Aa
Avoiding Weight Gain on Meds
I have a feeling at my next psych appointment she's going to recommend a med switch. I am not in disagreement, since I am honestly not okay right now, so the Lamictal is not doing it for me anymore...
We have discussed Depakote - I was on it in college. It was the best med hands-down I have *ever* been on. However, it was also the reason I avoided any psych help for 6-7 years. I gained roughly 50lbs (I was a little under 120 when I started taking it, and in 6 months got up to 170). With a history of eating disorders as well, and being an athletic person... I just couldn't handle that side effect. However, at the last appt, she increased my Lamictal and said we might have to consider additional meds or changes if it didn't work. It's worse. Much worse.
Is there anyone here who has avoided the mood stabilizer weight gain? I am about to start PT, then I can run/start training for my tris again in a month or so. I remember being really tired when I took it before... but not much about appetite changes. If this is beyond a calories in have to be less than what you burn thing... I don't think I can do it. I'd end up more depressed from the weight gain, and miserable I couldn't work out like I want to.
I've been on Topamax (sp?) - it made my hands and feet go numb, LOL - and obviously Lamictal isn't controlling something. Any other weight-neutral drugs or drugs that have a bad rap that shouldn't?
TIA for any help. My psych can't see me until Wednesday, and with the way things are going... I need something to keep my mind busy.
We have discussed Depakote - I was on it in college. It was the best med hands-down I have *ever* been on. However, it was also the reason I avoided any psych help for 6-7 years. I gained roughly 50lbs (I was a little under 120 when I started taking it, and in 6 months got up to 170). With a history of eating disorders as well, and being an athletic person... I just couldn't handle that side effect. However, at the last appt, she increased my Lamictal and said we might have to consider additional meds or changes if it didn't work. It's worse. Much worse.
Is there anyone here who has avoided the mood stabilizer weight gain? I am about to start PT, then I can run/start training for my tris again in a month or so. I remember being really tired when I took it before... but not much about appetite changes. If this is beyond a calories in have to be less than what you burn thing... I don't think I can do it. I'd end up more depressed from the weight gain, and miserable I couldn't work out like I want to.
I've been on Topamax (sp?) - it made my hands and feet go numb, LOL - and obviously Lamictal isn't controlling something. Any other weight-neutral drugs or drugs that have a bad rap that shouldn't?
TIA for any help. My psych can't see me until Wednesday, and with the way things are going... I need something to keep my mind busy.
When you're dealing with ACs like Depakote and Neurontin, the weight gain can be attributed to the increase in appetite and not necessarily metabolic issue.
I had a shrink that wouldn't give me Neurontin, even though it's a GREAT mood stabilizer for me because he felt the weight gain was going to be an issue. I am on a good size dose of it now and have actually lost 60lbs. It does boost my appetite, but I just adhere to the 'put the fork down' diet. You get used to being hungry and it's not that big a deal.
The anti psychotics are BAD for weight gain because they affect your metabolism and jack up your appetite. It can be very difficult to lose weight in these meds, but, at the very least, you can keep your weight neutral through diet and exercise.
I wouldn't worry too much about the Depakote; Neurontin is supposed to be far worse for weight gain and I haven't had any issues. However, I do have a friend who has put on 40lbs on Depakote because he won't watch what he eats and he doesn't exercise. Just be aware of the increase in appetite and deal with it accordingly.
I eat a diet that's very high in fiber and protein; it curbs the hunger. My biggest weapon against the weight loss is diet caffeine free soda; I drink a TON of it and the carbonation fills me up. Before every meal, I drink a few cans of it and I probably eat half of what I normally would.
I had a shrink that wouldn't give me Neurontin, even though it's a GREAT mood stabilizer for me because he felt the weight gain was going to be an issue. I am on a good size dose of it now and have actually lost 60lbs. It does boost my appetite, but I just adhere to the 'put the fork down' diet. You get used to being hungry and it's not that big a deal.
The anti psychotics are BAD for weight gain because they affect your metabolism and jack up your appetite. It can be very difficult to lose weight in these meds, but, at the very least, you can keep your weight neutral through diet and exercise.
I wouldn't worry too much about the Depakote; Neurontin is supposed to be far worse for weight gain and I haven't had any issues. However, I do have a friend who has put on 40lbs on Depakote because he won't watch what he eats and he doesn't exercise. Just be aware of the increase in appetite and deal with it accordingly.
I eat a diet that's very high in fiber and protein; it curbs the hunger. My biggest weapon against the weight loss is diet caffeine free soda; I drink a TON of it and the carbonation fills me up. Before every meal, I drink a few cans of it and I probably eat half of what I normally would.
I've gained weight from taking Zoloft. At least that's what I attribute it to,,,
BUT, it could also be that I feel like a slug and haven't been exercising like I had. It also seems like it increases your apetite. Just my opinion.
I do think, for me anyway, I've maxed out my weight gain and if I start working out like I was, it will come off,,,,I hope.
BUT, it could also be that I feel like a slug and haven't been exercising like I had. It also seems like it increases your apetite. Just my opinion.
I do think, for me anyway, I've maxed out my weight gain and if I start working out like I was, it will come off,,,,I hope.
They do more to cause weight gain than that because I don't go through mania and after I started taking Abilify I gained weight. I think it's because it made me start eating more however and it can also lower the metabolism. Geodon however didn't make me gain weight at all.
Just becareful with topomax and tegretol since both mess up your birth control. If you are on bith control at all these are not good choices.
My psychologist told me one of the things with weight gain is that when you have mania you have a tendancy to be up and movign more, burning more calories, and then suddenly you're not having that so you are burning less. Made some sense to me. But, I also think that some medications actually do something else that causes weight gain, not sure what exactly, but in the same way some medications automatically raise your blood glucose.
My psychologist told me one of the things with weight gain is that when you have mania you have a tendancy to be up and movign more, burning more calories, and then suddenly you're not having that so you are burning less. Made some sense to me. But, I also think that some medications actually do something else that causes weight gain, not sure what exactly, but in the same way some medications automatically raise your blood glucose.
That's definitely reassuring... it was my first mood stabilizer, and I was young and just trying to get by at that point. Maybe I just let the fatigue part that comes along with them to go too far.
Thanks :)
Thanks :)
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