Monday, May 3, 2010

Losing Weight On Lexapro

I am one of those people who have to be on antidepressants. I don't want to be and after twenty years of on again off again I'm once again on again. I've fought this so hard mostly because of the underlying guilt of needing something to make my brain function better. I believe now that some of us just need a little help. Just as a heart patient may need Lipitor or a diabetic needs insulin I need an antidepressant.
If I don't take this little pill almost everything I do and everything I say replays in my head over and over and over and, well you get the idea. Also I have no hope. I don't believe there are many things any worse than feeling nothing. No motivation at all just an emptiness that seems to fill my entire body. I'm not suicidal but death would not come unwelcome.
As much as I need this pill I am really exasperated at the weight gain I've experienced while on it. I was forced to go back to an antidepressant last August. The choice this time was Lexapro. Instead of using my General Practitioner for help this time I went to a Therapist. She was able to direct me to a Psychiatrist who dispenses my medication. I see her every two to three months depending on how my emotional state is when I see her. This process has made me much more comfortable.
When my GP was dispensing my meds it was a hit or miss prescription. He would give me one type and if it worked great and if not he would try another. As helpful as he was trying to be I really don't think GPs have enough information on antidepressants to dispense them.
Once my GP changed my meds and I crashed. When I say crashed I mean CRASHED.
After that I felt embarrassed and have since changed my Physician. I told my Psychiatrist about it and she says it's really not uncommon. I found comfort in that.

Well with all that said now that I have accepted that I have to be on these meds I have once again had to confront weight gain. I've tried to read as much as I could find about why this medication makes me gain weight. My conclusion is that it makes me crave food and not just any food but carbs and sweets. Hence the weight gain.

I have created this blog because I am going to try to eat really well and see if the weight will come off. I am challenging myself to fruits and vegetables as much as possible, as well as bread. I am taking baby steps in excercise so I don't quit easily. I know if I load myself up with excercise while changing other parts of my life I may just forget the whole thing. I have signed up for beginner yoga which if once a week for now and Zumba class which is also once a week. I walk a mile a day as well.
I will keep track of my weight, excercise, what I'm eating and what my weight is on this blog.
My goal is to see if it is possible to lose weight while taking Lexapro without starving myself. I intend to post daily
We'll see how well I do..................

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