Medication effects on diet

[Lynchkim]

I have several illness & disabilities which I am currently take medication for; along with several pain meds. My eating habits are not the best and one of my hopes is that by changing these habits, I will begin to feel better. I am concerned that my medicines will interfere with weight loss. Has anyone had any experience with this?

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Lynchkim. Hopefully your physician is aware of your weight loss efforts (we do recommend he/she know) and can offer some guidance.
In the meantime, could you list the medications you are taking? I’ll take a look.

[Lynchkim]

My conditions are: Fibromyalgia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (Sleep Disorder, I don’t stay in REM sleep), Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Migraines.

Here is the list of medications & vitamins that I take: Premarin, Prometrium, Flaxseed Oil,
Vitamin D-3, Aspirin, Mirapex, Trazodone, Ultracet (HCL ER), Topamax, Xyrem, Oxycodone, Lidoderm patches. These are used as needed for migraines: Maxalt, Fioricet, Cambia

Thank you so much for taking the time to look into this. I really appreciate it.

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Lynchkim. Flax seed oil is a wonderful thing that can actually help with your weight loss efforts, but I suggest you use it instead of other oils, and not in addition – it is still a fat and can add up quickly.
Premarin, Prometrium, and Cambia are associated with water retention (Cambia less so), which is technically weight gain, but not necessarily fat gain. Do deal with this, try to avoid salty foods and adding salt. Focus on high-potassium foods such as yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, and dark green vegetables (both are principles that we recommend anyway for general good health).
Regarding the other medications, some people have gained weight and some not with Mirapex and Oxycodone – Mirapex usually due to ‘munchies’ late at night. If you use this menu plan, you may be protected against this. Also Fioricet sometimes causes appetite loss, so this may balance out.
The others, vitamin D, Ultracet, lidocaine (Lidoderm),Maxalt, and Trazodone, are not generally associated with weight troubles (if so, it is quite rare, around 3% chance). Topamax and Xyrem are actually associated with increased weight loss.
Having said all that, I should add that you are on a lot of medications in general, and some may interact with each other to generate unexpected side effects. If you are happy with the mix and are being followed by a healthcare practitioner who is familiar with your case, then no worries.

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