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Off antidepressants and gaining

reedwrightlaugh72
reedwrightlaugh72 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Getting Started
Finally at a place in my life where I wanted to ween myself off the antidepressant I've been on for 10+ years - that's a GOOD thing right? Well, apparently it's also causing me to gain weight which in and of itself is enough to make me depressed all over again :neutral: So I'm going to start journaling all the food I put in my mouth this next month and see what I need to do. If anyone has any helpful hints or tips I'm all ears. I have a friend who has been really successful with Sugar Busters so I've been reading up on that way of eating too. Any thoughts?

Best,
Heather

Replies

  • mtdb8
    mtdb8 Posts: 65 Member
    Check with your doctor. Theres a good chance the drug was also supressing your appetite. And if that is the case you might need to learn to eat the 'Right' foods again.
  • Bambi2810
    Bambi2810 Posts: 22 Member
    Hey there!
    I did a similar thing about 11 months ago, I was on 150mg of Sertraline for two years and decided it was time to ween myself off them and try life without medication, I'm 7 months totally free of them and although it's been a bit of a bumpy road I'm so glad I did it! My weight increased quite a bit at first and I did beat myself up about it for a little while but once you start making conscious changes you can really feel proud of yourself, and don't be disheartened if you slip up every now and then, it's all part of the process. Having something to focus on really helps, I keep a journal too and even though it seems like something small it's been a life saver for me. Getting out every day, even for just an hour walking is a huge help too. I wish you the best of luck!
    Evee x
  • thisPGHlife
    thisPGHlife Posts: 440 Member
    I don't know your situation but I just wanted to throw this out there. If this doesn't apply to your, awesome, but it may apply to someone reading this.

    I would recommend, if you aren't already, including your prescribing doctor in this journey. At the minimum, @mtdb8 is correct in that several anti depressants suppress appetite and if you need help, your doctor can recommend a registered dietician. The big reason I suggest involving your doctor is because many times people will feel better so they think they don't need the drug when in reality it's the lifestyle changes AND the drug that are working together. Going off the medication can cause the original issue to come back regardless of how good your coping skills are.

    I'm really happy that you're in a better place, mentally. Good luck with everything!
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    Is your prescribing doctor aware that you are no longer taking the meds? Or was this something you bounced off of him/her in advance?
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    edited November 2018
    maybe you feel like you are in a good place because you are on the medication...

    make sure your dr is aware of what you are doing. come off the medication as the dr recommends.

    tracking your food will help. make sure you are aware between head hunger and stomach hunger
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