Anxiety, Panic & Phobias

Hi,

I've been on Lexapro for a little over 3 months now and find myself eating and eating and eating.  I worked hard for a year and a half to loose 20 lbs and have gained 15 of it back in three months.   My anxiety symptoms are much better and I'm much happier than I was but the weight gain is really depressing.  I just can't stop myself even though I'm not hungry.  Any tips?

Thanks,

Tracy

I know the meds act differently for everyone.  My aunt lost 35lbs when she took paxil.  Everyone else I know has gained weight, including me.  I gained 40lbs on zoloft.  I had to really watch what i ate and make sure to exercise.  I found that I was hungry all the time.  I would have dinner and be hungry an hour later and have another whole dinner.  I would eat breakfast at home get to work and feel starving and have a bagel. 

I did loose the 40 pounds.  I did LA Weight Loss, which was at the time similiar to the old weight wathcers, where you have a certain number of protein/starches/fats per day along with lots of water, 4 servings of veggies, and 3 fruits.  LA weight loss closed here in NJ. But I still pull out all of my stuff and follow it when I start to gain weight.  It taught me portion control and how to eat healthy.  I know many people have success with weight watchers as well for learning how to eat properly.

My advice... eat healthy and exercise.  Try to schedule and plan several small meals so you don't ever get too hungry, and snack on fruits and veggies.  I used to set times that I would eat.  For me it was 8:30 am, 11:30am, 4pm snack, 6:30 dinner, 9:30 snack.  I know that it wasn't until I gained 40lbs that it hit me and affected my mood.  None of my clothes fit, it contributed to my anxiety/depression and it took me over a year of dieting to loose 40lbs.

Antidepressants are really good at helping our anxiety, but for some people they do increase appetite.  Just watch what you eat, drink lots of water, and get some exercise, before you gain too much weight and have to really go on a diet.

I really craved sweets on zoloft.  Two healthy snacks that helped my cravings were.  Plain oatmeal made with splenda and cinnamon or even pumpkin pie splice and the 100 calorie chocolate pudding cups.

Good Luck

Some things I've learned is to distract myself. Drink a glass of water or hot tea. Keep busy for @ least 20 minutes & the feeling usually passes. Better food choices works too. Snack on carrot & celery sticks. Eat a handful of raisins or nuts that will keep you fuller longer. I have found that when I gain a few pounds, depriving myself never works. I kick up the exercise. If I eat something wrong such as a piece of candy or a second helping @ dinner, I take a longer walk or even an extra walk to burn off the calories. Forgive yourself.

Weight gain does happen w/antidepressants. However, if you keep on top of things, usually changing your habits will bring a couple of those pounds off. There are many tips & tricks on the Compulsive Overeating board: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=iv-bhovereat&nav=start&prettyurl=%2Fiv%2Dbhovereat GL & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

 

  

 

 

This might sound strange, but look into quit smoking techniques. It is sort of the same thing. People can get the nicotine out their bodies w/in a few days, but the cravings stay strong. As Jan mentioned, try making yourself busy for 20 minutes to see if the craving passes.

I ended up becoming depressed by the amount of weight gained & stopped taking antidepressants b/c of it. Even before I lost weight (which I still have not done) I felt better and less depressed.

Maybe you can keep a 'craving' journal? Maybe something like,

~ what time it is
~ how long since you last ate
~ what type of foods you're craving

Maybe you can find a pattern? Maybe if you know you're going to crave something 45 minutes after your meal maybe you can [1] add a little extra fat to that meal to keep you feeling more satiated longer or [2] have a healthy snack on hand & eat it about 5 minutes before your cravings start.

Maybe you'll find you're craving a certain type of food. Maybe you can figure out what vitamins/nutrients can be found in those foods & try to include them with your meals or supplements.

WATER!!!

I have read, we may mistake thirst with hunger. Maybe your body needs more water to help distribute the benefits of your med through your body. Maybe you could try drinking a full glass of water 5 minutes before you expect your craving? If you do not see a pattern, maybe try to drink a glass of water every 1-2 hours. You'll urinate a lot to begin with, but your body will adjust & learn how to work more efficiently with the constant feed of water.

{{hugs}}

I feel for you, I really do.

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.  I have done weighter watchers several times and lost 25 lbs on it at one point.  I know I won't be able to stay on it over the holidays, so I will just have to try my hardest to have some sort of control and then start in January.  I was on wellbutrin for a while and I was loosing about 1/2 lb a day.  Unfortunately, it made my stomache so sick I just couldn't deal with it.  The last thing I need is to gain any more weight.

Tracy