullies!" thread first.

OP, I do apologize for being a part of what took your thread off topic. It is just that that sort of thing makes me so mad because it is so dangerous. There is no logic, compassion, or thought in that sort of advice and I refuse to just let it be.

Now, I have only been on anti anxiety medications, but I have never had an issue with weight gain on them. I had weight and food issues without them though. I do feel a bit more hungry on these new pills, but nothing I can not handle. Keep track of your calories (log, log, log) and exercise are the top things to do. Also, keep a lot of lower calorie snacks around as well as snacks that may be a bit higher in calories, but are very filling. Lower calorie wise think things like raw vegetables (celery, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli,) and hummus or laughing cow cheese. For higher calorie but more filling look at nuts. Those are just 2 simple examples.

Another I have noticed with my cravings and "hunger" is that if I eat the "diet" versions of foods, I won't be full or satisfied. So I eat real cheese, 2% milk, full fat dressings, really butter, and stuff like that. My portions are less, but they taste better and keep me satisfied longer.

Mr_Bad_Example

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

You need them because you've trained your brain to "need" them. Really, you just want them. You've decided life is easier with them. And that's true. Life is easier when you can take a pill to solve a problem. But it's not BS. I promise you. I was just like you, loaded up on AD's and I started exercising and got off them. I feel great now, mentally, and I will never go back. When I get down or upset, I go for a walk or a jog and it's amazing how the crap just floats away.

I would tell you to stop posting crap for fear that someone might actually listen to you... but I have faith that no one is so unwise as to do that.

Mr_Bad_Example

Argument over.... Pandora_King deactivated.

Good to see evil defeated.

OP, I hope you were able to get the information you needed out of the helpful posts that were included in your thread.

I second this.

Anng1988

Thank you everyone for the motivational words. This is definitely not the first time I've had someone tell me to just stop taking them, but know they have no idea what having depression/anxiety/mental disorders is like, so they are just ignorant. I responded earlier but figured I would again by saying this. I wish everyone the best of luck and hopefully someday I'll be sharing my own success story!