Will I gain weight when I quit dexedrine?

[CSM25]

Hi there.

I have taken dex for about 2.5 - 3mo. On and off. More regularly now as school is getting to me. I take 10-20mg, sometimes more like 30-35mg.

I am experiencing really distressing hair shedding as well as acne. I had horrible acne as a teen and I love my hair, so that sucks. Anyways, I am worried about
possible weight gain after I quit (after graduation).

It is a stimulant and I know it reduces appetite. Perhaps it increases metabolism as well (and then reduces it after you quit... like a thermogenic).
I lost 70lb as a teen, through diet and exercise (progressively becoming better at both). I am 6 feet, 27 yo, male and 175lb. I was 250lb at 16 and 180 by 18.

I have finally started to really lean up with decent LBM and more definition. I am 16% bodyfat now... and WILL be -->10% as soon as school is done.
I have battled med-induced wt gain before. Effexor... made me gain 28lb. I couldn't lose for 2 yrs (milk thistle for the win!!). So I've lost 98lb+ total in my young days.

Has anyone experienced a weight gain off of these meds (Adderall, Dex, Ritalin, etc)?
Can it be compared to SNRI's, SSRI's (effexor, paxil etc)? I am sure it won't be THAT bad.

I'll definitely add more protein and veg NOW, and certainly when I continue cutting after school (sans dexedrine eventually).

Your input is really appreciated. Thank you!

 

[flyhighk]

It's very likely that your appetite will increase once you stop using stims, especially after years of use. I'd do a slow taper...

 

[Foreigner]

This is more of an OD question.

 

[sekio]

If you replace Dexedrine with a program of aerobic cardiovascular excercise, maybe half an hour to an hour a day, you'll probably be fine... if the only caloric burn in your life comes from the amphetamine and you sit on your butt a lot, then rebound weight gain is more likely.

 

[Crashing]

You'll definitely gain weight.

Edit: Unless you make other changes. I don't believe that exercise will have much to do with it, it's really gonna depend on dietary habits. You can sit on your ass all day but if you eat enough plenty of "negative calorie foods" you will never gain a pound. Exercise is strength, physique and cardio health but diet largely accounts for body type and mass.

 

[jeng1128]

Yes unfortunately definitely. It's like saying if I quit coke will I gain weight but not AS drastic. I know what that person said about exercise is defenetly true but easier said than done,especially if u have no exercise routine now. I could ALWAYS eat what I wanted when I wanted. Changes when you get older too, & if ur on methadone like me. But I would think it's healthier to be off the decision even if u gain a little weight.

 

[pharma-sutra]

it's crazy how they give out amphetamines to children at such a young age. not sure when OP started his ADD medications, but it's going be rough. i know a lot of people who've developed cardiovascular problems in their mid-20s just because of this.

 

[QUARE]

Youll gain some weight be not that much. You have to do workout and eat properly.

 

[Treefa]

Likely as not...

Good chance for you to work on your diet though..

You could also try an otc stimulant/appetite suppressant that may help you not get hungry all at once when coming off

 

[treezy z]

if you eat more (you'll want to) you'll gain weight, just try not to eat more.

 

[CSM25]

Okay cool. Yeah I easily walk 15 miles a week (more like 30 when it isn't freezing. Crazy ass Canadian winters!!) and usually do much more strength training than I do now. Now, I am 6-7/10 in fitness for me, usually I am pushing 8-9, when I have major goals to strive for.

I eat fairly lean and exercise a lot when I can. I lift weights and run as much as I can (normally). So, I am def not lazy.

Oh and to the question of how long I have been on amps:
-only on and off since Nov/Dec. of last year. Honestly I kind of wish I had them before. I took SSRI's and SNRI's for anxiety, and it is regrettable.
-Maybe these would have helped me better. Then again the sides are bad here too, but nothing like on Effexor.
-I prefer NOTHING, but my self-destructive ways are real damaging especially in educational pursuits. I never used them more than a handful of times like in high school or when I was 18. Now I am in my late twenties () and just think maybe the means will justify the ends.

-Since I got fit as a teen (no amps, no drugs involved except coffee) , I've had fucked up eras... of alcohol, cocaine abuse, etc. And nothing made me gain weight ever again (>5lb) outside of effexor, excepting lifting to gain mass, and resetting my BMR. Thanks for the replies ev1.

 

[piller97]

i doubt it.

Unless you're using it in binges and not eating for lengthly periods while using it.....
you shouldn't have an issue.

You'll only experience weight gain if you have been using it in such a manor that it has been restricting your diet.

-p

 

[tricomb]

Not necessarily, but your body will try to reach what it feels is a healthy level... it's not necessarily a bad thing to gain wait after taking speed for an extended time period.

 

[CSM25]

Okay, thanks everyone. I hope you are right... With everything that's happening, I can't deal with medicine induced weight gain again!
I hope I dodge that bullet!!