Anti-depressants and losing weight?

julesyb1982
julesyb1982 Posts: 136
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I gained 80 lbs in 2 years since starting anti-depressants. I currently take Cymbalta and am really scared it's going to be super hard to lose weight even if I follow my calorie allowance and exercise. Anyone have success losing weight while on AD? The fact that I'm so overweight is not helping my depression.

Replies

  • lindseyelyzabeth
    lindseyelyzabeth Posts: 33 Member
    you might want to talk to your doctor about changing your medication. there are some antidepressants that don't have a weight gain side effect - they even tend to speed up your metabolism - wellbutrin, paxil... it's at least something to ask about.
  • julesyb1982
    julesyb1982 Posts: 136
    I'm actually on my 3rd anti-depressant due to the weight issue. I'm allergic to Wellbutrin and she said Paxil is the most notorious for weight gain. I'm hoping I can lose weight even on the meds.
  • Kathy11174
    Kathy11174 Posts: 82
    I too take anti depressants and when I was on cymbalta I was unable to lose the weight. I am now on sertraline however its not as effective but I am able to lose the weight. But coming off the Cymbalta was very hard and it took a long time. When I decided to go off the Cymbalta my doctor worked with me and now that I am on sertraline she is still keeping an eye on me monthly.

    Add me if you want to chat some more or just need the support. I know what you are going through!!
  • tracybates
    tracybates Posts: 7 Member
    I am also on Cymbalta and have been loosing weight slowly. Around 1.5 - 2 lbs per week. Just do not go over your calorie count and EXERCISE. Try to burn 400 - 500 calories a day. YOU CAN DO IT!! I understand, being overweight does not help your depression, but once you see the lbs going down your self esteem will change. Trust me.
  • lindalee0315
    lindalee0315 Posts: 527 Member
    Paxil is notorious for weight gain. Check with your doctor. I know that Zoloft even has an appetite suppresant quality for some people.
  • iamhealingmyself
    iamhealingmyself Posts: 579 Member
    I don't take antidepressants regularly for depression but I do use amitriptyline as a sleep aid when my back flairs up and affects my sleep. I have taken them in the past as does my cousin and they do put weight on you. I have been doing this since January first and was on the amitriptyline for about a month total since in varying doses and I have still managed to lose, but I haven't been able to make a distinction between losing less while on them or not.

    I would suggest that you start by adding exercise and healthy eating and don't worry about the AD right now. As you start to feel better physically you will begin to feel better emotionally so maybe you want to include your prescribing dr on your plans and keep him/her posted as to how you're feeling during the process. Hopefully, you will be able to reduce your dosage as you lose more weight and become more active if not get off of them altogether.

    With or without ADs this is not an easy journey to undertake. I applaud your efforts to even think about wanting to change. That is the first step in the right direction. If you ever feel discouraged or want to talk, feel free to IM me. I battle similar demons daily even though they are not medically treated. I prefer to find other ways to solve those problems if possible since the meds have such a variety of side effects - often worse than the depression itself.

    Good luck!
  • pyro13g
    pyro13g Posts: 1,127 Member
    Find a way to get off the AD. If you are not in active therapy, get in it , do the work, and get off the meds.
  • julesyb1982
    julesyb1982 Posts: 136
    I gained most of my weight on Zoloft (sertraline), then took Effexor XR, and now on Cymbalta with Lamictal (mood stabilizer - no weight gain caused) and Klonopin (anti-anxiety). I've also tried several times to get better without medications, but I am too depressed and have too much anxiety to use other methods. Believe me if I could live without medication I would. I was so resistant to taking them for so many years until my condition got so bad I couldn't function. So not being on meds is NOT an option for me unfortunately.
  • Jess21684
    Jess21684 Posts: 202 Member
    I stuggle w a depression issue and im currently on Citalopram and havnt really noticed weight gain while on it.. I did gain a lil weight back but that was right around the time I went to the dr for my depression so the weight gain im pretty sure was just bc of the depression I was going through but i havnt noticed weight gain due to the medicine and ive been slowly losing weight
  • MaKisMom
    MaKisMom Posts: 65 Member
    I have been on Effexor, Paxil, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin (seperately). Initially I gained about 10-15lbs, but no more after that. I couldn't lose it no matter what I did. Once I stopped taking ADs I was able to lose the weight really quickly and easily. Wellbutrin didn't make me gain anything, I took it after losing weight.

    That being said, I WAS able to lose my baby weight with my first daughter while on Zoloft. I got down to my pre-pregnancy weight, which was just that 10-15 extra pounds. I was still at a healthy weight, too, it didn't make me gain excessively. My mom is on Effexor right now, and just lost about 40lbs. She would like to lose another 20 or so, but was able to lose some. I think the closer you get to a healthier weight, the harder it might be to get rid of it. So, it might not be too bad for you at the beginning, but you may end up having a hard time reaching your goal weight because of the AD. At least, that's been my experience.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories