Anxiety , depression, medications

adebarrett4 · April 2022

Good morning. I have come to the decision that I need antidepressant/anxiety medications. I have needed them for quite a while but have refused due to fear of weight gain as I have a long history of anorexia and bulimia ( 30 years to be exact I am 41 years old today started at age 11). I have been in therapy more times than I can count. I have been a RN since 2007 and do NOT want to be a nurse anymore but have no choice as thats how I support my family. I want to be a better wife and mom . Looking for peoples success stories on antidepressants that have not gained tons of weight. Thanks in advance .

JBanx256 · April 2022

I have been on and off of a variety of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, and OCD meds since...I can't remember if it was middle school or early high school (currently on 2different RX's for it)? While at some points in my life I have been heavier and carried more bodyfat than I'd prefer (I kinda cringe looking at old photos), I've also been able to control my weight through diet/exercise when I put my mind to it, including prepping for a couple bodybuilding shows in 2019 and, just last month, doing a fitness-y photoshoot as a 40th birthday present to myself. Do the meds make it harder? Maybe, I really dunno at this point. I just track my intake and adjust as needed to accomplish my goals.

sillylovesongs18 · April 2022

I started antidepressents and anxiety medications in July 2021, I literally had a breakdown from stress of my father's declining health, my beloved uncle committing suicide, family drama, and the kitten I rescued passing away. My job is stressful and did not help much. So, my doctor agreed, I am not SheRa and I needed help. I am on Zoloft 100mg at night, Buspirone 7.5 mg twice a day, and Wellbutrin in the morning at 7.5mg. I can honestly say, I feel normal again. I have not gained weight and I haven't actually started trying to lose weight until now. What works for other biological chemistry may not work for you, make sure to discuss all of your concerns with your doctors who can help find the right medication and dosage. Its a slow process of feeling a difference, but once you find the right one, you'll know.

rsnsza · April 2022

I hesitate to post this publicly due to stigma, but I want to reassure you that psych meds don't doom you to weight gain.

I'm schizoaffective bipolar type and I am currently losing weight on my med cocktail, which includes an antidepressant called Fetzima. I also previously lost 150 pounds while taking Zyprexa, which is one of the most notorious meds for weight gain.

I did nothing fancy, just good old fashioned calorie counting and half an hour of fitness a day. I used a now defunct site called sparkpeople and have now migrated here. I gained some of my weight back when my psychosis was out of control for 18 months but I'm back on track consistently and losing once again.

I encourage you to take the meds if you need them, and use this site for support. The program works. Best wishes.

rsnsza · April 2022

Also, I am in remission from bulimia I had mostly between the ages of 13 and 23 (I'm 51 now). The meds don't trigger relapse, they help me stay in remission.

JBanx256 · April 2022

rsnsza wrote: »

I hesitate to post this publicly due to stigma

Gonna veer off-topic for a second here & just say I'm glad you felt safe enough to post your comment here.

adebarrett4 · April 2022

Thank you everyone for the support ! I hope you have a great day 1

impylaurie2 · May 2022

I have been on prozac and clonopin since my mid 40's never gained weight. I actually lost weight on prozac. I am 70 now and I just need to stop procratinating and commit to an exercise plan.

_Hannahlouise_ · May 2022

adebarrett4 wrote: »

Good morning. I have come to the decision that I need antidepressant/anxiety medications. I have needed them for quite a while but have refused due to fear of weight gain as I have a long history of anorexia and bulimia ( 30 years to be exact I am 41 years old today started at age 11). I have been in therapy more times than I can count. I have been a RN since 2007 and do NOT want to be a nurse anymore but have no choice as thats how I support my family. I want to be a better wife and mom . Looking for peoples success stories on antidepressants that have not gained tons of weight. Thanks in advance .

Hi, I have been on antidepressants for a while now, it does take time to figure out what works best for you also see if you can get some counselling to work alongside the medication as this can help a lot. In terms of weight gain maybe discuss with your GP about your fears and worries, eating disorders are lifelong and we can all relapse. Being an RN is stressful and can make anxiety/depression worse as we tend to empathesize with others and when we aren't in a mental;y good place that can be hard going. Maybe discuss with GP how all this is impacting you and maybe they can get you some sick time whilst you start some medication and counselling. Have you let your employer know how you are feeling?

chrissyinbloom · May 2022

I was afraid of antidepressants/anxiety for the same reason. I tried to stay off of them, but finally came to the conclusion that I need them to be functional! I've been on 5 or 6 different meds throughout my adult life. Currently on venlefaxine. Never had any weight gain from any of them. My weight gain always has to do with emotional eating and sugar addiction!

CasiGal · May 2022

Talk to your doctor about SSRIs that are considered weight neutral antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, Trintellix. There are also other antidepressants (SNRI's) but they tend to be more activating, which you probably know as a nurse, and since you mention anxiety, may not be the right fit for you. It's great you recognize when it's time...trust that. I wish you all the best!

Mangoperson88 · May 2022

I agree with talking to your doctor about your weight problem. That's what I did with my new psychiatrist- he had put me on mirtaz 10 mg and I was constantly hungry. I immediately realised that my previous shrink had me on it from 2016-17 and my weight loss had stalled. Dumb and slow that i am, I didn't understand that mirtaz was keeping me fat so didn't discuss with the shrink. I've been 80 kgs since then and the minute I stopped taking my meds(big mistake, but a blessing in disguise as I found a new shrink) I stopped overeating. My weight is 77 kgs as of today, not much of a significant loss but I am not stuffing my face with junk food out of constant hunger.

Wanderwoman6 · May 2022

I’m not depressed but I have been put on antidepressants to deal with anxiety and panic attacks I’m randomly having due to being in early menopause my hormones are a mess.
I didn’t think this could be a cause of my weight gain. I will look into it now though.

Anxiety , depression, medications

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