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Suggest Ways To Manage Weight Gain When On Medication For Depression

Posted on Sat, 9 Jul 2016

Question: I am 66 years old and have had a lot of stress lately. I have always been anxious I got into minor periods of depression and I have periods of being overly anxious and a worrier usually about my health or getting cancer or getting old and dying. I am on cymbalta 2x daily and gabapentin 2x daily generally for headache prevention. I get Migraines and have IBS. My dad died of a rare cancer at 55 from being radiated in WW II my newphew died last year at 42 of Sarcoma. Of course, I was at the bedside of both and a college friend is currently dying of liver cancer. My grandmother died of cancer at 52. I'm simply explaining why I think I fear cancer even more than dying. Recently I had chest pains went to the Dr and he ran ekg and chest X-ray both ok. And, all was ok. I quit smoking 23 years ago after 18 pack years.. I guess that's my fear. When I was at Dr on May 13th I weighed 212 with my clothes on and on XXXXXXX 16 a little over a month I weighed 205...no real change in diet or exercise...maybe slightly improved both but I did not think to the tune of 7 pounds. I have been feeling overly anxious in this period for about 2-2 1/2 weeks. Should I be worried about the weight change or is it most likely from being stressed/anxious??? Any suggestions to curb the stress/anxiousness? I'm kind of it's probably ok but WHAT IF?? I'm Christian. I told the Dr I was anxious and he prescribed Xanax 0.5

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost so many loved ones to cancer. Given all these terrible experiences, it is no XXXXXXX to me that you are anxious about dying from cancer yourself. However, I do think there is some evidence that the anxiety center in your brain is on overdrive. A normal chest X-ray and EKG indicate that you are probably doing fine. Given your smoking history, a low-dose chest CT scan for screening purposes may be indicated, just to be totally sure there is no lung cancer, as this is a bit more sensitive than an X-ray. I would also check bloodwork to make sure anemia or something else is not causing the weight loss. I actually NEVER prescribe Xanax, and especially not to people over the age of 65 given risk of falls and fractures, memory loss, cognitive deterioration, addiction and withdrawal. Instead, I would talk about increasing your antidepressant dose to manage anxiety, or get started with psychotherapy, preferably cognitive behavioral therapy. This will help you much more in the long run with much less side effects. I hope this advice was helpful.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (26 minutes later)

Do you think the 7 pound weight loss in 5 weeks is largely do to anxiety?? My weight seems to be holding the past week.

Would you suggest someone I could consult with in Orange County near Mission Viejo.
, CA??

Thank you for your work

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Weight loss can indeed be caused by anxiety. However, medical causes need to be ruled out first. This is why I suggested you visit your primary care doctor first for an exam and to check bloodwork. Once a medical cause is ruled out, then anxiety and the possible related weight loss can be addressed.

I'm sorry, I do not know anyone in that area. You can check with your insurance company to find someone in your insurance network in that area.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad