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losing weight on anti depressants or other meds?

RainaMermaid
RainaMermaid Posts: 4
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I started taking Elavil a year ago, for an illness called interstitial cystitis. The drug is generally used as an anti depressant, but for me it's like a cure all. it turns off my pain receptors so I no longer have chronic pain, it makes me feel generally better, manages my adhd symptoms, and helps me sleep. The only problem with it? I have gained a lot of weight.

Now, I read a lot of people blame weight gain on poor life style, but I know without a doubt mine is medication related. I have changed birth control pill 5 times (to manage pain) and each time I gained 5lbs then I also gained weight with elavil. In the past 5 years I went from 115 to 140, despite eating healthier than I ever have (I have to with my illness), being physically active more than I ever have (gym, personal trainer, own business that sees me swimming lots, working with kids, daily workouts, physiotherapy) and finally sleeping better and drinking enough water.

I have tried calorie counting before, and it didnt seem to make a difference for me. I guess Im here to try it again. My main concern in my stomach. I have been able to tone my whole body except my stomach, it's gotten so big I dont fit in my favourite clothes. part of it is when I have flare ups with my illness, and that cant be helped, typical ab workouts havent helped.

I should also say, I cant do a lot of cardio due to smaller than normal lungs. I do DO cardio but it's normally a lot of swimming, walking, and elliptical when I can handle it.

Anyway, does anyone out there have any success stories about losing weight despite medications that make you gain it? Any tips for managing that sort of thing? I have been through 3 nutritionists, dietitians, and natruopaths. ANY ideas are welcomed!

Replies

  • Discogirl15
    Discogirl15 Posts: 102
    Unfortuinitely, I can't relate to you, I LOST (am lossing) weight on anti-depresents.:indifferent:
  • ryansgram
    ryansgram Posts: 693 Member
    I'm losing weight on anti depressants also. My doctor told me some are worse at making you gain weight than others so he gave me one with less chance of weight gain. Maybe you could switch to a different one?
  • RainaMermaid
    RainaMermaid Posts: 4
    yeah, I dont take them for depression, this one is specific to my illness I dont think I have much of a range with the others. but thanks for sharing anyway
  • RainaMermaid
    RainaMermaid Posts: 4
    just wanted to update this saying I stopped the BC pill and lost 2 inches off my stomach right away. Weight hasn't changed though despite working really hard for a month!
  • WhatDoesLisa
    WhatDoesLisa Posts: 214
    Have you considered acupuncture to help manage the pain? Maybe if it were lessened you could drop your dose and get some of the weight off?

    I am really sorry..chronic pain is awful. Long story but I can relate.
  • stephmo86
    stephmo86 Posts: 45
    It took a while for my metabolism to get kicked back in gear (a couple of months until I saw more than 1lb lost in a week-I used to lose 2-3 before prozac). I've had slow and steady weight loss, but you still have to work twice as hard to get there. For me, it's necessary to stay on it.
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