Depression medicines

CindyNNC · 12-24-2006, 08:18 AM

Can anyone tell me a good medicine for depression that doesn't cause weight gain? I have been taking Cymbalta for about 3 months and it isn't working. I'm so sad today, really for no reason. I have cried and cried like someone died, but nothing has really happened.

It's Christmas eve, I should be happy.

Edin · 12-24-2006, 08:53 AM

hi cindy, i dont know of a med, but i do know that what might work with one person may not work with another person. i am struggling with a lot of depression. things are very rough right now in several areas.

but i did want to send you hugs and to let you know that i will pray for you. so sorry it is painful for you right now. if i can help somehow, let me know. hugsssssssss God bless

CindyNNC · 12-24-2006, 09:56 AM

Thank you

ixtapacheryl · 12-24-2006, 05:36 PM

Are you taking 30 or 60 mg. of Cymbalta? My mother was on the 30mg and she has just started the 60mg. She is not taking it for depression but for pain and the doctor told her it affects the neurons in the brain that controls moods/pain. Even though she's not depressed I have seen her in better moods since taking the Cymbalta - 30mg. She's more upbeat!

CindyNNC · 12-24-2006, 06:52 PM

I started off on 30mg for 4 weeks, then went up to 60mg. So I have been on 60mg for 8 weeks. I'm sweating really bad also since being on this and I never used to sweat. yuck!

Peskie · 12-25-2006, 07:49 PM

Lexapro didn't cause me any gain. Actually during the first 2 weeks of taking it, I lost 5 lbs and then it leveled off.

emeraldskye · 12-26-2006, 12:03 AM

Prozac is supposed to be good for weight loss or not gaining.

Talk to your doctor about it and see what s/he suggests.

Good luck

megpie · 12-26-2006, 10:16 AM

I also took Cymbalta for pain and it didn't work much for me. I switched to Effexor and now that I've been on it for a while, I can't believe the difference in my moods.

Good luck.

wannabeslim4life · 12-26-2006, 10:19 AM

Wellbutrin its actually a rx for weight loss too, so that should tell you it will not cause weight gain....... I have never felt better!

KimandBrian · 12-26-2006, 10:37 AM

Hi

I've been taking Lexapro for about a month now and it has made a HUGE diference. I haven't been sad or anything since I've been taking it. My doctor also put me on Xanax to take the edge off of my anxiety attacks which is also helping. I have been suffering from severe post partum depression for years and finally came out and told everyone, I was embarrassed to tell my friends and family because I thought they would think I was crazy but they have been really supportive. If I was you I would definately ask your doctor about Lexapro. It make me lose weight the first week I was taking it because I didn't have much of an appetite so if you're worried about gaining you don't have to if you get put on this type of medication! Hope this helps

chassiepooh · 12-26-2006, 06:42 PM

(((((Cindy))))))))

I was actually going to come in and talk about Cymbalta....they gave me that for my pains (its for depression and has something for pain too) I had chronic depression because of the pain I was in. I been on it for a week, and lost 5lbs, because it suppressed my appetite, but it upped my energy and all around made me feel good. Proof, that different meds, act differently on different people.

I was on Lexapro at one time, and it worked really well. But I remember gaining weight, but I don't know if I can blame it on the meds

Huge

I hope you can find what works for you. I know how it is just to cry and cry for no reason.

Your friend
Chas~

nonstickpam107 · 12-30-2006, 11:43 AM

And I am someone who found the underlying 'cause' of my depression. They kept switching me from one antidepressant to another and back and forth. NOTHING worked. Then I found out WHY I was so depressed. I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (the symptoms are: depression, hair loss, joint and muscle pain, weight gain/and/or inability to lose weight easily).

I feel it's very important to find out WHY a patient is depressed, and not just hand medications to the patient. Unfortunately, most MD's just know to do a TSH for thyroid disease (tells you nothing!) and not the whole thyroid panel (which is a TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and anti TPO antibodies). Best of luck to you!

Pam

Edin · 12-30-2006, 08:57 PM

just wondered how you are doing, cindy?? sending hugs and prayers

CindyNNC · 12-31-2006, 02:19 PM

Awww thanks everyone. I'm doing okay today. Good days and bad days. I think i will go back to the Dr soon and see if I should try something different.

Thanks Edin

AllMyPonies · 01-01-2007, 12:38 PM

Wellbutrin XL. It should be put in the water system. I've been on half a dozen antidepressants, and this is the ONLY one that makes me stable - heck, CHEERFUL - NO SIDE EFFECTS. None. No weight gain, no squelched creativity, my personality is able to come through 100%.

I'm on 300mg/day. You'd probably start at 150. Be sure to ask about it. And it's the XL, not the SR.

Good luck, call your doctor first thing on Tuesday. Don't ask, TELL him you've done research, YOU know your own body and mind, and you want to try something new, that the cymbalta isn't working. He may have prescribed that because it's new and the drug reps are pushing it. When it comes to mental health issues, you have to really have a proactive stand for yourself. Hard to do, heck almost impossible to do when depressed, but you have to make yourself do it.

{{{hugs}}} Let us know how it goes.

Oh, and here's a cool site: www.crazymeds.org

nonstickpam107 · 01-01-2007, 01:50 PM

I agree about the Wellbutrin...it doesn't impact the thyroid function at all chemically/hormonally)...I used it to quit smoking, and the only 'drawback' I found with it was not being able to sleep (my house was really clean!!).

Pam

Edin · 01-02-2007, 11:52 PM

hi cindy, sending hugs for the new year!! let us know what the doctor says, ok??!! God bless

maggieb43 · 01-05-2007, 11:12 AM

I have had a lifelong problem with depression--once my thyorid was checked and treated I was much better. I have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor and Desipramine. Some of these have less side effects than others...however, if you research these anti-d's, many, even those found to help with weightloss initially, have a negative effect on the metabolism long-term. Along with the thyroid hormones I now take Sam-e and 5-htp and I think it has helped with both mood and weightloss. Of course, do your own research and check with your doctor. Best to you!!

peanutte · 01-05-2007, 01:47 PM

Finding a good therapist will help too.

I take Effexor XR and have no negative side effects.

BuckeyeLori · 01-13-2007, 05:59 AM

Obviously have a good discussion with your doctor. I take Lexapro, and really like it, except that it depresses my intimacy with my (new!) husband. Have been thinking abotu talking to my dr. about that, and asking to try Wellbutrin.

CindyNNC · 01-13-2007, 09:06 AM

Hi all.. Thank you all for the replies! I did go back to the Dr finally (it's hard with my work schedule) and we had a pretty good discussion. He put me on prozac. I have just started on it, so we shall see. A lot of my depression issues is my weight. I am bigger now than I have ever been. I did set my mind to it and lost 8 pounds since Jan 1.

I hope all of you are doing well! Thanks again for your replies!

Cindy

Peskie · 01-13-2007, 09:27 AM

A good book for managing depression:

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

by Dr David Burns

peanutte · 01-14-2007, 06:35 PM

Hang in there, Cindy! I hope the prozac has a positive effect.

Mickey Lou · 01-17-2007, 08:45 PM

I'm new to this scene...but I love Cymbalta

Pokey602 · 01-20-2007, 12:58 PM

Wellbrutrin XL works for me. No side effects cept for all the energy... Gotta take it early in AM. This is the only medication that did not make me hungry. Good luck and find a doctor that understands.

AllMyPonies · 01-20-2007, 11:01 PM

Just checking... how ya feelin'?

Stella4 · 01-21-2007, 06:12 PM

I've been taking Zoloft for about 3 months now, but i'm also taking Relora a natural herbal pill that curbs hunger and helps deal with depression... too good to be true? we'll see. (i've only taken the Relora for about a week now)

Edin · 01-23-2007, 08:59 PM

hi cindy, how is it going?? hope all is ok??

btw everyone, i appreciate your posts. i am struggling with some depression, though it is better than it was. i am not on meds,but am taking sam-e. it seems to help when i remember to take it. i am trying to do better at taking care of myself. but it is so hard.

anyway, tks, and nice to meet you all. hugssssssss cindy!!

CindyNNC · 01-24-2007, 06:25 PM

Thanks all.. Well, the prozac gave me a horrible headache and I just didn't feel like myself. I am going to try to not take anything and see if I can just be stronger!
Edin, I will have to read up on the Sam-E and see about that.
I have always hated being on meds although I realize often that they are neccessary.

My main problem is just being so sensitive and crying sooo easily that it is embarrasing! Sounds weird, I know!

12-24-2006, 08:18 AM	#1
CindyNNC Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: N.C. Posts: 3,503 Gallery: CindyNNC WOE: modified adkins Start Date: March1, 2007.... Again	Depression medicines Can anyone tell me a good medicine for depression that doesn't cause weight gain? I have been taking Cymbalta for about 3 months and it isn't working. I'm so sad today, really for no reason. I have cried and cried like someone died, but nothing has really happened. It's Christmas eve, I should be happy.

12-26-2006, 10:37 AM	#10
KimandBrian Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Trenton Michigan Posts: 240 Gallery: KimandBrian WOE: Atkin's Start Date: May 2, 2006	Hi I've been taking Lexapro for about a month now and it has made a HUGE diference. I haven't been sad or anything since I've been taking it. My doctor also put me on Xanax to take the edge off of my anxiety attacks which is also helping. I have been suffering from severe post partum depression for years and finally came out and told everyone, I was embarrassed to tell my friends and family because I thought they would think I was crazy but they have been really supportive. If I was you I would definately ask your doctor about Lexapro. It make me lose weight the first week I was taking it because I didn't have much of an appetite so if you're worried about gaining you don't have to if you get put on this type of medication! Hope this helps __________________ ~Starting Weight - 272 ~Current Weight - 220 ~Goal Weight - 150 ~Height 5'5 Yep, that's me in the Avatar pic!

12-26-2006, 06:42 PM	#11
chassiepooh Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Louisiana Posts: 24,806 Gallery: chassiepooh Stats: 315/192/170 WOE: Low Calorie Start Date: 4/26/05	(((((Cindy)))))))) I was actually going to come in and talk about Cymbalta....they gave me that for my pains (its for depression and has something for pain too) I had chronic depression because of the pain I was in. I been on it for a week, and lost 5lbs, because it suppressed my appetite, but it upped my energy and all around made me feel good. Proof, that different meds, act differently on different people. I was on Lexapro at one time, and it worked really well. But I remember gaining weight, but I don't know if I can blame it on the meds Huge I hope you can find what works for you. I know how it is just to cry and cry for no reason. Your friend Chas~ __________________ 5' 8" tall - 123lbs loss!!! PANT SIZE: 26/14/12 SHIRT SIZE: 3X/L/M GEAUX NEW ORLEANS SAINTS!!!! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!

12-30-2006, 11:43 AM	#12
nonstickpam107 Thyroid Patient Advocate Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 12,306 Gallery: nonstickpam107 Stats: 230/116/120 (BF<26%) WOE: Started w/Atkins/Now BFFM Start Date: Nov. 23 2000	And I am someone who found the underlying 'cause' of my depression. They kept switching me from one antidepressant to another and back and forth. NOTHING worked. Then I found out WHY I was so depressed. I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism (the symptoms are: depression, hair loss, joint and muscle pain, weight gain/and/or inability to lose weight easily). I feel it's very important to find out WHY a patient is depressed, and not just hand medications to the patient. Unfortunately, most MD's just know to do a TSH for thyroid disease (tells you nothing!) and not the whole thyroid panel (which is a TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and anti TPO antibodies). Best of luck to you! Pam __________________ So many fireworks. So little time. "The thyroid is nothing to mess with" ... Sunset

01-01-2007, 12:38 PM	#15
AllMyPonies Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Where the View is Grand, TX Posts: 7,352 Gallery: AllMyPonies Stats: Inches = 295.25, 293 on 8/2 WOE: DANDR Induction Start Date: 07/22/08	Wellbutrin XL. It should be put in the water system. I've been on half a dozen antidepressants, and this is the ONLY one that makes me stable - heck, CHEERFUL - NO SIDE EFFECTS. None. No weight gain, no squelched creativity, my personality is able to come through 100%. I'm on 300mg/day. You'd probably start at 150. Be sure to ask about it. And it's the XL, not the SR. Good luck, call your doctor first thing on Tuesday. Don't ask, TELL him you've done research, YOU know your own body and mind, and you want to try something new, that the cymbalta isn't working. He may have prescribed that because it's new and the drug reps are pushing it. When it comes to mental health issues, you have to really have a proactive stand for yourself. Hard to do, heck almost impossible to do when depressed, but you have to make yourself do it. {{{hugs}}} Let us know how it goes. Oh, and here's a cool site: www.crazymeds.org __________________ For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 http://www.myspace.com/shezatexasgal

12-24-2006, 08:53 AM	#2
Edin Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: So. Calif Posts: 7,667 Gallery: Edin WOE: South Beach Start Date: November 2006	hi cindy, i dont know of a med, but i do know that what might work with one person may not work with another person. i am struggling with a lot of depression. things are very rough right now in several areas. but i did want to send you hugs and to let you know that i will pray for you. so sorry it is painful for you right now. if i can help somehow, let me know. hugsssssssss God bless

12-24-2006, 09:56 AM	#3
CindyNNC Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: N.C. Posts: 3,503 Gallery: CindyNNC WOE: modified adkins Start Date: March1, 2007.... Again	Thank you

12-24-2006, 05:36 PM	#4
ixtapacheryl Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 5,932 Gallery: ixtapacheryl Stats: 183/147/130-135 - 5'7.5" WOE: '72 Atkins	Are you taking 30 or 60 mg. of Cymbalta? My mother was on the 30mg and she has just started the 60mg. She is not taking it for depression but for pain and the doctor told her it affects the neurons in the brain that controls moods/pain. Even though she's not depressed I have seen her in better moods since taking the Cymbalta - 30mg. She's more upbeat!

12-24-2006, 06:52 PM	#5
CindyNNC Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: N.C. Posts: 3,503 Gallery: CindyNNC WOE: modified adkins Start Date: March1, 2007.... Again	I started off on 30mg for 4 weeks, then went up to 60mg. So I have been on 60mg for 8 weeks. I'm sweating really bad also since being on this and I never used to sweat. yuck!

12-25-2006, 07:49 PM	#6
Peskie princess peskironi WIT Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: in anticipation of great things! 9600/3102 Posts: 55,900 Gallery: Peskie Stats: I'm not perfect, but close enough to scare me WOE: waiting on the stork to sprinkle quint dust on me Start Date: tomorrow snort	Lexapro didn't cause me any gain. Actually during the first 2 weeks of taking it, I lost 5 lbs and then it leveled off.

12-26-2006, 12:03 AM	#7
emeraldskye Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 3,380 Gallery: emeraldskye	Prozac is supposed to be good for weight loss or not gaining. Talk to your doctor about it and see what s/he suggests. Good luck

12-26-2006, 10:16 AM	#8
megpie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,538 Gallery: megpie	I also took Cymbalta for pain and it didn't work much for me. I switched to Effexor and now that I've been on it for a while, I can't believe the difference in my moods. Good luck.

12-26-2006, 10:19 AM	#9
wannabeslim4life Guest Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 6,093 Gallery: wannabeslim4life Stats: 177/163/120	Wellbutrin its actually a rx for weight loss too, so that should tell you it will not cause weight gain....... I have never felt better!

12-30-2006, 08:57 PM	#13
Edin Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: So. Calif Posts: 7,667 Gallery: Edin WOE: South Beach Start Date: November 2006	just wondered how you are doing, cindy?? sending hugs and prayers

12-31-2006, 02:19 PM	#14
CindyNNC Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: N.C. Posts: 3,503 Gallery: CindyNNC WOE: modified adkins Start Date: March1, 2007.... Again	Awww thanks everyone. I'm doing okay today. Good days and bad days. I think i will go back to the Dr soon and see if I should try something different. Thanks Edin

01-01-2007, 01:50 PM	#16
nonstickpam107 Thyroid Patient Advocate Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 12,306 Gallery: nonstickpam107 Stats: 230/116/120 (BF<26%) WOE: Started w/Atkins/Now BFFM Start Date: Nov. 23 2000	I agree about the Wellbutrin...it doesn't impact the thyroid function at all chemically/hormonally)...I used it to quit smoking, and the only 'drawback' I found with it was not being able to sleep (my house was really clean!!). Pam

01-02-2007, 11:52 PM	#17
Edin Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: So. Calif Posts: 7,667 Gallery: Edin WOE: South Beach Start Date: November 2006	hi cindy, sending hugs for the new year!! let us know what the doctor says, ok??!! God bless

01-05-2007, 11:12 AM	#18
maggieb43 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 211 Gallery: maggieb43	I agree with nonstickpam I have had a lifelong problem with depression--once my thyorid was checked and treated I was much better. I have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor and Desipramine. Some of these have less side effects than others...however, if you research these anti-d's, many, even those found to help with weightloss initially, have a negative effect on the metabolism long-term. Along with the thyroid hormones I now take Sam-e and 5-htp and I think it has helped with both mood and weightloss. Of course, do your own research and check with your doctor. Best to you!!

01-05-2007, 01:47 PM	#19
peanutte MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,814 Gallery: peanutte	Finding a good therapist will help too. I take Effexor XR and have no negative side effects.

01-13-2007, 05:59 AM	#20
BuckeyeLori Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 596 Gallery: BuckeyeLori Stats: 225/211/170 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: July 28, 2008	Obviously have a good discussion with your doctor. I take Lexapro, and really like it, except that it depresses my intimacy with my (new!) husband. Have been thinking abotu talking to my dr. about that, and asking to try Wellbutrin.

01-13-2007, 09:06 AM	#21
CindyNNC Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: N.C. Posts: 3,503 Gallery: CindyNNC WOE: modified adkins Start Date: March1, 2007.... Again	Hi all.. Thank you all for the replies! I did go back to the Dr finally (it's hard with my work schedule) and we had a pretty good discussion. He put me on prozac. I have just started on it, so we shall see. A lot of my depression issues is my weight. I am bigger now than I have ever been. I did set my mind to it and lost 8 pounds since Jan 1. I hope all of you are doing well! Thanks again for your replies! Cindy

01-13-2007, 09:27 AM	#22
Peskie princess peskironi WIT Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: in anticipation of great things! 9600/3102 Posts: 55,900 Gallery: Peskie Stats: I'm not perfect, but close enough to scare me WOE: waiting on the stork to sprinkle quint dust on me Start Date: tomorrow snort	A good book for managing depression: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by Dr David Burns

01-14-2007, 06:35 PM	#23
peanutte MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,814 Gallery: peanutte	Hang in there, Cindy! I hope the prozac has a positive effect.

01-17-2007, 08:45 PM	#24
Mickey Lou Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Broomfield, Colorado Posts: 4,159 Gallery: Mickey Lou Stats: 267/>150<200/150 WOE: death to the marcupial pouch Start Date: Early Spring 2000; 100#off	I'm new to this scene...but I love Cymbalta

01-20-2007, 12:58 PM	#25
Pokey602 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: So calif. Posts: 201 Gallery: Pokey602 Stats: 168.4/146.6/132.0 WOE: L4L tweeking to SB Start Date: 11/07	moody blues Wellbrutrin XL works for me. No side effects cept for all the energy... Gotta take it early in AM. This is the only medication that did not make me hungry. Good luck and find a doctor that understands.

01-20-2007, 11:01 PM	#26
AllMyPonies Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Where the View is Grand, TX Posts: 7,352 Gallery: AllMyPonies Stats: Inches = 295.25, 293 on 8/2 WOE: DANDR Induction Start Date: 07/22/08	Just checking... how ya feelin'?

01-21-2007, 06:12 PM	#27
Stella4 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 77 Gallery: Stella4 Stats: 190/175/140 WOE: Naturopathic Diet Start Date: January 10, 2007	I've been taking Zoloft for about 3 months now, but i'm also taking Relora a natural herbal pill that curbs hunger and helps deal with depression... too good to be true? we'll see. (i've only taken the Relora for about a week now)

01-23-2007, 08:59 PM	#28
Edin Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: So. Calif Posts: 7,667 Gallery: Edin WOE: South Beach Start Date: November 2006	hi cindy, how is it going?? hope all is ok?? btw everyone, i appreciate your posts. i am struggling with some depression, though it is better than it was. i am not on meds,but am taking sam-e. it seems to help when i remember to take it. i am trying to do better at taking care of myself. but it is so hard. anyway, tks, and nice to meet you all. hugssssssss cindy!!

01-24-2007, 06:25 PM	#29
CindyNNC Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: N.C. Posts: 3,503 Gallery: CindyNNC WOE: modified adkins Start Date: March1, 2007.... Again	Thanks all.. Well, the prozac gave me a horrible headache and I just didn't feel like myself. I am going to try to not take anything and see if I can just be stronger! Edin, I will have to read up on the Sam-E and see about that. I have always hated being on meds although I realize often that they are neccessary. My main problem is just being so sensitive and crying sooo easily that it is embarrasing! Sounds weird, I know!

01-30-2007, 09:02 AM	#30
anrn1995 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 35 Gallery: anrn1995 Stats: 259/239/140 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Numerous