Hello,

I have noted since many of you report being able to get off meds for several chronic diseases since losing weight. I have dealt with depression and been on meds. Has anyone been able to get off depression meds as a result of weight loss?Thanks.

Tammygirl

I havent. You should ask your doctor.

Tammygirl,

I don't believe I've read of anyone that said they were able to ditch their anti-dep. meds. I have been on meds for persistent depression and anxiety for probably 8 years. I have lost almost 70 pounds and have not been able to drop the meds. In fact, I recently stopped taking one of them because of complete lack of sex drive (whole different thread). My sex drive returned, but so has the irritability due to the lack of the med.! It's a no-win situation for me, I'm afraid.

Anyhoo...just wanted to let you know what my experience has been. Perhaps things will be different for you. I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

Robin

Since depression is an assumed chemical imbalance in the brain, I guess losing weight doesn't exactly help:) At the LB seminar, the doctor reinforced that is does not alleviate depression and other mental illnesses.

Our psychiatrist who does counseling said that there does appear to be a link between obesity and depression. i.e. Most obese people do have some level of depression. She does not recommend going off antidepressants before you hit your goal weight, but once at goal for awhile she said it is worth working with your doctor and/or psychiatrist to see if they are still necessary.

I imagine it depends on why you are suffering from depression to begin with. Simple chemical imbalance, or other issues? Depression, no matter the reason, doesn't seem to be a permanent condition for some people. In fact, most people I know in person who have been on antidepressants have only been on them for a year or less before being successfully weaned off.

Me? I'm a lifer. :ohmy: Never did succeed at getting off them, and it'll be 12 yrs this summer since I first started on them. I'm not holding out much hope that being thin will make a difference, but ya never know.

Not for me - I'm still good friends with Prozac. I believe that my weight problem was a result of my anxiety, and not the other way around.

Before, at my highest weight I worried about my heart, I worried that my husband wouldn't be attracted to me, I worried about getting on airplanes. Now, I feel much better physically already, but my silly brain still wants something to worry about - so I've substituted worrying about money, worrying about when (or if) my toddler will ever use the potty, oh and just for good measure I've become a complete hypochondriac.

So stick with the anti-depressant - and hopefully you will be able to get off of some meds for other weight related problems.

Thank you all so much for your replies. I appreciate your experiences and counsel. I will continue my weight loss journey and work closely with my doctors. My surgery date has been set for April 28. Even if I am still left with depression, I am grateful that the meds are available and I may be able to leave meds for my other weight related conditions behind. I don't know where I would be without this board. Again, thank you!

Tammygirl:tt1:

Hello-

The initial reason I wanted to go to a therapist was to discuss my out of control weight and what it was I was seeking solace in via food. I do hope to eventually get off of the Paxil I presently take, but if not, then I will continue.

I've been banded nearly 2 years and I still take my antidepressents.

I was told that I could possibly get off of my insulin and diabetes meds. But not my antidepressents.