Weight Gain Due To Meds

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  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    rileysowner wrote: »
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »
    moto630 wrote: »
    Many ppl are stating that your weight gain is solely due to over eating but many articles state that when you are on SSRI's there is a chemical reaction in your brain to gain weight without excessive eating. It actually changes your metabolic rate. So food tracking and exercise is a great tool to helping you gain control.

    No, they do not.

    Also, if you're going to make such claims, please cite your sources. This kind of misinformation can be harmful.

    I would want to see sources on this as well. There are meds that affect metabolism, but when I researched SSRIs I didn't find anyone saying they did. All the things I saw on weight gain from them was due to increased appetite.

    Yep, that is my understanding of SSRIs as well.
  • MemFox
    MemFox Posts: 35 Member
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »
    MondayJune22nd2015 wrote: »
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »
    aj_thomas81 wrote: »
    I've gained 10 since changing heart meds a month ago, so I've started tracking calories again. My doc explained the new med not only slows my metabolism, it also increases insulin resistance (and thus appetite). I'm sure it's doable, but it's frustrating because I've been gaining at 1300-1500.

    I'm also sure everyone who is discounting a medically recognized side effect thinks they're being empowering :(

    Why would you think that? No matter what, the formula has to be calories in < calories out. It doesn't matter if you are taking meds, have thyroid issues, are depressed, have insulin resistance - you name it. All of our weight is influenced by calories. Yes, certain conditions can change the calories out side of the equation. Certain conditions or medications can increase appetite. You have got to be as accurate and honest as possible with your tracking (read: weighing everything on a food scale and diligently measuring liquids) and play with foods that sate your appetite enough to stay within your calorie allowance. Blaming a medication and subsequently being self-righteous about it is not the answer. We all have the power to lose weight, though it seems that we don't all have the attitude it takes to succeed.

    The medication or in my case, disability is certainly to blame; for making this harder & it isn't self righteous, to be unable to cope; with that unfair reality.

    I am well aware of the extra hardship that can come from certain conditions and medications. As a person with depression and PCOS, I know that weight loss may be slower or that some days I may not feel like fooling with it. However, when I'm weighing and logging all of my food and putting forth the effort to maintain my lifting and light cardio routine, I lose weight just fine. The math works out. I had to stop using [insert conditon/medication here] as an excuse and take a hard long look at my actual intake. Nothing good ever comes from a defeatist attitude.

    Alyssa that's all well and good for you but everyone is different. These forums are meant to be supportive and your whole attitude of holier than thou is not at all helpful!
    Please stop assuming everyone is "blaming" the medication. I have never needed an excuse before and not starting now. In my case everything I have done before that has worked I am doing now and since being on my meds it isn't working anymore. The weight went on right as I started the meds.

    I'm glad you've been able to fight through not only your conditions but also to lose weight but please be kinder to those of us who for one reason or another is struggling.
    Offer kind and helpful words not criticism please.
  • aprilricks86
    aprilricks86 Posts: 67 Member
    Unforunately no :( I'm sure some have had success, but I am still working on shedding the weight after going off an SSRI I was taking late 2014-mid 2015 (and still take it off and on now). I can almost immediately tell the effect it has on my body. I crave carbs and sugary food like crazy. The craving is overwhelming. I am not someone that really struggles with "cravings" very often otherwise. I've always found it easy to lose weight when I want, but when I am taking this medication it's nearly impossible for me personally. That's compounded by my lessened motivation in the gym. I develop a very lazy attitude and feel very tired which also makes me less motivated in the gym.

    I wish you all the best! This is just my own experience, I know others have different experiences. Good luck!
  • TiffanyStayStrong
    TiffanyStayStrong Posts: 5 Member
    I was taking Lyrica for nerve pain for a few months and I could tell each week that I was gaining weight. Then I noticed I was eating Oreos....a lot....like a few times a day. I had never done this before. There were other sweets to but the Oreos were daily. Anyway by the 6th or 7th week I realized I had packed on 20 to 25 pounds. My leg, knees, feet, and ankles hurt so bad. I immediately called my doctor and told her that I could no longer take that medication and why. She agreed that the negative was certainly out weighing the positive and I got off of it. It took me close to 7 months to undo what I did in 7 weeks. I am still on the journey to lose more but. I know that medications can effect your weight.
  • LMHG2015
    LMHG2015 Posts: 5 Member
    edited February 2016

    .
  • LMHG2015
    LMHG2015 Posts: 5 Member
    edited February 2016
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »
    aj_thomas81 wrote: »
    I've gained 10 since changing heart meds a month ago, so I've started tracking calories again. My doc explained the new med not only slows my metabolism, it also increases insulin resistance (and thus appetite). I'm sure it's doable, but it's frustrating because I've been gaining at 1300-1500.

    I'm also sure everyone who is discounting a medically recognized side effect thinks they're being empowering :(

    Why would you think that? No matter what, the formula has to be calories in < calories out. It doesn't matter if you are taking meds, have thyroid issues, are depressed, have insulin resistance - you name it. All of our weight is influenced by calories. Yes, certain conditions can change the calories out side of the equation. Certain conditions or medications can increase appetite. You have got to be as accurate and honest as possible with your tracking (read: weighing everything on a food scale and diligently measuring liquids) and play with foods that sate your appetite enough to stay within your calorie allowance. Blaming a medication and subsequently being self-righteous about it is not the answer. We all have the power to lose weight, though it seems that we don't all have the attitude it takes to succeed.

    Alyssa:

    Well, thank you so much. I think we can all rest assuredly tonight knowing you are on the boards letting everyone know exactly what they should/should not do. Where exactly did you go to medical school? Saying someone is "blaming a medication" is extremely judgemental (at best). Subsequently being arrogant and condescending by saying "We all have the power to lose weight, though it seems we don't have the attitude to succeed" is not only childish but helps no one. It was my understanding these posts were to be helpful, motivating and kind. Maybe you didn't get the memo. Be well.
  • mcsnora
    mcsnora Posts: 3 Member
    I am on a hormone blocker as a 5 year "after" drug for breast cancer. One of the side effects is weight gain. I have lost 25 pounds in a year and a half. Now, I quit losing for a while. And the last month I have gained a couple back. It is extremely frustrating.
  • Pinkylee77
    Pinkylee77 Posts: 432 Member
    @mcsnora

    I am a nurse that works with breast cancer patients. You are right the medications cause weight gain. You dieting and starting an exercise program is wonderful and what I encourage my ladies to do for many health reasons. Good luck!
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