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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 10:29:39
I am interested in how other people counter-act the weight-gain with SSRIs...
I gained a TON of weight with Paxil, but now am on Celexa which seems to be much better.
I have noticed that if I eliminated most of the salt from my diet (including processed foods and sodas), the water-retention isn't as bad. I drink at least 8 glasses of water a day as well. I try to eat alot of berries (anti-oxidant food), orange fruits/green vegetables, and high-fiber foods such as cereals (with skim milk) and whole grain breads. This seems to help as well. I take a vitamin B supplement too.
For exercise, I do step and weight-training (which gets those endorphins going!), and I do pilates (which are very relaxing and centering) at least 3x a week. If I don't do some form of exercise during the day, I feel awful.
I was just interested to know what other people are doing about this and would love to share tips on diet/exercise with other posters...I think both are important especially when we are medicated. Has all sorts of benefits in that I am not as tired, my body looks better and feels better, and at night I can sleep much better.
Posted by shar on July 22, 2002, at 10:54:03
In reply to diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 10:29:39
> I am interested in how other people counter-act the weight-gain with SSRIs...
Counteract? Other than moaning and comfort eating?
>
> I have noticedOh! Noticing is a large part of my personal regime. It takes a lot of energy, but it's worth it.
I also walk from:
the kitchen to the living room,
the living room to the computer room,
to the bedroom from both locations mentioned above,
and, as needed, the house to the car, and, of course, to my designated destination (usually therapist's office).I pull a grocery store marathon every now and then, where I not only walk but push a big cart in front of me.
haha. Just kidding around here. Guess I was wondering if you are depressed anymore with all those endorphins floating around your system from the aerobics and pilates (seriously). Is your dx unipolar?
Shar
Posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 11:07:38
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by shar on July 22, 2002, at 10:54:03
I tried the moaning/comfort eating-thing..all it did was make me fat and more depressed...
I have been diagnosed with clinical depression/anxiety/OCD...the exercising helps SO much that I wish I could make everyone do it!! The OCD helps here....heehee..now I am obsessed with what I eat and making sure that I get a workout in every day. Maybe it's the only things that I can control in my life...but it's good to know that I am in control of something...
Posted by tabitha on July 22, 2002, at 12:29:07
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 11:07:38
Hmm, sounds like Shar and I have the same personal trainer :)
But, mscrane I notice you mention water-retention. Is that a side-effect of ADs? I've felt bloated for years, and griped to my doc, but he never said it was a side-effect (then again he tends to be clueless about many SEs)
Posted by Gabbi on July 22, 2002, at 13:31:42
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by tabitha on July 22, 2002, at 12:29:07
Of course that probably means nothing to any of you who haven't been around cows much.
Water retention is an unfortunate side effect of many anti-depressants SSRI's included, In the summer for me it feels disgusting. I can make dents in myself, which is a great party trick.
I think the obvious were mentioned B vitamins, drinking lots of water, and those are enough for me during the fall winter, but in the summer I NEED something more powerful.
There is an excellent (I've tried them all) natural non-potassium depleting natural diuretic called Water Shed, not to be confused with Water tight, which is not nearly as effective (for me) They are awfully expensive though (in canada anyway) I've tried making a mixture of the herbs they use on my own, but they really have some secret ingredient I'm sure.I'm really surprised (wait no I'm not) that your Doctor didn't tell you it was a side effect, its
a pretty common one. Effexor which I've discontinued was the worst I've found for it yet, benzo's can exacerbate it too.I just haven't figured out a way to politely turn someone's rare invitation out by saying sorry, I'm going to stay home and bloat.
Posted by Gabbi on July 22, 2002, at 13:34:20
In reply to ,bloated as a cow that got into the alfalfa, posted by Gabbi on July 22, 2002, at 13:31:42
Was it you who'd mentioned losing hair?
Posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 13:35:36
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by tabitha on July 22, 2002, at 12:29:07
I am convinced it's water retention....I can tell because my hands and feet got swollen as well..
I never really asked the doctor....just kinda figured it out myself...because they do something to your liver, I think...so to help it along, I stay away from certain things(like salt)..and try to eat alot of anti-oxidants and lots of water to keep the liver functioning well. A multi-B vitamin is also good to keep the liver going....
I hope this helps...maybe try it and the bloated feeling could subside..
Posted by Mr Beev on July 22, 2002, at 19:08:10
In reply to diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 10:29:39
Hello mscrane,
You are to be commended for your exercise regimen. It is never easy - at least for an amoeba like me - especially when depressed, but for most people it can only help, and sometimes quite a lot.
How long do you exercise per session? From what I have read, it is better to have more sessions per week of shorter duration than fewer sessions per week of longer duration; that 3x week is a minimum "maintenance" mode, but 4x or preferably 5x is better; that one must have *at least* 20 minutes sustained, uninterrupted, aerobic activity per session, though 30min would be better; that walking, while good, does not bring the benefits of say, swimming or bicycling; that for those just starting out, it can take two months before one starts feeling the benefits.
My diagnosis is quite similar to yours. During my first bout with depression, I took up jogging, with much wailing and gnashing of teeth. After two months, I started feeling the "endorphin rush". Now I jog every other day, for an average total of 20 miles per week, about 180 minutes of working out per week. To achieve "fitness" one is supposed to spend at least 150 minutes working out per week.
I think your strength training is a good idea, it's not something I have done much with so far. My physical medicine doctor, whom I greatly respect and who practices what she preaches, told me that the prioritization should be: first, flexibility (I think pilates would count here); second, sustained, aerobic exercise (let the sweat flow!); third, strength training.
I did one course of pilates which, aside from the first session, did little for me, but I can see how one might find it quite relaxing. After my first session, I felt as if a steel rod had been slipped down my spine - I could not slouch if I had wanted to! My back had not felt so good in years. But the effect soon wore off and I was unable to recapture the experience. Still, this experience has left me favourably inclined to pilates.
If you exercise a lot and sweat a lot, especially in a humid, hot environment, watch out for salt and (to a much lesser extent) potassium depletion. This can lead to hyponatremia (salt deficiency) which in turn can cause, among other things, mood imbalance - such as anxiety and depression. This has happened to me a number of times! I exercise out-of-doors in hot, humid weather and actually mix in extra salt with my sports drink after I run!
Best Regards,
Mr Beev
Posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 22:09:57
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by Mr Beev on July 22, 2002, at 19:08:10
My workouts are about an hour each. I do take a rest day every two weeks or so, but because I don't do the same thing every day..step one day, pilates the next and so on...I don't feel over-exerted.
I am lucky to have air conditioning and a place in my house set-up just for my work-out space.
As for the salt, I get enough in my daily food in-take. What I referring to was the north american habit of piling extra salt on food, the huge amount of salt in processed foods and fast food, and of course sodas.I love the pilates...I am 35 and much more flexible than my 15 year-old daughter now! The breathing in pilates (like that of yoga) is the key, I think. Since I started pilates, I use the breathing in all my workouts and it has made a great difference.
It's great to hear what other people are doing...I'm glad to hear you've found a workout that "works" for you and that other people are taking this approach as well!
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 22, 2002, at 23:18:39
In reply to diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by mscrane on July 22, 2002, at 10:29:39
I find that I'm doing much better by avoiding refined foods or potatoes -- breads, pastas, etc -- and sticking to fruits, veggies, beans, meats, and grains. This does necessitate more planning, and eating more vegetables in bulk. But somehow the act of processing the food must burn more calories.
I have much more energy and feel healthier than I did when I was a regular french fry, pasta, and bread eater. Prob'ly gettin' more nutrients. . .
I've lost 15 lbs. recently. I just joined a gym and started swimming and doing pilates, too.
Posted by tabitha on July 23, 2002, at 0:26:00
In reply to P.S Tabitha Lovely, posted by Gabbi on July 22, 2002, at 13:34:20
Yup, that's me-- sedentary, bloated, and shedding. Good thing I don't have any sex drive left, or I might feel a wee bit unattractive.
Posted by Gabbi on July 23, 2002, at 1:18:01
In reply to Re: P.S Tabitha Lovely » Gabbi, posted by tabitha on July 23, 2002, at 0:26:00
The reason I asked (about your hair) is.... because I lost a lot of hair from my medication. I don't know if you said if you actually had Alopecia, or if its breaking off at the root.
Anyway, I have a patch on the back of my head that wouldn't grow more than 1/4 of an inch. And the rest just changed texture.
But Using a satin pillowcase really helps (so precious I know) and from personal experience lots of B vitamins really do help: you need to take a B complex but extra B6 B5 and also zinc.
and Flax Oil.
That will help whether its breakage or alopecia..or the BLOAT but you have to do it consistantly and it takes about 3 months to make a difference in the hair area.
There are both hormonal and medication related reasons that those things help, but I just don't feel like getting into that its just too dull.You know, I don't even know if you actually wanted any advice, OOPS.
I've been reading anguished English again
and its beyond my control..I have to share.This one taken from a Court Transcript
Q So after anesthesia, when you came out of it,what did you observe with respect to your scalp?
A. I didn't see my scalp the whole time I was in the hospital.
Q. It was covered?
A.Yes, bandaged.
Q. Then, later on what did you see?
A. I had a skin graft, My whole buttocks and leg were removed and put on top of my head.From a doctors report:
She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate directions in early December.I'm sorry, they are kind of addictive and its weird laughing hysterically and not having a roomate to annoy by reading them aloud.
Posted by tabitha on July 23, 2002, at 1:24:26
In reply to Re: P.S Tabitha Lovely » tabitha, posted by Gabbi on July 23, 2002, at 1:18:01
Posted by Dinah on July 23, 2002, at 6:18:24
In reply to Re: P.S Tabitha Lovely » tabitha, posted by Gabbi on July 23, 2002, at 1:18:01
Posted by mscrane on July 23, 2002, at 7:27:21
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users, posted by bookgurl99 on July 22, 2002, at 23:18:39
I have heard of this diet but I have always wondered...how do you get the right amount of fibre and how do you get your grains without eating bread????? Can you eat cereal??? Can you eat rice???? What kind of menu would you have for a day??? Sorry for all the questions, but I am curious..I have heard of the Atkins diet, but too much meat in it for me...is this the diet you are following? Do you exercise too???
Posted by Roo on July 23, 2002, at 9:07:21
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users--, posted by mscrane on July 23, 2002, at 7:27:21
mscrane--did you lose the paxil weight? I gained a
bunch of weight on lamictal and finally went off of
it, I worked really hard and lost 10 pounds. now I'm trying effexor, and I noticed I gained back
2 of those precious pounds in one week! My appetite is off
the roof! I just want to eat french fries and ice cream...
I'm a big exerciser too--5 times a week aerobic, 2 times a week
strength training...but sometimes, although it tones me up, it
doesn't do much for the ad weight gain (but admittedly I haven't
done much diet wise...I'm pretty attached to food...). It seems
like there's no way you could gain weight on the amount of exercise
you're doing...I remember water weight on celexa when I tried it.
Anyway, just wondering how weight loss is for you?Anyone else out there experience increase appetite and weight
gain on effexor?
Posted by mscrane on July 23, 2002, at 10:02:09
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips fot--mscrane, posted by Roo on July 23, 2002, at 9:07:21
Yes, the Paxil weight is gone...I think most of it was water-retention so when I stopped and went onto Celexa, it went away. Also, I watch what I eat very carefully, especially with the salt ect.,
I also did straight cardio for a year before adding anything else...to lose body fat. Muscles can form on top of the body fat making you look bigger and feel heavier. I stay away from the scale because although losing a pound or two can give you that euphoria, gaining a pound or two can be quite depressing...kinda silly when you think about it!!! I haven't weighed myself in 3 years, but I can feel the weight-loss in my body.
It took me a long time to gain control on the food issue...I started a food-diary which helped alot..and the trick is..the less you eat the fatty stuff, the less you crave it...it just takes a bit of time to get it out of your body..almost like quitting smoking...LOL...try drinking a ton of water to flush your system and eat alot of anti-oxidant foods.
I hope this helps and congrats on your weight loss!
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 24, 2002, at 0:51:17
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users--, posted by mscrane on July 23, 2002, at 7:27:21
> I have heard of this diet but I have always wondered...how do you get the right amount of fibre and how do you get your grains without eating bread????? Can you eat cereal??? Can you eat rice???? What kind of menu would you have for a day??? Sorry for all the questions, but I am curious..I have heard of the Atkins diet, but too much meat in it for me...is this the diet you are following? Do you exercise too???
I am following a specifically anti-inflammatory diet (made with the help of a naturopath) because there is a strong tendency towards inflammatory autoimmune disorders in my family.
I am definitely not following the atkins diet; I eat many more carbohydrates than Atkins would recommend. I basically eat whole foods, avoiding certain allergens. I get fiber by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, and by eating grains such as oatmeal, rice, and quinoa. A typical day -- today for breakfast I had an oatmeal raisin powerbar w/ some cherries and mango slices (powerbar 'cause I woke up late), for lunch had chicken breast w/ 10 oz. stir fry vegetables and some almond butter (alone, just for fun), and for dinner rice, pinto beans, guacamole, and salad, along w/ a blended watermelon drink (watermelon+ice) I made at home. When I felt hungry later on, I nibbled on some oatmeal,cherries, and sunflower seeds.
Posted by mscrane on July 24, 2002, at 9:32:36
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users--, posted by bookgurl99 on July 24, 2002, at 0:51:17
This diet sounds YUMMY!!!!! It also seems you get alot of anti-oxidants which would help with the inflammatory problem...and the problem of water-retention on SSRIs...too bad doctors don't prescribe these kind of things when you start taking them. Like, when you have diabetes, you have to watch what you eat..and there are other medications where you have to be careful what you eat....did you know that grapefruit juice can counter-act most SSRIs??? I think this board needs a diet/exercise forum to help other people who are experiencing those kind of side-effects..it took me 4 years to figure this stuff out, and I am still looking for more ideas!
Posted by Simcha on July 27, 2002, at 12:58:27
In reply to Re: diet/exercise tips for anti-depressant users--, posted by mscrane on July 24, 2002, at 9:32:36
I would like to interject with something that no one seems to mention here.
We have a "fix it" culture. We are also obsessed with excercise and dieting. Food is a definite obsession for me. I have been addicted to excercise and schemes of nutrition before.
I used to weigh 200 lbs. before anti-depressants. I was always a big guy. I have a barrel chest and large shoulders. Even though I'm a white guy (mostly) I have a big butt. (even when I was at my allegedly "ideal" weight)
Now I weigh 228 lbs. I've seemed to have stabilized at this size. I'm a bit chunky at this weight. I carry it well. In fact most people think I weigh much less because I have the frame that can carry weight well.
I have gone from a 32 inch waist to a 36 inch waist. I'm not interested in gaining more. I did go on an exercise routine when I lived in Iowa. All I did was gain muscle mass and the fat stayed put.
I just moved to California a month ago. I'm trying to get back into an exercise routine. I'm trying to avoid the inculturated (is that a word? lol) shame of not having exercised very much since I've been in California.
I've learned that acceptance of my size is most valuable in dealing with the anti-depressant weight gain. I've learned to accept my body the way it is. I've bought larger clothing. I've just decided that this is not something that is going to ruin my serenity. (And I have OCD!!!!!)
It's not that I've given up and that I have allowed myself to go fat. I'm just more accepting of my appearance in the mirror and I'm more loving toward myself. For now, while I'm taking Celexa, Wellbutrin, and Klonipin I've come to accept that I will not be 200 lbs. for a while no matter how hard I exercise.
This takes so much pressure off of me and I am free to do other things in my life. I'm also free to obsess about other things now... ;-) LOL
Take Care,
Simcha
Posted by shar on July 27, 2002, at 17:40:41
In reply to Re: diet/ex. tips for anti-dep. users- Acceptance, posted by Simcha on July 27, 2002, at 12:58:27
Posted by mscrane on July 27, 2002, at 18:06:36
In reply to Re: diet/ex. tips for anti-dep. users- Acceptance, posted by Simcha on July 27, 2002, at 12:58:27
I started this post because I have noticed, like myself, that alot of people become distressed with the weight-gain issue. I have been taking them for the last 5 years, and have gone from gaining about 60 pounds, to then losing that and more. I guess I was just trying to give tips and ask for some in return because it IS an issue for alot of people who take SSRIs....
It's great that you can live with the weight gain. For myself, it made me even more miserable...instead of hiding, though, I have chosen to do something about it and I have come out better because I am healthier now than I ever have been! Perhaps I feel better "fixing" it, then just letting it turn me into someone I don't want to be....
Posted by shar on July 27, 2002, at 19:26:44
In reply to Re: diet/ex. tips for anti-dep. users- Acceptance, posted by mscrane on July 27, 2002, at 18:06:36
I agree. It is great when people can feel better about themselves whatever route that takes. Yours and Simcha's seem like two good ones.
Shar
> I started this post because I have noticed, like myself, that alot of people become distressed with the weight-gain issue. I have been taking them for the last 5 years, and have gone from gaining about 60 pounds, to then losing that and more. I guess I was just trying to give tips and ask for some in return because it IS an issue for alot of people who take SSRIs....
>
> It's great that you can live with the weight gain. For myself, it made me even more miserable...instead of hiding, though, I have chosen to do something about it and I have come out better because I am healthier now than I ever have been! Perhaps I feel better "fixing" it, then just letting it turn me into someone I don't want to be....
This is the end of the thread.
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