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Weight gain, weight loss, appetite changes, hunger


Neuroplastic

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Throwing randomly...I have been reading of oxidative stress lately. It could gum up your mitochondria so they can't make energy. You might try careful vegetable juicing. Ending with every disclaimer possible.....

 

There is a man in Nashville who claims to have cracked the code on weight loss...John Jubilee. His insights on "cellular transformation" are super-protected for his clients, his fee is $3000. He claims a 100% success rate, money back guarantee. Which beats suicide.

 

Speaking of which, such a strong reaction might be worth looking into.

 

Really wishing you the best!

1st round Prozac 1989/90, clear depression symptoms. 2nd round Prozac started 1999 when admitted to dr. I was tired. Prozac pooped out, switch to Cymbalta 3/2006. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder due to mania 6/2006--then I was taken abruptly off Cymbalta and didn't know I had SSRI withdrawal. Lots of meds for my intractable "bipolar" symptoms.

Zyprexa started about 9/06, mostly 5mg. Tapered 4/12 through12/29/12

Wellbutrin. XL 300 mg started 1/07, tapered 1/18/13 through 7/8/13

Oxazepam mostly continuously since 6/06, 30mg since 12/12, tapered 1.17.14 through 8.26.15

11/06 Lithium 600mg twice daily, 2.2.14 400mg TID DIY liquid, 2.12.14 1150mg, 3.2.14 1100mg, 3.18.14 1075mg, 4/14 updose to 1100mg, 6.1.14 900 mg capsules 7.8.14 810mg, 8.17.14 725mg, 8.24.24 700mg...10.22.14 487.5mg, 3.9.15 475mg, 4.1.15 462.5mg 4.21.15 450mg 8.11.15 375mg, 11.28.15 362.5mg, back to 375mg four days later, 3.4.16 updose to 475 (too much going on to risk trouble)

9/4/13 Toprol-XL 25mg daily for sudden hypertension, tapered 11.12.13 through 5.3.14, last 10 days or so switched to atenolol

7.4.14 Started Walsh Protocol

56 years old

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High estrogen and high testosterone will cause a big weight gain.....how was your progesterone? 

Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/

 

Paxil 1997-2004

Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available

at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries

Lexapro 40mgs

Lexapro taper (2years)

Imipramine

Imipramine and Celexa

Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each

45mgs. Serzone  50mgs. Imipramine

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I actually lost weight when I was on ads, and I was very rarely able to lose anymore than a few pounds before this time. Or at least I lost when I was on Zoloft/ Effexor. When I bridged to Prozac and started tapering that is when I noticed the gain. But it could be unrelated since I have unstable blood sugar, high male hormone levels, insulin resistance. My gain was enough that my endocrinologist noticed. I didn't mention to her anything about ad withdrawal or my theory on cortisol. I'm monitoring my weight now, though, and if it continues to go up, I'll have to talk to my endo about it.

Tapering Zoloft, Dec 2014

Started Lamictal

Re-started Zoloft mid-Oct 2014, 25-50mg

Stopped Zoloft end of Sept 2014

Started Zoloft July 2014, 50mg

Stopped Prozac from 3mg May 2014

Stopped Effexor Dec '13 Started 10mg Prozac

Reinstated Effexor 15mg on Nov 2013

Stopped from 21mg on Oct 2013
Effexor 112.5mg, since Dec 2012

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  • 4 weeks later...

Does anyone have experience with bloating caused by withdrawal?  I too am gaining weight, but my diet and exercise routine hasn't changed.  I've been celexa free for 2 weeks (I did tapered but probably should have done it more slowly) and up 5 pounds.  Is this withdrawal?  Does it get better?  Is there anything I can do?  The only additional issue I have is intense lower back pain if anyone has dealt with that one, I'd love advise!

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Both being on antidepressants and withdrawing from them can upset a person's metabolism so that they gain weight without changing their eating or exercise habits. You still have time to reinstate Celexa (about thirty days from stopping the drug, or about two weeks in your case) and I recommend that you do that, although at a lower dose than what you were taking, perhaps 10%.  If that's enough to stabilize, you can then set about tapering off gradually and slowly which will give both your body and your brain time to adjust.

 

It would help us to help you if you'd post an Introduction in the 'Introductions and updates' discussion area and include your psychiatric drug history in the signature. Here's how: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

Welcome to the forum, jnahas.  You'll find lots of good information and friendly support here. 

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Does anyone have experience with bloating caused by withdrawal?  I too am gaining weight, but my diet and exercise routine hasn't changed.  I've been celexa free for 2 weeks (I did tapered but probably should have done it more slowly) and up 5 pounds.  Is this withdrawal?  Does it get better?  Is there anything I can do?  The only additional issue I have is intense lower back pain if anyone has dealt with that one, I'd love advise!

 

The 5 pound gain was after the 2 weeks on celexa or after a few weeks off celexa? Depending on how fast you gained the weight, it could be a number of things, including SSRI use/withdrawal. Have you had a medical check? Hormonal problems or health problems that result in abnormal water retention could also cause rapid weight gain.

 

Best of luck.

  • SSRIs 3-4 times in the last 14 years; would take them for 6-8 months and then taper off under dr supervision with no problems.
  • Med history prior to 2015: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6012-newbeginning-my-withdrawal-story/?p=267313#entry267313
  • 04/2015: Prozac decreased to 15mg over last 3 months; effexor held steady at 8mg; current effexor XR: 20 beads of a 75mg capsule per day (about 8mg)
  • 06/2015: Prozac: 10mg; effexor XR: 19 beads (about 7.5mg); 07/2015: Prozac: 8.5mg; effexor 18 beads; 08/2015: Prozac: 7.5mg; effexor: 17 beads
  • End of August: withdrawal: depressive symptoms, crying spells. Realized I was measuring prozac dose wrong for the last 2 months. Reinstated Prozac 8.5mg; Kept effexor at 17 beads. Stabilized in 5 weeks.
  • 10/2015: Prozac: 8.5mg; effexor: 17 beads11/2015: Prozac: 1.9ml (7.5mg); effexor: 16 beads12/2015: Prozac: 1.6ml; effexor xr: 16 beads. Withdrawal: neuroemotions
  • 01/2016: prozac: 1.6ml; effexor xr: reinstated 17 beads, withdrawal improved; 02/2016: Prozac 1.5ml; Effexor: 17 beads; 03/2016: Prozac 1.3ml(5mg); Effexor: 17 beads (7mg)-withdrawal (flu-like malaise, lightheaded, drowsy) started end of March. April 15: reinstated Prozac 1.5ml. Stabilized. 2 weeks ok. End of April: Withdrawal (neuroemotions). Eventually stabilized in April-May. Apathy improved.
  • 3 month hold until August. August 2016: apathy came back;

  • October 2016: updosed to Prozac 1.6ml. Bad reaction: anxiety, depression. End of October: went down Prozac 1.5ml. Stabilized over several weeks.

  • Dec 9: tried macca for energy: anxiety/depression. Improved over several weeks, but not completely resolved.

  • Dec 31: cut Effexor 5% to 16 beads. After 9 days: withdrawal anxiety, depression; tried updosing to 17 beads Feb 7 but anxiety got worse; went down to 16 beads

    May 2017: Anxiety improved; severe depression continuesSeptember 2017: finally stabilized!!!!!! 09/07/2017-12/31/2017: hold

  • Stable on Effexor 6mg and Prozac 6mg until around 2019-2020. Side effects (fatigue, anhedonia) continued, but had some long lasting windows thanks to therapy. Windows lasting 5-6 months each year followed by relapses.

  • 2019: bad reaction to melatonin 3 mg. Withdrawal after taking it 2 months. When I tried to stop it developed severe insomnia that lasted 6 months even after I reinstated melatonin. Only slept again because I took hydroxyzine 5 mg 3 times a week for few months. Stopped hydroxyzine with no issues. Sleep normalized.

  • 2020-2021: Holding on Prozac 6mg, Effexor 6mg, Tapered melatonin 1 drop every 2-4 weeks down to 1.5mg. Had to hold because further cuts were causing severe drowsiness. 

  • 2021: Insomnia returned due to caffeine use for few months (only started after months of use). I also had a concussion at this time.

  • 2023: took hydroxyzine 5-100mg for one month (kept increasing dose every 3 days because I developed tolerance). Tapered for 1 week. After 1 month: withdrawal neuroemotions. Reinstated 5mg 2 months after stopping. Gradually increased to 25mg, stabilized, but withdrawal came back after 10 days. Kept increasing dose and withdrawal returning. Currently at 40mg. Not sure how to stabilize. 

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KS1994,

 

I didn't realize you had replied with more information. I think your hormones being out of whack is defintely an issue that could be causing the weight gain.

 

Please don't despair. Suicide is a permanent solution and what you're facing is a temporary problem that has a solution. You have things that you can try, such as bio-identical hormones. Work with the new endocrinologist. Don't give up.

 

Remember that your weight or your physical appearance are not everything that defines you or gives you value as a person. Think of how many people love you regardless of your appearance, and how many you love, regardless of their appearance.

 

Things will get better. Don't lose hope.

 

If you would like to talk, please send me a PM.

 

Wish you strength and peace. You're in my prayers,

  • SSRIs 3-4 times in the last 14 years; would take them for 6-8 months and then taper off under dr supervision with no problems.
  • Med history prior to 2015: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6012-newbeginning-my-withdrawal-story/?p=267313#entry267313
  • 04/2015: Prozac decreased to 15mg over last 3 months; effexor held steady at 8mg; current effexor XR: 20 beads of a 75mg capsule per day (about 8mg)
  • 06/2015: Prozac: 10mg; effexor XR: 19 beads (about 7.5mg); 07/2015: Prozac: 8.5mg; effexor 18 beads; 08/2015: Prozac: 7.5mg; effexor: 17 beads
  • End of August: withdrawal: depressive symptoms, crying spells. Realized I was measuring prozac dose wrong for the last 2 months. Reinstated Prozac 8.5mg; Kept effexor at 17 beads. Stabilized in 5 weeks.
  • 10/2015: Prozac: 8.5mg; effexor: 17 beads11/2015: Prozac: 1.9ml (7.5mg); effexor: 16 beads12/2015: Prozac: 1.6ml; effexor xr: 16 beads. Withdrawal: neuroemotions
  • 01/2016: prozac: 1.6ml; effexor xr: reinstated 17 beads, withdrawal improved; 02/2016: Prozac 1.5ml; Effexor: 17 beads; 03/2016: Prozac 1.3ml(5mg); Effexor: 17 beads (7mg)-withdrawal (flu-like malaise, lightheaded, drowsy) started end of March. April 15: reinstated Prozac 1.5ml. Stabilized. 2 weeks ok. End of April: Withdrawal (neuroemotions). Eventually stabilized in April-May. Apathy improved.
  • 3 month hold until August. August 2016: apathy came back;

  • October 2016: updosed to Prozac 1.6ml. Bad reaction: anxiety, depression. End of October: went down Prozac 1.5ml. Stabilized over several weeks.

  • Dec 9: tried macca for energy: anxiety/depression. Improved over several weeks, but not completely resolved.

  • Dec 31: cut Effexor 5% to 16 beads. After 9 days: withdrawal anxiety, depression; tried updosing to 17 beads Feb 7 but anxiety got worse; went down to 16 beads

    May 2017: Anxiety improved; severe depression continuesSeptember 2017: finally stabilized!!!!!! 09/07/2017-12/31/2017: hold

  • Stable on Effexor 6mg and Prozac 6mg until around 2019-2020. Side effects (fatigue, anhedonia) continued, but had some long lasting windows thanks to therapy. Windows lasting 5-6 months each year followed by relapses.

  • 2019: bad reaction to melatonin 3 mg. Withdrawal after taking it 2 months. When I tried to stop it developed severe insomnia that lasted 6 months even after I reinstated melatonin. Only slept again because I took hydroxyzine 5 mg 3 times a week for few months. Stopped hydroxyzine with no issues. Sleep normalized.

  • 2020-2021: Holding on Prozac 6mg, Effexor 6mg, Tapered melatonin 1 drop every 2-4 weeks down to 1.5mg. Had to hold because further cuts were causing severe drowsiness. 

  • 2021: Insomnia returned due to caffeine use for few months (only started after months of use). I also had a concussion at this time.

  • 2023: took hydroxyzine 5-100mg for one month (kept increasing dose every 3 days because I developed tolerance). Tapered for 1 week. After 1 month: withdrawal neuroemotions. Reinstated 5mg 2 months after stopping. Gradually increased to 25mg, stabilized, but withdrawal came back after 10 days. Kept increasing dose and withdrawal returning. Currently at 40mg. Not sure how to stabilize. 

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  • 3 months later...

Hi there, it is really interesting to find out that someone else is suffering the same as I am.

 

I have gained 20kg and growing since starting to come off my medication 10 months ago and am at my wits end to understand why.  While on them I lost the same 20kg without any extra effort on my part and nothing has changed regarding my eating and exercise patterns.  I may be wrong but the only thing I can tie it to is the medication.  I have been a weightwatchers member for years and eat/exercise accordingly.

 

I have spoken with my doctor, been for tests which all came back normal.  I am beginning to wonder if it is the cortisol thing.  I presume the medication would have reduced the levels and that would have been why I lost the weight.  Now I have come off it the cortisol has returned to previous levels and therefore the weight has come back on.

 

Any ideas would be appreciated.

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  • 4 weeks later...

I'm so glad I found this forum because most everything I read countermands what I am experiencing.  I went off Lexapro after more than a decade on antidepressants.  I tapered off slowly, did everything right, and I am now having horrendous post-med symptoms.  First, I've had a rebirth of all the menopause symptoms I missed out on 15 years ago: night sweats, flushes, flashes, just awful.  Then, I seem to be gaining about a pound a day.  Also, my already nasty bowel problems are getting worse.  I'm seeing the doctor, this week, but I'm really having trouble living with the symptoms. 

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  • 3 months later...

Anyone notice the pounds flying off after withdrawing from mirtazapine/remeron? What does mirtazapine do that effects your weight? aside from making you have more of an appetite.

(November 26 2013) Had a reaction to taking CBD oil and had a panic attack that started this whole thing.

(November 9 2014) 8.6 months on Mirtazapine, started tapering down random amounts.

(January 17 2015) *STOPPED TAKING MIRTAZAPINE* after an unstable 2 month taper.

(February 5 2015) *REINSTATED at 3.9 MG OF MIRTAZAPINE* after nearly 3 weeks of a very unstable windows and waves pattern

(February 5 2015 ) Felt better right away after reinstating, am more stable than i was at 0mg, but am still not as stable as i was PRE-TAPER.

(April 19 2015) After waiting around 2 months from Feb 5 and i started to feel ok enough, i reduced from 3.9 mg to 3.5 mg. then continued to reduce by about .4 mg every 2 or so weeks.

The reductions were going quite smoothly and i wasn't feeling too bad in general... until...

(July 13 2015) Shortly after reducing from 1.9 mg to 1.6 mg i hit a wall and my mood started to become noticeably worse in general

(August 4) after not really improving much i reduced from 1.6 mg to 1.5 mg, and i have been holding ever since.

I feel bad in general these days despite holding, and feel im not too much better than i was during January 17 to February 5 after jumping off at 4 MG.

I am questioning if taking the drug is actually making me worse, i dunno.

 

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Well, for me - esepcially when I first started taking the Mirt - I had the munchies that would rival any college frat brother/sister on a stoned Friday night with the smell of saucy, cheesy pizza and breaded, slightly seasoned mozzarella sticks in the air.... That tempered itself the longer I took it, but it always stimulated my appetite. So calorie intake increased, which of course is going to promote weight gain.

 

I also theorize that it does something metabolically that affected fat stores, but I am uncertain of the science behind this. That said, I am on 1.9mg now and maintain a good body weight with exercise - but do expect some loss after total cessation from the Mirt.

 

Hang in there.

 

Dave

1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞

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Well, for me - esepcially when I first started taking the Mirt - I had the munchies that would rival any college frat brother/sister on a stoned Friday night with the smell of saucy, cheesy pizza and breaded, slightly seasoned mozzarella sticks in the air.... That tempered itself the longer I took it, but it always stimulated my appetite. So calorie intake increased, which of course is going to promote weight gain.

 

I also theorize that it does something metabolically that affected fat stores, but I am uncertain of the science behind this. That said, I am on 1.9mg now and maintain a good body weight with exercise - but do expect some loss after total cessation from the Mirt.

 

Hang in there.

 

Dave

Ahh yeah, when i first started i wanted to eat everything. But the appetite calmed down after a while.. although i still retained a higher weight than normal, despite not eating **** tons. So i think you may be right, it might be effecting some part of your metabolism and fat stores. Right now i will admit im eating less (trying to avoid sh*tty foods more) but it's not enough to warrant the crazy weight loss. Hopefully i can start gaining weight again soon, not really a fan of being skeletor lol.

(November 26 2013) Had a reaction to taking CBD oil and had a panic attack that started this whole thing.

(November 9 2014) 8.6 months on Mirtazapine, started tapering down random amounts.

(January 17 2015) *STOPPED TAKING MIRTAZAPINE* after an unstable 2 month taper.

(February 5 2015) *REINSTATED at 3.9 MG OF MIRTAZAPINE* after nearly 3 weeks of a very unstable windows and waves pattern

(February 5 2015 ) Felt better right away after reinstating, am more stable than i was at 0mg, but am still not as stable as i was PRE-TAPER.

(April 19 2015) After waiting around 2 months from Feb 5 and i started to feel ok enough, i reduced from 3.9 mg to 3.5 mg. then continued to reduce by about .4 mg every 2 or so weeks.

The reductions were going quite smoothly and i wasn't feeling too bad in general... until...

(July 13 2015) Shortly after reducing from 1.9 mg to 1.6 mg i hit a wall and my mood started to become noticeably worse in general

(August 4) after not really improving much i reduced from 1.6 mg to 1.5 mg, and i have been holding ever since.

I feel bad in general these days despite holding, and feel im not too much better than i was during January 17 to February 5 after jumping off at 4 MG.

I am questioning if taking the drug is actually making me worse, i dunno.

 

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Hi all,  I am new here and am very grateful for all the advice and great posts.   I am wondering if anyone else had weight gain with cymbalta?    I have only been on it for 6 months,  and I have gained weight steadily.   Along with severe bloating and constipation.  Frankly I am miserable.  Help please.

Cymbalta 30 mg  September 2014

Cymbalta 60 mg  December 2014

Daily:    Fish oil,  Vitamin D,   B Complex

 

Significant weight gain,  lethargic and cost has lead me to want to discontinue use of Cymbalta.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hi Lily,

Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressants, we have a short topic on it here:   http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/252-weight-gain/

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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  • Mentor

Just wanted to start a topic here.  Like I was panicking about having no appetite, now i am in WD.....and eating perhaps two pieces of toast per day... other days are better.

Well I got over panicking, I will not starve.  Before Antidepressants use I was thin, the usual me... my sister convinced me I was too thin, so antidepressants, and yes, got so fat my legs rubbed together!  

Well now i just accept that my body is healing, now I am off these evil drugs.  My legs no longer rub together, but still my real me.... my real inner me,.... my natural body seems to think I am fat... My natural body is reducing rapidly to the "normal for me"....  so I just take this symptom of having no appetite, as my body going back to the normal for me.

Anyone else panic about not eating  ""enough"..............?????????????  

I aint worried anymore, and nice to see my thin body returning...  I am thin, naturally a skinny person.......  I was well until someone convinced me I was too thin... judgements, judgments...

1992 Dothiepin 375mg 8 weeks, exhaustion/depression.  Serotonin syndrome, oh yes!  seizures . Fell pregnant, 3rd baby, Nitrous Oxide, 3 weeks mental hospital pp psychosis. zoloft tegretol.

Feb 1996 ct tegretol, tapered Zoloft 8 weeks. as (unexpectedly)  pregnant. Steven died after 3 days.(Zolft HLHS baby).  98 had run in with Paxil, 2 tablets, 3 weeks taper, survived.
2005..menopause? exhausted again. Zyprexa, mad in three days, fallout....  Seroquel, Effexor, tegretol,   and 8 years of self destruction. Failed taper.
Damn 1/4 valium... nuts again! .fallout, zoloft 100mg  seroquol 400mg mirtazapine 45 mg  tegretol 400mg.  Mid 14 3 month taper. Nov 14 CRASH.
Mid 15 ....   75mg  seroquel,  3 x 1800mg SJW  2 week window end of December followed by 6 week wave
5/2 68mg seroquel, 2.5 x 1800mg SJW::::20/2 61mg seroquel, 2.5 x  SJW::: 26/2 54mg seroquel, 2 x SJW::::21/3 43mg seroquel, 1 x 2700SJW :::: 23/4 36mg seroquel 1 x 1800 SJW
15/5 33mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::   28/5 30mg seroquel, 1 x SJW::::;  18/6 25mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::::, 11/7 21mg seroquel 1/2 SJW::, 26/7 18mg seroquel 1/2 SJW:::, 9/8 12mg seroquel :::, 16/8 6mg seroquel ;;;;, 12/9 0 jump.

23/9  3mg.....,  27/9 0mg.  Reinstated, 6mg, then 12mg.............  LIGHTBULB MOMENT,  I have  MTHFR 2x mutations.  CFS and issues with MOULD in my home. So I left home, and working 150km away during week, loving it.

Oh was hard, panic attacks first week, gone now, along with the mould issues.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

ang, hey.

 

this does freak me out. i lost so much weight in benzo withdrawal, it truly scared me. i was, at certain points, eating less than 300 calories a day and having daydreams about being delightfully over-weight. i had to keep my pants tied up with a rope. i was really freaked about the weight thing.

 

i fear the same thing at times now with my continued withdrawal from mirtazapine. so far, the appetite issue hasn't become a problem. i know it could, but it hasn't. i'll cross that bridge if and when i have to. this time, i would probably opt to force-drink whey protein shakes with full fat milk.

 

it's true. we will not starve. but still unsettling when the appetite evaporates.

 

so you are definitely not along in getting freaked out by this.

 

hang in there.

 

dave

1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞

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Hi,

 

My appetite is very poor and it is freaking me out!

 

Does anyone know why our appetite is negatively affected during WD?

 

Sunflower

1998-2010. Zoloft 100 mgs.

3/2010. Switched to generic Z and began not to feel well.

7/2010. Estrogen patch added which caused severe depression.

8/2010 to 10/2010. Zoloft increased from 100 mgs to 200 mgs., Klonopin .25 mgs in am; .50 mgs pm; Remeron

.25 mgs. added by new doc

1/2011. Began tapering K; last dose of K 7/2011.

11/2011 Began Remeron taper; last dose of R 1/2012 (Tapered K & R by dry cutting)

1/2013 Began tapering Z from 200 mgs to 100 mgs by dry cutting

3/2013. Experiencing wd sx...took break

9/2013. Down to 150 mgs.

2/2014 - Present. 100 mgs Z

1-21-15. Began dry cutting 100 mgs.

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I have this problem too - I have been losing a lot of weight (and have in the past with various failed attempts at withdrawing from ADs).  Food just doesn't appeal to me, nothing sounds good (which is so not me).  The weird thing is that despite having no appetite, I have been forcing myself to eat pretty much what I would have eaten before going through WD and I am still losing weight.  It feels like anxiety is making me burn more calories or something.  I also haven't been sleeping very well and wonder if just being up when I would have been sleeping is burning more calories.  I don't know…..whatever the cause it does distress me.  It is so ironic as I hated the weight I gained from ADs but I hate losing it in this unhealthy way at the same time.  I also get upset if someone mentions my weight.  The other day someone said I was shrinking and it freaked me out.  :(

-1/06 - 3/07 Cymbalta. Fast taper (essentially CT); withdrawal symptoms after 4 mos (didn't realize was WD)

-10/07: 100 mg Zoloft; 1 mg Klonopin - tapered off Klonopin after 4 mos. Several unsuccessful slow tapers of Zoloft; went up and down in dose a lot

-Spring 2013 back on 1 mg Klonopin to counter WD symptoms; switched over 5-6 mos from Zoloft to 35 mg citalopram
-Two attempts at slow tapering citalopram, always increased dose due to WD; also increased Klonopin to 1.25 mg in 2014, then to 1.5 mg in 2015

-8/17-9/17: After holding one year at 20 mg, feeling withdrawal symptoms due to stress - slowly increased to 25 mg. No change in symptoms after 6 months (? tolerance ?)  - decided to start citalopram taper February 2018 (still on Klonopin 1.5 mg).

Supplements: fish oil; magnesium; vitamin D3; curcumin

Citalopram taper:  2/2018 - 12/2019: 25 mg - 11.03 mg I 2020: 10.89 mg - 7.9 mg I 2021: 7.8 mg - 5.26 mg I 2022: 5.2 mg - 3.36 mg I 2023: 3.3 mg - 1.47 mg 2024: 1/5/24: 1.44 mg; 1/19/24: 1.40 mg; 1/26/24: 1.37 mg; 2/2/24: 1.34 mg; 2/9/24: 1.31 mg; 2/23/24: 1.28 mg; 3/1/24: 1.25 mg; 3/8/24: 1.22 mg; 3/15/24: 1.19 mg

 

 

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Hello, this response pertains to Sunflower's query about why appetite is negatively affected in withdrawal.

 

I have read that with both Benzos and ADs, there are receptor sites for both GABA and serotonin in the gut as well as the brain. So just as the hobbled receptors in the brain cause issues, so do those in the gut. There have been many articles written about the connection between gut health and mental health. The gut is sometimes referred to as "the second brain."

 

Hang in there.

 

Dave

1996 - .5mg Ativan as needed, 7.5mg Remeron daily2008 - .5mg Xanax, Ativan discontinued, Remeron continued2012 - .5mg Xanax, .25mg Ativan 3x daily, Remeron continued2/2012 - Jumped from Remeron, continued .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily4/2012 - Began rapid taper of .5mg Xanax .25mg Ativan 3x daily6/2012 - Jumped from Xanax and Ativan, voluntary hospitalization followed7/2012 - 2nd voluntary hospitalization, reinstated Remeron, bumped to 30mg, also given risperidone.8/2012 - discontinued risperidone, tried gabapentin, dicontinued gabapentin, Remeron 30mg continued10/2012 to current - tapered Remeron 10% every 4 to 6 weeks (sometimes more time) using liquid compound12/2014 - 2mg Remeron 1/16/2015 - 1.9mg Remeron 8/1/2015 -1.6mg Remeron - 03/1/2016 - 1.5mg Remeron - 1/2/2017 1.3mg - 5/7/2017 1.2mg - 5/13/2017 - syringe size change - 6/8/2017 - 1.1mg - 7/10/2017 - 1mg - 9/1/2017 - 0.9mg - 10/22/2017 - 0.8mg - 11/22/2017 - 0.7mg - 2/2/2018 - 0.6mg - 3/13/2018 - new compound pharmacy - 5/20/2018 - 0.5mg - 8/31/2018 - 0.4mg - 11/16/2018 - 0.3mg - 12/24/2018 - 0.2mg - 4/1/2019 - 0.1mg - 5/1/2019 - .05mg - 0mg achieved 2019-06-15. 🤞

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Mirtazapine is the same as Mianserin.  Huge appetite, zombie- if you like sleeping till 12md. No life.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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  • 2 weeks later...

I haven't seen anything on this , here, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to control my weight. I know SSRI's are notorious for weight gain as a side effect, and I did put on some weight on some of them, no matter how hard I tried not to. The thing is I've noticed that even when I've stopped the medication, I'm still gaining. I had a break from A/D's for 8 months and still struggled, to lose the weight. This time , it seems even worse. It's not diet or exercise, as I do that. It's like the body has a mind of it's own. Is it possible that the metabolism gets affected long term? I would love to hear from anyone who is having the same issues, or if anyone has been through this and has advice to share on how to lose resistant weight.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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When I originally went on SSRI's back in 2008 (Prozac) I was very slim. Within about 8-10 months I was up a whole dress size and bigger than when pregnant. I never ate more that is guaranteed. I then switched to Citalopram 2 years ago and gained a further 3lbs, then after 5 months I suffered depersonalisation and switched to Paroxetine and gained 12lbs more.

Nobody in the world can convince me that these do not alter metabolism. I have been drug free now for almost 11 months and have lost 7lbs. I feel better physically (although I feel depressed still, but I'm managing without A/D's even though I never thought that was possible).

I have been told that if I never ate more it must be because of my age, but nobody gains 12lbs in as many months, twice due to 'age' (I'm currently 26 and my family are skinny). I still have a lot of weight to lose, but from what I've read it can take upto 2 years to even start coming off (I noticed my loss in December, so almost 8 months off, literally dropped off although I haven't lost any since).

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I was always athletic, running, cycling, skating, weightlifting, skiing, hiking, backpacking.  I was always slim and fit.  5'8", 125 lbs.  And strong, with endurance.

 

I am no longer.  I started to have some metabolic issues after trying this or that SSRI and finally settling on Wellbutrin - but it was also accompanied by stress.  I knew I would not lose any weight.  I took out a bet with a head of the corporate fitness center where I worked - he said that if I followed his 1500 calorie diet and exercised exactly as he told me, I would lose weight.  I laughed.  6 weeks later, I was a lot more fit from all the cardio and aerobic and weightlifting etc. (that was when we were just discovering that weightlifting increases metabolism, too), but not a pound lost - while on Wellbutrin which is sometimes prescribed for weight loss!

 

I even took up smoking for 10 years to try and lose a little.  I think I lost 5 pounds, then gained it back - and then I had a smoking habit to deal with.

 

It was only downhill from there.  I can't say what role SSRI's, tricyclics, lithium, and even seroquel have played on my metabolism.  But I suspect I will have to be 3-5 years on the other side of withdrawal to see if I can make a difference.  I also suspect I will have to deal with stress, and trauma, as I wonder how much I am protecting myself from intimacy by being fat, ugly, and uncomfortable.  (don't try to cheer me up on that one, it's what I see in the mirror at this point in time, it may be that my attractiveness, appearance, has been destroyed as karma for the way I lived much of my life!)

 

So yes - I believe that pscyh drugs can ruin the gut, and can contritube to metabolism problems.  Neuroleptics seem to just slow the whole system down, while SSRI's - the withdrawal period could deregulate you (and your gut) and cause you to retain weight.  We retain weight in stress.

 

And that's the other side of the picture.  There are a number of reasons, patterns, beliefs which contribute to keeping weight.  Stress is a huge one. We tend to use it as protective armor against all kinds of stress.  

 

So the drugs don't help, but it's not clear enough (except in the case of neuroleptics, where it's been proven) to point the finger and say "THIS is the cause!"  There are other contributing causes, as well.

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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i initially lost weight on effexor - i was around 57kg (125 lbs) now i am 66kg (145lbs) - whilst that is still in a healthy weight range for my height of 168cm (5 ft 6") i eat far less than i used to.  So, my weight gain has been a slow creep - probably a kg a year after the first few years on effexor.  It is MUCH harder to lose weight for me - almost impossible.  But, how much of this is due to menopause is debatable as well....

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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If you read some of the depression forums, which i did before I found this one, you will find so many people struggling with huge weight gains,


 


that just don't make sense. the thing is some of them have been off the drugs for years and still can't lose the weight. I'm talking about people who are


 


hitting the gym big time, dieting religously  and doing all the right things.  I have found the same thing myself. During the 8 months, I was off everything,


 


I continued to gain. Ther was no rhyme or reason  to it . No matter what I did or do now, it just keeps piling on. I am very strict with myself. It's not like i sit around


 


eating cream buns.  I agree with "FatPaxiller'' that nothing will convince me that this poison doesn't alter metabolism. It alters everything else, that it stands


 


to reason it would affect that as well.  I'm desperate to lose this drug weight. If anyone has any ideas , that would be great.


Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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There are many of us in this boat.  And it is not helped by the fact that intense exercise is activating and off the menu for many of us.

 

At least we are not alone?  What is the weight limit on this boat?   :o

"Easy, easy - just go easy and you'll finish." - Hawaiian Kapuna

 

Holding is hard work, holding is a blessing. Give your brain time to heal before you try again.

 

My suggestions are not medical advice, you are in charge of your own medical choices.

 

A lifetime of being prescribed antidepressants that caused problems (30 years in total). At age 35 flipped to "bipolar," but was not diagnosed for 5 years. Started my journey in Midwest United States. Crossed the Pacific for love and hope; currently living in Australia.   CT Seroquel 25 mg some time in 2013.   Tapered Reboxetine 4 mg Oct 2013 to Sept 2014 = GONE (3 years on Reboxetine).     Tapered Lithium 900 to 475 MG (alternating with the SNRI) Jan 2014 - Nov 2014, tapered Lithium 475 mg Jan 2015 -  Feb 2016 = GONE (10 years  on Lithium).  Many mistakes in dry cutting dosages were made.


The tedious thread (my intro):  JanCarol ☼ Reboxetine first, then Lithium

The happy thread (my success story):  JanCarol - Undiagnosed  Off all bipolar drugs

My own blog:  https://shamanexplorations.com/shamans-blog/

 

 

I have been psych drug FREE since 1 Feb 2016!

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I never gained weight on an SSRI but I did gain on Remeron. I was underweight and that was a plus for me. Now that I'm off Remeron I don't notice too much of a change in my weight. I think I eat a  little less but still more than I did before Remeron. I don't know how long this will last or if it is permanent. I don't want to go back to being underweight but I'm past 40 now the weight might stay anyway with or without a drug.

 

I'm tapering a tricyclic now and it doesn't appear to affect my appetite and the weight is staying the same. If the anxiety comes back I know my weight will drop as anxiety keeps me from eating.

Prozac 1999-2009 quit semi cold turkey.

 

2012 Placed on Seroquel 25 mg, Tranxene (Clorezepate) 3.75 mg 3x a day, Remeron 30 mg for anxiety/akathesia.

 

Weaned off Seroquel and Tranxene .to Remeron 15 Mg.

In May 2014 tried quitting Remeron at its lowest dose. Had severe withdrawals.Reinstated Remeron at 30 mg by doctor. August 5 2014 entered hospital. Doctor pulled the Remeron and bridged it to Pamelor (Nortriptyline) 40mg and Zyprexa 2.5mg.After removing the Remeron all my bad symptoms went away and I am stable.

 

9/11/14 - 7.5 mg tranxene, 40mg Pamelor, Zyprexa 2.5mg

12/29/14 -  20mg Pamelor, 1/6/15,  7/31/15 3.5mg, 8/10/15 3.2 mg, 9/15/15 2.2mg, 10/15/15 1.8mg

(Feb 2016 - 1.4mg Pamelor only -  OFF OF TRANXENE AND ZYPREXA SINCE DEC 2014 BENZO FREE Since 2014. Nortrityline (Pamelor) .8mg Aug 2016

March 2017 DRUG FREE

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Another thing I find peculiar and I'm sure a few others will too, is the possibility that depression/anxiety causes an individual to lose there appetite and when taking antidepressants, the mood lifts and appetite increases (or returns to normal). I am an emotional eater, always have been, so I should have lost weight on antidepressants, another thing I sincerely cannot understand. Toward the end of my time on A/D's I was eating the healthiest I ever have, I no longer drink alcohol and we are financially struggling so eating out is rare too.

Also, the way I see it if weight gain was caused by additional eating, wouldn't this say so on the list of side effects rather than putting weight gain alone?

Either way, I have lost weight without trying and people have noted that my face also looks slimmer. I have read other websites when I was deciding whether to stay on meds or not and quite a few people claim the weight eventually 'dropped off'. The question is, "when"?

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I'm down to 2mg (from 20mg) over the last 2 years.

I'm starting to lose weight, but it is taking time.

And a lot of exercise!

At the moment I'm running 15 km a week and riding 30 km a week.

 

But exercise can be tricky.

It has taken me 4 months to build up any sort of tolerance to running.

At first I could only run 20 metres before getting puffed out.

 

Cheers

 

Damien

Off all SSRIs as at November 2016.

 

Been on SSRIs (mainly Lexapro) for around 15 years.

failed attempts to go cold turkey before I got proper info on it.

Over last 2 years I've slowly gone from 20 mg Lexapro to 2.5 mg Lexapro.

on 25th Jan 2015 I've now moved to home made liquid Lexapro.

Plan is to drop roughly 0.2 mg per month over the next 1-2 years.  

25th Jan 2015 2.5 mg Lexapro liquid.

24th Mar 2016 1.0 mg lexapro (crushed tablet mixed and refilled into capsules)

Planned to be at 0.0 mg lexapro by about October 2016. 

I also take 50-100 mg modafinil per day, no short term plans of stopping/tapering modafinil but will re-evaluate after I'm off lexapro. 

 

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This is purely anecdotal, but I'll put it out there anyway....

 

SSRIs appear to suppress our ability to feel satiated, while also increasing our craving for carbohydrates. For some I think the craving of alcohol is linked into this. So hungrier and craving carbs can obviously contribute to weight gain.

 

Serotonin plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism, which is likely why some people crave carbs... I'm not sure how it relates to weight gain or fat storage directly but I do know that people react differently to the amount of carbs in their diet. Calorie deficit is the rule of thumb for weight loss, however, ratio of carbs:fat:protein can still play a role as far as I'm aware, and the "beneficial" ratio can be different for different people. It may have more to do with satiety and energy level then actual fat loss, but again, I'm not sure. In any event, given the impact SSRIs seem to have on carbohydrate metabolism, and from what I've read, a high carbohydrate diet maybe beneficial. I know high protien is touted as the gold standard in many circles, but I just read something about that kind of diet being contraindicated for people taking SSRIs for the reasons I mentioned above.

 

Of course candy, cakes, and cookies are not the sort of carbohydrates I'm referring to, in fact sugar seems to exacerbate some symptoms associated with cortisol. But vegetables, grains, legumes, those kind of carbs are good sources. I'll see if I can dig up sources, but it's food for thought in the meantime (I swear the pun was not intended!!).

1988-2012: Prozac @ 60mg (with a few stops and starts)

Fall 2012: Returned to 40mg after discontinuing and horrid withdrawal 

Fall 2013: 40mg Fluoxetine, added 150mg Wellbutrin to treat fatigue 

Winter 2014: Attempting to taper both (too fast)

April 2014: 9mg Fluoxetine + 37.5 Wellbutrin 

Summer 2014: 8 mg Fluoxetine + 0 Wellbutrin (way too fast a drop)

Late summer/Early Fall 2014: Debilitating Withdrawal symptoms 

Fall 2014 - Wellbutrin successfully kicked to the curb but…

Oct- Dec 2014: Panicked reinstatement of Fluoxetine ->30mg - held for 5yrs

Jan 2021: taper to 20mg Fluoxetine  then tapering by 1mg every 2-3 months

Fall 2022 - held at 10mg->December 2022: 9mg->Feb 2023: 8mg ->March 2023: brassmonkey slide begins: 7.8mg -> 7.6 -> 7.4->2 week hold (April)->7.2->7mg->6.8->2 week hold->6.6-> 1-month hold ->(June)-6.5->4-week hold-> (July)-6.4 (discontinued brassmonkey slide and slowed taper)-> (Aug)-6.2->(Sept)-6.0->(Oct)-5.9->(Nov)-5.8->(Dec)-5.7->wave!->(Jan)-5.8->(Feb)-6mg and holding.

 

My 2014 withdrawal experience: https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-a-prozac-story/

 

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LOL. Addax!   I agree with you , though, there seems to be some discrepancy,  to do with  mood and diet.  There's one camp, that says high protein, high fat diet is  the way to go , given that the brain is made of fat and thrives on fat.  (Grain Brain  by  Dr David Perlmutter).  Then there's the other camp, that says,  carbohydrate is the bomb!!    ( "Potatoes not Prozac". )    It's confusing , as are most things, these days, but I can't help thinking the high " animal protein "   craze , ( paleo) , is being driven by the food industry, just the same way, as the "Pharmaceuticals"!!   Follow the money!!

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Weight gain is notorious on mirtazapine. I think there are two key mechanisms at play. First it makes you very hungry and not for lettuce. Secondly it slows down your metabolism. So it's a double whammy.

 

The only time I have lost weight is through a very low carb diet of about 1500 calories per day coupled with exercise 6 days a week.

 

It's possible but challenging

 

D

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.On Effexor for 2 months at the start of 2005. Had extreme insomnia as an adverse reaction. Changed to mirtazapine. Have been trying to get off since mid 2008 with numerous failures including CTs and slow (but not slow enough tapers)Have slow tapered at 10 per cent or less for years. I have liquid mirtazapine made at a compounding chemist.

Was on 1.6 ml as at 19 March 2014.

Dropped to 1.5 ml 7 June 2014. Dropped to 1.4 in about September.

Dropped to 1.3 on 20 December 2014. Dropped to 1.2 in mid Jan 2015.

Dropped to 1 ml in late Feb 2015. I think my old medication had run out of puff so I tried 1ml when I got the new stuff and it seems to be going ok. Sleep has been good over the last week (as of 13/3/15).

Dropped to 1/2 ml 14/11/15 Fatigue still there as are memory and cognition problems. Sleep is patchy but liveable compared to what it has been in the past.

 

DRUG FREE - as at 1st May 2017

 

>My intro post is here - http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2250-dalsaan

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You're right Dalsaan, they slow down the metabolism.  I was only on Mirtazapine for less than a week, and I could see the writing on the wall, for weight gain.  My appetite had a mind of it's own.  The thing is, how long does this messed up metabolism, stick around?  Not only that , but the high cholesterol, Pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, messed up liver enzymes, and  thyroid issues.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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It seems to be drug weight , that won't shift. No exercise or diet, works. The metabolism is altered. I hope it's not permanent!!

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
.
         

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Ha! Potatoes not Prozac. That's funny! I hadn't heard that before. It makes sense since our brain runs exclusively on glucose (except in starvation). I'm wary of the claims in Grain Brain because there's been so much of criticism of the authors claims... And because of the low carb diet money train it rides, as well as what you mentioned :-).

 

I think it comes down to how the food makes you feel and given the serotonin role with carb metabolism there's been speculation that a diet higher in carbohydrates might be the way to go. Weightloss is the result of creating a calorie deficit. Manipulating the macros may help maintain muscle mass during weightloss and stuff like that, but I don't think they play a direct role in losing or maintaining actual body weight.

 

I hadn't realized meds had been shown to actually slow down metabolism. That's awful... I hate theses drugs so much.

 

So far as diet and macros t's probably different for different people for any multitude of reasons. One thing that I think can probably be agreeded on across the board is that dieting sucks!

1988-2012: Prozac @ 60mg (with a few stops and starts)

Fall 2012: Returned to 40mg after discontinuing and horrid withdrawal 

Fall 2013: 40mg Fluoxetine, added 150mg Wellbutrin to treat fatigue 

Winter 2014: Attempting to taper both (too fast)

April 2014: 9mg Fluoxetine + 37.5 Wellbutrin 

Summer 2014: 8 mg Fluoxetine + 0 Wellbutrin (way too fast a drop)

Late summer/Early Fall 2014: Debilitating Withdrawal symptoms 

Fall 2014 - Wellbutrin successfully kicked to the curb but…

Oct- Dec 2014: Panicked reinstatement of Fluoxetine ->30mg - held for 5yrs

Jan 2021: taper to 20mg Fluoxetine  then tapering by 1mg every 2-3 months

Fall 2022 - held at 10mg->December 2022: 9mg->Feb 2023: 8mg ->March 2023: brassmonkey slide begins: 7.8mg -> 7.6 -> 7.4->2 week hold (April)->7.2->7mg->6.8->2 week hold->6.6-> 1-month hold ->(June)-6.5->4-week hold-> (July)-6.4 (discontinued brassmonkey slide and slowed taper)-> (Aug)-6.2->(Sept)-6.0->(Oct)-5.9->(Nov)-5.8->(Dec)-5.7->wave!->(Jan)-5.8->(Feb)-6mg and holding.

 

My 2014 withdrawal experience: https://rxisk.org/antidepressant-withdrawal-a-prozac-story/

 

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I Addax, it's a book. can't remember the author , but if you google it , it will come up.It does sound funny. I agree.  The other thing I agree with you is that dieting sucks I agree that it's how it makes you feel and at the moment I want to eat to feed my brain, but the thing is I'm carrying what I call "drug weight" and I also have high cholesterol (from the drugs), so I feel torn between the plant based, high carb diet and the high protein (paleo) diet.  Sometimes there is just too much information, and too much disagreement , from the so - called experts, it is hard to sort out. You have to be a detective these days, with everything.  It does your head in.

Many SSRI's and SSNRI's over 20 years. Zoloft for 7 years followed by Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, Celexa, Pristiq, Valdoxan, Mianserin and more - on and off. No tapering. Cold turkey off Valdoxan - end of May 2014

 

                                                  Psych Drug - free since May 2014
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