I've been on Atkins since July 14th, 2002. I've lost 15 lbs. so far, due to some overall changes in my health and beginning LCing. I deal with Anxiety & my MD and Counselor started me on some SSRIs several weeks ago, because we all agree that I have a biochemical component to my anxiety.

However, I've had severe reactions to all FOUR of the SSRIs they had me try - increased anxiety, irritability, aggitation, disturbing thoughts, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, etc. Last Friday I ended up in the ER at Kaiser because I was afraid of my thoughts and my behavior - the Psychatrist on-duty took me off the SSRI I was on and has been giving me two new medicaitons - on is Zyprexa (anti-psychotic) and Klonopin (sedative/anti-anxiety) This Psychatrist also advised me to stop taking all my herbal suppliments (I see a Naturopathic Physician) and to stop doing Atkins immediately.

I've done everything she asked, and I've tried to go back to eating a lot of carbs . . . but it's difficult! I decided to eat two "regular" dinners two nights in a row 1) 1/2 cup white rice with chicken chow yuk, 2) Bean & Cheese burrito (Large) . . . the following morning after the burrito I had major carb cravings!! But the thought of eating a bunch of carbs was revolting . . . because they don't sound good to eat & because I don't want to gain the weight back!!

So here (finally) are my questions:

1) Have any of you experienced anxiety/aggitation/irritability or headaches from doing Atkins? Did it only last during Induction, or for a month or so?

2) How should I best go about adding some carbs? I'm beginning to feel better (anxiety wise) since I've stopped the SSRIs and have been eating more carbs - but eating a bunch all at once seems to cause an insulin response & carb cravings. I would appreciate some advice on some foods I could introduce slowly throughout the day to up my carb intake. I think I'll try oatmeal for breakfast or as a morning snack - but what could I add for snacks/lunch/dinner that would help me keep my carbs fair-mid range.

3) How many carbs sould I add - should I go up only to 50-60g or as high as 100-150?

TIA for reading through this mess of confusion! Any advice and support is greatly appreciated.