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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by deimos/phobos on September 4, 2002, at 19:33:19
Hello everybody ---
I promised myself over a year ago that if I ever succeeded in losing the weight that I gained on Paxil I would let the world know - to give others hope who may have gained tons of weight on any SSRI and fear that they'll never get "their old body back." I was on 10mg. of Paxil (a low dose) for about 4 1/2 months and gained 25 lbs. despite all efforts to lose or just maintain weight during that time. When I weaned off, I immediately began a strict gym/diet regimen and had absolutely no success in dropping more than 5 lbs. in 3 months. I pretty much quit going to the gym, as it was too frustrating to put forth such effort and get no results. About 1 yr. later, I began another gym blitz, and noticed that the weight starting coming off, just the way it did before I took Paxil... I am now back to my pre-Paxil weight - HOORAY!!!!!!!
So - it took me about a little more than a year, but the weight DID come off. That weight gain was an ENORMOUS blow to my self-esteem, and made me genuinely depressed (I took Paxil for anxiety and panic attacks - and wound up extremely depressed when I wound up a big fatty!) But - to those of you are are wondering if your bodies are permanently altered and the fat will never get burned off - THERE IS HOPE, and apparently, IT JUST TAKES TIME!!!
BTW - an as-needed benzo is all I need to control my panic and anxiety, and I only take a Xanax (0.25 mg) or a klonopin (0.5 mg) about once every 3 weeks. I find that I take them less and less as I gain confidence over my ability to cope with my anxiety. But - thank GOD they're there just in case!!! I just wish that my doc had never put me on an SSRI and just given me the benzo from the beginning - I certainly NEVER got addicted... but I guess that's for another forum. If you're reading this Alan - I'm with you buddy, and thanks for the wisdom you've shared about the safety and efficacy of benzos for PD!!!
Posted by joy on September 4, 2002, at 21:33:57
In reply to Paxil/SSRI weight gain - success story!!!, posted by deimos/phobos on September 4, 2002, at 19:33:19
I totally agree. The benzo Xanax for anxiety and insomnia is a godsend. I too weaned off a 3.5 month Paxil stint. Congratulations!
Joy
Posted by B4YS74RS on September 4, 2002, at 23:02:46
In reply to Re: Paxil/SSRI weight gain - success story!!!, posted by joy on September 4, 2002, at 21:33:57
terrific story. its good to hear that people are doing and feeling so well. i find it is a pleasure to read these kinds of thing. people succedding and overcoming burdens.
i hope that all of your days are bright and filled with the sunshine of life.
take care
Posted by B4YS74RS on September 4, 2002, at 23:04:21
In reply to Re: Paxil/SSRI weight gain - success story!!!, posted by joy on September 4, 2002, at 21:33:57
terrific story. its good to hear that people are doing and feeling so well. i find it is a pleasure to read these kinds of thing. people succedding and overcoming burdens. keep up the good work, and may all of your days be bright and filled with the sunshine.
take care!
Posted by deimos/phobos on September 5, 2002, at 15:26:40
In reply to Re: Paxil/SSRI weight gain - success story!!!, posted by B4YS74RS on September 4, 2002, at 23:04:21
I'm glad that you found my account inspirational and helpful... I battled PD and managed to regain a healthy balanced life (well, I'm getting close... ;) Anxiety attacks ruled my life, forced me to leave a good job (though, I've since found out, not the right job for me), and made me almost a complete agoraphobe. By taking things day by day, continuing to push myself to face my panic and fears, and to refuse to give up, I've managed to get my life back... and guess what? I just got hired to a new job yesterday, a job of my dreams!!!
For those of you who are battling panic, you are not alone. Just remember a message that helped me through my struggle: "the more I do, the more I CAN do". You will find your fears and anxieties gradually become more manageable until you are able to navigate life once more on your own. It took me a LONG time, but I'm virtually "whole" again. You can too!!!
This is the end of the thread.
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