Stress has caused weight loss - can't fix

[TeensyTiny]

I am 33 years old.  I am currently on Adderal 20mg x 2 per day, Lexapro 10mg a day, and clonazepam 1mg x 2 per day.  I was on Xanax with this mix up til 5 months ago. I have been taking the this for 6 months.  Since January, my stress level has sky rocketed at work.  I have been working 14 to even 24 hour days.  This has caused extreme stress.  I am 5'3" and did weigh about 110.  I can guess I probably weigh about 95 or less now (don't want to get on scale).  I do not have anorexia.  I KNOW I am too thin.  I have worked out the issues with overworking with my boss.  That has taken some of the stress off.  The problem is the weight.  When I stress, I don't eat. I have been doing this for 4 months.  Now that everything has settled, I have no desire to eat.  I forget.  I have trained my body to not want food.  Nothing sounds good and I NEVER get hungry.  I have surrounded my desk with protein bars, almonds and other "good for you" foods.  I try to remember, but honestly don't half the time.  What can I do?  Everyone says its the Adderal, but I was taking it long before this happened.  My husband and family are extremely worried as am I.  I have not had a period in 3 months and I ALWAYS have a heavy one.  Do I need to seek treatment.  As I stated earlier, I know I am too thin.  Do you have any options or recommendations. I have even thought about calling my Dr. and asking him to put me back on Xanax.  I had been on it for 10 years.  It was hard getting off it. But, if my health is at stake, I will try anything. It has always relaxed me and increased my appetite (gained 30 pounds in those 10 years).

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I would suggest that you try something else before going back on Xanax, and that would be to decrease,or actually eliminate the Adderal and increase the clonazepam, which should give you the same effect as the xanax....you also might consider therapy for your anxiety so you won't have to be so reliant on medications to modulate your mood and appetite....

[venora]

I have just the opposite problem.I am on zyprexa and I have gained about 30 pounds.At 5"3" 200 pounds isnt pretty.Too bad we cant trade our meds.
do you have any other destressers like meditation, a journal or maybe some light exercise like a brisk walk ?
When I have had a really stressful day I make a warm bath,light candles and incenseand I meditatate I imagine all of the stress and negative energy washing out of me and flowing down the drain.It is amazing how good it feels.Then I write in my journal. ot all the time but enough to downlaod astressfull day.
It is so important do make time just for you. then when you are relaxed sit down to a healthy meal.Light on the protein and lots of friut and veggies.
Now  add  the B vitamins. they get all used up when we are stressed.The B vitamins will help out with stress and relax you.Take a good multivitamin too.
Do you go to therapy in addition to your meds?
I hope this helps some.I used to be in a very stressful job.I changed careers and I went to therapy and I got the right meds for my bipolar.I meditaite and exercise and use my journal for managing my stress.(It is very stressful at my housewith daughter ,soninlaw and 3 grandsons living with us.)
Oh and try for 5 small meals and add some protein shakes if you dont feel like a meal.They will help with your weight.
Let me know how you are .If you feel like talking I will listen
Love Venora

[TeensyTiny]

What a role reversal.  We could split the difference in weight.  I love your ideas, but where do you find the time?  I love to read and use to keep a journal.  reading was sooo relaxing to me.  Now, between work, my 2 1/2 daughter, and studying for an promotion designation, I just don't have the time.  My Husband, who works also, has become Mr. Mom, so I would feel selfish asking him to let me come home and do nothing.  Not that he is complaining, in fact he is extremely supportive, but he needs down time too.  

What is a good source of B vitamins.  As a person who never really had an interest in food anyway, I have no idea where to get the good stuff.  I am going to check on some protein shakes.  That would be a great idea since I am always thirsty and have something to drink around me.  Any advice on good foods to provide nutrients would be great.  I honestly just don't know.  Thank you for the support.

TeTi

[TeensyTiny]

Sorry about the spelling.

[venora]

I was so glad to see your post.I honestly dont have much time myself with all the peolpe living at my house.I do meditate before I go to sleep.Sometimes just carving 30 minutes for your self is rough.I am planning on going back to scholl this fall and I am already dreading it  a way.
When I was a single parent with 2 small daughters I would put them to bed around 8 pm  so I could have some time to just me.then when I got married again I did the same.Now dont laugh but I had to make time just to have sex because of our diverse schedules(Did I mention great ses is one of the best destressers)
It si so important for you to find time for you so you can deal with all of the demands of momhood, wifehood.and the job.You come first so you can care ofr the others in your life.
Good luck and keep posting
Love Venora

[Finding Answers]

I have this exact same problem but I am not underwieght yet. I started drinking "Ensure" drinks which have 320 calories and lots of vitamins.  I drink one in the morning and one at night if I don't have time for dinner.  I am also on Adderall and find that is the cause for the forgetfulllness of eating but am always thirsty.  The drink replacements seem to keep my wieght steady.  I also take a multi-vitamin.  

[TeensyTiny]

Finding Answers, I had to drink Ensure when I was pregnant (couldn't gain weight, imagine that).  I HATE IT.  Do you know of any other drinks similar to this.  I would try anything right now.  

I broke down and bought some bathroom scales last night.  93 lbs.  Not very encouraging.  I almost wish I didn't buy them.  I will obsessively weigh myself now.  

Venora,
Thanks for the advice.  I am going to try the meditation or writing from now on.  Sex is out of the question.  I have NOOOO drive right now.  Hopefully, that will get better.

Thanks Ya'll.  I really appreciate it.

[Finding Answers]

If you go to any GNC store they will help you find the correct drink for you.  My husband drinks the Myoplex drinks from GNC or local grocery store.  They are not as disturbing to the stomach as Ensure.  I also think ice cream always sounds good, so I keep it in the freezer at all times.  It is fast, easy, and filling. I do believe your period has stopped b/c of the lack of nutrients you are receiving.  You need to take a multi-vitamin as soon as possible.  I think Centrum is the best.  Try your hardest to start eating fruits and vegtables whenever possible.  

As far as the stress goes, I also can relate.  I have an 8 month old and I stay at work long hours which usually distracts me from eating or taking good care of myself.  I think both of us need to work in time for baths, walks, exercise etc...let me know if I can help in any other way.  

[Aimilino]

Can I just say what a relief it is to know that I am not the only one suffering with this problem. I have been struggling with anxiety for as long as I can remember, and when I get anxious, I get nauseas, which means I am not in the mood to eat. If I have a full blown panic attack I throw up which again, makes me not in the mood to eat. I am 5 foot 6 and at my worst weighed 97 lbs. I am so scared. I too started weighing myself constantly. I really started working on tracking everything I ate, and made a commitment to do so here: www.fitday.com. It helped me to gain ten pounds because I had a calorie goal that I wanted to make and so I knew I had to keep eating even if I didn't want to so I could reach my goal. I ate snacks with lots of calories such as Swiss Miss Tapioca puddings for example. I tried to do the health food ony but lets face it- when you need to gain weight as badly as we do I think its ok to splurge on cookies and Debbie Snack cakes for awhile. I used a weight gainer powder you ake with milk called Muscle Juice (GNC has it) because I too had issues with Ensure. When I have setbacks I lose some weight again which just kills me. It is so much work.  My fear is that everyone thinks I have an eating disorder and I don't! But people are genuinly worried about me and since my latest set back I haven't been able to go back in to work or eat anything. I am finally going to be brave and try to go see a counselor. I also have taken up yoga and exercise, deep breathing techniques, positive counterstatements such as "I'm ok the way I am. I can take as small a step forward as I choose." For the most part those help me with my anxiety, but lately has not which is why I am taking the next step. I am tracking my journey at www.anxiousnomore.blogspot.com. I hope some of this has helped you, if at least nothing more, to know that you are not alone.