Antidepressants and weight-gain - any tips?

Isioviel
Isioviel Posts: 21 Member
edited September 19 in Motivation and Support
Hi, I've not been using this site very long (and this is my first post - hi everyone!) but it'll definitely keep using it - it's been helping me to keep an eye on what I'm eating so yay. Anyway...

I've been on antidepressents and anti-anxiety medication for a couple of years now, and have increased from a UK size 8 to size 14 and I hate it! I've finally found a combination of medication that works for me which is great, but because I'm less focused on how crap I'm feeling, I'm starting to notice other things, such as my massive weight gain! I hate it and am trying really hard to loose it (sticking within my daily food limits and exercising regularly), I seem to be fighting a loosing battle though, anyone have any tips? I daren't stop taking the pills cos they're finally starting to make me feel better!

Thanks, Sarah.

Replies

  • Isioviel
    Isioviel Posts: 21 Member
    Hi, I've not been using this site very long (and this is my first post - hi everyone!) but it'll definitely keep using it - it's been helping me to keep an eye on what I'm eating so yay. Anyway...

    I've been on antidepressents and anti-anxiety medication for a couple of years now, and have increased from a UK size 8 to size 14 and I hate it! I've finally found a combination of medication that works for me which is great, but because I'm less focused on how crap I'm feeling, I'm starting to notice other things, such as my massive weight gain! I hate it and am trying really hard to loose it (sticking within my daily food limits and exercising regularly), I seem to be fighting a loosing battle though, anyone have any tips? I daren't stop taking the pills cos they're finally starting to make me feel better!

    Thanks, Sarah.
  • adopt4
    adopt4 Posts: 970 Member
    I've been on anti depressants for years and it never caused me to gain weight, in fact I've lost 31 pounds in the past 3 mos while being on them. It may cause water weight gain or may cause you to eat more or something, but I don't see how they cause weight gain inherently, you know what i mean?

    Drink plenty of water, exercise, watch your calories.
  • kimss
    kimss Posts: 1,146
    what ever you do, do not stop your med's!!! ask your Dr. for some advice about proper nutritiion and battling the side effects. but for here and now, just follow the calories, eat small portions 5-6 times aday, drink plenty of water, watch you don't over do your carbs and sugar. Eat plenty of fresh vege's and fruit, keep lean protien in and cut out as many processed foods as you can. just have patience and keep up the good work. your on your way and starting is often the hardest part. I wish you all the luck in the world and remember, " if you go over your calories today, tomorrow is another chance to try it again.":smile:
  • candycaneps
    candycaneps Posts: 340 Member
    A few years ago when i first went on them, I gained weight and lost weight when I went off of them. Then I went on them again last year and I gained weight until the dosage was changed. Now I have gone off of them again and have gained weight. So...I think it is really up to us to adapt to the changes in our bodies.
  • hiddensecant
    hiddensecant Posts: 2,446 Member
    Some people lose weight on them, others gain weight on them ... it's kind of a flip of the coin ... I've heard of some people getting sleepy on them while others it gives them energy; same pills, different reactions.

    Anyway, I highly recommend exercise. It will help knock your metabolism back in place and does wonders for depression and anxiety.
  • Anna_Banana
    Anna_Banana Posts: 2,939 Member
    Some anti-depressants can contribute to weight gain while otheres can make you lose, and what happens to one person with one drug won't nessasarily happen with every one that takes it.

    this is a great site and I'm sure if you follow the calorie guidelines on here that you will be able to lose.

    Good luck
  • 1Corinthians13
    1Corinthians13 Posts: 5,296 Member
    I'm on Wellbutrin, and it completely suppresses(sp?) my appetite. Many times, I have to remind myself to eat. Which is what I've used this site for. I guess it depends on the medication. If you're on something that is truly helping your mood, then I hate to tell you to go on another hunt for something that won't make you gain weight. Just really try to eat healthy and get in your exercise. It may be a bit of a struggle, but you can lose it again, I'm sure.
  • beckyi88
    beckyi88 Posts: 604
    Don't stop your meds!!! I would also consider that you say, you feel as if just recently you have come upon the right combo for your depression. So, as a fellow lifelong sufferer, I would ask, could the weight gain be more from the depression and NOT having a correct medication combo until lately?
    I know that my 2 major weight gains have been attributed to major depression, but once I got medicated and started feeling better, I was able to get moving again and lose the weight. Also, Wellbutrin is known to reduce appetite...not suggesting you change what is working, just pointing out there is a med out there that won't cause gain, but truly, I'd guess it's more to being out of balance than your meds!
    Good luck to you!
    Becky
  • Isioviel
    Isioviel Posts: 21 Member
    I've been on anti depressants for years and it never caused me to gain weight

    Everyone experiences different side effects, so just because you haven't gained any weight because of them doesn't mean that I haven't, I'm really struggling with my weight at the moment, when before I started the medication I didn't every have to worry about what I was eating!

    Thanks for your support kimss, using this site has been really really good for keeping an eye on my portion sizes! I have made some progress so I know it's not impossible!

    Mine does the opposite 1Corinthians13! I'm permanently hungry so it's a real battle to stop myself having those extra potatoes or grabbing a snack at the train station! Good luck with yours, this site seems to be really helping both of us!

    Thanks for your ideas everyone!
  • shuttletat
    shuttletat Posts: 44
    I was on Paxil years ago and gain quite a bit of weight in spite of exercising regularly. I have been on Celexa for a few years now and have had no unusual weight gain. I think it depends on the particular medication and the individual. Just don't give up! Keep exercising and watching your calorie intake and I'm sure you will succeed. I would also talk to your Doctor and see what he/she says.
    Good Luck and Success to you!:flowerforyou: :drinker: :flowerforyou: :drinker:
  • Isioviel
    Isioviel Posts: 21 Member
    Don't stop your meds!!! I would also consider that you say, you feel as if just recently you have come upon the right combo for your depression. So, as a fellow lifelong sufferer, I would ask, could the weight gain be more from the depression and NOT having a correct medication combo until lately?
    I know that my 2 major weight gains have been attributed to major depression, but once I got medicated and started feeling better, I was able to get moving again and lose the weight. Also, Wellbutrin is known to reduce appetite...not suggesting you change what is working, just pointing out there is a med out there that won't cause gain, but truly, I'd guess it's more to being out of balance than your meds!
    Good luck to you!
    Becky

    I never thought of that, I've not been on this combo for very long and I am starting to loose some (I've stopped gaining weight at least) so it is very possible!
    I'm not seriously considering stopping them, whenever it crosses my mind I just think about how I felt before!
    I just need to figure out the best way to deal with the weight gain and work around the meds! That'll come with time I'm sure.
    Thanks :).
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