You don't often hear this........

Hi Karen.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with the meds.  Seroquel is used for many things, often as a treatment for anxiety or as a sleep aid but not as a primary medication for depression. It is notorious for causing weight gain, partly due to increased cravings for carbs and partly due to its metabolic influence..  Have you tried a lot of meds? 

For depression, wellbutrin is a commonly used weight-neutral medication. For sleep, someone else suggested trazadone; a good med, takes a little while to adjust to it, may cause very slight weight gain at low doses but not for everyone.  It has anti-depressant qualities as well as sedative qualities. For anxiety, the most effective meds are in the class of benzodiazepines (valium, ativan, clonazepam) but they are not recommended for long-term use or, especially, in people with a history of alcohol or substance abuse as they have high addictive potential.  SSRI's like prozac, paxil, luvox etc often have weight gain as a side effect.  SNRI's have less or no weight gain; effexor is tried and true, although some people have bad side effects from it; the newer type is pristiq, which has a much lower side effect profile but costs more.

If your GP has been prescribing your meds, I would suggest that you ask for a referral for a medication consultation with an expert or, if it's available through your bariatric centre, see their psychiatrist.  I saw the guy in Ottawa (Dr. Kay) and he is very sensitive to the need for weight-neutral meds.  I expect that anyone connected with any of the Centres would be sensitive and knowledgable about this.

I hope you get this sorted out soon.  I know from personal experience how difficult it is to find the right medication.  Good luck!

Karen W

Yeah, I've tried a vast number of different things over the years.  The seroquel is mainly because I couldn't sleep.  At all. Ever.  It knocks me out, so at least I can sleep.  Haven't changed my eating at all - still gained a few, which I'm sure you can understand, makes me upset.

I requested a long while ago to see a psychiatrist, not my GP, for this issue.  Good advice to those who are being managed by a GP for sure.

Thank you for the great advice!

(And thanks to everyone else too!)

Hi Karen,
I was prescribed Welbutin when I was quitting smoking over 7 years ago.  It is also an anti-depressant as Quinn's Mommy noted and the doctor mentioned to me it could also suppress your appetite.  Before she prescribed it she had to ask if I had ever been anorexic.  I looked at her and said with a straight face, "Well if I ever have been then I am the poster child for recovery!"  She laughed and wrote the prescription.
Seriously though, I can't beleive anyone would stoop to calling you a "*****" and I hope you feel better soon.  Please keep everyone here who cares for you updated.

Elizabeth
 

Welbutrin caused me and my friend excessive dry mouth and pounding headaches. I've known people who used it to stop smoking and got the headaches too. For me, it also made me smell a rotten/sweet smell. I was always running to the restroom at work and powdering up/reapplying anti-perspirent because I feared others would smell what I was smelling. I stopped taking it without any withdrawl symptoms, partially because of the "smell" and because I don't think it helped my anxiety. My friend did not experience this, but my doctor said others do as well. He also cautioned me that some people with excessive behaviours could have them amplified-someone who gambles might start gambling more-someone who likes to shop could turn into a shopaholic (happened to my friend) etc....I didn't have that problem. I did lose a few pounds on it though, which was why my dr. put me on it in the first place.

Hi Karen, unfortunately I do not have any suggestions for you either, but I did want to offer a hug as well and to let you know that the person that called you an @sshole is the @sshole.  The posts and replies I have seen you make since I have joined this board have been nothing but kind and encouraging. Please try not to let this @sshole get you down.

Hey Sweetie

I am a pretty good judge of people....and you are no *****
Cowardly people have a tendency to get very brave when there are no consequences...like on the internet

I have gotten to know you fairly well over the past 3 years....so trust my opinion OK?

I have no advice re the meds - however I do know this has been bothering you for some time - please go see your doc and try a new drug....something that wont put the weight on...

You are a kind and generous person Karen.....good sense of humor and smart...I really like you kid!!

Barb

Dear Barb,

Stop making me tear up at my desk at work. Thank you and I lurve you.

That is all.

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions and support. I think the hardest is being called a *****  My goodness.  I can't count the number of people I've tried to help on here. \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\time to stay off FB oviously.  Thank you again. 

 I remember you having a very rough time last year when someone called you fat....that was just crazy, but it hit you pretty hard....Sorry for how you're feeling...and I agree:  stay away from the negative naysayers for awhile...

Haaa!  I know.  The fat comment hit me outta left field - I hadn't been called fat in YEARS (and I'm NOT fat, so there).  Funny you mentioned that, made me giggle, thanks m. xo