Anti-depressants and weight loss?

keem88

currently in the same boat from olanzapine. doing a research study on the effects of olanzapine on those with anorexia. i have gained from 101 to 120 in 2 months on 1300-1500 (upped cals from the 800s) and i am debating ending the study bc i cannot handle the gain. would love to see people who are losing on these medications to be an inspiration. it really helps stabalize me and i would hate to go off it but i am in the same boat as you and can't seem to stop gaining

smaugish

I came back to this thread after taking a big, deep breath and walking way to stop it getting me angry.

OP, you've had some awesome advice. There ARE meds that can cause weight gain (like any other medication, for any other condition really) and if your doctor thinks it appropriate you could try something else. Sometimes meds you've already been on will have a totally different effect on you because your brain chemistry will be different. But never, ever do anything without the permission of your GP or psych.

When I was at University and had the only doctor that has ever taken me seriously and NOT called me a hypochondriac attention seeking drama queen (long story) he decided to try me on a course of ADs (best few months of my life, I'd have been on them a lot longer if I didn't go back home and revert to my old GP). I tried fluoxetine and citalopram after requesting that the doctor not prescribe anything with a known side effect of weight gain, as my depression issues are knotted up with my eating issues, and putting on MORE weight would SO not be proactive.

I wish you luck and light, OP, and hope you find something that works for you soon.

alexandriax03

OP: I was diagnosed with severe generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder about 4 years ago. I was hesitant to start SSRIs due to the side effects and simply not enjoying taking meds but I had no other choice.

These are all of the medications I have taken:

Zoloft (SSRI)
Lexapro (SSRI)
Prozac (SSRI)
Cymbalta
Celexa
Pristiq (SNRI)
Effexor (SNRI)
Propranonol (Beta blocker)
Ativan (Benzodiazepine)
Klonopin (Benzodiazepine)

I was 97 lbs when I started Zoloft 4 years ago. I had a very bad reaction and had to switch medications. None of the drugs seemed to work for me. But they all did the same thing….. cause weight gain. I've gained approximately 106 lbs in the past 4 years from these drugs. My doctors have told me that weight loss is very difficult while on anti-depressants but it is not impossible to lose weight while on them. Some people gain weight on them, others lose weight. Everyone's different. These medications affect the area of the brain that controls hunger (leptin/ghrenlin) so that is why they tend to cause weight gain in many individuals. The brain is constantly telling your body you are hungry, even when you are truly not.

I suggest talking to your doctor and asking for a weight-neutral medication. Wellbutrin is known to not cause weight gain. Pristiq and Effexor are also considered weight-neutral but they had the opposite effect for me. However, you may be different. So give it a shot!

I have found a combination of meds & CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help tremendously. I highly recommend you looking into it as well.

P.S. I am not sure what mental health disorder you suffer from but a drug called Topamax is sometimes used for mood stabilizing. It is an anticonvulsant so it's primary use is to treat those with seizure disorders. But is is commonly used for obese patients and migraines as well. I take Topamax for migraines and to help with weight loss. The drug affects the area of the brain that controls hunger and it reduces appetite. The drug does have some serious side effects but like every drug, some people experience them, others do not. Just another option for you to consider!

Good luck!

toutmonpossible

Thank you everyone for the motivational words. This is definitely not the first time I've had someone tell me to just stop taking them, but know they have no idea what having depression/anxiety/mental disorders is like, so they are just ignorant. I responded earlier but figured I would again by saying this. I wish everyone the best of luck and hopefully someday I'll be sharing my own success story!

You're welcome. Good luck in finding a medication that helps while not causing excessive weight gain. If you have a chance, check out the book I mentioned -- maybe you could borrow it from the library -- because it addresses this issues. Concern about weight gain, especially for women, is not a trivial issue.

Greytfish

I have found a combination of meds & CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help tremendously. I highly recommend you looking into it as well.

Seconding this. Medication or not, CBT is really a productive option, especially for people wanting to eventually be able to reduce or stop medication.

toutmonpossible

...

Been on Prozac 20 mg since 2010. ...

The medication itselt did not make me gain weight. After I started taking it, my self esteem increased and I stopped with destructive habits such as starving and overcompensating bad diet with strainous exercise. I ended up gaining a little weight, yes, but I feel more beautiful now than I did back then.

Whenever I have short breaks with my medication (or even change the brand, mind you) I feel prominent changes on my mood swings, lack motivation and drive, etc. I think it's a key ally on my weight loss since it allows me to do things like someone who is not depressed would -- like myself, when I was not depressed, would.

Actually, Prozac/Fluoxetine is associated with weight loss for many people. When it first was introduced, there were many articles promoting this aspect. But everyone responds a bit differently.

toutmonpossible

I gained 20 lbs on SSRI, lost it here with no great difficulty while remaining on medication. It might mess with your metabolism or hunger a little, but it can't break the laws of physics - eat leass, move more and the weight will come off.

There are laws of chemistry, however. Am I saying that every psychotropic drug causes weight gain or that in every case the patient can do nothing about it? Of course not. But there are some that are strongly associated with weight gain. That's a fact. Look up the drug's profile on the web and go to the "side effects" section. There will be a discussion, although sometimes instances of weight gain are understated. Go to fora for people who take these drugs and record their experiences and you'll have a better idea of what you can expect, understanding that everyone's experience is different.

If I recall correctly, SSRI-class drugs are not big offenders in terms of weight gain. People used to ask for Prozac to lose weight and it was the chic drug for awhile.

mccindy72

I gained 20 lbs on SSRI, lost it here with no great difficulty while remaining on medication. It might mess with your metabolism or hunger a little, but it can't break the laws of physics - eat leass, move more and the weight will come off.

There are laws of chemistry, however. Am I saying that every psychotropic drug causes weight gain or that in every case the patient can do nothing about it? Of course not. But there are some that are strongly associated with weight gain. That's a fact. Look up the drug's profile on the web and go to the "side effects" section. There will be a discussion, although sometimes instances of weight gain are understated. Go to fora for people who take these drugs and record their experiences and you'll have a better idea of what you can expect, understanding that everyone's experience is different.

If I recall correctly, SSRI-class drugs are not big offenders in terms of weight gain. People used to ask for Prozac to lose weight and it was the chic drug for awhile.

The weight gain associated with these medications is typically caused by the side effect that they increase the appetite. People eat more when taking them because they are more hungry, without realizing it. Similar side effect to steroids.

geeberscreepers

Hi,

I'm new here and I know this post is quite old but perhaps by replying I will find some friends to add and can share my empathetic ear.

I used to weigh 120lbs at 5ft6 and was very toned and athletic. I've been taking several different types of medication over the years for depression and anxiety.

I have felt the weight has gone on slowly over the years, but weight gain has certainly accelerated since I switched medication about three months ago after a stint in hospital.

I am under no illusion that my weight gain was down to not eating right or exercising anymore and generally just not looking after my appeareance/health because I was so depressed.

But after my stay in hospital I am finally getting the help and support I needed to put my life back together. I am back at the gym 4-5 times a week and eating a healthy diet.

I understand how hard it can be to get motivated and stay motivated when your outlook is bleak and you're not feeling yourself. If anyone would like a supportive and empathetic friend to help them stay on track then please add me as a friend because I am looking for the same.

Good luck everyone with your quest for greater health and don't ever let comments from any ignorant individuals who do not understand mental health problems get to you. Be proud of yourself for taking control of your own health by reaching out for the help you needed, whether that is with medication or otherwise.

geeberscreepers

Thanks for sharing about this book, I will need to get a copy if you found it so helpful.

petstorekitty

Weight loss and exercise are anti depressants! Get off the pills.

You are full of it. You also have no right to say that people should stop taking a medication they need.

I am so sick and tired of the ill informed BS from people like this. When you hear people constantly say "get off the pills" or "you don't need meds" or "meds are bad" it makes a person ashamed to be on them. Well guess what? Sometimes people need them. Yet they might not get the help they need because it is stigmatized so badly in society still. It is disgusting.

^^ This. Absolutely and completely this.

Thanks for standing up for those of us who do need help. x

meganjcallaghan

I haven't read through all the responses, but just in case it hasn't been said, while the medication might not be the direct cause of weight gain (as in, it isn't adding extra mystery calories to your day) it can potentially mess with your metabolism and cause you to perhaps need less calories than you might have without the medication. Might be a good idea to get your RMR tested and see what your metabolic rate is while on the medication as the medication means you can't be just like any old average joe and checking your BMR with a web calculator