It doesn't seem like 35lbs in 5yrs is that big of a deal. If you're looking to let go of 35lbs immediately AND safely, there's probably no way to do that.

It seems like you're linking the Paxil to the weight gain. One of the side effects of Paxil is weight change, so are you looking for someone to tell you to stop taking the Paxil?

You didn't say how much you weight now. I let go of 35lbs in about a year's time. The slower, the better with weight management. If you try to drop weight too fast, you'll just end up yo-yoing and gaining MORE weight. Slow and steady.

The best way to let go of the pounds. Increase the energy you use during the day and decrease the amount of energy you put into your body. Simple equation.
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The first thing you should try, of course, is regulating your diet and getting more exercise - just like anyone who wants to shed some weight.

I'm guessing you've tried that, and you feel like the medication is preventing you? Believe me, I can sympathize! I took an antidepressant for years that had a strong likelihood of weight gain attached to its use. I figured I could "outsmart" it, since I'd always been a healthy weight and I enjoy eating healthy foods.

Yeah. In the first year, I gained 40 lbs. It was totally appalling. "Willpower" didn't even enter the equation. My doctor explained to me that I basically had three options: suck it up, switch or stop taking antidepressants, or try an appetite suppressant. As hesitant as I was about taking another pill, I went with the appetite suppressants, and they worked. I lost everything I had gained. And because I only took them when I really needed to, I didn't have any issues with addiction or dependence.

Understand, I'm not necessarily recommending them - they're definitely not for everyone, and taking an appetite suppressant isn't going to be a magic fix. I still got hungry, and I still enjoyed eating...the pills just helped to shore up my willpower. They *certainly* need to be taken under the close direction of your doctor, and you'll need to have a diet and exercise plan in place

Regardless, your doctor is the next place to go. If nothing else, your doctor may very well have you try an alternative antidepressant to see if it still helps you without the side effects. Everyone reacts to the different drugs differently, and changing drugs could make a world of difference.

Hope this helps!
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