Losing Weight after HORRIFIC Cymbalta

MicheleLK1

I was prescribed Cymbalta 30mg in November 2013 for Nerve Pain due to a number of surgeries on my elbow and also for neck pain related to spinal stenosis. The Cymbalta worked pretty well for the pain. I did gain 10lbs after the 2nd week of taking the medication and my eyes became puffy. In Feb 2014 my dosage was increased to 60 mg, the first week, I gained an additional 5lbs and by the 3rd week another 5lbs---there was no change to my diet and I had begun walking 4 times a week for one hour. It worked great for the pain. So now I am up 20lbs and could not fit into any of my clothes. I also began experiencing horrible hot flashes and I was sweating all the time...in the middle of winter I was drenched with sweat. I was preparing to go on a trip the end of March and decided I could not handle the hot flashes OR the puffy eyes. My eyes were so puffy, I almost could not see properly. So while I was on vacation for a week, I reduced my dosage back to the leftover 30 mg pills and I had no problems with any withdrawal. This past Monday I stopped taking the Cymbalta all together. Yes, I have had a headache, some nausea and I feel light-headed. However, I have been peeing non-stop and since Tuesday evening (I weighed my all time high of 182 lbs) I have lost 10 lbs and the swelling in my eyes is finally going away--I am also not experiencing any hot-flashes. I am taking Zofran to help with the nausea and excederin for the headache and I am drinking tons of water to help flush this medication from my system. So YES, the cymbalta CAN cause weight gain and it has nothing to do with diet or exercise----for me it was obviously fluid retention--it will be interesting to see how much more weight I lose in the next week. Cymbalta is a great medication for nerve pain & it was also wonderful for reducing my neck pain--but for some individuals, such as myself, the side-effects can be too much. For me, gaining so much weight in such a short period of time, the fluid retention, the swollen eyes and the hot flashes was just something I could not handle. Hopefully my DR can find a medication that works better for me. I will see her on Friday and by then I hope the withdrawal symptoms have eased a bit. A few years ago, my Mother was on Lyrica for her Fibromyalgia and she had to stop taking it because she ballooned up so quickly from fluid retention. Ever "Body" is different on how it reacts to medications. However, I would not recommend quitting any SNRI cold turkey--taper off, and work with your Doctor (An ethical Doc will taper you off); in my case, I have had to taper from different medications, so I knew what I had to do to gradually reduce the dosage and I hadn't been on it for a long period of time, so my symptoms aren't so bad, but PLEASE seek medical care when going off this medication to avoid dangerous side effects. I will see my doctor on Friday. Best of luck.

Tiff1124

I am so glad I found this post! After my divorce my doc prescribed Celexa and in 6 months I had gained 30 pounds that I had lost the previous year. I was so disappointed and stopped taking them. Never had any side effects but my new doc mentioned Wellbutrin actually helps with weight loss. Is this true??

MicheleLK1

I used Wellbutrin many years ago and it had no effect on my weight.

Maleficent0241

I am so glad I found this post! After my divorce my doc prescribed Celexa and in 6 months I had gained 30 pounds that I had lost the previous year. I was so disappointed and stopped taking them. Never had any side effects but my new doc mentioned Wellbutrin actually helps with weight loss. Is this true??

As is the answer with most of these meds, "maybe". Some people lose on it, some don't, but generally it is regarded as weight-neutral. It would be HIGHLY unlikely for it to hinder weight loss.

Psychgrrl

Cymbalta is not a quit cold turkey kind of drug. Please talk to your doctor about your concerns and work with her/him to wean you off it. There was a reason the drug was prescribed in the first place, so I would make sure you original need for the drug has abated or your doctor can suggest alternatives.

jennyla2

I realize this is an old post, but for those saying Cymbalta is an SSRI, you are only partly correct--it's an SSRNI (serotonin and Norepinephrine), so it's not "just like" Zoloft, nor is it just like Wellbutrin. It can make you gain or lose weight.

Someone said medications can't make you gain weight--they are incorrect. Medications CAN and do make you gain weight. They can do this by increasing appetite, decreasing metabolism, or causing water retention. You can lose weight, but it often takes longer than it would if you weren't on the meds and people get discouraged. I have been on many different SSRI's and some did increase my weight and some didn't It depends on the person and the medication.

So, those of you quick to say "no medication can make you gain weight," I respectfully disagree. Of course, being on a medication is no reason to give up on your weight loss goals, nor should you stop any of these medications without a doctor's supervision.

Hope everyone has a great day!

orna018

i have been on effexor for three years since my son passed away. i had knee surgery last summer and i have been gaining weight and retaining water. i am up 30lb. i switched to cymbalta and i still can't lose the weight. i have been a size 4 my whole adult life. this is horrible. i feel awful! i am trying to wean myself off cymblalta and drinking tons of water and doing cleanses with lemon water and apple cider vinegar. i was hospitalized for high blood pressure and vertigo. my kids think i've gone insane and my husband is very very concerned. i am on 90 mg. cymbalta and have started taking 60. next week i'll try 30 and see how i do. i just can't even look at myself in the mirror. i am fighting the sadness and the grief of losing my beloved child but i feel physically horrible as well. i will let you know how i do. wish luck. good luck to all of you and thanks for your help!

Chrysalis07

Over 12 years ago I was prescribed Effexor for anxiety attacks brought on by nightmares. Within the space of 4 months, I had gained 120 lbs (no, that is not a typo). I had never been fit but I had been thin prior to that, and had not at all changed how or what or how much I ate. Prior to the drug, I was 150 lbs. After 6 years of doctor after doctor telling me I ate too much and lied about how much I ate, I was referred to a weight loss program at our hospital. The psychiatrist confirmed that Effexor absolutely can cause massive weight gain as I experienced, and changed my prescription to Cymbalta. He claimed it was weight neutral. My weight remained stable for about 3 months, and then I gained another 60 lbs over the next three months. In addition, I started to experience severe personality changes which included periods of lapsed judgment and memory loss. Over the 5 1/2 years I was on Cymbalta, suicide was constantly looking over my shoulder and nearly won. I lost a job I loved, and have not been able to hold a good job since. I am now disabled physically and mentally. I have lost most of my friends and family and i lost my home. I have been off these drugs for over a year now (with doctors supervision). I increased my activity levels to 6-10 hours a week in the gym plus 7 hours a week walking the dog. I did this for 4 months solid. I watched everything I ate. Stayed between 1000 and 1200 cal. Per day, which is what I've always eaten. Played a bit with those numbers based on contradicting advice given, but I am not capable of eating more unless I add unhealthy high calorie food that generally is and never has been part of my diet. I drink around 12+ glasses of water per day. And I gained 8 lbs. I did not gain muscle....I did not lose inches. And I still have memory loss and occasionally struggle with suicidal thoughts. I suspect that Cymbalta may be fat soluble. This means that every time I burn fat, I reintroduce the drug, which is stored in my fat cells, into my body as if I was still taking the drug...its the same concept of flashbacks from recreational drug use. No doctor will confirm that this is possible or likely, just as they did not confirm Effexor was the cause of my initial weight gain until it was too late. I have been trying to lose this excess weight for 12 years, with no success. Every bit of my excess weight can be attributed to these two drugs. What the heck can I do to lose the weight when diet is not a factor? It's so frustrating! I got so pissed off I quit going to the gym and havent gone for about 2 months and walk the dog for about half the time I used to. I lost about 5 lbs and here I stay. I had a binge eating day about 2 weeks ago....didn't gain or lose. Tomorrow, I will be going back to my strict monitoring, but have to wonder what is the point because I'm certain the drugs are still responsible.

Kmcgowan7

I've noticed weight gain w cymbalta. And even noticing how much harder it is to loose. I was prescribed cymbalta a few years back and I actually lost weight on it... Now it seems to have the opposite effect. It's really unsettling when u eat 100% healthy and work out consistently.
Compared to pristiq, I think cymbalta was MUCH easier to come off of. U can taper w cymbalta down to 10 I beleive. And the past 3 times I've done it, symptoms only lasted about a week. Be sure u stay active. That really helped me.
I feel your pain... There's no happy medium. Most anti depressants either make me a zombie or fat...

Mariachicat

Sometimes all it involves is asking your doctor to switch you to something weight neutral. If not, switch doctors IMHO.

BlackRose278

I just want to let you know, my body is very susceptible to medications for headaches and depression (for some reason all the tylonals do nothing lol)
I gained twenty pounds in a month after taking these damn things since april DX and it just appeared overnight too! I eat pretty well, i exercise a couple times a week, and all of a sudden BAM! I actually can't eat right without the constant thought of "i will still be fat" in my mind. I just stopped taking these pills, and I am never going back to them. Abilify does the same thing (it made me gain 10 of those 20 pounds, and I was only on that for 3 weeks). hopefully I will lose the weight in a few months. Good luck!

dreamtoBthin

I was on Cymbalta 120mg for more than 5 years never had an issue with weight gain. My Dr. weaned me off Cymbalta, and put me on Lexapro and Abilify. I gained weight like crazy. Someone posted on here that Cymbalta is a SSRI actually Cymbalta is a SNRI. (The drug is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). There is a difference. I am a RN. I suffer from Major Depression, and have been on many different antidepressants over the years. Cymbalta has worked best for me. While weight is important. It is more important to be on proper medication that keeps you mentally healthy and safe. Not all medications work the same on every person. While Cymballta is the best choice for me it may not be for you. There are side effects to any medication you take. According to the Cymbalta website these are the most common side effects:
The most common side effects of Cymbalta are:
Nausea
Dry mouth
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Constipation
Loss of appetite
Sweating

Other possible side effects include:
Headache
Muscle ache
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Stomachache
Loss of interest in sex
Increased urination
Dizziness

No where is weight gain listed as a side effect. I am not saying you didn't gain weight while on the medication. I am just saying it is not a COMMON side effect. People need to realize not everyone will respond the same. Please people take with your health care provider about any concerns you have regarding your medications and before you stop taking them. This is a medication that must be tapered off of not quit cold turkey. For your health and safety do not just stop a medication because you are afraid you are putting on weight without first discussing it with your health care provider. Stopping a medication that is meant to be tapered off of can cause serious health related issues. I wish you the best of luck in finding the best medication for your mental health and in losing the weight you desire

kaydeefit123

lorielovehailey wrote: »

I also gained tons of weight on Cymbalta, and my doctor is the one who told me that is a common problem.

I gained 30 pounds in six months.

I got off of it in June. I've lost over 50 pounds. But not just because I got off of Cymbalta. I have changed my whole lifestyle. But I tried to lose weight on Cymbalta and could not make any progress.

Every body is different. Some people lose weight, some gain. We're the unlucky ones, unfortunately.

Your Doctor needs to go back to school. SNRI's are do not cause weight gain. Clinical and population studies have consistently proven that there is an occurrence of 2% weight LOSS against the <1% placebo. This is caused by appetite change, likely due to the high likeliness of nausea and gastrointestinal changes in the EARLY part of taking this drug (<4 weeks)

Isn't it funny that everything on the internet causes weight gain?

Perhaps you are all just happier on anti-depressants (which I think is the point) and therefore more social, eating more, drinking more, doing more things and that is causing the weight gain.

Simple formula: Calories in = Calories Out

Stop blaming everything else.

KameHameHaaaa

My dr took me off cymbalta. Which sucks because it was not only helping the depression/anxiety but also helping some of my aches and pains. But I was sleepwalking BAD on it, waking up in weird places and very vivid nightmares (which happen anyway but these were too bad for me). So no more cymbalta.

carolineduchesneau5

Hello, while on Cymbalta I Gained approximately 30 pounds & with help from my doctor I gradually stopped taking the medication. It was difficult, sometimes dizzy and disoriented. I then found myself over eating to dull my anxieties and depression - now I control it better thru exercise and meditation. I have slowly stopped gaining and started losing. Good luck and take care.

nramot

Hi

Did u finnely lost weight once supping cymbalta?

Howardmil

carolineduchesneau5 wrote: »

Hello, while on Cymbalta I Gained approximately 30 pounds & with help from my doctor I gradually stopped taking the medication. It was difficult, sometimes dizzy and disoriented. I then found myself over eating to dull my anxieties and depression - now I control it better thru exercise and meditation. I have slowly stopped gaining and started losing. Good luck and take care.

NOW HERE Are the FACTS about how this drug affects weight! I am a user for 7 years.... The drug company never went that far!
All these comments pertain to MOST people; not everyone
Initially you will lose weight.... THEN... After a year you will gradually put on pounds : even with some good excersise. I never excersised every day cause while strictly watching my food intake I noticed the weight may fluctuate up to 4 pounds or so up and down. It won't help to (ideally) weigh yourself twice a week; you'll never know which way the scale will go. The only thing you can do if you maintain this drug and your weight is to excersise 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes and keep the food intake way down!!!
I go up 4 lb and down 4 lb within a week; the drug is causing it.... And there is no 2 ways about it.is depressing to say the least. If ONE day you eat hardly anything but knish on a few bits of less desirable (healthy) foods... You can gain 5 lbs in 5 or 6 days! Then it will take a week to see yourself minus the five!
The bottom line is: you MAY never get back down or stay at what you think is your desirable weight on this drug.( I was never strong enough to test this by excersising every day and see if I could go down a BIT.... Further. It's tough for you and sadly for ME ! This goes for almost all these drugs( exceptions are very young and fierce metabolic people on the move or constantly diet as we)

walkerdanielle79

I was taking cymbalta for about 9 months and gain 40 lbs. I have never been this heavy in my life. After I had my son 3 years ago I dropped the weight very easily. I gained the weight about 4 months into taking and it seemed like it came on all at once. My appetite was very high and was always hungry. I stopped taking it about 3-4 months ago. I tapered myself off. Which took about a month. I have since started eating healthy and cutting bad foods out. I also started working out about a month ago 3-4 times a week. I haven't noticed any change other then a little less bloating. I wonder how long it takes for your body to get the drug out of your system so you can be yourself again. I tried. many ways to loose the weight buy nothing is working. I feel like I am getting bigger still. Any advice on how long it takes to loose the weight once stopping the med. I have always been a person who can loose weight fast and keep it off no matter how I eat or work out. Also wondering if I get a tummy tuck and lipo will I be able to keep the weight off since I am no longer on the meds. I have read things that it will always be with you and changes your body permanently.

itspattycakes

I suffer from migraines and I've been on Cymbalta for about 7 months and in those 7 months it worked great but I've been incredibly nauseous and gained roughly 30 pounds off this medicine. Ive been off it now for about a week and I feel better but see no difference in my weight yet. I've been on a medicine before for my migraines that made me gain weight and once I stopped it I dropped those 20-30 pounds in a month. I know I shouldn't see immediate results like that but I was just curious how long it took you all to finally start seeing your weight decrease again?

suzyjane1972

3 year old.Necro thread. .