After taking meds I gained 30lbs and need help. How is it even possible??

Hello there, I’ve been getting mental health therapy for almost a year, it has been helpful.

My current problem is all the extra weight I’ve suddenly gained. I’ve always been average / thin. My eating habits have not changed, so I’m not even sure I chose the right category to post in! I might have begun eating *a little* bit more sweets and energy bars, but I’m a vegetarian. My diet is very healthy. I am eating sugar and carbs, but no more than before. People online say it’s not possible to gain weight on these meds unless I’m eating more.

Right now I literally have to make a choice: either to significantly reduce the intake of tasty foods and go on a very strict diet, or to quit my meds (an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer).

Has anyone gone through a similar situation? I want to stop taking my meds because my body is out of control, and I don’t want to count calories. This development is more damaging than my anxiety and depression. I used to be able to eat anything and stay the same weight. I’d rather be unhappy than fat, honestly. I already feel my anxiety coming back every time I look in the mirror.