Antidepressants and Weight Gain problem

raven56706

Sooooo it looks like no matter what i do i cant lose weight. Didnt know why after changing my workout and food but still nothing.

So i realized what the problem was and its the celexa that im taking. I ate at a deficit and all but nothing helped.

So is there anyone with some good tips for losing weight or refining it with antidepressants? I mean i will continue to kick *kitten* at the gym and stuff but i wonder if the weight gain is inevitable and cant be changed.

NinaSharp

As someone who has had this particular problem, it just meant I really had to watch what I was eating. There was no estimating calories or mindless eating allowed. I had to track every single calorie to make sure I stayed at a deficit.

editorgrrl

I lost weight on Celexa (citalopram). If you're gaining weight, you're eating more calories than you burn—period. Open your diary for personal advice, but step one is learning to log everything you eat & drink accurately & honestly. Logging is simple, but it ain't easy. Logging works.

Read the Sexypants post: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

Lennonluv2

I take Tegretol now but I was on Depakote for years and had to get off it because it was so hard to lose weight, I was always hungry. Tegretol has been a godsend for me but I have Bipolar disorder and need more than just an anti depressant.
I took Wellbutrin once for depression years ago because that particular anti depressant actually can suppress your appetite. It doesn't do that for everyone as I'm sure you know medications work differently for different people. Does Celaexa make you feel hungry all the time? Maybe you could try asking your Dr for some advice. I feel your pain, I've been there.

raven56706

editorgrrl wrote: »

You're not gaining weight because you take Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide). You're gain

care to finish this?

earlnabby

I have been on antidepressants for many years (including celexa). I have gained on them and I have lost on them. I really don't think the meds are nearly as much a cause of weight gain as the depression itself. When I gained, I was self medicating with food in addition to the meds.

moesis

I had a similar problem when I was taking Depakote for my bipolar disorder. My suggestion, work with your doctor to find a different medication that does not have weight gain as a side effect. I personally switched to Lamictal, but you need to find something that works for you. Of course, now I have nothing besides myself to blame for being overweight

editorgrrl

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/antidepressants-cause-minimal-weight-gain-201406067202

The researchers chose citalopram as a reference, because earlier studies suggested that it is “average” when it comes to weight gain. In this study, the weight gain experienced by people taking citalopram averaged one to two pounds.

kirdyq

Haha - I just wrote a post on weight gain w/ meds and then saw this. Not a lot of advice, but you have my sympathy b/c I'm in the same boat. I take Elavil for major headache issues. Even thought I'm taking it for headaches, Elavil is actually an antidepressant, too. I've gained 10lbs since I've been on it and it's making me miserable. Hope you find a solution! I'm going to discuss getting on something different with my doctor. I really need my headaches to go away, but I don't want to put on 30 pounds in the process.

mbaker566

earlnabby wrote: »

I have been on antidepressants for many years (including celexa). I have gained on them and I have lost on them. I really don't think the meds are nearly as much a cause of weight gain as the depression itself. When I gained, I was self medicating with food in addition to the meds.

I would agree with this. also, if it made me tired, it would be harder for me to get up and move around.

raven56706

mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/01/17/celexa-and-weight-gain-causes-factors-to-consider/

this blog has some info

Valtishia

Its definitely not a fun process. I was put on lithium for a short period but it had a bad effect on my thyroid and my electrolytes (despite great efforts) and gained really fast. 10 lbs in about 2 weeks and it stayed after I stop the medication.... was really hoping it was water weight.

I am now on lamotrigine and find even though I can't eat as much as I did before, I am very slowly losing it again. I used to be able to eat 2800-3000 calories and maintain,... now it is more like 2000 until my thyroid starts working properly again.

All that to say there are other medications that may help if you are unable to deal with the weight gain.

choppie70

My husband was on citalopram for a several years. He did gain some initial weight - about 10 lbs. When he noticed he cut out soda and his extra deserts and he lost over 10 lbs in about 3 weeks.

kshama2001

raven - can you switch to Wellbutrin instead? Since it's a little speedy, it helps motivate you to move.

raven56706

see the thing is i have tons of energy. I am working out everyday. Sweating like crazy and eating right. But i came to that conclusion after looking at every issue. My doctor said it would be inevitable but when you finally come off of it, your weight will go back down. Until then i will continue to fight the good fight and build muscle where i can

paris458

I always lost weight taking them, I would lose my appetite. I never took the one you are taking maybe you can switch brands. I dont have any issues losing weight if I watch my calories. How long have you been taking it? your body should adjust to the meds eventually.