Amino Acid supplements and weight gain?

[ferretgirl5]

I have begun amino acid therapy for my adrenals and for my neurotransmitters especially.... My neurotransmitters were very very low and I was extremely edgey, tired and depressed beyond belief, not to mention unfocused and paranoid.  Now I am on the amino acid therapy and I feel better mentally but I am fighting weight gain tremendously for some reason.  I have gained 6 lbs in a month.  I was 138 and now am 144.  I am even exercising these past 2-3 weeks.  I am not sure if it could be muscle but I don't think so because I feel bloated all the time.  I have alot of water retention much of the time and swelling hands at times, sometimes I have"cankles" and even have a little trouble breathing. I am on alot of B6 along with the anmino acids plus I take a B complex too.  What am I doing wrong or is it possibly the Lamictal I am on?  Especially since I've been on the supplements I have noticed the weight gain.... :(

[Barb135]

OTC meds/vitamins/minerals can have side effects even though they are "natural" if the body doesn't need what they contain.  High doses of anything is not good unless it's warranted.

[allmymarbles]

I forgot to mention that he put me on fairly high doses of the B vitamins and I eat a lot of protein.

[allmymarbles]

I have been suffering from adrenal fatigue. I don't take prescription medications. Instead my doctor put me on 1000 mg vitamin B5 and two capsules of Travacor daily, plus 5 mg of DHEA every other day. I also took adaptogens briefly, but one of the supplements in it was drying to my lungs, which was not great because I have asthma. I have not gained an ounce. These natural remedies do not have any side effects. Before he put me on them I took saliva and urine tests to confirm his diagnosis. By the way I no longer suffer anxiety (caused by high cortisol) or panic attacks. My energy is coming back steadily.

[ferretgirl5]

Thanks for the advice I will get checked for other things and I'll be sure to tell the doctor tomorrow about these other things going on...

Thanks :)

[Barb135]

I agree with Trudie - whenever you have some kind of med that has severe side effects, you need to talk to your doctor.  

Did your doctor tell you to take "a lot" of B6, plus a B complex?  If not, why are you taking so much?  

You should get checked out and make sure you don't have other health issues going on that cause weight gain/inability to lose - such as thyroid, pcos, insulin resistance, etc.

[TrudieC]

I really think you should have yourself checked out by the doctor.  The bloating, swelling and cankles can be related to other health issues and you need to know what you are dealing with.