To ask how to ask for anti depressants and whether they cause weight gain?

[NC20221]

NC’d for this.

Don’t really know what to say except I’m so deeply unhappy and anxious all the time. A lot of it is due to circumstances in my life, circumstances which I am trying to change but last night I just broke down. Today it took all my energy to go to work and I’m just constantly crying. My chest is so tight and I’m just fucking miserable.

I’ve been like this my whole life, not that many would know as I’m a sociable ‘up for a laugh person’ that’s always there for friends etc. But the fact is I barely sleep at night for worrying, I catastrophize every situation, I can’t seem to really stay happy for long or find the pleasure in things. I don’t know how to be happy if that makes sense? It’s like my comfortable, default place is anxious and sad.

I’ve never wanted to go on meds as I hate the idea of being reliant on something, equally any side effects, in particular weight gain. I’m slim, always have been but have always been anxious and depressed when I’ve put on a bit of weight, so I really wouldn’t cope very well mentally if I was to suddenly gain weight.

I’ve been doing some research today and feel like maybe enough is enough and it’s time to try some help, medication wise. A lot of people say Sertraline works for them? But then I’ve seen that it can make people gain weight? Is there any anti anxiety med that won’t cause weight gain?

Also, how on earth do I ask for help? If I ring the drs, what do I say to the receptionist when they ask me what I need the appointment for? I know that sounds like a stupid thing to ask but I just don’t know where to begin.

I just want to feel happy, normal.

I’ve taken AD on & off for 15 years (citalopram -brilliant but the guidelines for the max dose changed so had to swap, Prozac, sertraline -both made my face sweat, lofepramine - been on for a while, works well) The only time I’ve gained weight was when I had an untreated thyroid issue or when I was eating too much tbh.
If the receptionist asks why you want to speak to the dr just say it’s a mental health issue or it’s about depression. You don’t need to elaborate.

I hope you find something that suits you and feel better soon

I’m not a doctor, but from what you have said, it’s more anxiety and depression. I went onto Citalopram when I was in my mid 30s: didn’t put on any weight with them, and they worked well for me. I was on them for about 18 months. I started taking sertraline at age 50: I did put on weight, but it was more due to an increase in my appetite. I’ve definitely noticed eating more on these tablets. However, Setraline has given my life back to me, so the extra weight - in my opinion - is a price worth paying. I think as long as I can keep an eye on what I eat, and don’t overdo it, then I’ll stick with the medication. I wouldn’t worry about having to rely on medication: there are lots of people have to take medication for certain conditions, and I think anxiety and or depression shouldn’t be any different. Good luck, OP.

• than depression.

Thank you!

I phoned and I’ve got a telephone consultation with the dr next Wednesday.

Just some light at the end of the tunnel would be nice. Appreciate it may be trial and error in terms of finding the right AD’s/ doseage for me and it’s not something I’d like to rely on forever, but I just feel like any little thing will tip me over the edge atm. I’m not very nice to live with (poor DH) and I just feel like I need some help.

Next Wednesday feels like an eternity away.