Stopping Medications due to side effects

[misslilly]

Hi, Firtsly I am so glad I found this site. I have felt so alone with my mental health challenges and unfortunately few medical professionals have been able to assist and or support me. I have been taking Effexor and Wellbutrin for 4 years. I have actually taken meds for anxiety(they saved me from severe anxiety) but have switched many, many times due to weight gain issues. I finally went to the Wellbutrin but it too created weight gain. I have come to the realization that I may need some type of med for my anxiety but struggle with the side effects.  This struggle creates more anxiety and depression. I have been a very physical person since my early 20's. I like exercise and really do enjoy eating a low fat healthy diet. This lifestyle began way before meds as I am attempting to prevent all the major diseases that have effected my family. I could go on  and on about this but can sum it up in one sentence. ALL of my grandparents died in their 40's. I have nearly outlived each one. When I finally found this site you cannot believe how supported I felt. I have read and read and read how other people have built a healthy diet and exercise plan to combat weight gain and it does not ALWAYS help. For yrs I have had several medical professionals tell me that I do not try enough to lose the weight. I was sent to two seperate dieticans who both said I could step in their porofessional shoes in a heart beat as I know about healthy eating. I teach basic nutrition education at a local residential facility for women in recovery and have done so for yrs. I recently copied an article that appeared in an Oprah magazine  and gave it to my doc. The writer touched me so that I contacted her. She spoke of how doctors don't seem to believe some patients who say they can not explain weight gain due to meds. She said many people can gain and not lose while on meds despite ALL interventions. I am also going to share the things I have read on here regarding this issue with my doctor(s) My husband worries I will move towards not eating enough calories to try to starve the weight off. I am certified in holistic education so I have tried many holistic interventions for mental health and weight gain. No luck which just plain *****. I want to try getting off the effexor but am now so scared as I finally investigated the withdrawal symptoms . I hope I can get some support. I close by sharing how I truly learned that these meds are VERY POWERFUL and can mess up weight. My husband goes on Effexor and 40 pounds come off. Now this is a guy who loves to eat and enjoy a beverage or two. He does get exercise but has no set daily routine as I do. He made no effort to take weight off. I cried when he shared this. Of course I shared this with a few doctors who thought he should be checked for physical problems. Well he was and he is in tip top shape. I can tell that he knows I would love to trade places with him esp.since he says I am the healthiest most disciplined person he has ever met. He grills himself a steak. I have a veggie burger with no bun and 2 cups of veggies. Help!!!!

[shortcircuited]

Have you had your thyroid checked?  Your thyroid could be messing with your weight and your anxiety.

Wellbutrin is more likely to cause weight loss in most people.  I lost fifty pounds from taking it(, but then gained most back after starting a different medication.)  There are more medication options out there all the time, so don't give up on finding one that works for you, but do get that thyroid checked first.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

i know lots who have gained weight on the pills you took, thats why i will not take them, i take klonopin/ativan if i need them, no weight gain and i can take as needed , i do not have anxiety everyday but if i do i take the klonoipin until i can get it under control than come off of it. ativan for a now and than thing. so yes weight gain is a side affect with thoses pills and i do know a few who did lose weight on wellbutrin. guess its your body type. good luck hope you find the right meds for you .