Hi Purple477,
I would also look at Effexor XR as part of the weight problem as well. I was on the medication for about 5 years. I went from a size 7 to a size 13 in that time. I was not eating more just the same, exersized, and other daily habits had not changed. I do realize that it may not be the sole contributor to weight gain but for me it was. It has taken about a year now to get to a size 9 and I have done nothing different to shed the weight then I did before taking the medication.
t find a workable dosage of phenobartibal, you might want to ask your vet about either Dilantin, Valium, potassium bromide, felbamate, or a different type of anti-seizure medicine that can be used in conjunction with potassium bromide and/or phenobarbital together called Zonisamide. Zonisamide is totally unrelated to any of the other anticonvulsants, but, like Keppra, the full extent of its side effects is not yet known so to some vets, it is somewhat controversial to prescribe it.
I have a 1 year 4 month old German Shepherd named Melo who's been having seizures since he was 1. I just wanted to share my experience because I know its comforting to hear stories of other people that are going through what you're going through, makes you feel less hopeless. Melo had 4 seizures in the span of 2 hours, he's taking 300mg of Zonisamide every 12 hours but before take refill arrived he had ran out and that's when the seizures happened.
The vet did bloodwork and put her on zonisamide 100mg twice a day. She continued having them so vet doubled her dosage to 200 mg twice daily. She continued having them but they were much shorter in duration. So the vet added phenobarbital 1g twice daily in addition to her zonisamide 200mg twice daily. My question is about the side effects. It has been a week since the pheno was added and she is still very clumsy and can't even walk up stairs.
I recently consulted with a weight loss doctor who prescribed a sensible diet (moderately low carb) and the medication Adipex. That combination was magic for me. The diet resulted in rapid weight loss, and the prescribed medication made it easier for me to follow the diet. I did have to follow up often with my physician, but the results are worth it!
I have had trouble maintaining my weight since menopause. I lose weight very easily now. Over the last couple of years I have had a CT, MRI, and all sorts of bloodwork. My doctor is convinced it is just one of those things. Said she has a handful of patients that have the same thing after menopause. I take effexor for hot flashes, cholesterol medication and advair. I can't imagine any of them making me lose weight so easily. I was never heavy, but watched what I ate.
I'm not sure what you're asking us. Has the weight loss left you at an unhealthy weight for your height and build? If so, you need to see your doctor immediately.
If you are happy about the weight loss and find it beneficial to your health, consider that a very nice side effect.
Some ADs DO affect our weight, but usually not to extremes. You are not losing weight at a dangerous rate. 4.5lbs a month is a safe and healthy rate.
I have back problems and the extra weight was brutal. Soon as as switched to Topamax (which has weight loss side effects) I lost the extra weight plus.
Seizure meds are tough. They all have very extreme side effects. I've been on 4 different ones and I found that over time my body would get used of the side effects. Depakote was definately one of the better ones for me.
Best of luck to you and your son.
At first I was on 0,150mg for 18 years and did not have problems with weight or fatigue. In 1996, my doctor said that the tests were more refined and I was taking too much synthroid. It was lowered to 0,112mg. I started gaining weight immediately, losing hair and could not focus at all. It was raised to 0.125mg and has remained at that dose even though my tsh is a little suppressed.
Tothe extent that her eating problems are exacerbated by the appetit suppression that usually occurs secondary to use of psychostimulant, her condition invites the question of whether the medication should be discontinued. In addition, though, her weight is below the 5th percentile for her age, and her eating behavior may be symptomatic of a medical condition that has not been diagnosed. Have you had her evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist and/or pediatric endocrinologist?
It depends on the medication. Metformin, the most commonly prescribed type 2 medication does help with weight loss. But mostly you need to cut carbs (good for blood sugar management anyway), reduce fat and increase exercise. Also make sure your thyroid is stable as that of course affects weight as well. Congratulations on your A1C!
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