Anti-depressants & weight gain
PhoenixWithoutAshes1
Posts: 99 Member
Anyone here have any experience with being on Paxil (paroxetine) and weight gain from it? It has contributed to my weight gain over the last 7 years & is definitely being a roadblock to my weight loss. I'm considering going off of it, with my dr's input of course. Thoughts?
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It increases your appetite not your weight...that increase from eating too much and not moving enough.4
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For me it's better to work harder to manage my weight and be able to live my life. If your weight is at a point that it's a big risk to your health, your doctor may choose to take the risk of switching meds. I'm on four medications that cause weight gain but I just put in the extra effort because it's worth it to me and it's hard to find medications that work. I haven't been on Paxil, but my grandfather was. He was a little overweight but he ate out frequently.2
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For me it's better to work harder to manage my weight and be able to live my life. If your weight is at a point that it's a big risk to your health, your doctor may choose to take the risk of switching meds. I'm on four medications that cause weight gain but I just put in the extra effort because it's worth it to me and it's hard to find medications that work. I haven't been on Paxil, but my grandfather was. He was a little overweight but he ate out frequently.
Excellent points! Thank you!0 -
I've heard wellbutrin can let you lose weight. Maybe ask your doctor about switching to something else instead of just quitting? In case you still need that medication.2
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Wellbutrin works well for me with no increase in appetite or weight.1
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I have been on paxil for 3 months and gained 20 lbs!!! It's the devil. I can't go off it or I panic, but it makes losing weight very difficult.0
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Paxil gave me many bad side effects and I was switched to Wellbutrin. I am much happier now except for the weight I gained while I was on it. Luckily I was only on it for about a year, but I am having a tough time getting rid of the excess weight. Hopefully MFP and a nutritionist can get me headed down the right path! Being on the right medicine is key to wanting to manage your life better. Good luck.
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zachbonner_ wrote: »That particular anti-depressant is not known to cause weight gain
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/paroxetine-side-effects.html
Under "Incidence not known" it says weight gain. Which to me means that some people have reported it as a side effect but they don't have enough scientific information that concludes that Paxil actually caused it. The weight gain is incidental to the other side effects that are listed.5 -
TheWJordinWJordin wrote: »I've heard wellbutrin can let you lose weight. Maybe ask your doctor about switching to something else instead of just quitting? In case you still need that medication.
Mental wellness should always come first. It is ill advised to change from a psych med that is working to a different one just because some people (emphasis on the 'some') may experience a decrease in their weight while on Wellbutrin. The drug, in and of itself, does not cause weight loss. However, in some people, a decrease in appetite has been noted which may lead to eating less.
On a personal note, when I took Wellbutrin, it made me so nauseous, dizzy and 'zippy' that I couldn't eat to save my life.
Couldn't get out of bed, either.
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I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!5
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I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
I just wanted to make that point a bit clearer because without putting the fine point on it it's too easy for people to think they are a helpless victim when they're not. 5 -
snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
I just wanted to make that point a bit clearer because without putting the fine point on it it's too easy for people to think they are a helpless victim when they're not.
Well said!
clapping 0 -
snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
I just wanted to make that point a bit clearer because without putting the fine point on it it's too easy for people to think they are a helpless victim when they're not.
Well thank God I can finally stop thinking of myself as a helpless victim.9 -
I am on Prozac and abilify and have gained 20lbs. It's been slow-going, to say the least, to lose anything, even at 1200 calories. I'm not entirely sure that the mechanism of weight gain from these meds is only from overeating.3
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PhoenixWithoutAshes1 wrote: »snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
I just wanted to make that point a bit clearer because without putting the fine point on it it's too easy for people to think they are a helpless victim when they're not.
Well thank God I can finally stop thinking of myself as a helpless victim.
Knowledge is power. 1 -
i was on 400 mg of seroquel (which i know is not paxil, but still a med) and i gained so much weight, even with exercise and eating at my calorie goal, i even weighed everything that went into my mouth. everyone said meds won't cause you to gain weight, but they did. i am now on a much lower dose and i am losing. talk to your dr about switching your med, or lowering your dose (don't do this w/o dr help) and maybe that will help. being on meds is tough, but you need to be mentally healthy, so sometimes we have to give a little in another area, and sometimes that's weight.
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this is not true for everyone. it's just not. EVERYONE is different. i gained SO MUCH weight when on seroquel when i was exercising and eating the same low-calorie diet i had been eating when i was losing, BEFORE the sero. i now take a lower dose of sero, and i am losing. sometimes those meds are nasty little buggers.snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
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It doesn't cause much of a weight gain but depression causes you to not want to do things which does cause weight gain so maybe these aren't working or to low of a dose? I've been on anti depressants since I was a kid (I know very rare, I was really bad) and it doesn't cause weight gain more then like 10 -20 pounds. Anti depressants do however make you hungrier and you eat more so you gain more. So try and control your calories and excersize. I'm on antidepressants still and have went from 220 to 163.. I use to pretend it was just the anti depressants causing weight gain but it was my habits. It's a slower process but do able. Weigh EVERYTHING you put in your mouth chances are your eating alot more then you think, also make sure your excersizing regularly and not breezing through them. Good luck1
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zachbonner_ wrote: »
this is not true for everyone. it's just not. EVERYONE is different. i gained SO MUCH weight when on seroquel when i was exercising and eating the same low-calorie diet i had been eating when i was losing, BEFORE the sero. i now take a lower dose of sero, and i am losing. sometimes those meds are nasty little buggers.snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
she was talking about the med OP is on, which is proven not to directly cause weight gain. calm down lol
well if it can happen with one med, it can happen with another. i just wanted her to know that in some cases, the med itself can cause you to gain weight. i'm calm :flowerforyou:2 -
zachbonner_ wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »
this is not true for everyone. it's just not. EVERYONE is different. i gained SO MUCH weight when on seroquel when i was exercising and eating the same low-calorie diet i had been eating when i was losing, BEFORE the sero. i now take a lower dose of sero, and i am losing. sometimes those meds are nasty little buggers.snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
she was talking about the med OP is on, which is proven not to directly cause weight gain. calm down lol
well if it can happen with one med, it can happen with another. i just wanted her to know that in some cases, the med itself can cause you to gain weight. i'm calm :flowerforyou:
right, some meds do, these don't. Giving the OP the wrong advice is bad and could cause them to give up their meds. This is a much worse outcome than some weight gain.
which is why i said to speak to her dr. not telling her to quit.0 -
I love my Wellbutrin. Do you seek talk therapy too? cause thats also important.0
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You could try lexapro. I've not gained or lost weight while taking it.1
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I love my Wellbutrin. Do you seek talk therapy too? cause thats also important.
I've spent probably a total of a year in the past 8 years "on the couch" talking to a counselor. I usually turn to that when there is a major trigger in my life, such as the loss of my Dad. I find it most helpful during those times.0 -
zachbonner_ wrote: »zachbonner_ wrote: »
this is not true for everyone. it's just not. EVERYONE is different. i gained SO MUCH weight when on seroquel when i was exercising and eating the same low-calorie diet i had been eating when i was losing, BEFORE the sero. i now take a lower dose of sero, and i am losing. sometimes those meds are nasty little buggers.snickerscharlie wrote: »I agree that it can be done even on medications with a side effect of weight gain. Like was said above, it increases your appetite, but you still have control over the food you put in your mouth and how much you work out. It can be hard as hell! Trust me, I know. I'm on three psychiatric meds plus have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose. But I don't use that as excuses. I've fought so hard these last two years to get this weight off. I didn't lose it fast and I wanted to give up many times. But I pushed through it and now have lost 67 lbs and 12 dress sizes. It's hard as hell for me and a constant fight. But it can be done! Power to you!! You got this!!
This may seem pedantic, but I think it's important to note that these meds do not directly cause weight gain. It's not like someone will gain weight just by taking them. In order to gain the weight, they have to start eating in a caloric excess which, as you noted, is something that *is* within their control. Yes, the drugs may increase appetite in some people but that, in and of itself, doesn't make them gain weight.
she was talking about the med OP is on, which is proven not to directly cause weight gain. calm down lol
well if it can happen with one med, it can happen with another. i just wanted her to know that in some cases, the med itself can cause you to gain weight. i'm calm :flowerforyou:
right, some meds do, these don't. Giving the OP the wrong advice is bad and could cause them to give up their meds. This is a much worse outcome than some weight gain.
which is why i said to speak to her dr. not telling her to quit.
Exactly! Talk to Dr. Dr. can switch meds out if he deems this might be an issue.0 -
I was on Zoloft for two years,gained 50 lbs in 3 months with NO changes in eating habits or exercise, so I'm tired of people saying that meds can't directly cause weight gain when its in fact one of the side effects listed and it does happen to some! My brother takes Zoloft and is still skinny as a rail,,everyone is different4
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I recently dipped into the world of psych meds, and after getting prescribed some things known to cause weight gain, I checked in with my psychiatrist and told him I wanted something that wasn't going to have that effect because it was a big deal to me. He was able to work with that and write a new prescription that fit my needs. Maybe just communicate a little to whoever wrote your prescription, there are lots of different medications on the market and not all of them have the same side effects.0
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I was on Zoloft for two years,gained 50 lbs in 3 months with NO changes in eating habits or exercise, so I'm tired of people saying that meds can't directly cause weight gain when its in fact one of the side effects listed and it does happen to some! My brother takes Zoloft and is still skinny as a rail,,everyone is different
As a teenager on Zoloft I went from stable healthy weight eating 3 large meals and snacks to gaining about 5-7kg while homeless, walking all day and eating a toasted sandwich from the food van once a day if I was lucky.
Stopped taking Zoloft as I could no longer afford the prescription and my parents had cut me off from their account at the chemist and lost all the weight I had gained, and then some.
You should have seen the weight I gained from antipsychotics!
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I don't remember what I didn't like about Paxil. Tried a whole slew of antidepressants before I found Welbutrin, which I love. I take the SR, and like that it is a little speedy. The non-sustained release was too speedy for me, and the XR didn't agree with me.0
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I was on Zoloft for two years,gained 50 lbs in 3 months with NO changes in eating habits or exercise, so I'm tired of people saying that meds can't directly cause weight gain when its in fact one of the side effects listed and it does happen to some! My brother takes Zoloft and is still skinny as a rail,,everyone is different
As a teenager on Zoloft I went from stable healthy weight eating 3 large meals and snacks to gaining about 5-7kg while homeless, walking all day and eating a toasted sandwich from the food van once a day if I was lucky.
Stopped taking Zoloft as I could no longer afford the prescription and my parents had cut me off from their account at the chemist and lost all the weight I had gained, and then some.
You should have seen the weight I gained from antipsychotics!
As soon as I dropped the Zoloft the weight was gone within a few months,it was crazy0
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