Anti-depressants and weight loss?

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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