bipolar rider

[Flybye]

What are you taking? Hubby is a pharmacist and I can ask him for some possible alternatives.

[IGGY]

What are you taking? Hubby is a pharmacist and I can ask him for some possible alternatives.

I am taking zyprexa. I tried abilify but had horrible side effects. I feel great, lots of energy, less depression, but this weight gain is a huge downer. I've only been back on the bike for ten days, riding every other day about ten miles, so we'll see.

thanks for everyone's input so far. This has been a lifetime journey for me, and I know it will continue to be; I just have to make it the best journey that I can.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have depression and have been on Lexapro for a year, I have also gained 30 pounds but I wasn't working out most of the year. For me antidepressants made me much more mellow, balanced and relaxed. Problem is I lost the drive to push myself. I used to compete with myself on working out.

I am not sure it is the medicine or the extreme stress at my job that has killed my activity level. One thing I have found is running or harder cardio takes the pounds of quicker. Road riding never worked for me because I am not able to push myself as hard, but a lot of people do lose weight cycling. Variety also helps, I now run, hike, road ride and mountain bike.

Another free resource I like is Sparkpeople.com, you can journal your food and make a good plan. Hope you find relief, it is hard when you know you need medicine but aren't happy with the side effects.