5:2 second week and anxiety creeping back

[Funnyfishface]

I take sertraline for anxiety and panic attacks. I have gained about 10 lbs since being on ads.
I have the anxiety under control now so I thought I would try the 5:2 again and get this weight off.
2 fd last week managed ok. The first df this week I felt awful. Overheated, weak, and panic attack started up.
I would rather be 10 lbs overweight and not suffer anxiety and panic. But I wish I could find a version of this woe that doesn't make me feel ill.
Any suggestions

That sounds rough.

I don't have any advice I'm afraid, but I'm sure others will! (Goes off to quiz some of the other more knowledgable fasters...)

Hi Funnyfishface... I don't have any formal advice, but have had anxiety in the past and I have to say that I can understand where you're coming from... I don't get anxiety increase per se with 5:2, but I do feel more 'wired' and 'alert'... I think in reality I am more energised, but I can also see how this could be construed as hyper or panicky.

How long have you been on the ADs? Maybe you could try cutting back to say 750 cals on your FDs for a week or two, and see if that improves things?

Are you exercising? If not, you should try to include some... that could also really help with the anxiety.

Good luck.. Anxiety is bloody horrible xxxx

10lb really isn't a lot so you don't need to be drastic - perhaps you need to ease yourself into a new WOE more gently to first stabilise from gaining weight and then gradually reduce. Either as bbc suggests, or just aim for one FD a week, or perhaps try 16:8 for a while instead.

Thanks for the replies.

I have upped my exercise this week but to be honest when I over heat my brain confuses the getting hot with the start of a panic attack. So it's hard to push through that.
I have been going out cycling.
I was on citalopram - very low dose for 12 months which is when the weight went on. I then switched to sertraline which is much better for me and have been on that for 8 months.
Error I think the 16:8 might be worth a try.

16:8 won't help you lose weight unless you have a calorie deficit.
Some folk find they automatically eat less if their eating period is shorter; others don't. See how you go.

Alternatively, go for 1000 cal FDs, like the BFers. It's still a good calorie deficit, so you would lose (slowly) if you keep to TDEE on NFDs.

Best to lock away those damn scales, because they stress a lot of folk.
Waist measurement and clothes fit are much more important for health & body shape, especially when you have so little to lose.