overweight

[Guest guest]

Does your medications cause you to gain weight? I am bipolar and have been on many antidepressants over 20 years, most of them causing weight gain, thus I am severely overweight. I started Naproxen and Flexeril and I'm still gaining weight. This causes me alot pain, seeing so many people able to do little things I used to . I have tried to lose weight, with little results because I'm still on all those antidepressants. The doctor is trying to ween me off some of them, but I can't go off all of them. My legs now can't support my weight without causing pain . Along with the fibromyalgia and arthritis I feel like an invalid. I know I have to exercise to lose the weight, but I can't move all this weight around. Just going from room to room in our house I'm huffing and puffing. I feel depressed about my weight. Are there any exercises I can do other than walking? I really need help or I'm going to have a heart attack or stroke soon. My husband is very understanding and does almost everything for me. What can I do???

Norma

[Guest guest]

THE SOUTH BEACH DIET!

You'll have to cut out a bunch of stuff for the first 2 weeks, and

then you slowly add other stuff back in. You'll also loose the most

weight in those first 2 weeks, and you're supposed to steadilly keep

loosing it.

Have you had your thyroids checked out? That could be a big factor if

you're gaining weight and can't get it off/keep it off. You might want

to have that checked out. My mom has goyters and it's harder for her

to get the weight off - I have the exact opposite problem, I keep

loosing weight and I don't know why. My rhumy looked at my thyroid and

said it was slightly enlarged, but not large enough to be a goyter

(hmmm...) of course I also take Adderall, which tends to suppress your

appitite and makes you loose weight - but I was loosing weight before

I started taking that, and not on purpose.

Anyway, I hope you find something that works for you!

Loves and Hugs,

-

overweight

To: chronic pain <chronic_pain >, Fibromyalgia support

group <fibromyalgia_support_group >

Does your medications cause you to gain weight? I am bipolar and

have been on many antidepressants over 20 years, most of them causing

weight gain, thus I am severely overweight. I started Naproxen and

Flexeril and I'm still gaining weight. This causes me alot pain,

seeing so many people able to do little things I used to . I have

tried to lose weight, with little results because I'm still on all

those antidepressants. The doctor is trying to ween me off some of

them, but I can't go off all of them. My legs now can't support my

weight without causing pain . Along with the fibromyalgia and

arthritis I feel like an invalid. I know I have to exercise to lose

the weight, but I can't move all this weight around. Just going from

room to room in our house I'm huffing and puffing. I feel depressed

about my weight. Are there any exercises I can do other than walking?

I really need help or I'm going to have a heart attack or stroke

soon. My husband is very understanding and does almost everything for

me. What can I do???

Norma

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the

list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check

with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with

other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous

in general.

2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls

don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to

make that situation better.

Have a nice day everyone.

[Guest guest]

If you can get to water – Take a

water aerobics class. They have them a lot for the elderly. This would give you

great exercise, but put no pressure on your sore legs.

Someone mentioned South Beach Diet which

was originally made for cardiac patients and has helped people for many years. It’s

a wonderful program!

R

[Guest guest]

Norma,

You mention that you are bipolar...so am I. Does your doc have you

on a mood stablizer? The first one I was on, Depakote, caused me to

gain almost 60 pounds in about 6 months or so. Despite that fact,

my psychiatrist refused to take me off of it stating " Depakote

doesn't make you eat more! " No, it doesn't make you eat more,

research shows that it DOES affect your metabolic processes, slowing

them down to almost a standstill. I was ballooning out of control,

and it was a nightmare. Not only was it bad for my health, but it

was shattering my self-esteem. Depakote does some NASTY things to

your body!

Needless to say, I fired him, and got a new psychiatrist, who

immediately started ramping me off of Depakote, and onto Topamax.

Not only does Topamax NOT cause weight gain, it actually has

somewhat of a weight LOSS side effect. It also keeps me a whole lot

more stable than Depakote ever did. It also has the added benefit

of helping with chronic pain relief. I'm not saying that Topamax is

the " perfect drug " , but it's done wonders for me. The only thing

is, it's rather expensive, so good insurance is a must. I take

400mg per day, and one month of it without insurance would be over

$500.

Also, you say that you've been on quite a few different anti-

depressants. What kind? A lot of the older a/d's do cause

significant weight gain, particularly the tri-cyclics. However, a

lot of the newer SSRI's don't do that. I've been taking Celexa for

several years now, and even when I bumped up to 40mg last September,

I didn't gain any weight. It also has fewer of the " other " side

effects.

Talk to your doctor. There " are " meds out there that he can use

that don't have the weight gain side effect. I know this because

I've been there, and my psych has been a good partner in working

with me to avoid those drugs. However, if your BPD is resistant to

treatment, it makes it more difficult to avoid using certain meds.

When I was on Depakote, like you, I tried to no avail to lose

weight. Nothing I did would make the weight come off, including

starving myself. My gut is telling me that one of your meds is

doing the exact same thing to you.

I'm with the person who suggested aqua aerobics. It's a good way to

get exercise, without all of the impact. I hope things start to

look brighter for you soon Norma. Keep at your doctor to change

your med regimen!

Many hugs,

Jen

[Guest guest]

-- Re: overweight

<You mention that you are bipolar...so am I. Does your doc have you on a mood stablizer? The first one I was on, Depakote, caused me to gain almost 60 pounds in about 6 months or so.> Hi Jen,

Guess what I am on Depekote. My doctor is decreasing it slowly. I'm on Lamotrigine as the stabilizer now and it not suppose to put weight on. Over the years I've been on over 30 meds for depression. From tricyclics, ssri's and Maoi's and different mood stabilizers. Right now I take Effexor, Lamotrigine, Risperdone ( which I know causes weight gain) Trazodone. Way too many drugs in my opinion. That's why I asked my doctor to decrease or illiminate some of them. She is afraid I will crash again like I did when I tried going off them last time. I would like to get off the Effexor and the Risperdone and the Trazodone. I sleep well without drugs thanks for my cpap machine for sleep apnea. Lithium is really bad for weight gain. I was on that for a few months and ballooned. The only way I can get proper treatment is to research and then tell the doctor what I want done. My doc usually does the exact thing I request. Thank goodness for the internet. Thanks Jen for your input.

Norma

[Guest guest]

I know from my dad that most anti-depressants will either cause weight gain or weight loss, and other drugs can as well. But so can Fibro itself. Even if someone isn't taking meds, the fact that they are in pain and thus can't do as much as before can cause weight gain from the lack of activity and that causes more tiredness and pain and even less activity.

It is a very viscious cycle and my dad is well into it. I am trying to get out of it myself, but it is hard. It sounds like your doctor is trying to get it under control and help you anyway he knows how.

Maybe you could also ask for a referral to a nutricionist who can go over your medical history with you and see if you need some more vitamins or minerals to help you out.

Also, see about getting your thyroid checked. And underactive thyroid also causes weight gain.

Good luck and I hope you get something worked out soon!

Closson's wrote:

Does your medications cause you to gain weight? I am bipolar and have been on many antidepressants over 20 years, most of them causing weight gain, thus I am severely overweight. I started Naproxen and Flexeril and I'm still gaining weight. This causes me alot pain, seeing so many people able to do little things I used to . I have tried to lose weight, with little results because I'm still on all those antidepressants. The doctor is trying to ween me off some of them, but I can't go off all of them. My legs now can't support my weight without causing pain . Along with the fibromyalgia and arthritis I feel like an invalid. I know I have to exercise to lose the weight, but I can't move all this weight around. Just going from room to room in our house I'm huffing and puffing. I feel depressed about my weight. Are there any exercises I can do other than walking? I really need help or I'm going to

have a heart attack or stroke soon. My husband is very understanding and does almost everything for me. What can I do???

Norma

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation better.Have a nice day everyone. Site-Mod: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group If I can't serve as a good example, then I guess I'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for your knowledge. I am on thyroid medication and I just recently started a good vitamin/mineral vitamin. You're right about the difficulty of activity because of the fibro. I've been so sleepy the last few days I can't keep my eyes open. I wonder if this is the Flexeril. Again, it could be the Fibro or the medications I'm on. Gee, I don't seem to get anywhere .

Norma

-- Re: overweight

I know from my dad that most anti-depressants will either cause weight gain or weight loss, and other drugs can as well. But so can Fibro itself. Even if someone isn't taking meds, the fact that they are in pain and thus can't do as much as before can cause weight gain from the lack of activity and that causes more tiredness and pain and even less activity.

It is a very viscious cycle and my dad is well into it. I am trying to get out of it myself, but it is hard. It sounds like your doctor is trying to get it under control and help you anyway he knows how.

Maybe you could also ask for a referral to a nutricionist who can go over your medical history with you and see if you need some more vitamins or minerals to help you out.

Also, see about getting your thyroid checked. And underactive thyroid also causes weight gain.

Good luck and I hope you get something worked out soon!

[Guest guest]

Exactly. I feel so bad because I feel like I can't do the things with my son that I should be able to do. Like go out and play. And his grandparents can't either cause they are both disabled and his dad doesn't live anywhere near us. Not that his dad would have anything to do with him even if he did live here. The only reason I get child support is because the state enforces it and the only reason he has had any contact with him is probably because of his wife..... She and I talk via e-mail every once in awhile to keep up on the lastest news and developments. She seems more interested in than his dad does....

So I am in a catch 22. Hopefully we will be remembered for what we try to do and not what we can't......Closson's wrote:

,

Thanks for your knowledge. I am on thyroid medication and I just recently started a good vitamin/mineral vitamin. You're right about the difficulty of activity because of the fibro. I've been so sleepy the last few days I can't keep my eyes open. I wonder if this is the Flexeril. Again, it could be the Fibro or the medications I'm on. Gee, I don't seem to get anywhere .

Norma

-- Re: overweight

I know from my dad that most anti-depressants will either cause weight gain or weight loss, and other drugs can as well. But so can Fibro itself. Even if someone isn't taking meds, the fact that they are in pain and thus can't do as much as before can cause weight gain from the lack of activity and that causes more tiredness and pain and even less activity.

It is a very viscious cycle and my dad is well into it. I am trying to get out of it myself, but it is hard. It sounds like your doctor is trying to get it under control and help you anyway he knows how.

Maybe you could also ask for a referral to a nutricionist who can go over your medical history with you and see if you need some more vitamins or minerals to help you out.

Also, see about getting your thyroid checked. And underactive thyroid also causes weight gain.

Good luck and I hope you get something worked out soon!

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation better.Have a nice day everyone. Site-Mod: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group If I can't serve as a good example, then I guess I'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Norma,

Depakote is some nasty stuff when it comes to weight gain. I have

heard of people gaining well over 100 pounds on it, and it's almost

impossible to lose weight while still on it. I'm glad to hear that

your doc is weaning you off it now! After all of my nagging, my old

psych put me on Depakote ER (extended release) which halted the

weight gain, thank goodness, but my weight still wouldn't budge.

Given what it does to your metabolism, it's no surprise!

Since your doctor is in the process of getting you off some of the

other meds, this is a perfect opportunity to ask her about giving

something like Topamax a try. It works great for me as a

stabilizer. I was the type of person that never really realized I

was in a manic state until I crashed....and I crash HARD! I was

treated as a major depressive for several years by my family doc

until I got an accurate dx by a psychiatrist. Until then, I would

feel good, then really, really bad, so they kept changing my a/d,

and upping the dosage, not realizing that I just needed a

stabilizer. Now that I'm on Topamax, I'm finally off the roller

coaster. I'm sure you understand that feeling. It's also helped me

to lose weight.

Wow, I can't believe you have been on 30 different meds. It's no

wonder your body has gone haywire! It's awful that a lot of the

meds that help us have the weight gain side effect, especially when

you consider that a lot mental health patients have self-esteem

problems too. I hope your doctor finds the right combination of

meds soon, and that they work with your body rather than against

it! Take care of yourself and keep me posted.

All my best,

Jen

[Guest guest]

i gained 80 on depakote....better known as depa-bloat....ugh

lee

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort

Re: overweight

Norma,Depakote is some nasty stuff when it comes to weight gain. I have heard of people gaining well over 100 pounds on it, and it's almost impossible to lose weight while still on it. I'm glad to hear that your doc is weaning you off it now! After all of my nagging, my old psych put me on Depakote ER (extended release) which halted the weight gain, thank goodness, but my weight still wouldn't budge. Given what it does to your metabolism, it's no surprise!Since your doctor is in the process of getting you off some of the other meds, this is a perfect opportunity to ask her about giving something like Topamax a try. It works great for me as a stabilizer. I was the type of person that never really realized I was in a manic state until I crashed....and I crash HARD! I was treated as a major depressive for several years by my family doc until I got an accurate dx by a psychiatrist. Until then, I would feel good, then really, really bad, so they kept changing my a/d, and upping the dosage, not realizing that I just needed a stabilizer. Now that I'm on Topamax, I'm finally off the roller coaster. I'm sure you understand that feeling. It's also helped me to lose weight. Wow, I can't believe you have been on 30 different meds. It's no wonder your body has gone haywire! It's awful that a lot of the meds that help us have the weight gain side effect, especially when you consider that a lot mental health patients have self-esteem problems too. I hope your doctor finds the right combination of meds soon, and that they work with your body rather than against it! Take care of yourself and keep me posted.All my best, Jen1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation better.Have a nice day everyone.