Losing Weight after HORRIFIC Cymbalta

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??

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

Hi

Did u finnely lost weight once supping cymbalta?

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.

3 year old.Necro thread. .