Ephedra for epi’s?

[ore-sama]

Hi, I'm new....


I have one question: while I know that weak-willed people can end up like Harry's mum in Requiem for a Dream, what are the risks for a former patient of epilepsy? I didn't suffer any symptoms for over 12 years (I'm 21), only lately, probably due to stress, an occasional jerk when I'm extremely tired.

But while epileptic seazures won't make you ugly, fat does, and that's what I have in abundance. So, no matter what the side effects may be, I only care about what the risks for epi's could be.


I've had it with all the "loose weight healthy!" talk, as my eating addiction is psychological, not physical, and can hence not be solved the healthy way and I'm slowly getting in an age where I have to hurry if I want to have a few days being pretty. 30-up all you get is hideous.


So any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[Micklemouse]

Hi there! Before you start mucking about with stimulants, what meds are you taking for epilepsy? If its Sodium Valproate(Epilim in u.k.)then that would explain your weight problem - I've seen people double in weight in a matter of months on Epilim. Speak to your doctor about changing meds to Carbamazepine, or even coming off altogether at some point if you've been seizure free for a while.

Although if your twitching when tired you seriously don't want to taking stimulants to lose weight, as you'll increase your chances of a full-blown seizure due to tremors, increased blood pressure and heartbeat.
Also, stimulants only make you feel as if you're not tired, when actually you are, again increasing the chance of a seizure.

I'm going to try not to sound patronizing here(especially after that crack about everyone over 30 being ugly..!),but you're 21 - still a baby, as are we all!Everyone developes at different rates,in different ways. There's a lot of hype about thin is beautiful, and it's hard to avoid if you look at the media. Remember,Ore-Sama, these are not real people. You are.

[Gahaba22]

ore-sama,

I would not advise taking any amphetamines or amphetamine-like substances if you have epilepsy. As far as your weight is concerned if your Body Mass Index (BMI is over 40 you could be a candidate for bariatric surgery, which is the only PROVEN method for sustained weight loss. The calculation to determine your BMI is:
weight (kg)/height (m2)

In other words, your weight in Kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. If your BMI is 40 or above and you want to know more about bariatric surgery let me know

Hope this helps,
geeb

[ore-sama]

Thanks for your advice!

I forgot to mention that I'm no longer on medication for the 12 years I didn't have any symptoms. Back then, my "grease addiction" was indeed blamed on the medication, but that was half a life ago and if it was only for the drugs, I could be thin now.

As for bariatric surgery, I had that in 2001 and lost like, 40 or 50 kilo/4 pant sizes. But I still do take up 2 seats and shame beats me into the ground when I catch myself eyeing a goodlooking male who's half my width. Now, I have a bar, and when I'm working down there, I'm distracted from eating, but I can only work there on Saturdays.

(and my apologies indeed for the crack on "30's ugly"... I guess it was out of line)

[Micklemouse]

No worries, girl, a lot of us are quite grim! Back to the point though...Patterns set up in early childhood can be hard to break, but not impossible, and it sounds like your 'grease addiction' goes back to when you were on meds - epilepsy can seriously knock your self esteem, especially when you're young, couple that with a medication that boosts your appetite, and it's no wonder that you've got a problem with food and confidence still! And that, imho, is what needs addressing. CBT(Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) gets good results at challenging and rearranging patterns of thought and behaviour - you may have to face some daemons along the way, but it's the only to turn 'em into angels, and take back a bit of control over your life! Any therapy is a long,hard slog, but done well it's a lot healthier than stimulants or surgery, which are like taking headache pills - makes the problem go away for a while, but does nothing about what's actually causing it.

I'd also recommend a gentle exercise regime - T'ai Chi would be ideal, as it stimulates the body on many levels, and calms the Mind and Spirit. Exercise(even gentle) releases adrenochromes and other goodies into the cns which help the feel good factor. Do get a physical before you start though, and while you're there ask your doc about some counselling, and maybe even a nutritonalist, if you haven't already, as diet(not 'dieting' I must add) is also an important factor.

Best of luck, and blessed be!!!