cettefergeI've been on following meds for 8-10+ years, with only small weight gain (~10 lbs); all of a sudden, I've gained another 25 lbs in 6 mos! (Trileptal-600mgs, Seroquel-100mgs, Synthroid-112.5mgs, Cytomel-5mcgs, Aciphex-20mgs, Benecar-5mgs, Subox @ 4, now 3mgs/day, Dextroampht-20 to 30mgs/day (ADHD); The following, PRN for chronic anxiety & headaches = Valium, Fioricet (new) or Midrin. I'm pretty evenly proportioned, so can hide some lbs. Doesn't look HORRIBLE, but FEEL awful being like this--have to hold my breath, bend over, tie my shoes! Really causing sadness, depression, low self-esteem. Don't know how to get started on ANYTHING. Keep thinking; get up early, hop out of bed, start walking & eating better, but just can't seem to do it, even when I'm awake early! End up getting to work at 10,11, 12, working late, missing my meetings, don't want to socialize, too much TV, downward spiral.
Have digestive problems; tough to eat well when raw veggies, salads give me stomachaches. Literally hate most food, butter, mayo, bread, etc., hate to eat, which causes me to eat later when hungry, munching peanut butter pretzels in bed! Then, I get backed up (take 12 Cytotec/day). How do I gag down breakfast or lunch when I get grossed out in kitchen by food? Only changes in last year are: my adored father died, moved in with mom to caretake, moved the office, fighting awful lawsuit that takes hours/day & ties up whatever assets left. Might lose everything. Haven't even dated in 12 yrs!
Could the stress be adding weight or just getting to 58 yrs? I really don't know how to turn anything around; food, exercise, self-discipline & its carrying over into all aspects of life; lack of discipline, sloth, procrastination, etc. Sorry to go on, as I know others have worse problems, but it will send me deep into depression if I don't turn it around soon (from ~145 to ~175lbs?) :( Thanks, friends. Any suggestions appreciated! God Bless! J.
Okay friends, here are my meds. Why, pray tell, have I gained 25 lbs in last 6 mos?
- Posted:
- 13 Oct 2011 by cetteferge
- Topics:
- suboxone, synthroid, trileptal, bipolar disorder, obesity, headache, anxiety, stomach ulcer
Added 13 Oct 2011:
Shoot, I meant to add the categories of weight, depression, and some others, but I guess you guys get the drift! Thx.:)
Responses (6)
LaurieShay13 Oct 2011
Hey cetteferge,
Sounds to me like the stress in your life is causing you to not be able to eat healthy. I know when things get stressful in my life I have less willpower to eat healthfully. I have a tendency to go for the sweets as a way of rewarding myself for overcoming the stress. It really becomes a battle of wits.
You need to learn to take time to destress. Taking time for yourself to relax and let the cares of your life go for a little while will help tremendously. What does cetteferge need? Asking yourself what your needs are and being certain to met them will help you relax and be able to eat more healthy. It all is tied in together. Start with taking care of you, then you'll be better equipped to help those others you are resposible for.
I know I haven't said anything you don't already know, but sometimes seeing it from anothers perspective is helpful.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Mary63200914 Oct 2011
Oh girl! I feel for ya. I put on 25 pounds when I quit smoking 7 years ago (yeah) & cannot get rid of it no matter what I do, or eat, or not eat. I feel the same as you do about food. Have no appetite etc... You have a lot of stress in your life all the way around from a medical standpoint, & just everyday issues losing your Father, being a caretaker, depression issues are all or can all be related to the weight issues.It sounds like you have just too much on your plate! (and I did not mean that to be funny!) You are overworked, & overstressed. I don't have an answer for you, but wanted to let you know you are not alone. Try to have a good evening & leave those pretzels alone! ...
pledge14 Oct 2011
Hi there cetteferge. ... I love peanut butter and pretzels, and combined!I'll kindly take them, ease your pain. Seriously, though, I feel for you because I'm on two meds that are causing me havoc, when it comes to weight gain. I can't really add to whats been said, Laurie and Mary answers. The only thing and in my case its the gospel, "only" is filling up on fluids. Water and coffee. It helps, hasn't solved my problem entirely (that would be to just stop taking this combination of drugs). Try relaxing, doing things that tend to favor, your not being so active. By active, on the run, the hecticness of it can get your system running a 100mph. Take care friend, have a goodday.
Mary632009
15 Oct 2011
Did you all hear peanuts had a bad season so peanut butter is going to skyrocket. Better get to the store & buy some right away & stock up...
pledge
15 Oct 2011
Hey there Mary. I know, its a result of the drought. Out my way, its just plain arid. Have a good one, and oh care for a peanut covered doughnut? :-0)
lady from...14 Oct 2011
One quick response for now because I am just running out the door.
I did try Seroquel a while back to help with sleep.
I put weight on immediately! Seriously, I couldn't believe how quickly the pounds came on.
I really can't speak on any of the others because I haven't taken them.
hope your find some answers, if not some relief!
slattery14 Oct 2011
I can't add any further answers here cetteferge, as you already got many great ideas and comments from the ladies! The fluid retention theory sounds like what may easily be happening, and if that is the case, it is easily solved.
Absolutely your weight gain sounds unjustified, as you are not eating up a storm (which some drugs like zyprexa would cause you to do). The idea of taking this up with an internist, and letting him run some tests on you... for hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc is also a great suggestion. You never know, but these things could be happening with you too. Good luck, and try not to get too down... know that it's hard though.
Anonymous 14 Oct 2011
Hi J,
I've got to agree with Lady from, it's GOT to be Seroquel, tis noted for weight gain!! Some ppl on this med develop diabetes from it, swear!!
Good luck my friend, hope you can get rid of it asap!! But def talk to your doc about Seroquel being the culprit!!
Best wishes J,
Lara
cetteferge
15 Oct 2011
Oh, thanks again so much, clan DC. You're sweet just for being there. I asked about the Seroquel & Psychiatrist said that it shouldn't be the culprit since I've been on it 10 years & no weight gain, but I do have a weird water weight, that I've been told is not typical water weight, but inside the cells, causing low sodium & high potassium?! (Trileptal, thanks alot!), but its the only med that works for my bipolar I (along w/others). However, I do think I should check out the diabetes possibility!! My dear papa just died from End Stage Rental Disease after having Diabetes II (late onset), and he ignored it. Guess I have to snap out of denial for those Snyder's little round pretzels w/ peanut butter! (you've scared me into stocking up, Mary! LOL!!) So, thanks pledge, slattery, sweets, and the rest of the gang! xo Jillian
Anonymous 15 Oct 2011
Dearest Jillian,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tis so sad to lose a parent, no matter what age one is.
Love,
Lara
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Laurie, we must have been typing at the same time. At least you said it better than I! Mary
You are great Mary and I answered that other question you wanted me to check out. Have a wonderful evening!!
I know I sound like a typical nurse saying to report this to your MD. I say this for 2 very good reasons. 1, I noticed that one of yout medicines is Sythroid. If, your levels have changed that would affect your weight and your energy. 2, some medicines can cause water retention which could be the cause of the weight gain... fluid is heavy. Also, if your kidneys are affected by any of the meds or combo it could cause imbalances. It always helps to care for you.
Oh, thank you all SO much for your answers. Yes, it does help to see all the suggestions, even if I know somewhere in my wee little brain! Seriously, you really help me & I'll check thyroid levels, as well, cuz I had some little cysts awhile back. Maybe they grew. God Bless & Thx. gals! :)
I'm thinking of you, this is so fresh for me that I can't go here right now, but know that you must take care of yourself first. See your doctor to be sure you're healthy, then find something you love to do! You have to get rid of the stress, because it can cause a lot of health problems. If you can get in a happy place the rest will find a way of working itself out!
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Niki
Oh, thanks much niknik - read your profile, and some threads-you're so funny about the dirty car! I'm the same about cars & kitchen, too... well, guess I'm compulsive about all! If left a mess, I cannot get in to (try) to cook until cleaned up! So sorry you are feeling bad. I appreciate prayers & will reciprocate for all DC friends... they really work. Thanks for thinking of me & taking time to answer... can always use another suggestion. Jillian