Stopping Medication // Starting Exercise and Change of Diet

[FlipperK]

All,

With my latest episode of shakiness that I posted about last week, I talked with my doctor and we agreed to try stopping the SSRI medication. In place of the SSRI, I am now exercising again (walking several miles, push ups, sit ups, biking), taking multi vitamins, and changing my diet up to a much more plant based, with chicken and fish being my main sources of protein (Mediterranean diet).

I am on day 3 of this, I haven't had my SSRI in 3 days and I have been walking a lot (Found a nice 7 mile hiking trail near my house), been on my bike a couple of times, and I started eating way better. I feel amazing. The shakiness is mostly gone, I feel mentally better, my mind is sharper... overall I just feel better in every way.

I am little overweight, I just need to lose about 30 pounds and I am right where i need to be. Got that dad bod going on HAHA!

To let you all know, I felt like I was at a point the medication was doing more harm than good. The side effects were outweighing the benefits. I have always been a person that doesn't like to take medication if you don't have to.

At this point, I am 29 years old, two kids and overweight. I am looking at the future and I need to take care of myself better. My heart rate, blood pressure, and blood work have all been normal up to this point in time (Probably due to me being in sports and track in highschool and college). Now I need to look longer term and do what is best for myself and my kids.


If this works, which I have full confidence it will, I believe that this will be a turning point in not only my anxiety journey, but my life in general.


I want to live a long time and be with my family.



I will keep you guys posted on how I am doing, especially how it relates to anxiety.

If there is one thing I would say, it is this: Regardless of what disease you are worried about, you need to take care of yourself. Because if you have cancer, ALS, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, etc. Good eating habits and exercise only makes things better, never worse.

 

[JustMe]

This is awesome! Good for you! I'm pretty much in the same path besides I wasn't taking any medications. I've started a complete diet change added a few vitamins and a workout.
I was scared to workout at first and it gave me an anxiety then the sore muscles set off a ms scare again but I've kept going and I am starting to feel great and sleep way better!

 

[Trunchbee]

Good luck and please keep updating this blog with your progress! This is awesome!

 

[FlipperK]

All, it is Friday and I have been feeling good. Talking with my doctor again, we will revisit the medication soon.

Even though I may feel better now, I am thinking about finding another medication to be on in low doses. Mostly because my anxiety will probably come back at some point and I don’t want to be caught off guard.

Still exercising and eating very well. Lost a little bit of weight and the wife is definitely appreciative of the efforts I have been putting in. Often with reward

Overall, doing very well!

I know a lot of people here struggle and I know that seeing someone “move on” to that next step afterwards is a big motivator.

 

[FlipperK]

Hey all, checking in again and all is still going good.

Still sticking to my exercises, eating is well.

Started up a low dosage of my medication again a few days ago.

Anxiety has come and go every now and then. Nothing major but it creeps in every once in awhile.

Between being healthier, medication, kids, and exercise it has really helped in keeping the anxiety at bay. Not really one thing in particular, but everything combined.

I hope everyone had a good weekend and that this week is going well.

 

[Alwayshere]

Hey all, checking in again and all is still going good.

Still sticking to my exercises, eating is well.

Started up a low dosage of my medication again a few days ago.

Anxiety has come and go every now and then. Nothing major but it creeps in every once in awhile.

Between being healthier, medication, kids, and exercise it has really helped in keeping the anxiety at bay. Not really one thing in particular, but everything combined.

I hope everyone had a good weekend and that this week is going well.

This is great goods. Good for you! I also feel so much better when I exercise or even go for a walk and get some fresh air. I still have days where my anxiety is worse than others. When I don’t get enough sleep I find that my anxiety is worse. Something I need to work on! Glad you’re doing well!

 

[FlipperK]

Hey guys!

Well, the last couple of days have been a little rough.

I have noticed that every now and then I get a “shadow” in my vision. Kind of like when you look at a light and there is an imprint “shadow” of it once you look away. Sort of the same thing but it’s not from a light and lasts a few seconds.

anyone experience this? I think I have seen this before but never really thought about it until now.

Other than that, I have been twitching a little still here and there

Starting to worry again about a brain tumor now.

Still trying to keep up with exercising and eating healthy. A little tough though this week.

 

[FlipperK]

Hey all,

My rough patch a couple of weeks ago has faded.

Back on my medication to help stabilize my anxiety (It was creeping back once I stopped for a couple of weeks).


I am still keeping up with my change in diet (no real diet plan, just eating normal-healthier food (better portions, whole grains, more veggies, less red meat, no sodas, etc.)) and I am still working out 5 days a week (3 days of strength and 2 days of cardio). Along with all of this I am walking 10,000+ steps a day. I go hiking, ride my bike, walk to the corner store, play with the kids.

I have lost a total of 6 pounds this month, went down one pant size, and a notch on the belt.

I am 25 pounds away from my goal now. I am looking better, feeling better, and most importantly... healthier. Both physically and mentally.


It was a struggle after a couple of weeks, but now I am settling into this new lifestyle. I really no longer have to "try" at it... it is more of a habit now it feels like.

This is more of an experience I want to keep posting about. The high's and low's and the journey. It is not always a smooth one.

 

[FlipperK]

So I have some questions regarding weight loss and working out.

I am currently doing one of those beach body workouts with the wife. We have gone through 3 weeks of it and, I must say, it sucks! (In a good, muscle burning way).

I am noticeably more toned in my legs, arms, and shoulders. I have more definition in my legs, I can see curves in my arms without flexing, and I can see my collar bones. My fat under my chin has gone down, I am down a pant size, I am a notch up on my belt, and my clothes fit way better in general.

YET! I have only lost 8 pounds in the 6 weeks I have started this journey?

I know the weight isn’t the be all indicator, but it is a little let down. I was expecting more.

Am I just building lean muscle and that is causing the weight to not drop as quick?


I have a Garmin smart watch that can monitor oxygen levels and heart rate.(pilot thing). Like all smart watches it has health apps and I use it everyday. Workouts, food, etc.

With my BMR and active calorie burn, I am burning an average of 2400 calories a day. Some days more, others less. When I eat I usually land right in the 1800-2000 calorie area. I am eating lean proteins, fiber, keeping carbs moderate, and healthy fats. Making sure I am supplying my body with the nutrition it needs to build muscle and be heart healthy

Maybe I am not eating enough?

Maybe I am doing just fine, the bottom line is I am in a much better position now then when I started this. I am going to keep doing what I am doing, but for those who have lost weight or are body builders, what’s your take?

 

[Ms.Honey]

So I have some questions regarding weight loss and working out.

I am currently doing one of those beach body workouts with the wife. We have gone through 3 weeks of it and, I must say, it sucks! (In a good, muscle burning way).

I am noticeably more toned in my legs, arms, and shoulders. I have more definition in my legs, I can see curves in my arms without flexing, and I can see my collar bones. My fat under my chin has gone down, I am down a pant size, I am a notch up on my belt, and my clothes fit way better in general.

YET! I have only lost 8 pounds in the 6 weeks I have started this journey?

I know the weight isn’t the be all indicator, but it is a little let down. I was expecting more.

Am I just building lean muscle and that is causing the weight to not drop as quick?


I have a Garmin smart watch that can monitor oxygen levels and heart rate.(pilot thing). Like all smart watches it has health apps and I use it everyday. Workouts, food, etc.

With my BMR and active calorie burn, I am burning an average of 2400 calories a day. Some days more, others less. When I eat I usually land right in the 1800-2000 calorie area. I am eating lean proteins, fiber, keeping carbs moderate, and healthy fats. Making sure I am supplying my body with the nutrition it needs to build muscle and be heart healthy

Maybe I am not eating enough?

Maybe I am doing just fine, the bottom line is I am in a much better position now then when I started this. I am going to keep doing what I am doing, but for those who have lost weight or are body builders, what’s your take?

1-2 pounds loss a week is great! Sounds like you’re doing really well

 

[Worriedmama]

My husband is a personal trainer. He said most clients won’t eat enough and that’s what hinders their performance. It does sound like you are building muscle and losing weight steadily, just up your lean protein and vegetable intake.

 

[FlipperK]

Hello!

So two Sundays ago (8th) when I posted my last post, I downloaded MyFitnessPal and started to log my food.

I was thinking that even though I was eating better, I may have still been eating too much or little.

Turns out, I was eating just as many calories as I was burning. Which explains why I wasn’t loosing weight the last week or so.

It is now 8 days later and I have lost 4 pounds since. It is a bit much since I put my goal at 1.5 pounds per week. Is my calorie counting goal too low? Or is it just that first week change that has got my body confused? Even though I work at an office job, I am working out nearly everyday for 30 minutes and also doing yard work since it spring. Maybe I should ask the help section of the app to see if I got my settings correct.

I started to think cancer is causing me to lose weight fast, but it can’t be a coincidence that as soon as I start restricting calories my weight starts dropping again.

Anyways, still on track with everything. The Coronavirus is causing some worry for me, not health wise but job wise. I am in the aviation industry and I am already seeing a slow month ahead. Preparing for another 2008 in which private aviation was absolutely hammered to the ground. Updating resume now to prepare for the worst. Even started looking into railroad jobs.

 

[TenLettersRap]

initial diet weight loss can be above expectations if you carry a lot of water weight, intestinal build up clears out too if you start eating healthier. The average human can carry up to 25lbs of excess waste in their instestinal tract.
also if you want a healthy balance look into your micro and macro nutrient balance above just calories. you will get a better health outcome

 

[URfine]

All,

With my latest episode of shakiness that I posted about last week, I talked with my doctor and we agreed to try stopping the SSRI medication. In place of the SSRI, I am now exercising again (walking several miles, push ups, sit ups, biking), taking multi vitamins, and changing my diet up to a much more plant based, with chicken and fish being my main sources of protein (Mediterranean diet).

I am on day 3 of this, I haven't had my SSRI in 3 days and I have been walking a lot (Found a nice 7 mile hiking trail near my house), been on my bike a couple of times, and I started eating way better. I feel amazing. The shakiness is mostly gone, I feel mentally better, my mind is sharper... overall I just feel better in every way.

I am little overweight, I just need to lose about 30 pounds and I am right where i need to be. Got that dad bod going on HAHA!

To let you all know, I felt like I was at a point the medication was doing more harm than good. The side effects were outweighing the benefits. I have always been a person that doesn't like to take medication if you don't have to.

At this point, I am 29 years old, two kids and overweight. I am looking at the future and I need to take care of myself better. My heart rate, blood pressure, and blood work have all been normal up to this point in time (Probably due to me being in sports and track in highschool and college). Now I need to look longer term and do what is best for myself and my kids.


If this works, which I have full confidence it will, I believe that this will be a turning point in not only my anxiety journey, but my life in general.


I want to live a long time and be with my family.



I will keep you guys posted on how I am doing, especially how it relates to anxiety.

If there is one thing I would say, it is this: Regardless of what disease you are worried about, you need to take care of yourself. Because if you have cancer, ALS, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, etc. Good eating habits and exercise only makes things better, never worse.

Great advice . Exercising and eating right are a great way to give yourself a chance. I am trying to the same , but still having a few beers now and then . I take a very low dose of Celexa and the only side effect I see is a shaky hand now and again , which I can live with. Hope it goes well for you !

 

[FlipperK]

It’s been a couple of weeks since I last posted.

I have been stuck at home with the kids lately. My job has cut my hours, same with the wife.

Just been doing yard work and small improvements to the house here and there.

I have not been great on my exercises lately. I will still do it every now and then but not everyday as I have been doing. My eating has stayed mostly the same though.

I have lost almost 15 pounds now, I am under 200 for the first time in about 5 years. I plan to never see the number 200 again.

Started at 213 and now I am at 198 this morning.

It has been a slow process but I am glad I am doing this. The anxiety has been coming and going, due to the virus, our jobs, and the lack of sex due to the kids being home now.

Anyone here with a SO and kids figured out the sex part?

 

[stevet]

I’m a little jealous. I’m at 220 and am struggling with the extra weight. Keep up the good work!

As far as the sex part, work at getting back into a routine because time can slip away and that’s not really a positive.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Caecus]

I mean great if you can beat that with boosting dopamine with exercise. I can`t naturally, but with suplements like l-tyrosine and 5-htp I am boosting dopamine and serotonin. for now is good, but it take time.
i knew i have also low dopamine when few ssri didn`t worked, but yeah exercise, gym helps alot too, but when brain chemicals are ****** up really bad it takes time...

 

[FlipperK]

Hey all,

Another week with the COVID-19 life.

I took a week off from exercising after my last post. Maintained weight and just tried to relax. Between the kids, working from home, and my wife losing her job... it’s been stressful.

I started back up on the workouts a few days ago.

So, for all you. How has my anxiety been this whole time since I started this back in late January?

For the most part, I would say 5 out of 7 days, my anxiety is very very low. The other couple of days I have a moment or two through the day. But nothing out of wack.

I am still on Citalopram, 20mg, and I take that once a day with a multivitamin.

My overall health is WAY better than 3 months ago. I am down 17 (196 pounds) since I started my large clothes are starting to get too big now. My medium shirts are fitting now.


this whole thing has done wonders to my anxiety. Combine that with better eating, exercise, and medication... I am giving my body everything it needs to be at top performance. Both physically and mentally.

Fuel your body with what it needs to succeed. Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

See you all in the week or so.