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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Already overweight, need an SSRI or alternative....I'm confused!!
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Already overweight, need an SSRI or alternative....I'm confused!!
by Ashweekins, Nov 27, 2004 12:00AM
Bear with me while I give you my story.
I am a 21 yr old female, with a boyfriend of 3 years. We are getting married in October 2005. I have had a previous history of depression/anxiety. Over the past year or so, I have come to realize that I have gotten highly irritable, moody, with TERRIBLE self esteem. I have a very stressful job. I enjoy the work, but the people I work with make the job very stressful (incompetant management and co-workers where they dump everything on me, etc). I get extremely anxious and worried. I can't look people in the eyes, my cheeks get hot, I hate confrontation, I hate new places, new people, etc. I have no sex drive and it is affecting my relationship. I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago with acid reflux disease and a stomach hernia, and gained over 50 lbs in less than 3 months. I went from 120 to 180+. I had to have surgery to fix my stomach, which was the best choice I made. I have lost about 12 lbs since the surgery, but I am still overweight at 5'3" and a small frame.
My fiance is/was hurt that I was having emotional trouble with depression/anxiety, and that he couldn't help me. But eventually it got to the point where he told me that I had to do something about it or he would. So I went to see my long time therapist (the one that does not prescribe medicine). I love her to death, she is so wonderful. I am so thankful that I have her to talk to. I went to see her, and I told her everything that was going on.
She told me that I more than likely had Social Anxiety Disorder with some depression. She referred me to a therapist that prescribes medicine, so that I could speak to her and try an SSRI.
I was previously on Zoloft several years ago, and I completely DESPISED and HATED the drug. I refuse to go back on it. I have done some research and am interested in trying Lexapro. But I cannot handle more weight gain. Under no circumstances, I have bad enough self esteem as it is... I could not handle more weight gain. Is there something else that I can try or do to keep it from happening? I joined the YMCA and have been working out, and I eat healthy, but already I am having trouble losing weight. Could I try something like Clonazepam/Klonopin? Would I be able to benefit from it? My fiance takes it, and whenever I have a really bad panic attack or can't sleep, he will break one in half for me to try, and it helps me relax.
I am really at a loss here, and I want to be prepared before I go see this doctor, especially if I end up not liking her. Can someone offer me some advice?
I am a 21 yr old female, with a boyfriend of 3 years. We are getting married in October 2005. I have had a previous history of depression/anxiety. Over the past year or so, I have come to realize that I have gotten highly irritable, moody, with TERRIBLE self esteem. I have a very stressful job. I enjoy the work, but the people I work with make the job very stressful (incompetant management and co-workers where they dump everything on me, etc). I get extremely anxious and worried. I can't look people in the eyes, my cheeks get hot, I hate confrontation, I hate new places, new people, etc. I have no sex drive and it is affecting my relationship. I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago with acid reflux disease and a stomach hernia, and gained over 50 lbs in less than 3 months. I went from 120 to 180+. I had to have surgery to fix my stomach, which was the best choice I made. I have lost about 12 lbs since the surgery, but I am still overweight at 5'3" and a small frame.
My fiance is/was hurt that I was having emotional trouble with depression/anxiety, and that he couldn't help me. But eventually it got to the point where he told me that I had to do something about it or he would. So I went to see my long time therapist (the one that does not prescribe medicine). I love her to death, she is so wonderful. I am so thankful that I have her to talk to. I went to see her, and I told her everything that was going on.
She told me that I more than likely had Social Anxiety Disorder with some depression. She referred me to a therapist that prescribes medicine, so that I could speak to her and try an SSRI.
I was previously on Zoloft several years ago, and I completely DESPISED and HATED the drug. I refuse to go back on it. I have done some research and am interested in trying Lexapro. But I cannot handle more weight gain. Under no circumstances, I have bad enough self esteem as it is... I could not handle more weight gain. Is there something else that I can try or do to keep it from happening? I joined the YMCA and have been working out, and I eat healthy, but already I am having trouble losing weight. Could I try something like Clonazepam/Klonopin? Would I be able to benefit from it? My fiance takes it, and whenever I have a really bad panic attack or can't sleep, he will break one in half for me to try, and it helps me relax.
I am really at a loss here, and I want to be prepared before I go see this doctor, especially if I end up not liking her. Can someone offer me some advice?
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Nov 29, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 29, 2004 12:00AM
Ask your doctor about Wellbutrin or Buspar, either of which might help and not cause weight gain. Also, go to www.thepsychiatristsdiet.com to get some help for emotional eating.
Member Comments (3)
by Ashweekins, Nov 27, 2004 12:00AM
Also, I should note... that I only take the Klonopin once every month or so, this is not a regular daily/weekly occurance... Only when it gets really bad and I can't leave the house or I haven't slept well in weeks.
by mlos, Feb 02, 2005 12:00AM
To: . . . confused
Wellbutrin really might be good for you! Doesn't cause weight gain, no bad sexual side effects, helps with anxiety, and of course it's a SSRI so it helps with depression. Klonopin or its generic are good for anxiety not depression, a possible side effect actually is depression. It's also physically & emotionally addicting. You may not care now, but trust me, from personal experience, 12 years later it matters. I'm 25 and also care an incredible amount about my weight, and wellbutrin is better for me than paxil, prozac, celexa,effexor, etc. good luck.
