Anxiety & Weight Gain - http://www.sjwinfo.org Forums
Topic Title: Anxiety & Weight Gain
| |  "Anxiety & Weight Gain"
, Mon 18 Aug 10:32
It is great to read others with similar problems. I'll share mine briefly for anyone who may be curious.
Started with anxiety/panic attacks and subsequently depression 3 yrs ago. Timeline as follows:
July 2000: first full-fledged panic attack, followed by a few months of palpitations/increasing anxiety. Thought it was my stress at work.
November 2000: another full-fledged panic attack. Was out of the country on business. Had to call my dr. and he told me to get ativan to control it. Started taking Ativan every 3-4 days when I felt it stirring.
Januray 2001: Started having episodes at work, can't breathe, crying for absolutely no reason. Tried Kava kava and St.john's, but to no avail. By March I was in the bathroom more than at my desk.
March 2001: Resigned because couldn't handle my job. Stayed at home agoraphobic, extremely depressed. Crying for no reason episodes every day. Couldn't listen to the radio, everything wwas depression; couldn't watch tv, reminders of all I should be doing. Stayed on couch immobile. Lost 10 pounds. Mom begged me to get help.
April 2001: Went to her family dr. Put me on 20 mgs of Paxil and Xanax for major episodes, which I stayed away from as much as possible and recommend others do so as well as it is no joke. Had been warning of possible weight gain but really needed relief, so went on.
October 2001: Post 9/11, moved from NY metro area to Miami metro area. Upped my dosage to 30 mgs.
February 2002: Started therapy, had gained about 40 lbs (really 25 since I had lost 15 initially before meds). Therapists suggested changing meds b/c of weight gain.
June 2002: Got insurancwe finally. Went to Psychiatrist and told of weight gain. By this time I was 50 lbs. overweight. SHe switched me to Celexa, at 40 mgs.
February 2003: I went on a strict diet (Mayo clinic) and exercise (30-minutes 5-6 days a week plus20 minutes of isolation exercises) regime. Promised myself I would not look at the scale or mirror for a whole month. AT the end of the month I had not lost even one pound.
May 2003: After a month to recup from my disappointment (it takes a lot of strength of mind to get back on a diet!) I tried Weight Watchers for one whole month, since a friend had joined and lost 12 pounds in her first month. Saw no results so went off of it during 3rd week.
August 2003: My family and friends, though supportive, are in shock at how “big” I’ve grown. My boyfriend’s great but I’d like to be more attractive, not to mention healthy—for us. Luckily my sex drive stayed fine (may have even increased??).
Symptoms are under control but weight issue is a thorn in my side. I’ve weaned myself down to 30 mgs of Celexa. Went to dr. again re: weight. This time suggested Effexor, stating it had a better effect on appetite/metabolism. However, My friend on Effexor highly warns against it; says although works, found on research that it very strong, stronger than the others, with a very short extended life (quick occurrence if skip/forget, etc.)
So here I am thinking of just weaning off altogether. Am soooo frightened of symptoms returning. Any thoughts on others who have gotten off? Thanks for the 5htp tip—I’ve been reading al ot about it lately for this. My dr. said Celexa was found not to be as strong when returning to it the 2nd time around as your body may build a tolerance. Dores this sound right or could it be pharmaceutical speak to keep you on it?
I thank you all again for sharing. What a difference it makes to have these discussion. And kudos to the creator of the site.
All My Best.
Posts: 1 | | Registered: Mon 18 Aug 2003 9:39 |
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| | "Re(1):Anxiety & Weight Gain" , Sat 20 Sep 08:00
Hi-I am new here. I am in the process of researching weaning off Effexor. I have taken it for 3 years now. As for the weight gain-well as the anxiety decreased the weight came on. However I agree with a metabolisum therory as I know when my anxiety is high I can eat like mad and not gain weight. Now I am concentrating on healthy eating and am sure I will return to a healthy weight.
For me Effexor has been great and has helped me through a very tough time in my life.
Posts: 0 | | Registered: Sat 20 Sep 2003 7:55 |
| | "Re(1):Anxiety & Weight Gain" , Tue 19 Aug 04:02
Wow, what a story. I feel for you, as I was on Paxil which worked well but gained a bit of weight too. Also found I couldn't be bothered doing exercise. So I have changed to Fluox, but it's only by second day on it. I have been to the gym three times this week and feel more motivated at work, but it's too early to tell if it will work. I have had a hell of a time changing, but am determined to get this under control (weight and depression). I also find talking to my girlfriend and my therapist very helpful. If you set your goals and stick to them you will beat this. Good luck and keep in touch.
Posts: 15 | | Registered: Sat 9 Aug 2003 17:28 |
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