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Surviving Your Antidepressants - Page 3

© John McManamy

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ADDENDUM: April 19

Since publishing this article, I have come across two pieces expressing a contrary view:

For starters, some experts claim that high-sugar intake does not cause insulin overproduction. Also, sugar seems to be copping a bad rap, owing to all those people who fail to exercise. Sixty percent of adults in the US are not regularly active and 25 percent engaged in no physical activity at all.

James Hill, PhD, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, recommends a high-carbohydrate (55-60 percent of calories), low-fat (20-25 percent of calories) diet, coupled with regular exercise.

According to Dr Wurtman, director of the Triad Weight Management Center at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass, consumption of carbohydrate-rich, protein-poor foods increases brain tryptophan levels and serotonin synthesis, which in turn reduces carbohydrate cravings. To this end, Dr Wurtman gives patients a high-carb drink two to three times a day on an empty stomach, and a high-carb, low-fat, low-protein meal in the evening. Of 200 people on her 14-week regimen - which also included exercise - the average weight loss was 20 pounds.

One's mood stabilizers and antidepressants can also be recruited to the cause. The addition of Topomax to lithium or Depakote has led to substantial weight loss in several open studies, and Wellbutrin - which has a reputation for weight loss - combines nicely with SSRIs.

While the debate on protein vs carbs remains unresolved, it is fair to say that a good diet regimen low in junk foods and teamed with a robust exercise program - plus an ironclad commitment to stick with it - plays an essential role our recovery and continued good health.

For the two articles, click here and here.

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