Mental meds fighting against me

wolfelements
wolfelements Posts: 117 Member
in Motivation and Support
I have a lot of medical problems (metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia) but my biggest obstacle is the medication I take for my psychological problems. I'm on Lithium, Geodone, and Zoloft. Most of which cause weight gain (on top of my medical problems).

I feel like my mental/health problems are setting me back. I don't know how to jump over this hurdle. I'm trying to lose weight, I log my food now, I go "speed walking" nearly every day, and I've lost little weight. I kinda feel hopeless because I can't change my meds, I'm finally on the right amount to help me mentally.

I guess I need a booster, and a little advice?

Replies

  • jenborn0730
    jenborn0730 Posts: 28
    My doctor told me just a few months ago when I went to see her because I wasn't losing any weight and getting very frustrated. Long term use of those meds (she cited zoloft specifically) makes it harder to lose weight. Especially as we get older. I'm almost 43 right now and have been on some dosage of zoloft for 10 plus years.

    I asked her, " well what do I do" she said you make a choice - happy and fat - or thin and depressed. It kinda pissed me off - but it made me realize that it was just going to take me a little longer to get the weight loss and lifestyle change up and running.

    I've lost 10 pounds since I saw her 3 months ago - I know in 3 months 10 pounds isn't a huge amount but it's a LOSS.

    Hang in there and get determined - it's just gonna take the girls like us a bit longer.
  • Sassyallday
    Sassyallday Posts: 136 Member
    Congratulations on your 4 lb. weight loss! Please give yourself credit.

    As someone who has struggled with managing my weight for my entire life, I take great pride in any day on which I DON'T gain weight. And if I lose some, that's a big victory.

    I do understand how frustrating it is to work hard and not see the results. But it can help to give yourself credit for staying on track. You can do this do this literally by rewarding yourself for every day you eat well, keep your food diary, workout. It could be a dollar or two in a jar for a later treat, a nice (free) outing that you plan for yourself- - -to a local park, library, museum or to meet a friend, an Itunes song, a movie, a magazine. Just anything to remind you that just doing this is an accomplishment.

    Because it is!
  • wolfelements
    wolfelements Posts: 117 Member
    It's good to know I'm not alone in this. Sadly, next month when I see my psychiatrist I'm probably going to have to have my Zoloft raised (I've been on it for eight months, lowest dose, worked a while, but my panic attacks are coming back).

    But you are right, it's just a longer road. It's just getting down that road and staying positive when your life is filled with dramatic moods/depression/anxiety/confusion. I feel like I'm losing at the Battle of Gettysburg.
  • wolfelements
    wolfelements Posts: 117 Member
    Congratulations on your 4 lb. weight loss! Please give yourself credit.

    As someone who has struggled with managing my weight for my entire life, I take great pride in any day on which I DON'T gain weight. And if I lose some, that's a big victory.

    I do understand how frustrating it is to work hard and not see the results. But it can help to give yourself credit for staying on track. You can do this do this literally by rewarding yourself for every day you eat well, keep your food diary, workout. It could be a dollar or two in a jar for a later treat, a nice (free) outing that you plan for yourself- - -to a local park, library, museum or to meet a friend, an Itunes song, a movie, a magazine. Just anything to remind you that just doing this is an accomplishment.

    Because it is!

    I guess I wasn't that big on celebrating the 4lbs cause that was over six months, but you're right.

    And the treating myself is a good idea, if anything I could do something free to treat myself. Like borrow my mom's car and go see my best friend (my mom is always offering, best friend and I live two cities apart). Or on the rare occasions I have money, I could get a book at the used bookstore. Thank you for this idea!
  • thehealthykitten
    thehealthykitten Posts: 7 Member
    I gained a lot of weight when I started taking medication for my mental health issues, I was already overweight but the medication certainly didn't help!

    I'm still on medication and slowly trying to lower my dosage. It is harder for us to lose weight, but the main thing to consider is that at least if the food you are putting into your body is healthy and good for you than you are going to be healthy on the inside. Don't give up, you'll get there in the end if you just stick at it. Remember, you are not alone! If you ever need someone to talk to or some motivation, please don't hesitate to send me a message. Also if you struggle with depression, anxiety, up & down moods etc apparently exercising can really help with that :)
  • Ascolti_la_musica
    Ascolti_la_musica Posts: 676 Member
    You could try looking into mental health options that do not require drugs. Meditation is a popular choice. Spend more time with your family or pets. Listen to soothing music. Take a bath with a favorite book.

    I manage my schizophrenia without drugs.

    When I was on drugs, I did not have full control over my own mind. That is a state I refuse to ever willingly live in again. I have occasional psychotic episodes now, but they are very minor, and easily managed by my husband. When I was on drugs, I would not remember days at a time.

    A lot of psychiatrists like to cite a "chemical imbalance" in their patients. But a healthy person does not produce Zoloft naturally. You are not depressed because your brain needs Zoloft. Your psychiatrist's job depends on convincing you to depend on the drugs. Before you raise your dose, look into more natural options. A good exercise program should give you energy as well.
  • marymickaela
    marymickaela Posts: 190 Member
    I also take a lot of medications for mental health issues. I was on Lithium 2 years ago for 6 months. Gained 15lbs and had intolerable side effects. Got a new pdoc who said it was unacceptable and switched me to Risperadal. I'm 62 so also have that going against me. If I workout and watch what I eat I can lose weight, but it's not something I've been motivated to do the last few months. I'm really going to try to get back on track. I have pictures from my daughter's wedding last September where I weighed 13lbs less. I'm going to try and use those pictures for motivation.

    I also take Celexa, Lamictal, Vyvanse and Synthroid due to thyroid cancer at age 26. Trust me, no amount of meditation will keep my thyroid regulated without medication. Taking these meds have saved my life.

    You can friend me if you like. I like giving support and certainly can use some.

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