anti-depressants and weight-gain

fcrisswell

I am not on an anti-depressent currently....but have been suffering from PPD for a while and really am trying to avoid the drugs. My ups and downs though are getting harder and harder to deal with. I am also afraid of the weight-gain a lot of these drugs can cause.

Is there anyone out there that knows of an anti-depressent that does not have weight gain as a side-effect?

pittielover23

I think there is one (wellbutrin maybe?) but it is really important to find the one that WORKS for you, as they all wont. I know that the weight gain side effect is scary, but letting yourself slip deeper into depression is much scarier.

I was on prozac for over a year (recently tapered off) and it was one of the best things I have done for myself. I did not gain that much weight on it at all (and I was not actively trying to lose at the time).

Papaya81

I am not a parent nor do I suffer from those systems, however, I just wanted to say that you are a beautiful woman and you should keep your head up. The fact that you are acknoledging this issue publicly and not suffering in silence is very refreshing. Keep a smile on your face and take it day to day and best of luck in finding something that works for you

bridetobe310711

I AM ON ANTI DEPRESSANTS DONT THINK I HAVE GAINED..... WHICH ARE U TAKING?
X

wiggleroom

Fluoxetine - I've been losing weight consistently even though I've been taking it for several months now. I have a feeling it's because my tendency to indulge in emotional eating is lessened considerably!

But talk to your doctor. That's always the best move when looking into any medication, obviously.

jewelzz

I have suffered from depression since i was 20,on and off anti's since.tried most all of them.none made me gain except effexor it just made it harder to loose

tak123

I'm taking celexa, and it's worked really well, and I didn't really have any side effects. Didn't notice weight gain either. Definitely talk to your doctor about your options. Anti-depressants are like birth control, they effect everyone differently. Good luck.

ashley0616

I was in the same boat as you, trying to wait out the PPD for a long time. Things got really out of control and I finally asked for help when my daughter was 5 months old and I am SO happy that I did. I am on Wellbutrin, have been for almost a year now, and it has really helped me a lot. It has not caused any weight gain or problems losing weight, in fact it helps my compulsive behaviors which include compulsive eating. You deserve to be happy, don't be afraid to ask for help. Medication doesn't mean you are weak or a bad parent/person/woman, it means that you are doing what is best for you and ultimately your family.

ClarkMer

I am on zoloft for ppd and I have not gained. I actually lost 10 lbs when I first started. My sister in law, however, gained about 20 lbs when she started welbutrin. I think it depends on the drug and your body. DO NOT let the fear of weight gain stop you from getting the help that you need for ppd though, that is worse for you than a little weight gain would be. The weight will come back off.

HotrodMoma

wellbutrin is known for curbing cravings, they used to use it to help people quit smoking. I am on it and didn't gain weight from it. At first i even lost a few pounds. Everyone is differant though and while it may work for me, it might not for you. Please talk to your doctor

Manda1987

Just steer clear of Celexa. I gained 60 lbs without changing my eating or exercise habits.

Let your doctor know that you're worried about weight gain. They can prescribe you an antidepressant that doesn't have that as a side effect but also works for you.

Don't worry about taking medication. Often, people only have to take antidepressants until they're out of the dark. Even if you do take them forever, it's just a little boost, like taking asthma medication. You'd be surprised at how much better one little pill can make your life.

letsdothis2010

I am not on an anti-depressent currently....but have been suffering from PPD for a while and really am trying to avoid the drugs. My ups and downs though are getting harder and harder to deal with. I am also afraid of the weight-gain a lot of these drugs can cause.

Is there anyone out there that knows of an anti-depressent that does not have weight gain as a side-effect?

The MOST important thing is your well-being. A lot of the time, if emotional issues are addressed, weight loss becomes easier. I started taking wellbutrin a couple of months ago and I feel much better. I am losing weight and it does not seem at all like the anti-depressant is holding me back. It's in a different class from the ones that commonly cause weight gain. Please, talk to your doctor and see what they say. The benefits will probably far outweigh the con's.

oldtyke

When I went on Prozac I lost weight because I didn't "feel the need" To turn to food. As my Dr said, it was just replacing the chemicals that were out of balance.

wriglucy

I agee with welbutrim. I was on zoloft and didn't gain, but it killed my sex drive. So I switched to welbutrim...and it didn't work. So, they put me on a mix of them....it's only been about a week, so we'll see.

But I know that welbutrim is not for people with eating disorders becuase it makes you less hungry.

Good luck!

fitnessjch

I am on prozac, and I dont have much of an appetite

Onesnap

Each person is different. I've been on them since 1994 and it has not affected my weight. I also don't get the scary side effects and I work closely with my doctors in regards to medication and dosage.

Stay away from the heavy duty stuff and you'll be fine (lithium, Prozac, etc. are considered heavy drugs). Time release formulas are best.

Remember, it's a piece of the larger pie of self care. Eating right, sleeping well, and exercise along with the meds all makes a complete picture. If you're just taking the drugs without all the rest you might have weight gain.

Qarol

You really should discuss it with your doctor. Express your concerns about weight gain. But only he/she will know what kind of depression you have and what might work best. Then it's all trial and error finding a medication that works for you. What works for someone else might not work for you.

LorinaLynn

I've been on Lexapro, then Celexa for about 2.5 years. I gained a little when I first started, but that was more a result of a change in lifestyle (losing my job) and lots of depressing circumstances (losing both parents).

I have more energy on medication. And more energy means I can exercise more. And more exercise makes me feel better, too.

fredscookie

I have been takin wellbutrin well over 2 yrs I have not gained weight from it at all. my weight gain came from me stop smoking ughh!! but also another anti depressent is Topamax and it is used for weight lose as well. But I have tried and I did not like it but everyone is effected differently on medications. the best thing for you to do is talk to your doctor and he will give good advice to you ask him about Wellbutrin and/or Topamax.

Becky1971

I was on anti depressants for 12 years, thats how I gained the weight I have lost now, and I have been off of them for almost five years. This is what eating healthy is so important to me. I do not want to go back on meds. I have cut out caffiene, and sweeteners, and watch the added sugars close, take a multivitamin and flax oil capsule. I think it's so important to first try and manage these issues through diet and working out, (Workout out is extremely important for me to maintain not meds) before going to medication, I do support meds when they are needed, but theres a lot more that could be manage through diet and exercise.

shadow3829

I'm on Citralpram the generic for Clemex for anxiety/panic attacks. I haven't gained a pound. I put off trying them for 2 1/2 years afraid of the same thing. I thought I could beat it on my own. Now I wish I had tried them a couple of years ago, I feel like I have my life back now. :-)

Lyndzo

I was on Paxil for nearly 2 years (for anxiety though) and I advise NOT to go on that one. I worked out hard and ate well for nearly four months and lost a whopping 12 pounds. I later found out that it was probably the Paxil that was causing me not to lose and had probably caused me to gain a few pounds when I went on. Also, it's one of the hardest medications to get off of and when you do the side effects are horrible. Luckily I am finally off of it and starting my journey over again.

fcrisswell

I have been of the same thought....trying to amange it with diet and exercise. I have a sister that is bi-polar...and she has been on and off meds practically her whole life. Some help some don't...then I also see her NOT helping herself which makes me crazy.

I have added omega-3's cause I read they help with depression, I exercise more now then EVER before (not that that is sayin much), I take, a multi, biotin, iron, etc. (mainly since i am a gastric bypass patient 4 years ago...vits for life). Some days are ok. some not. Today...no reason...just blah...sitting at my desk at work in near tears and no reason for it. It is taking everything I have to maintain composure and get ANY work done.

amacd999

I was on Wellbutrin in the past and it didn't make me gain anything but I had a lot of insomnia from it. I was off them for a few years and am now on Pristiq and so far no adverse side effects at all. No weight gain. If anything I am eating less now than before. I don't have as big an appetite - especially for anything sweet. A little goes a long way now. Hope you can find something that works for you!

marci355

I have been of the same thought....trying to amange it with diet and exercise. I have a sister that is bi-polar...and she has been on and off meds practically her whole life. Some help some don't...then I also see her NOT helping herself which makes me crazy.

I have added omega-3's cause I read they help with depression, I exercise more now then EVER before (not that that is sayin much), I take, a multi, biotin, iron, etc. (mainly since i am a gastric bypass patient 4 years ago...vits for life). Some days are ok. some not. Today...no reason...just blah...sitting at my desk at work in near tears and no reason for it. It is taking everything I have to maintain composure and get ANY work done.

Awww....sweetie, I know how you feel. I'm on Celexa and haven't gained any weight. I finally gave up trying to "white-knuckle" it without any meds and I was miserable. My doc finally talked me into trying Celexa, which is a antidepressant AND anti-anxiety. Worked like a charm. Hang in there and let us know if you need to talk. Hugs!!

lmcd1377

I quit smoking 5 months ago after 32 years and gained alot of weight. I felt terrible about life and myself and cried all the time. I think I was starting perimentapause . My dr. gave me Citalopram and I have felt so much better. I quit crying, am happy, started my fitness pal and started walking miles every day. I am now loosing the weight. I wish I had went on this years ago.

lmcd1377

I also starded taking D3 everyday. I think it helps with your moods too!

believetoachieve

There is no shame in taking medication when you need it. You owe it to your new baby to be the best mom you can be, which means taking care of yourself first and foremost.

That being said, I've been on antidepressants for about 10 years now, and celexa has worked the best. However, there was a LOT of trial and error to find the best combination/type/dosage. And, as life events change, so too does the dosage. Get started on it quickly before it gets worse. You can't just "fix" this yourself -- depression is more than just "being strong"; it's a chemical imbalance.

Additionally, you should be more concerned with feeling better than weight gain. Depression can become severe and potentially threaten your life if left uncontrolled. Many medications won't make you gain weight, but the could increase cravings, causing you to put on weight if you choose to eat (similar to birth control).

Good luck! :flowerforyou:

Dellonious1

Efexor xr is what i take...

flausa

I had PPD/PND with my daughter. It was absolute hell by the time I finally sought medical intervention. I was on anti-depressants for just under a year, and it is soooo good to be myself again. I am able to be healthy mentally for myself and my family (and I'm no longer bursting into tears for no reason). It wasn't until I was mentally well that I was able to finally deal with my physical health. Diet and exercise can help to elevate your mood, but a serious depression needs to be handled with the help of people with the right training (medical or psyschological).

Sometimes PPD/PND is linked with thyroid problems (which is was in my case, so I'm now on medication for that as well). If that is the case, you cannot make yourself better, and with your system out of balance, losing weight or keeping weight off can be even harder.

Please be kind to yourself and get some help.

popchex

I'm taking zoloft and haven't gained anything. I haven't lost anything either, but then I haven't really tried until now. I just wanted to say that I know it takes a lot to say you need help. I was trying to "go it alone" and do it without medication, but honestly wish I had gone to my doctor sooner, because the quality of life we have now is so much better. Good luck!