Medications with side effects....

[jddistef]

My doctor gave me this lovely new medication that has the world's worst side effect: CARB CRAVINGS. Not just "hmm... I'd like a cookie" or even "gee whiz, I think I'll go raid the Lucky Charms for a handful of marshmallows"... Oh no, it's more like "I have to go get the sugar bowl and pour the contents straight into my mouth RIGHT NOW."

How the heck can I keep up my will power? Sugar free jello has been great for the last 10 days or so, but the carb monster is calling...

[pennink]

Oh dear... what is the medication?

Are you in ketosis?

[jddistef]

Remeron. A go-to drug for those of us who struggled with all other antidepressants...

[pennink]

Oh gee... like you don't need this. So how will it help you if gaining weight makes you more depressed? Geesh.

Paxil did me in.

K, here's what you do. Forget all the junk about no high fats, and make yourself some real whipped cream, add splenda and cocoa if you want, and have at it.
If it's salty stuff you want, load up some pork rinds with your favourite dip.
If you're bound for snacks, choose filling, low carb ones...
ketosis will stop the hunger, the cravings will be up to you and nothing says lovin' like a pail of whipped cream

Mmm, and fauxtatoes! Or a cheeseburger on revolution rolls.

Don't let the medication rule you, you've made the decision to go low carb, meet it head on. I dare ya!

[jddistef]

pennink... now I have to succeed.... I don't want to let you down! I'll make the whipped cream tonight! I'll find the revolution roll recipe, is it in one of the books or online? fauxtatoes? Okay, I have some research to do...

paxil gave me night sweats. It's always something....

[pennink]

this is a cure for the cravings, to be sure, but if you're also battling calories... uh oh...

I think it's better to overindulge in yummy low carb stuff and keep the poisonous, stinky old carby crap at bay. iMO

If you can't find the recipes, give me a holler.

I'll be watching you! LOL!!! You can do this.

[jddistef]

I can't find the roll recipe... Any chance you can get it for me? I have the Diabetes Revolution book and it isn't in there... And fauxtatoes? I'm lost!

[cs_carver]

If you're inclined, ask the pharmacist for the real package insert, not just the handout they give you about the drug, and see if it might suggest any interventions that you could do on your own. You might need a dictionary or medically-literate friend (if you're not yourself) to wade through it all.

Carb cravings out of nowhere mean the drug may be affecting how insulin is processed in your body. Do you have temporary access to a blood glucose meter so you could see if anything objective is happening with that?

Could also be coming from serotonin, but I don't personally understand how that is directly associated with carb cravings.

How does exercise affect the outcome?

Good luck.

[jddistef]

This particular drug is 3 times as likely to cause weight gain and increased appetite as other similar drugs. I left a message with my doc yesterday asking for another alternative. I think I'm eating too much... even if it is low carb... and it's stalling my loss.

[Lorisa]

Personally, I refuse to take any medication which has side effects that sound like they will make my life a living hell - they list the side effects so that you can make an informed decision about the benefits and risks. I know you said you have tried a slew of other meds, but I would encourage you to keep seeking one or a combination that will work best for you. Have you tried Effexor? I am on Effexor and Buspar (which is another antidepressant wich is also especially good for anxiety) and neither one lists weight gain as a side effect - in fact the Effexor lists anorexia as a a possible rare side-effect. For me, neither medication caused any change in weight or appetite, and I have been using them with great success for about four years now. Also, do you exercise? I find that it not only contributes to weight loss and good health, but is also immensely uplifting for your mood. Good luck to you!

[jddistef]

My doctor is considering Effexor. I hope to hear from her today...

I started walking a few days ago. I walk about 50 min which equals 2.5 miles around my neighborhood. It's tough for me to get out of bed in the morning... but so far I'm doing it.

[Lorisa]

Good for you for taking control and for fighting the good fight :clap: Best of luck finding the right medication. I hope you find yourself in a better place soon :)