Posted by Elizabeth on June 2, 2001, at 14:12:13
In reply to Topamax and Obesity, posted by Made-up Name on June 1, 2001, at 12:58:13
Hi. I know what you mean about feeling judged all the time -- although I don't have weight problems, my best friend from grade school and high school was overweight and had a very hard time. It's terrible the way people treat you if you're overweight, especially if you're female.
Have you ever heard of "binge-eating disorder?" It's a relatively new concept (it's in the "research diagnostic criteria sets" appendix to DSM-IV). It's basically what it sounds like (sort of like bulimia nervosa only without compensatory behaviours like vomiting, laxative abuse, etc.). Topamax is being used a lot for this and also for increased appetite as a result of other psychoactive drugs like antipsychotics, some antidepressants, etc.
Another pharmacological approach you might look into is Wellbutrin. It's a close chemical relative of Tenuate, an older appetite-suppressant drug that has fallen out of favour. When I tried Wellbutrin (for depression), I found it was almost impossible to eat. (I wasn't eating much without the Wellbutrin, though.) Wellbutrin doesn't usually help with anxiety and often makes it worse, but social anxiety is a little different.
I know a lot of people who have tried carbohydrate-restricted diets and had amazing results. There is actually a good reason why these diets work; it's not just a fad, and it's not necessarily unhealthy, although I think it requires that you take vitamins and other supplements.
Can you clarify what you mean when you say: "Suddenly, it quit working..." ? Do you mean that you stopped losing weight from your diet, or that you started having carbohydrate cravings again, or something else? Also, are there any triggers that you can identify for your binge episodes?
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/65182.html