Posted by Emily Elizabeth on September 17, 2005, at 23:51:28
In reply to Re: hormone hell - help, posted by tiffanywp on September 17, 2005, at 20:25:38
A few things come to my mind:
1. Prozac/Sarafem have been approved for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Sarafem (spelling? Serafem?)is essentially prozac w/ a different name. That might be a good option for you. Lexapro is the newest SSRI, but that doesn't make it the best. Also, sometimes women can take prozac for PMDD for only one week out of the month and it works. Now, this seems strange to me b/c SSRI's usually need to be taken consistently to work, but this is an exception. Ask your MD if this could work for you.
2. Not everyone gains weight on meds. I'm on at least 3 meds that may cause weight gain, but I haven't gained anything. In fact, I may have lost a little due to decreasing my depressed/stressed eating of junk food. You could always stop taking a med if you gain a pound or two. If you can be a "thin" person after several pregnancies, you are clearly someone who can lose weight--not everyone is so lucky.
3. Have you considered therapy? It won't cause weight gain and may have lasting positive effects on your life! If you have good insurance, it will usually cover a good chunk of it. If not, there are often sliding fee clinics which will give you a reduced fee if you can't pay. It sounds like you have a high stress life and maybe some support could help your anxiety and mood.
4. Effexor has it's strengths but it often is difficult to withdraw from (so I hear). I personally had a h*llish time getting off of Paxil (also not uncommon). These may not be reasons for you to not try them, but I thought it was worth saying. I usually try to talk people out of Paxil, but of course I am biased based on my own bad experience.
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:555834
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050914/msgs/556256.html