Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 4030

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Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by laura on April 1, 1999, at 18:07:28

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by ruth on April 1, 1999, at 14:57:26

>
> Very interesting. I started taking prozac when i
> turned 28 and have taken it for 3 years. In that
> time I slowly gained 15 pounds, even though I
> exercise vigorously and regularly and eat healthy.
> i was very perplexed and frustrated that the
> weight just seemed to "stick" to me no matter
> what I did. I thought it was probably just b/c
> i was turning 30 and my metabolism was slowing
> down...that's what other women in their 30's were
> telling me too. But maybe it was the prozac...
> What confuses me through reading all these posts
> is, however, that i've heard that going off SSRI's
> causes weight gain? Is it catch 22--you go on
> ssri meds and gain weight, and also gain weight
> when you go off? any insights?

Weight gain going off SSRI's--oh god, somebody please tell me this is some cruel april fool's joke!

Seriously though, I talked to a woman yesteday who had experienced large weight gains from both prozac and lithium at different points in her life. She had always been a thin person (i've known her since high school, and it's true) she's off meds and seems to be doing okay. She has lost all of the weight-she's in great shape-hate her, hate her, hate her :)- don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating discontinuing needed medication for weight loss but it's nice to know it will come off if you do. Unfortunately, this is the only weight loss after AD discontinuation I know of. Has anybody else heard of it?

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by Pat on April 1, 1999, at 18:30:13

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by laura on April 1, 1999, at 18:07:28

OH PLEASE somebody tell me you can lose the weight after you stop the AD!

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by laura on April 1, 1999, at 18:37:16

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by saintjames on April 1, 1999, at 14:38:19

> > > the weight gain issue does NOT lend itself to "a simple answer here....eat better and excercise".
>
>
> James here....
>
> Good lord...did I start this ? My only point is that weight gain is a very common problem and judging from the posts it troubles many. I feel that if people are warned b4 starting AD's about this some many be able to change habits to counter this side effect. I know I did not gain
> my AD pounds eating air. The answer is simple but the application is very very hard for many.
>
> j

Well, maybe you did gain your weight from overeating and lack of exercise. That's just not true for everyone though. I worked out regularly and eate right before I went on Prozac and have continued to do that while taking prozac. In the last 6 weeks I've eaten much less (1200 cals per day) without any significant weight loss. The formula is to expend more calories than you you take in. I know how it works-- been using it successfully for many, many years. Since I have been on prozac it no longer works. I still have good muscle tone but it is now cover by fat (settle down, harry, i know how you like that kind of talk :)) so explain what i'm doing wrong, pleeease.

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 18:57:58

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by laura on April 1, 1999, at 18:37:16

LOL laura....muscle covered by fat!..oooh baby!....SOMEBODY STOP ME!

james..what you say is uninformed and damaging..PLEASE check the available medical info....there are personal testimonies here ( a priceless gift)..medical references i left and others that can be referenced on your own.
what laura, myself, and many many many others have said here and in the forums i left, and medical references sited....is that this weight gain involves some alteration of metabolism..the gain is OUT OF CONTROL OF THE PATIENT...and..even with severe, rigorous exercise and dietary regimens is REMARKABLY recalcitrant to regular recovery methods..its bad enough experiencing this side effect...the LAST thing people need is to think its THEM CAUSING IT (eg "I did not gain
> my AD pounds eating air. The answer is simple but the application is very very hard for many"..this is crap)
>
....it's better to be quiet and listen when one hasn't any personal or accurate information to add...
are you aware of the basic tenet of medical
care?
"PRIMUM NON NOCERE"....(above all else..do no harm)

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by learn to forget on April 1, 1999, at 18:58:20

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by laura on April 1, 1999, at 18:37:16

> > > > the weight gain issue does NOT lend itself to "a simple answer here....eat better and excercise".
> >
> >
> > James here....
> >
> > Good lord...did I start this ? My only point is that weight gain is a very common problem and judging from the posts it troubles many. I feel that if people are warned b4 starting AD's about this some many be able to change habits to counter this side effect. I know I did not gain
> > my AD pounds eating air. The answer is simple but the application is very very hard for many.
> >
> > j
>
> Well, maybe you did gain your weight from overeating and lack of exercise. That's just not true for everyone though. I worked out regularly and eate right before I went on Prozac and have continued to do that while taking prozac. In the last 6 weeks I've eaten much less (1200 cals per day) without any significant weight loss. The formula is to expend more calories than you you take in. I know how it works-- been using it successfully for many, many years. Since I have been on prozac it no longer works. I still have good muscle tone but it is now cover by fat (settle down, harry, i know how you like that kind of talk :)) so explain what i'm doing wrong, pleeease.

I'm like laura. I have been a fanatic about exercise -- an OCD. There's something about ssri's. Maybe its that we're now all alpha males and females, per "Listening to Prozac", so nature requires us to be big and strong... Any darwinians care to comment?

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by laura on April 1, 1999, at 19:01:31

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by Pat on April 1, 1999, at 16:01:46

> I too have experienced the wonderful weight gain on several different AD's. That is one of the main reasons I stopped taking them for now! Nothing makes me more DEPRESSED than being FAT! There is no way I can pick up my mood when I'm working out six days a week and eating like a bird, and still GAINING WEIGHT! I really enjoyed reading this thread though. Some of you guys are really funny. Hope everyone stays well!

I hear ya sister!! I'm getting on the treadmill right now, in the hope that my posterior will be appreciably smaller by summer. Wish me luck!!!

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by Matt on April 1, 1999, at 22:22:06

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by Pat on April 1, 1999, at 16:01:49

Pat,

I lost weight coming off Prozac twice. So at least one person has lost weight coming off an a-d. (He says while munching on (yet another) lowfat granola bar.)

Matt

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by saintjames on April 2, 1999, at 0:02:00

In reply to the weight gain issue, posted by saintjames on March 26, 1999, at 1:46:56

Hmmmm....

I find these reports of weight gain despite intake restriction anf excercise intresting.
For me ( and 2 other friends that went on AD's
at the same time) the AD's (Doxipin, the worst)
caused inreased appetite, and hince weight gain.
Doxipin was the worst because it made us crave sweets (the doc reported this was common) esp. chocolate. I personally have been able to lose weight while on AD's thru low fat diet (but by no means stavation, just proper diet) and walking several miles a day.

I'm sorry to hear that some of you are not so lucky. The web pages were intresting on this subjuct but inconclusive. Dr. Bob, any thoughts ?

j

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by saintjames on April 2, 1999, at 0:11:19

In reply to the weight gain issue, posted by saintjames on March 26, 1999, at 1:46:56

There is some intresting info on Dr Bob's site

http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/tips.html

Enter "weight" in the search box

j

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by Pat on April 2, 1999, at 8:21:54

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by saintjames on April 2, 1999, at 0:11:19

Thanks for the reassurance Matt! I'm off AD's now and hoping to lose the weight. The prospect of being able to lose weight is one of the few things that keeps me going about getting off the AD! Right now, being off only a few days, I'm a little scared, AND depressed that yet another drug trial failed.

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by DALE on April 2, 1999, at 11:15:51

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by Pat on April 2, 1999, at 8:21:54

WOW! WHAT A BANDWAGON. I'VE BEEN ON ZOLOFT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND HAVE GAINED ABOUT 25 POUNDS. I, LIKE MANY ON THIS THREAD HAVE BEEN WORKING OUT REGULARLY FOR YEARS AND KNOW ALL THE INS AND OUTS OF CARB, PROTEIN AND FAT INTAKE AND MONITORING. WHAT I'VE NOTICED IS AN INCREASE IN MY CRAVING FOR CARBOHYDRATES, WHICH I WOULD GUESS IS A SIDE EFFECT OF THE INCREASED SERITONIN LEVELS. ITS IRONIC THAT MY EXCERCISE ROUTINE, WHICH WAS MY WEAPON AGAINST DEPRESSION IN THE PAST, NOW PROVES TO BE INEFFECTIVE. THE DEPRESSION FROM THE WEIGHT GAIN SEEMS TO HAVE CANCELED OUT THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE ZOLOFT, AND IN TURN THE ZOLOFT HAS KILLED THE OCD TENDENCIES I RELIED ON TO WORK OUT EFFECTIVLY.

DALE

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by Terry on April 2, 1999, at 21:05:12

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by saintjames on April 2, 1999, at 0:02:00

Weight gain is a problem with many psychotropic drugs. I'm on Depakote and have gained about 25 pounds on it in about two years. I hate the weight gain, because I started out heavy and now I'm even heavier. It seems to slow me down and I crave carbohydrates on it. On the other hand, if I didn't take the Depakote, I would be manic, and I would dislike that even more. It distresses me to see people getting off drugs that help them because of weight gain. It's a side effect that none of us likes, but it's better than being depressed/manic/psychotic, etc. I think striving to accept ourselves as we are is important. And trying to eat healthy and exercise is important too, just as it is for anyone, large or small, mentally ill or not. There is evidence that one can be healthy and large, so I eat my fruits and vegies and follow the food pyramid and work out 4-5 times a week. That's good advice for anyone, large or small. And yes, it's distressing to look at myself in the mirror and see a much larger version of myself than two years ago, but I also see a much more together person and a happier person. If I had to choose between the two, I'd rather be happy than thin. Terry

> Hmmmm....
>
> I find these reports of weight gain despite intake restriction anf excercise intresting.
> For me ( and 2 other friends that went on AD's
> at the same time) the AD's (Doxipin, the worst)
> caused inreased appetite, and hince weight gain.
> Doxipin was the worst because it made us crave sweets (the doc reported this was common) esp. chocolate. I personally have been able to lose weight while on AD's thru low fat diet (but by no means stavation, just proper diet) and walking several miles a day.
>
> I'm sorry to hear that some of you are not so lucky. The web pages were intresting on this subjuct but inconclusive. Dr. Bob, any thoughts ?
>
> j

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by Matt on April 3, 1999, at 3:43:31

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by DALE on April 2, 1999, at 11:15:51

There's some discussion of SSRIs affecting exercise drive on psych tips--the upshot is just what you say, Dale, that some people who were compulsive about their exercising no longer are on SSRIs.

Harry had referenced an interesting article on the possible biology of SSRI weight gain, btw.

Matt

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by laura on April 3, 1999, at 10:53:19

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by Matt on April 3, 1999, at 3:43:31

> There's some discussion of SSRIs affecting exercise drive on psych tips--the upshot is just what you say, Dale, that some people who were compulsive about their exercising no longer are on SSRIs.
>
> Harry had referenced an interesting article on the possible biology of SSRI weight gain, btw.
>
> Matt

Hi Matt--

I have a problem getting started when I work out. What I've found that works for me is--When I'm at home working out, I set an egg timer for 10 minutes and tell myself that I'll only work out for the 10 minutes and if I want to quit after the timer goes off I can. I don't think I've ever quit after the timer goes off, by then I'm into it. When I go to the gym, I just promise myself that I'll go, change and at least walk around and if I want to go home I can. That works for me too.

Hey, which article were you refering to about the SSRI and weight gain?
Thx,
laura

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by mary on April 5, 1999, at 19:48:17

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by laura on April 3, 1999, at 10:53:19

I am so distraught. I was on wellbutrin for eight months. I could see a direct weght loss from the time I started it since I was going to WW at the time. However, I could go no higher on the dosage and came off in November. I went on
Effexor. By March 4th, I had gained 24 pounds. Nothing different in my eating habits or exercise patterns (which was nothing to begin with. Point is everything was the same including the fact that I didnt get any antidepressant effect.) Ive been off effexor for two weeks and on Celexa for one of those two weeks and I lost three pounds but those three are back plus two more one week later. I still dont have any AD relief and wonder at the moment if I ever will. I spent my youth being underweight. I always championed being fair to the person not the looks. I hate that I''m not thin. I hate that I know I should move and I hate that I don't make myself but it really seems impossible. I know it's not but I don't make it change. The thought that i'll never see 150, never mind 125 lbs, is so earthshattering I can barely type about it. Maybe I shouldnt even bother... At any rate, Laura, your idea (think it was yours,) about the timer is one I'll try. Meanwhile what is the experience for Celexa with people who have been taking it? thanks for any info.
> >
> > Harry had referenced an interesting article on the possible biology of SSRI weight gain, btw.

>
> Hi Matt--
>
> I have a problem getting started when I work out. What I've found that works for me is--When I'm at home working out, I set an egg timer for 10 minutes and tell myself that I'll only work out for the 10 minutes and if I want to quit after the timer goes off I can. I don't think I've ever quit after the timer goes off, by then I'm into it. When I go to the gym, I just promise myself that I'll go, change and at least walk around and if I want to go home I can. That works for me too.
>
> Hey, which article were you refering to about the SSRI and weight gain?
> Thx,
> laura

 

Re: the weight gain issue

Posted by Nancy on April 5, 1999, at 20:42:38

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by pej on March 26, 1999, at 5:40:38

Hey, Phil. How's it draggin'? Nanc, here. There was quite a long while that the bipolar-1 deep deppression was totally incapacitating for me. You know, can't even lift an arm off the sheets no matter how hard you concentrate and will that arm to move. There's just no response. OH! Yea, and trying to walk?! Ha! I was 30y goin' on 107y old if you looked at the way I shuffled about, holdin' on to everything I passed by for support. BTW, for this type of misery, I HIGHLY BENEFITTED FROM ECT!!! Damn straight!

Today, Bro! Miracle of miracles I was finally able to start the walk-jog thing!!! AND (as if that weren't enough) I've been riding my recumbent bike (of course, it helps that it's in my bedroom with a large TV and VCR in front of it) for over three miles a day for the last THREE DAYS!!!

It took (let's see...jan, feb, mar...) ECT (in early Jan. '99), Effexor XR, Seroquel and 3 months of butt-kicking determination. But, after ECT knocked out most of my depression, my body finally responded to my butt-kicking determination!!! Now, after looking completely rediculous, shuffling around outside on the sidewalk, parading about like the derranged lunatic that I was, before the eyes of my neighbors I steadily increased in both my ability to walk and the length of my journeys. I'm walking 1.2miles a day and have done so for the past two weeks.

Gotta rest, now.
Nancy

> > It is clear that all AD's cause weight gain to some degree in most people. One can play with AD's to find the one that has the least effect....for me it is Effexor.
> >
> > There is a simple answer here....eat better and excercise. It is ez to do something about the weight
> > but the dperession is the reason you take the meds. If you make weight gain a litums test all AD's will fail.
> > I wish doctors would push to see that patients on long term meds get on an excercise program. Even though the answer is simple its application is tuff knot...I still don't excercise.
> >
> > james
> >>
> >>james,
> Wishing doctors would tell us to exercise? If we want to get well, we must take responsibility for our actions and not wait for someone in authority
> to 'make us'.
> I've just realized recently,again, how much I want to find the perfect med or combo and just let it turn my life around. The other day I started a walk-jog thing again(depressed and all)
> did 3 miles and felt better for it. I didn't feel great yet but damnit I will be back out this a.m. etc.
> If we are not totally incapacitated with this illness, if we know certain activities make us feel better, then let's just get our sad-assed faces and big butts in some warmups-screw what others think. Shake it, baby!
>
> ~phil~

 

Re: the weight gain issue-Nancy

Posted by pej on April 5, 1999, at 21:12:20

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by Nancy on April 5, 1999, at 20:42:38

> Hey Nancy, Very nice to hear from you again. After several hours of hell in the ER a few weeks ago, I now seem to be returning to a moderately dysfunctional semi-moody occasionally hopeful baseline sort of existance, you know...normal.
I'm a' doin' 300mg of Wellbutrin, 2mg Klonopin(as long as I don't forget and take, like, six :-)
and doc just added 10mg Prozac. Oh yeah, if I want to be engaging I add a 10mg dash of Ritalin.
Let me see, what have I left out. Several cigarettes a day and , of course I exercise. I think I've gone from 212 lbs. to 211lbs. but that was probably lung tissue and liver loss due to overwork. Here's to a pill-poppin '99. Phil
ps-really glad you are back in form! I guess I'm doing okay too, despite it all!

hey Hey, Phil. How's it draggin'? Nanc, here. There was quite a long while that the bipolar-1 deep deppression was totally incapacitating for me. You know, can't even lift an arm off the sheets no matter how hard you concentrate and will that arm to move. There's just no response. OH! Yea, and trying to walk?! Ha! I was 30y goin' on 107y old if you looked at the way I shuffled about, holdin' on to everything I passed by for support. BTW, for this type of misery, I HIGHLY BENEFITTED FROM ECT!!! Damn straight!
>
> Today, Bro! Miracle of miracles I was finally able to start the walk-jog thing!!! AND (as if that weren't enough) I've been riding my recumbent bike (of course, it helps that it's in my bedroom with a large TV and VCR in front of it) for over three miles a day for the last THREE DAYS!!!
>
> It took (let's see...jan, feb, mar...) ECT (in early Jan. '99), Effexor XR, Seroquel and 3 months of butt-kicking determination. But, after ECT knocked out most of my depression, my body finally responded to my butt-kicking determination!!! Now, after looking completely rediculous, shuffling around outside on the sidewalk, parading about like the derranged lunatic that I was, before the eyes of my neighbors I steadily increased in both my ability to walk and the length of my journeys. I'm walking 1.2miles a day and have done so for the past two weeks.
>
> Gotta rest, now.
> Nancy
>
> > > It is clear that all AD's cause weight gain to some degree in most people. One can play with AD's to find the one that has the least effect....for me it is Effexor.
> > >
> > > There is a simple answer here....eat better and excercise. It is ez to do something about the weight
> > > but the dperession is the reason you take the meds. If you make weight gain a litums test all AD's will fail.
> > > I wish doctors would push to see that patients on long term meds get on an excercise program. Even though the answer is simple its application is tuff knot...I still don't excercise.
> > >
> > > james
> > >>
> > >>james,
> > Wishing doctors would tell us to exercise? If we want to get well, we must take responsibility for our actions and not wait for someone in authority
> > to 'make us'.
> > I've just realized recently,again, how much I want to find the perfect med or combo and just let it turn my life around. The other day I started a walk-jog thing again(depressed and all)
> > did 3 miles and felt better for it. I didn't feel great yet but damnit I will be back out this a.m. etc.
> > If we are not totally incapacitated with this illness, if we know certain activities make us feel better, then let's just get our sad-assed faces and big butts in some warmups-screw what others think. Shake it, baby!
> >
> > ~phil~

 

Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Posted by Terry on April 5, 1999, at 21:15:13

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue, posted by Nancy on April 5, 1999, at 20:42:38

Hello? Is anybody listening to me? All I've read so far on this thread is people complaining about gaining weight on psychotropic meds. I've gained 25 pounds on Depakote and I hate the weight gain, but I'm trying to learn to live with it! I'm better than ever mentally. As for eating right and exercising, EVERYONE should do that, fat or thin, on meds or not. I get tired of people laying guilt trips on themselves and others about their weight. Try to love yourself as you are and DON'T GET OFF YOUR MEDS if they're helping you! As I said before, isn't it better to be fat and happy than thin and depressed/manic/psychotic? If you're on meds, eating right and exercising and still remaining fat/gaining weight, it's out of your control, so why worry about it? We're all too obsessed with our looks. And don't talk to me about weight being a health issue. It's not if you manage to eat reasonably well and exercise and otherwise take care of yourself. Doesn't anyone else out there see this issue as I do? Terry

> Hey, Phil. How's it draggin'? Nanc, here. There was quite a long while that the bipolar-1 deep deppression was totally incapacitating for me. You know, can't even lift an arm off the sheets no matter how hard you concentrate and will that arm to move. There's just no response. OH! Yea, and trying to walk?! Ha! I was 30y goin' on 107y old if you looked at the way I shuffled about, holdin' on to everything I passed by for support. BTW, for this type of misery, I HIGHLY BENEFITTED FROM ECT!!! Damn straight!
>
> Today, Bro! Miracle of miracles I was finally able to start the walk-jog thing!!! AND (as if that weren't enough) I've been riding my recumbent bike (of course, it helps that it's in my bedroom with a large TV and VCR in front of it) for over three miles a day for the last THREE DAYS!!!
>
> It took (let's see...jan, feb, mar...) ECT (in early Jan. '99), Effexor XR, Seroquel and 3 months of butt-kicking determination. But, after ECT knocked out most of my depression, my body finally responded to my butt-kicking determination!!! Now, after looking completely rediculous, shuffling around outside on the sidewalk, parading about like the derranged lunatic that I was, before the eyes of my neighbors I steadily increased in both my ability to walk and the length of my journeys. I'm walking 1.2miles a day and have done so for the past two weeks.
>
> Gotta rest, now.
> Nancy
>
> > > It is clear that all AD's cause weight gain to some degree in most people. One can play with AD's to find the one that has the least effect....for me it is Effexor.
> > >
> > > There is a simple answer here....eat better and excercise. It is ez to do something about the weight
> > > but the dperession is the reason you take the meds. If you make weight gain a litums test all AD's will fail.
> > > I wish doctors would push to see that patients on long term meds get on an excercise program. Even though the answer is simple its application is tuff knot...I still don't excercise.
> > >
> > > james
> > >>
> > >>james,
> > Wishing doctors would tell us to exercise? If we want to get well, we must take responsibility for our actions and not wait for someone in authority
> > to 'make us'.
> > I've just realized recently,again, how much I want to find the perfect med or combo and just let it turn my life around. The other day I started a walk-jog thing again(depressed and all)
> > did 3 miles and felt better for it. I didn't feel great yet but damnit I will be back out this a.m. etc.
> > If we are not totally incapacitated with this illness, if we know certain activities make us feel better, then let's just get our sad-assed faces and big butts in some warmups-screw what others think. Shake it, baby!
> >
> > ~phil~

 

Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Posted by harry on April 6, 1999, at 12:11:38

In reply to Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?, posted by Terry on April 5, 1999, at 21:15:13

Terry,
There are references here regarding ideas and hope of dealing with the weight gain issue.

It is YOU who are not "listening"

This is plainly visible by all the whipped about almost usesless advice unaccompanied by your OWN individual experience...the only true "teacher".

You ADD to people's pain wth these kinds od postings.

 

Re: I'm glad that Harry knows how to listen. :)

Posted by Nancy on April 6, 1999, at 15:06:49

In reply to Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?, posted by harry on April 6, 1999, at 12:11:38

> Terry,
> There are references here regarding ideas and hope of dealing with the weight gain issue.
>
> It is YOU who are not "listening"


Amen to that!! Way to tell it straight up, Harry!!
All I wanted, was to share MY LONG TIME IN ARRIVING achievement! I'm FINALLY able to MOVE! Darn it! This is a really BIG DEAL FOR ME! Then, someone thought that it was in all of our BEST INTEREST to poop on my parade.

That's for speaking up, Harry. I'm going to move on from this and keep fighting to get my life back.

Thanks,
Nancy :)


>
> This is plainly visible by all the whipped about almost usesless advice unaccompanied by your OWN individual experience...the only true "teacher".
>
> You ADD to people's pain wth these kinds od postings.

 

Re: the no longer an issue; weight gain-Phil

Posted by Nancy on April 6, 1999, at 15:59:08

In reply to Re: the weight gain issue-Nancy, posted by pej on April 5, 1999, at 21:12:20

> > Hey Nancy, Very nice to hear from you again.

***********************************
Hey, I missed you, too. You know how it goes. Here today, then, gone to the hospital, tomarrow. I saw in the New Year with my DOA at the ER after an OD on Seroquel. Between you and me, since my ECT, I'm really glad to still be around. So, I thought I'd drop in and hang out with all you folks, again. That is, if you don't mind the company of me(the lunatic fringe)...LOL :)
##################

After several hours of hell in the ER a few weeks ago, I now seem to be returning to a moderately dysfunctional semi-moody occasionally hopeful baseline sort of existance, you know...normal.

**********************
Yea, I'm with ya...I know...the lifestyle of the sick and outrageous. Hey, it's okay that we go through this STUFF. It shows, you have an enormous amount of courage. You have great strength and self-determination, because you are still alive. You are not a quitter. We sometimes break, but noone would dare call us weak.
################

> I'm a' doin' 300mg of Wellbutrin, 2mg Klonopin(as long as I don't forget and take, like, six :-)
> and doc just added 10mg Prozac. Oh yeah, if I want to be engaging I add a 10mg dash of Ritalin.

> Let me see, what have I left out. Several cigarettes a day

*******Hee, Hee, Hee...ME, TOO! Do all severely manic-depressives smoke? Maybe, just the ones I know.########


and , of course I exercise.

**********as you've read, I'm back to butt-kickin' form. Still gotta lose another 20Lbs to be a 110-115Lb lean-mad-as-a-hatter-dancin'-machine, once again.##########


I think I've gone from 212 lbs. to 211lbs.

*********oooooh...somebody stop me...
###########


but that was probably lung tissue and liver loss due to overwork.

*************Overwork? What, are you a tissue donor??? ...kidding...are meds a problem?
#############


Here's to a pill-poppin '99. Phil

****************Hey, if one is good, two will do ya better! ...LOL...:)
###########

> ps-really glad you are back in form! I guess I'm doing okay too, despite it all!

************Thanks! I hope you feel good. I'm happy to be, here, again.
Nancy :) ;) :)
######################
>

>
>
>
>
>
>
> hey Hey, Phil. How's it draggin'? Nanc, here. There was quite a long while that the bipolar-1 deep deppression was totally incapacitating for me. You know, can't even lift an arm off the sheets no matter how hard you concentrate and will that arm to move. There's just no response. OH! Yea, and trying to walk?! Ha! I was 30y goin' on 107y old if you looked at the way I shuffled about, holdin' on to everything I passed by for support. BTW, for this type of misery, I HIGHLY BENEFITTED FROM ECT!!! Damn straight!
> >
> > Today, Bro! Miracle of miracles I was finally able to start the walk-jog thing!!! AND (as if that weren't enough) I've been riding my recumbent bike (of course, it helps that it's in my bedroom with a large TV and VCR in front of it) for over three miles a day for the last THREE DAYS!!!
> >
> > It took (let's see...jan, feb, mar...) ECT (in early Jan. '99), Effexor XR, Seroquel and 3 months of butt-kicking determination. But, after ECT knocked out most of my depression, my body finally responded to my butt-kicking determination!!! Now, after looking completely rediculous, shuffling around outside on the sidewalk, parading about like the derranged lunatic that I was, before the eyes of my neighbors I steadily increased in both my ability to walk and the length of my journeys. I'm walking 1.2miles a day and have done so for the past two weeks.
> >
> > Gotta rest, now.
> > Nancy
>
> > > If we are not totally incapacitated with this illness, if we know certain activities make us feel better, then let's just get our sad-assed faces and big butts in some warmups-screw what others think. Shake it, baby!
> > >
> > > ~phil~

 

Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Posted by Terry on April 6, 1999, at 20:02:15

In reply to Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?, posted by harry on April 6, 1999, at 12:11:38

Harry -- Sorry to offend. I'll get off my high horse and just say that I want people to think about staying on their meds and not worrying so much about how they look. Theresa

> Terry,
> There are references here regarding ideas and hope of dealing with the weight gain issue.
>
> It is YOU who are not "listening"
>
> This is plainly visible by all the whipped about almost usesless advice unaccompanied by your OWN individual experience...the only true "teacher".
>
> You ADD to people's pain wth these kinds od postings.

 

Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Posted by v on April 6, 1999, at 20:43:38

In reply to Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?, posted by Terry on April 6, 1999, at 20:02:15

> Harry -- Sorry to offend. I'll get off my high horse and just say that I want people to think about staying on their meds and not worrying so much about how they look. Theresa

it's just not that easy... that's like telling people not to be depressed

i think we deserve meds that make us feel good about living and about ourselves... i'm not able to feel that way when i am overweight...and as a cyclist, i don't perform as well

that said, is there anyone who hasn't gained weight on their meds?
specifically effexor since that is what i'm taking...
i haven't experienced weight gain on it but having been overweight when i began (as a direct result of my depression), i seem to be having alot of trouble getting the weight off despite feeling better - which is unusual for me

thanks for listening

v

 

Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Posted by harry on April 7, 1999, at 1:26:14

In reply to Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?, posted by v on April 6, 1999, at 20:43:38

agree with v...why would anyone want "people to think about staying on their meds and not worrying so much about how they look"...since the way we think and feel are part and parcel OF depression.
In fact, this kind of attitude aimed at, and internalized by people, CAUSES depression.
That's scarey terry.

 

Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?

Posted by Terry on April 7, 1999, at 12:22:37

In reply to Re: IS ANYBODY LISTENING?, posted by harry on April 7, 1999, at 1:26:14

Harry -- Listen, can you not understand that people who are helped by their medications psychologically should consider staying on them, despite weight gain? I'm not saying people shouldn't acknowledge their feelings or their depression! I'm simply saying that from my own experience, it's more important for me mentally and emotionally to be helped by the Depakote I take than to get off the Depakote and lose weight. I'd rather be fat and feel better. Please stop berating me for what I'm saying because it makes perfect sense to me. I can understand how horrible weight gain is, because I've been through it, but it's nothing compared to the hell of untreated bipolar disorder. I exercise, I eat right, and still I gain weight. It's out of my control, I'm trying to be healthy, and that's the best I can do. Many of the postings I've seen on this thread about weight gain have been about stopping medications because of people's concern about weight gain. Don't you agree that's not a good idea? Terry

> agree with v...why would anyone want "people to think about staying on their meds and not worrying so much about how they look"...since the way we think and feel are part and parcel OF depression.
> In fact, this kind of attitude aimed at, and internalized by people, CAUSES depression.
> That's scarey terry.


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