I think my meds are causing weight gain

poet_kelly
on 5/17/11 7:03 pm - OH
Now, I am below goal, so it's not as bad as it could be.  But it's still stressing me out.

I am on Abilify, along with a couple other meds for depression.  Abilify is well known to cause weight gain, so that's what I assume is doing it.  But I've gained 9 pounds in about two weeks.

I see my psychiatrist next Tues and definitely plan to discuss this.  I don't even think the Abilify is helping my depression.... studies have shown it doesn't usually do much for depression, so I don't know why docs prescribe it for that so often.  Studies show it works for schizophrenia, but not depression.  So I'm thinking there's no need for me to even be taking it, but I don't want to stop taking it until I talk to my doc.

I don't know what I"m asking for here.  Advice about how to stop gaining while on this drug?  Or just some sympathy?

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

peyton88
on 5/17/11 7:44 pm - Madison, GA
I'm so sorry!  I know that puts you in a difficult place.....

I was on Lexapro (before surgery last summer)....mainly for anxiety and a bit of depression.  I quit cold turkey due to the surgery.....I didn't HAVE to but just thought I wouldn't complicate my eating/vitamin plan with another pill.

Long story short, I probably need to go back on it (sooner than later) but it gives me the munchies and I'm terrified of gaining weight....I'm already struggling to get these last few pounds off before my year anniversary.

Hope you and the doc can come up with a viable solution!  BEST WISHES!!!
  HW/SW/CW/Goal.....219  / 206 /  122 / 130

  
poet_kelly
on 5/17/11 9:37 pm - OH
Have you tried any other meds?  Maybe something else would work without giving you the munchies.

I feel for you.

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

Amy R.
on 5/17/11 8:55 pm
Ah, Kelly, you and I PM'd over MY Abilify, remember? Well, I finally had enough of the weight gain and just stopped taking it. Now have to get the remaining 8 lbs off.

I see my psych on Friday and I am SO pissed. He told me that any weight gain would be offset by an improvement in the depression. Guess the jokes on me because I sure don't feel any better and now I'm heavier on top of being depressed.

Wish I knew what to tell you other than to take the thoughts you gave me on the Abilify and seriously consider them yourself. Especially if it's not helping.

Hope you (actually both) of us are doing better SOON! I've had enough of this crap and I know you have too. Take Care, my friend.
poet_kelly
on 5/17/11 9:33 pm - OH
Well, it's not helping and I think I'm going to quit taking it.... but I hate to just take myself off stuff so I think I will wait until next Tues when I see the doc before I stop taking it.  My depression would have to improve a TON to offset weight gain.  I mean, good grief, I had major surgery to lose weight, just like everyone else here.  I WORKED for that weight loss.  Gaining weight back, even just a little, is a BIG deal.

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

Amy R.
on 5/17/11 11:54 pm
LOL, I feel the SAME way!  The extra weight makes me more depressed and stressed than anything else EVER did.  And the stupid Abilify didn't touch the depression.

How's the ECT going? If you'd rather PM me I get it.   =)   But since you had brought it up on the board before I thought maybe it was okay.
poet_kelly
on 5/17/11 11:58 pm - OH
It is OK.  After the first few treatments, I felt like it was helping.  Right now, though, I feel like it's not helping so much anymore.

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

Amy R.
on 5/21/11 12:10 am
Crap.   =(

I was hoping it was helping.
Sara C.
on 5/18/11 8:37 am - Granville, NY
I would def not quit cold turkey until you talk to the doc.  I quit lexapro like that and it really threw me for a loop.  I'm taking Welbutrin and it is supposed to help with addictive behaviors (eating in my case).  I think it's working pretty good. I freak out over any increase over 1-2lbs, too. 
Good luck!
       
Price S.
on 5/17/11 9:28 pm - Mills River, NC
My only experence with drug related weight gain was a different medication we had some clients on.  The Drs said 10lb per 10mg. and acted like it was just a given.  Although the client's diets didn't change, they lived in a group home with a controlled diet, they all did gain weight as the Dr had discribed.  When they went off those drugs, the weight came off too. 

So maybe those 9 lbs will be all there is (not like that makes you very happy) and you won't continue to gain.  Maybe there is something else that doesn't have weight gain as part of it's MO that he can consider.

Anyway, hugs and lets hope something gets worked out.

    LW-Apple-Gold-Small.jpg image by PlicketyCat  66 yrs young, 4'11"  hw  220, goal 120 met at 12 months, cw 129 learning Maintainance

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