Medication makes me gain weight what to do?

[Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain]

I’m recently put on these medicines Phenenergan Promethazine hydrochloride, mirtazapine, solifenacanan, diazepam for severe anxiety, severe depression, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. Was hospitalised for a total of a month.

However I’ve gained weight and definitely want to eat more when I’m on these medicines. What can I do? Who should I ask?

I’ll do that, thanks. Ask to reduce the Mirtzapine dose.

Aw bless you. 💐. You’ll get there and it’s great that you have support.

Have you tried other antidepressants? What about HRT if its menopause related?
Are you having any talking therapy x

I gained a load of weight on antidepressants. Started when I still couldn't afford to eatas well so wasn't as easy as cutting out calories.

But as a side effect it was worth it as they saved my life and I am so much happier now, even if a bit tubby. The weight did drop off a bit once I stopped taking them. But absolutely worth it.

Just one more thing @Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain - I’ve been listening to this for the last few nights and find it helps with sleep if you want to try it :

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XtDwPLk8EgI&pp=ygUjRHJlYW0gcmFpbiB3aXRoIHRodW5kZXIgc291bmRzIHB0c2Q%3D

Those sort of drugs give cravings, very difficult and unpleasant.

Are there things that you can do to counteract the side effects of wanting to eat more? So more protein, can you exercise?

No not tried other antidepressants. I am on HRT.

talking therapy is a psychologist but I could see another one I suppose.

Don’t get me wrong I’d rather be here than not here and if antidepressants do help that’s good. I just don’t want to have to rely on them if that makes sense.

I do try to eat more protein and exercise too but it’s hard to get motivated to exercise sometimes.

Sorry, I realise it sounds a bit judgy, 'just be happy to be fat' sort of thing. I would much rather have gained no weight but now the depression and anxiety has gone, with it the awful lack of self confidence I had as well, I don't feel bad about how I look. If only I had this confidence whenI was young and slim!

Do speak to who is prescribing your medication though because they can try and swap things to find something that suits you better.

30mcg would be a very tiny dose. Do you mean 30 MG? I think you can up to 45mg a day.

You’re on 30 milligrams of Mirtaz (not 30micrograms). 30mg is a middling amount. If you’re on it for depression it’s reasonable, tho you’d be better with it increased to 45mg (max dose) and coming off the promethazine instead.
Mirtaz at 45mg should be doing the job of both an antidepressant and sleep aid.

I think I saw you mention antipsychotic - which are you on?

Yes totally get that, Im not one that is motivated by exercise.

When I say exercise though Im only talking about a walk, thats all I do.

I was on SSRIs and I had weight issues at first, due to intense sugar cravings and bigger appetite mainly. I researched and taking inositol and probiotics reduced the side effect, so I started that. I also tried to do low carb high protein and just stick to healthy low sugar foods regardless of cravings. I used gum, sugar free hard sweets, and ice lollies for after dinner treats as well. After that I lost all the weight.

Yes it’s 30mg.

I don’t know the actual name of the anti psychotic drug I’m on.

I am trying to stick to healthier choices rather than the bad ones.

Update.

So I spoke to the doctor in charge of the meds today. He rang me and we went through what I’m taking. Eg only one anti anxiety pill rather than 3 or 4 so I’m upping that for now to 2 tablets.

I know diazapam and mirtzapine made me really hungry. Try and have loads of healthy food in easy reach. Like chopped up fruit and carrots/cucumber/peppers. Chewing gum and even sucking sugar free boiled sweets is quite good as it feels nice but it's not like a massive load of calories. The latter not great for teeth. In fact brushing teeth is a good way to distract from hunger pangs as well.
Try not to keep junk food like crisps or chocolate in the house.

I think I’ll try some of your ideas too. What sugar free hard sweets do you recommend?

It's increased your appetite that's all. You'll have to do mindful eating and focus on things that fill you up. More protein, stay off refund carbs and junk food that sort of thing. Healthy snacks and a ton of water.

I liked Werther's and Fruitella! The little boiled sweets that come in boxes like cough drops.

I’ve never seen Fruitela drops so this is a good find for me from you.

get those trainers on and start couch to 5k

I would very much avoid sugar free artificial sweetened foods if you are prone to cravings/carb cravings, they are really bad news for how your brain and stomach communicate