I've been having panic attacks on and off for years. I've been on almost every SSRI on and off...mostly helped the PAs but some made me gain a ton of weight.

I started having the PA's last summer again, not horrible but mostly while highway driving, sometimes when out (movies, dinner). I went on Zoloft but gained 2 lbs and went off it; I was eating right and exercising, but maybe not enough. So I only lasted a few weeks.

I've been getting by for the past few months on Xanax when needed, but now the highway driving is 100x worse...I've actually had to pull off at rest areas, strange exits...something I've NEVER had to do.

I can't live like this anymore. I've put on 10 lbs since last year (bad eating habits) and I'm struggling to take it off...esp. since I'm getting married in November.

I know I need to try an AD again...probably Zoloft, since looking at my history, it's the one that caused the least weight gain.

I don't know what to do. I'm obsessed with weight but also can't live like this.

Needed to share...any thoughts would be welcomed.

Welcome to PS! This is a good site and lots of people are surviving Panic, Anxiety and Stress using all different kinds of tools.

I was on Effexor for 3 1/2 years and I didn't have any weight gain with it. It does take some getting used to, and when weaning off it needs to be done slowly. But still - it was GREAT! I think a real life-saver for me.

My daughter (who is 21) is on Effexor and she doesn't have any weight issues with it either. It took a while for her to get the right dosage, but she's doing great now!

So talk to your doc, and see what would work - taking into consideration ALL of your concerns!!

You may want to also consider some of the alternative things like Massage Therapy and accupuncture. Maybe even getting a personal trainer 3 x a week from now till November. Having a person there to help and to watch and to be there with you as you run, walk, exercise can really be a comfort and a relief - and those positive endorphins go a long way toward relieving anxiety while the exercise helps with the weight.

You're worth it!! Your life is worth every effort you put into it -- and I hope you get some relief soon as you head into the is exciting and nerve-wracking time before your wedding!

Good luck!

Ceejay

Hello and welcome to panic survivor! I know how you feel. I was in your same spot not too long ago. I was on several medications to control my panic and depression and I had gain 20 lbs. I only had 4 months until my wedding and I couldn't fit into my dress! So what I did was join a gym and go on the South Beach diet. I knew that stopping my meds was out of the question. It worked! I lost 20 lbs in 3 months and have been able to keep it off with healthy eating and exercise after my wedding. Try this diet. It detoxifies the body of refined sugar. It sucks at first but when you begin to see results, it is worth it.

Also honey, you have to weigh your options. Would you rather be thin and miserable or feel "normal" and weigh a few more pounds? Gaining 2 lbs is nothing.

Thank you for the support. You're right; I can't live like this. It's funny, I did the SB diet once and it didn't do too much, but I cheated in phase 1...I did it again a few weeks ago, did great, and lost a couple lbs..that came right back. I'm trying Weight Watchers now, it's good because a couple of people at my job are doing it. I just have to make sure I eat healthy and exercise.
I picked up my Zoloft tonight and I'll start it tomorrow. On my way home tonight I got off the highway and was going to take back roads for just two exits, the long ones where I freak out. I got back on and freaked out on a short one...so I had to get off, drive around, and get back on. I'm getting so drained from these things; I'm really looking forward to feeling "normal" again. It was ironic; while I waiting for my script, I picked up Women's Health and there was an article about Panic attacks (of course, nothing I didn't know already, but it was the irony). Thanks for listening.

Honestly weight is the least of my worries, I am so not well, so be glad that it bothers you means you are doing ok..