About to start Zoloft.

Just because weight gain is listed as a side effect, it doesn't mean it will necessarily happen.

I don't take antidepressants, but I take other medication that is notorious for weight gain and it didn't happen to me. Granted, they caused horrible acne, which happens less frequently than weight gain, but acne I got.

You also have to consume the excess calories, you won't gain weight otherwise and the medication making you more hungry, thirsty or agitated is what leads to weight gain for some. What the medication may give you though, is the energy and wherewithal to get some exercise and treat your body well with nutritious food. That may counterbalance things.

Sorry I can't be of help regarding that specific medication and hope things get better for you soon.

Yes I didnt like it it made me hungry constantly, insomnia, and weird headzaps. and eating lead to weight gain. after 3 months i quit Cold turkey.

I gained quite a bit of weight on Zoloft but it was more-so because I stopped caring about important things in my life. It took the highs and lows away and those were what I used to keep myself in check. Once those went away I didn't care about what I ate and could have cared less if I was active -- I stopped caring about me. I woke up one day many, many pounds later and decided that working out is my AD and that I was going to get off of Zoloft and deal with anxiety the way that has always worked best for me. That was the best AD decision I made.

Zoloft had the opposite effect on me. It made me far less hungry (which probably means that I was hungry/eating because of the anxiety, not because of actual hunger). I had a really good experience with it overall (unfortunately I had to stop because we are trying to concieve, but I plan to go back on it as soon as I can).

I gained on Zoloft. I gained on Wellburtin. I was exercising 2hrs a day M-F, I was eating 1300 cal/a day. Still gained. But that was me...

_crafty_ wrote: »

I've been on Zoloft since April. I haven't had any weight gain issues. Only side effects I had when I first started it was a little sleepiness and my eyes were dry for about a week.

I have found Zoloft to be night and day different from Lexapro. Lexapro only mildly helped with my anxiety and OCD which didn't make it worth the other side effects I was dealing with. Zoloft is SOOOO MUCH better and I don't have any side effects beyond what I had the first couple weeks.

As someone else with OCD I found out that all antidepressants have the opposite effect on me. They made me manic (awake for days, spending money, compulsions worse, no appetite, personally changes).

All I can take is benzodiazepines (clonazepam and Ativan for panic attacks) and exposure/CBT.

OP, I would see if therapy is also an option as I personally believe most psychiatrist's over prescribe antidepressants in those without true clinical depression. Definitely explore your options and don't just stop any medication prescribed. Many people who DO have true clinical depression take a few different drugs to find one that works well for them.

I was on Zoloft about 15 years ago, maybe more, and I don't remember gaining any weight. I was very thin at the time so it probably would have been noticeable. So it certainly doesn't happen to everyone.

Now if you want to talk about what prednisone did to my weight... *shudder*

And, definitely, as Rainbowbow said if Zoloft doesn't work or causes unacceptable side effects there are several similar drugs that you can also try that are just different enough that they may work better. And if you're on Zoloft for depression, look into getting therapy as well if you can afford it. And research types of therapy - I was helped most by therapists who were just aiming to help me cope with everyday life, not uncover the root of the issue, but YMMV.

My suggestion is to just try it. Make sure you have follow up appointments with a good medical professional (preferably one who specializes in ADs). Be honest with them and make sure you let them know about any side effects. Also, let them know about the concern with the possible weight gain. Different people react differently to these meds. I can't stress enough about working closely with a professional. If Zoloft doesn't work out you can always try a different one under the supervision of a pro. Don't give up. It will be worth it in the end by finding the right med for you.

I took Zoloft and personally, I do not recall any weight gain. Then again, I was pretty big to begin with and I was not watching what I ate, so a few extra pounds one way or another wouldn't have caught my attention.

That was the only AD I ever took and it was for a bad case of SAD. I found a fairly low dose to be very effective for me. ADs saved me, but as I tell people, they are a powerful drug. I would rather have quit smoking 10 times over than to quit antidepressants again.