I can't stop eating...uuugh

[happybratpack]

Ever since I started the Paxil I have put on a ton of weight, I was never a huge eater but now I can't seem to stop myself. I catch myself in the fridge all the time with serious cravings for sweets, carbs, etc. I'm worried about my weight, it's really ballooned in the last 6 months or so. I talked to the dr the last time about it and she said it was expected w/ the meds, but it's out of hand. I'm short, just 5' and even a little weight is a lot much less over 20-30 extra pounds.

Has anyone else had this w/ different medications and what did you do to help it?

Thanks

 

[Wishing on a star]

I don't know anything specific. However, I am thinking that this may affect your Thyroid levels. When I first became hypo-thyroid, I had the common side effect of ALWAYS being hungry!

You might want to get your levels checked. There is a good recent thread about HypoThyroid. And how you need all the different levels of T3 and T4 and Thyroid Antibodies checked. Not just your TSH.

 

[maps]

Of all the SSRI medications, my patients have always reported Paxil as causing problems such weight gain.

Have you tried other medications? Obviously talk to your doctor, but you could try Lexapro, Effexor or Wellbutrin.

Some work better than others. Some people have problems with weight gain on any and all of them.

Definitely talk to your doctor. If you're like some of my patients with depression, gaining weight on the medication will make them even more depressed!

 

[happybratpack]

I started taking the Paxil for two reasons:
1. flying issues
2. OCD

I feel it's helped tremendously and this is the only problem I've had, but it's a huge problem. I'm hoping to be able to get off it completely, I feel better about flying now and I think I can control my OCD. She wants me to wait until after the China trip to start tapering off of them so i'm looking at at least a few more months.

 

[Kimberly]

Weight gain is one of the primary reasons why the FDA wants to pull Paxil off of the market. It's a wonder drug for those who truely need it, but it seems to be overprescribed at times.

Wish you the best of luck, regular exercise is the only real thing I can suggest.

 

[maps]

sorry, i shouldn't have assumed depression.

Prozac is another SSRI that I use a lot. It helps with depression, anxiety and OCD and most of my patients don't report an issue with weight gain.

In fact, I have some people with a history of anorexia nervosa taking it and believe me, if it caused weight gain, they would not be taking it anymore.

 

[happybratpack]

sorry, i shouldn't have assumed depression.

No, no - I didn't mean that. She gave me the impression that the Paxil was what to take for the flying issues specifically. To be honest, I just want to get through this then get off of it for good. I just don't want to gain 75 pounds in the process, ya know?

 

[WDWguru]

Barring a change in your condition that would allow you to try going off Paxil or trying another medication, there are a few things you can try.

1. Regular exercise - even a few minutes a day can help.

2. WATER - a lot of times our bodies tell us they are hungry when you're really thirsty. Try drinking water instead of eating something when you feel hungry. It will help keep you hydrated and keep your system regular, plus it will help fill your stomach.

3. Diversion! When you feel hungry, redirect yourself to another activity. Take a walk around the block, play a quick game of solitaire, read a section of the newspaper, phone a friend or relative for support, or check the DIS boards!

Good luck!