I really get frustrated with providers who change medications that are working just fine.  If it ain''t broke, don't fix it!

I have been on anti-depressants,off and on, from 24 to somewhere around 33.  I finally got on anti-depressants permanently somewhere after 33, when I was getting my bachelors degree.  There is great evidence that the more times you go off and on anti-depressants, or the more depressive episodes you have during the course of your lifetime, the more likely you will need to be on consistent meds for the remainder of your life.

There is no shame in taking medications for depression, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia.  Mental health shaming has harmed far too many people and it should not be tolerated.  Medications do not shorten peoples lives.  NOT BEING APPROPRIATELY MEDICATED FOR A MENTAL ILLNESS SHORTENS ONES LIFE EXPECTANCY BY A MINIMUM of 10 YEARS.  And if the diagnosis is Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia, that life expectancy is shortened exponentially.

Good mental health is a vital key to a balanced life.  Never be afraid to ask for help if you feel you need it.  And NEVER listen to NAY-SAYERS.  It's your feelings and opinions that matter.  Not theirs.  They don't live in your head.

The greatest benefits for depression always come from counseling.  Even medication does not work as well.  I would get assessed in general, as depression can be a side effect of many illness or other conditions, too.  I would absolutely get counseling for emotional eating.  I did for many years, and that made a far more drastic difference than medication, though medication helps a lot, too, in my case.  I have major depressive disorder, though.

Any supplements also have risks; they are touted as not having any, but many herbs are basically drugs, too, of a sort (most drugs were developed from supplements).  I don't have expertise there, and I'm actually not against them either, but all substances whether herb or pill form are not risk free.  My friend who was actually a traditional herbalist would always tell her clients this.

Diet makes a big difference, too.  Diets lower in carbs are better for the brain and have been shown to help regulate moods.  Even with as 'high' as 100g/day max you might see benefits especially if you are eating sugar and stuff.  Food can definitely have mood affects.  

Food is the ultimate drug.

Hi there

I don't have the same issue but I think you might get better response if you post it again under the general discussion forum just letting people know that you are wanting to hear from others who may have experienced the same thing or similar.

There are plenty of people who can understand the mind games that occur post surgery and i have seen several discuss their struggles with binge eating disorder or body dysmorphia. 

Good luck

Congratulations on your surgery and welcome to the wonderful world of post-bariatric eating!  It gets better, I promise!

I didn't realize what the brand name of the med was.  I took it too, many years ago, and was taken off it because I felt and looked drugged.  Your body will change, your metabolism will change, your moods will fluctuate, but you'll find a balance.  I'm still working on mine, but aren't we all a work in progress?

Please feel free to talk - anytime you want :)  Neither WLS or MH issues are journies meant to be taken alone.

Blessings!

Hi C,

I had surgery 5 mos ago tomorrow (there was an unexpected complication and surgery had to be re-attempted a month later) and have lost just over 50 lbs.  I have gone off both my BP meds (you can read in an above reply about that drama).  I am no longer pre-diabetic.  I expect to go off my cholesterol med in a few months.  My numbers were still a trite high with my last labs.

It's so hard with depression.  The lack of energy and motivation cause complete disinterest in even getting out of bed.  Add in the meds and wow, I became a balloon - quickly!  I gained about 150 lbs in, maybe 7-8 years.

Since surgery, my the only change in my psych meds is increasing one (as of this past Wednesday).  I take 2 meds created as psych meds, but I take them for migraines.  I'm working with my neurologist to decrease those.  I've been able to cut the dose of one in half; the other I went from taking 2 pills 3 times a day to 1-1/2 times 3 times a day.  It's a start.

My psychiatrist is very aware of the struggle and conscientious of what meds she has me take.  My neurologist is also in tune.

If you're concerned, I would talk with your doctor about alternative meds which might have the same effect.  Have you found that the mirtazapine has been helpful?  If not, or if only minimally, now would be a great time to go off it and start something else after your surgery.  Is your surgery scheduled?  Which are you having?

Please don't hesitate to ask questions!!

Blessings!