Antidepressants and weight--your experience

A few years ago I was diagnosed with Bulimia, Depression, Social Anxiety Disorder & Borderline Personality Disorder (awesome, right? No!!! lol). I find the Social Anxiety and Borderline diagnoses questionable but in any case...

I was on Escitalopram (trade names Lexapro, Cipralex) for about 3 years. I started at 10 mg, then increased to 15 mg a few months later. At one point when I was hospitalized for my eating disorder they upped it to 20 mg but I went back to 15 mg when I got out of the hospital because I felt too sleepy on 20 mg (which is the max dose in Canada). It was AMAZING for anxiety. Remained depressed though. I gained a seriously huge amount of weight while on it (200 lbs). I was somewhat successful with my eating disorder as I stopped purging but I continued to binge eat. It was like I was OBSESSED with eating.

A few months ago I switched to Fluoxetine (trade name Prozac). I started at 10 mg, then 20 mg and now 40 mg. Probably going up in dose again at my next appointment I think. My concentration is absolutely horrible now whereas while I was on Cipralex I was so focused. My anxiety is ok and I'm still depressed HOWEVER, I have suddenly been successful losing some of the weight I gained before (63 lbs off so far!!). Prozac is indicated for bulimia and binge eating though and contraindicated for anorexia.

If you ask me, I would like to be on both because there are pros and cons either way. But if I had to chose I would definitely stay on Prozac because I feel healthier even if my concentration is all gone to heck. I will be talking to my doctor about this next time to see if there is something else that might compliment the Prozac to help me focus. I also have a prescription for Clonazepam but it is highly addictive so I try not to take it too often. It does help when you can put yourself into a zombie state for a little while or as I like to call it 'Clonazedrunk'.

Specifically with Wellbutrin (and a few others, not all) one of the side effects is a loss of appetite. I have see doctor use this 'side-effect' to treat people who are obsessive over-eaters. That is why your doc won't prescribe this to you, you have a well-informed doctor (good for you). Wellbutrin also causes people to loose the desire to smoke that is why they have re-named the drug and are marketing it as a smoking cessation aid (here in Canada it is Zyban, I am not sure about the name in the States).
There are MANY other anti-depressants out there and you will find one that fits you! Good luck!
Don't want to sound like a know-it-all, I just know my job! I work in the pharmaceutical field :-)

You can take St. Johns wort and 5-HTP but only if your not on Migraine or SNRI's. Diet and daily exercise will also help. Meditation and yoga too! That's what my natropathic physician and nutritionist said. I am starting Prestiq. We'll see.

I take Fluoxitine. I don't think it effects my weight at all.

Specifically with Wellbutrin (and a few others, not all) one of the side effects is a loss of appetite. I have see doctor use this 'side-effect' to treat people who are obsessive over-eaters. That is why your doc won't prescribe this to you, you have a well-informed doctor (good for you). Wellbutrin also causes people to loose the desire to smoke that is why they have re-named the drug and are marketing it as a smoking cessation aid (here in Canada it is Zyban, I am not sure about the name in the States).
There are MANY other anti-depressants out there and you will find one that fits you! Good luck!
Don't want to sound like a know-it-all, I just know my job! I work in the pharmaceutical field :-)

I decided against the pharmaceutical route. Going to take up yoga or meditation or something. I don't want to replace depression with more depression (if i gain weight). So I will figure this thing out

I understand your position. I was on a drug that isn't necessarily prescribed for depression but I also take fluoxetine (prozac) and amitryptiline. I put on 20kg so have made the decision to not take the drug as I totally agree with you; being depressed about weight gain is just as bad as being depressed for whatever reason in the first place. You have to do what's best for you and if yoga and meditation work then go for it. I've taken up pilates and it makes me feel good.