Anti-depressants and weight loss?

Jen800

I really need to be on some type of anti-depressant, but I'm terrified I'll just gain all the weight back. Yes, I continually hear "wouldn't you rather not worry and not be depressed?" But that doesn't really matter because I'll be depressed if I gain the weight that I worked SO hard to lose... People don't seem to understand what a struggle this choice is.

I live a healthy lifestyle now, so my question is :

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle, were you able to maintain/still lose weight? I work out on average 3-4 days a week, (w/ strength training) and do circuit training most days. I eat healthy and am currently eating 1400 cals, but will probably up them a bit. My TDEE is between 1700-2100. So, do you think if I followed the same type of life, didn't overeat, and took medication (they want to try me on Paxil) my weight loss may be sustainable? I'm fully committed to this being a lifestyle, so I'm not too worried about that part.


Thanks for your answers!

darleyschroeder

I take wellbutrin and it actually helps me lose weight quicker. I have been on it for about 3 weeks now and have lost 5 pounds. That's with eating a lot more too.

childermass

Do you NEED to be on anti depressants?
I was at the point of considering some very very dark things daily for about a year with no driving reason behind it. Life was 'great' but I couldn't feel it.
Then a friend put me onto magnesium.
I am not exaggerating when I tell you I felt a difference after the first day. And now, a couple months later I am still amazed at how good I feel. (good being an understatement).
I know everyone is different, but really, isn't it worth a try? It has amazing benefits for your entire body:

http://george-eby-research.com/html/depression-anxiety.html

CarlieeBear

I would think that being less depressed would help you lose weight. I'm not sure if Paxil has weight gain as a potential side effect or not. When I get depressed, all I want to do is lay in bed, sleep and play video games. I'm a total slug if I don't push myself. Fortunately, I take an anti-depressant so I don't get that way very often. I also find that exercise helps me be less depressed. A friend told me it prompts your body to release serotonin.

Verla7

I am not an expert on this subject, but I have been told that there are some anti depresants that actually help you to loose weight. I would mention your concerns to your doctor, and see if the ones you will be taking cause weight gain.

Jen800

childermass:wow, thanks for this tip! I'll definitely give it a try. I'm one of those depression/anxiety people, and I never considered magnesium. Thanks again!

Jen800

I really need to be on some type of anti-depressant, but I'm terrified I'll just gain all the weight back. Yes, I continually hear "wouldn't you rather not worry and not be depressed?" But that doesn't really matter because I'll be depressed if I gain the weight that I worked SO hard to lose... People don't seem to understand what a struggle this choice is.

I live a healthy lifestyle now, so my question is :

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle, were you able to maintain/still lose weight? I work out on average 3-4 days a week, (w/ strength training) and do circuit training most days. I eat healthy and am currently eating 1400 cals, but will probably up them a bit. My TDEE is between 1700-2100. So, do you think if I followed the same type of life, didn't overeat, and took medication (they want to try me on Paxil) my weight loss may be sustainable? I'm fully committed to this being a lifestyle, so I'm not too worried about that part.


Thanks for your answers!

Medication doesn't cause weight gain by itself. It can have side effects that cause weight gain such as make you hungry and eat more, but if you monitor your calories you'll be fine.

This is the kind of answer I wanted to hear, thanks



Also CarlieeBear: Yes, I do notice it's easier when I exercise. It doesn't ever really go away, but does become easier. Thanks for the advice all the same!

GomesDavid

Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. ...contact ur doc...Your doctor can prescribe them for you. They can improve your mood, sleep, appetite and concentration. i suggest u should go with somulin...my friend using it as it contains all natural ingredients ..no side effects... read more abt somulin here http://bit.ly/WgvCSv

Ortax

I gained 50 pounds on anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. I believe it was because they increased my appetite. But I've asked this same question before and many people have assured me that they have been able to lose weight on these meds. I feel confident that I can lose the weight with exercise and eating right.

childermass

Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. ...contact ur doc...Your doctor can prescribe them for you.

I would think she knows this already :S !!

Iknewyouweretrouble

I really need to be on some type of anti-depressant, but I'm terrified I'll just gain all the weight back. Yes, I continually hear "wouldn't you rather not worry and not be depressed?" But that doesn't really matter because I'll be depressed if I gain the weight that I worked SO hard to lose... People don't seem to understand what a struggle this choice is.

I live a healthy lifestyle now, so my question is :

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle, were you able to maintain/still lose weight? I work out on average 3-4 days a week, (w/ strength training) and do circuit training most days. I eat healthy and am currently eating 1400 cals, but will probably up them a bit. My TDEE is between 1700-2100. So, do you think if I followed the same type of life, didn't overeat, and took medication (they want to try me on Paxil) my weight loss may be sustainable? I'm fully committed to this being a lifestyle, so I'm not too worried about that part.


Thanks for your answers!

So creepy I just posted this and your post popped up!! Cool though.
I'm sorry, are you saying you weigh less when you are depressed?
I would think the antidepressants would make you feel better and more motivated to be healthy. Just my opinion though.
I'm still waiting to hear back from people so I will look though your comments!
I hope you start to feel better!

Iknewyouweretrouble

Do you NEED to be on anti depressants?
I was at the point of considering some very very dark things daily for about a year with no driving reason behind it. Life was 'great' but I couldn't feel it.
Then a friend put me onto magnesium.
I am not exaggerating when I tell you I felt a difference after the first day. And now, a couple months later I am still amazed at how good I feel. (good being an understatement).
I know everyone is different, but really, isn't it worth a try? It has amazing benefits for your entire body:

http://george-eby-research.com/html/depression-anxiety.html

Careful with your mag and any supplements, fluid- electrolyte balance is delicate and bad things can happen if you shift that balance (arrythmia, high calcium, low blood pressure and slow heart rythm).

barbaramitchell101

YES, Paxil has weight gain as a side effect...PAXIL is also very dangerous if you are of child bearing age...because of birth defects associated with use during pregnancy....some insurance companys won't even pay for it if it is prescribed!!!! I am on Paxil myself, and have discovered I am allergic to it....LOL....now to figure out how to get off it, without having major side effects from withdrawal... I have read that this medication, in particular, has very serious withdrawal symptoms and issues....if you want to learn more about your question..I suggest you go online and GOOGLE IT....you won't even want to try it....

and take it form someone who has been taking it for about 14 years...it is NOT WORTH IT...if you can find something natural,by all means try that first....if you need to, go to a naturepath DR....they can guide you...a nutritionist will just tell you what to eat....

anytime you want ot know something... .GOOGLE IT...there is a lot of information out there....

RobynLB

Depression has to be hurting your weight loss too. If your doctor is recommending medication, listen. If you try the medication, and you gain a pound or two, you can reconsider at that point if the results of the medication are worth the side effect. Right now that's just a potential side effect anyways. I've never gained weight on antidepressants, and I have been on everything.

RobynLB

YES, Paxil has weight gain as a side effect...PAXIL is also very dangerous if you are of child bearing age...because of birth defects associated with use during pregnancy....some insurance companys won't even pay for it if it is prescribed!!!! I am on Paxil myself, and have discovered I am allergic to it....LOL....now to figure out how to get off it, without having major side effects from withdrawal... I have read that this medication, in particular, has very serious withdrawal symptoms and issues....if you want to learn more about your question..I suggest you go online and GOOGLE IT....you won't even want to try it....

and take it form someone who has been taking it for about 14 years...it is NOT WORTH IT...if you can find something natural,by all means try that first....if you need to, go to a naturepath DR....they can guide you...a nutritionist will just tell you what to eat....

anytime you want ot know something... .GOOGLE IT...there is a lot of information out there....

This is some of the worst advice I have ever heard. Listen to your doctor, not some stranger on a message board telling you to google things. This is your life you're talking about.

Sarahsue94

I took Welbutrin XL and from what I read while I was taking it, people actually reported loosing weight (very small though, like a couple pounds a year) but still, If your not wanting to gain weight, talk to your doctor about it. I did not have hardly any side effects while on it either (Other anti-depressants made me feel sick or tired).

Also I would recommend reading a book called The Depression Cure by Stephen S Ilardi. Its a 6-step program without using drugs. I read it after I stopped taking mine. Even if you do decide to take the anti-depressants I would still read this because it does help A LOT!

myguitarplaysit

I really need to be on some type of anti-depressant, but I'm terrified I'll just gain all the weight back. Yes, I continually hear "wouldn't you rather not worry and not be depressed?" But that doesn't really matter because I'll be depressed if I gain the weight that I worked SO hard to lose... People don't seem to understand what a struggle this choice is.

I live a healthy lifestyle now, so my question is :

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle, were you able to maintain/still lose weight? I work out on average 3-4 days a week, (w/ strength training) and do circuit training most days. I eat healthy and am currently eating 1400 cals, but will probably up them a bit. My TDEE is between 1700-2100. So, do you think if I followed the same type of life, didn't overeat, and took medication (they want to try me on Paxil) my weight loss may be sustainable? I'm fully committed to this being a lifestyle, so I'm not too worried about that part.


Thanks for your answers!

Medication doesn't cause weight gain by itself. It can have side effects that cause weight gain such as make you hungry and eat more, but if you monitor your calories you'll be fine.

From what I'm aware of, some medications do cause weight gain, but it varies from person to person. Wellbutrin is known for weight loss, but can cause seizures in some people. SSRI's are generally known for a bit of weight gain, but I know people who have lost. I personally gained a bit on a couple of them, but it wasn't anything too outrageous. ~5lbs, but I'm still peeved about it because I"m not as close to my goal as I'd like to be.

sevsmom

During my divorce many moons ago, my doc had me on a Wellbutrin and Lexapro combo. I was not improving on Wellbutrin alone. However, I wasn't losing anymore weight (which was good. . .the divorce diet emaciated me). But, when Lexapro got added I dropped another 5 lbs (and was officialy "scary skinny") without eating decently.

It set me up for some serious weight gain after I stopped the meds. Thankfully, now I've got all of it under control without meds of any sort.

If you need the meds, you need them. I literally couldn't function. I hope you find a working solution. That your need for the meds is relatively short term (thankfully mine only lasted a year). And, that you feel healthy and balanced soon!

b817

Hey, moclobemide - brand name aurorix, won't make you gain weight, it's a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, this mechanism of action will increase noradrenaline levels --> weight loss or will counter the weight gain that would be caused by its additional increase in serotonin levels. I'm a pharmacology major, I was also on it for almost a year, soon as I stopped taking it I gained about 5kg.

TheConsciousFoody

I'm on Effexor for my anxiety and not only have I continued to lose weight but it helped me quit smoking

helganog

People say "Nothing tastes as good as being slim", BUT 'nothing feels as good as feeling well' should be right up there alongside it. I've struggled with depression and weight gain for over 15 years and have been through Counselling (CBT) and on medication (Fluoxetine) three times. I think the depression is a side effect of my weight problems, not the other way round so I don't blame the pills.
There are different types of depression and, fortunately, my Doctor has found what balances the chemicals in my brain and makes me "me" again. I feel much more motivated and want to exercise and eat well (although I don't always) rather than just wanting to stay in a dark room, cry, not see anybody and stuff my face.
If you think you need medication then talk to your Doctor. There are SO many different treatments out there. It might take some time to find one that works but when you do you will feel so different and you will be able to think about being healthy rather than being in a black hole.
Good luck.

Natihilator

this mechanism of action will increase noradrenaline levels --> weight loss or will counter the weight gain that would be caused by its additional increase in serotonin levels. I'm a pharmacology major, I was also on it for almost a year, soon as I stopped taking it I gained about 5kg.

Can you dumb this down for me? What was the reason you gained 5kg after coming off it?

firelle

When I'm depressed I don't want to do anything. When I'm on the meds I feel loads better. It can't hurt, right? Also, the sedating anti-ds are usually the ones associated with weight gain. Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil etc should be fine (but ask your psychiatrist).

Celuwen

SSRIs can have weight gain side effects, but those could be that when depressed some people don't have an appetite, so when they feel better, they put some weight on due to the appetite returning.

I'm on Mirtazapine and it made me ravenous in the first few months and I put on 15 pounds, but through controlled calories and exercise I've lost this weight again. It's been very difficult, but the hunger is slowly coming back to normal and the hunger pangs have calmed down. Feeling so much better has enabled me to be in control of my life more, including my diet.

Good luck with your medication and if this one doesn't suit you, please do get back to your doctor and try something else. I hope you feel much better soon.

FlaxMilk

Some medications can make you gain weight (not just through being more tired or eating more), but generally, you aren't going to find that happen with SSRI's. Any weight gain would almost certainly be minimal. If you find yourself gaining too much too fast, your doctor can always try another med.

breezylee75

I have been on anti-depressants for almost a year now, and I have still been able to lose. I was to the point where being depressed (actually PMDD), was causing me to not be successful. I am not saying that you need to be on them, but they sure did help me, and I haven't had any weight gain. I think it's up to the person really-mind over matter ya know? You can always try them, and if it doesn't work out, at least you know.

watcheronthewall

I started taking my med before I began losing weight and it hasn't hindered me at all. It might be a case of trying things and if they adversly affect your weight then stop and ask to try another.

I don't think you should have to pur up with gaining weight in order to treat your depression.

lauriem1966

The only one I've ever been on has been celexa and I do believe I gained a little bit of weight while on it but nothing major....I was on it for about a year before I started to wean off.

I feel right now like I need meds but usually thats just after eating junk food or a sugary dessert....I find when I exercise regularly and limit my grains and cut waayyyy back on sugar, my mood is greatly improved. So hard to remember that when the treats are being passed around.

I'm curious to read thru the thread to see if there are any consistently mentioned that people have been able to lose weight while on.

AntWrig

I was taking Well-Butrin. Once I started working out, I stopped taking it. I didn't notice any changes with my weight.

2April

YES, Paxil has weight gain as a side effect...PAXIL is also very dangerous if you are of child bearing age...because of birth defects associated with use during pregnancy....some insurance companys won't even pay for it if it is prescribed!!!! I am on Paxil myself, and have discovered I am allergic to it....LOL....now to figure out how to get off it, without having major side effects from withdrawal... I have read that this medication, in particular, has very serious withdrawal symptoms and issues....if you want to learn more about your question..I suggest you go online and GOOGLE IT....you won't even want to try it....

and take it form someone who has been taking it for about 14 years...it is NOT WORTH IT...if you can find something natural,by all means try that first....if you need to, go to a naturepath DR....they can guide you...a nutritionist will just tell you what to eat....

anytime you want ot know something... .GOOGLE IT...there is a lot of information out there....

This is some of the worst advice I have ever heard. Listen to your doctor, not some stranger on a message board telling you to google things. This is your life you're talking about.

Nothing wrong with talking to your doctor and doing your own research in order to make an informed decision.

sunsnstatheart

Run - it does wonders for depression and weight loss.