Depression & Medication

I am on Lexapro and it hasn't made me gain weight. Of course you have to find something that works for you.

Talk with your doctor about it. Stay on your meds until the doctor changes them.

Here is what I saw on WebMD: Some antidepressants may be less likely to affect weight. Effexor and Serzone generally do not cause weight gain, while Wellbutrin can cause weight loss.

Here's a link to the full article: http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressants-weight-gain

I totally understand, i've had depression my whole life and exercise has never helped me either. Nor have I ever been on prescription meds. I use natural alternatives that are proven to work just as well as prozac. I have gotten good results with 5-htp and high doses of Niacin, Sam-e is good as well.

I'm on fluoxetine hydrochloride (generic Prozac) for post pardum depression. It works really well, and one of the side effects for me has been additional weight loss because I have more energy to do things rather than sitting on the couch. I never thought I needed medication, but now that I'm on it, I feel happy again.

Hi there - You really need to make an appointment and talk to your doctor. Self medicating is not only scary but dangerous. There are medications that don't contribute to weight gain. Going off of an antidepressant on your own is risky, especially now that you are back to square one feeling incredibly depressed.

I am thinking of you, hang in there.

I lost weight on Wellbutrin--the generic--budiprofen?-- not sure of the generic name. It made me feel better and have more energy to get up and DO stuff. It also made me more interested in doing and enjoying the things I had quit doing. I originally took it to stop smoking and the side effect was how much better I felt about life in general! Nothing wrong with admitting when we need a little help. It would probably surprise you at how many folks you know who take even a mild anti depressant. They just don't want to admit it or talk about it. Best of luck to you!

ALSO, another thought - could you have gained weight because you felt less depressed? sometimes weight loss is a sign of depression (especially without trying) so gaining could be a sign that you have felt more interest in things. just a suggestion from my social work brain!

I know when I started Seroquel I gained 130lbs and eventually was taken off of it and have since lost weight. But for me, I take three medications, Geodon, Pristiq and Abilify. And none of them have seemed to make me gain weight. But that's just what works for me. If it works for you then so be it. But you have to weigh the pros and cons of what your doctor says before you start taking anything as you are probably well aware.

And I agree with another poster, anyone so insensitive as to judge you shouldn't be on this website!

"I am not a Dr."

Amitryptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant and those tend to have more side effects as apposed to the new class of drugs which are SSRI's (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). I dont know youf medical history or what drugs you've tried before so there may be a specific reason your doctor chose what they chose. Regardless if the side effects are unacceptable you should be able to try something else. I know it took me several tries to find the right combination. Good luck with your doctor appointment! Hang in there!

Most anti depressants shouldnt be stopped without a slow withdrawal so whilst I can see why you stopped taking them, until you talk to you Dr it would be better if you continued with your meds then he/she can advise how to correctly come off them.

Each type of drug will affect you differently. If it has a side effect you don't like discuss it with your doctor. Another thing to consider is that some folks get suppressed appetite when depressed and regain a normal appetite when the meds start working.

For me, Prozac has completely killed my appetite to an unreasonable degree.

I feel you. I was on meds for deression and anxiety and I gained 60 pounds like it was my job....UGH! I kept going to the Dr and every one they tried just made me keep gaining so finally I just stopped them altogether (which I don't recommend!) So far I lost 6 pounds without effort. I hate that I have to be fat and happy or depressed and at a good weight. No win situation. Sorry that I don't have any real advice for you but I do know what you're going through.

When I was on Welbutrin I lost a ton of weight. My roommate had the same reaction, but we both had to set timers to remember to eat at all. :ohwell:

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, but maybe take up meditation like someone mentioned earlier.

I say this only because I was extremely depressed and suicidal last year. I saw a counselor and she tried convincing me to speak with the psychologist so I could get on antidepressants.

I said NO WAY!

I was depressed because I was unhappy about many things in my life during that time: bad relationship, I isolated myself, grades dropped, lose of pets, lose of friends, sexually molested, bored with my life, felt trapped/overworked etc.

For some reason, it was hard for the counselor to just say: Here, lets try and get rid of these problems instead...so I did it on my own:

Broke up, started talking to people more and participating in my clubs more, stopped working so much and took out an extra loan, moved onto campus for safety, worked on my grades, luckily found a home for my pet (I feel sad and guilty [fear of going to visit because of the sexual molestation and stalking...] but really grateful), started talking to friends again, signed up to study abroad in Japan (I've always wanted to), and decided to work on bettering things in general.

I still don't feel amazing yet, but I don't feel suicidal anymore and the panic attacks I used to have stopped!

Maybe...there is something that can be changed in your life that will make you happier instead.