What the doctors wont' tell you

msbellzee
msbellzee Posts: 69
edited November 12 in Health and Weight Loss
This is a potentially sensitive subject, but hoping by posting this it may help someone like me.

Just over a year ago I had a massive anxiety attack and was suffering depression, I was prescribed an anti depressant called paroxetine. In the last year I gained around 8 kg’s, I thought, I’m getting older (45) and that’s what happens, time to start working out. I work out 4-5 times a week and I work hard, week after week the scales didn’t move, after 5months I’d lost a mere 2.5kg’s. I felt at times it wasn’t worth it and I wanted to quit, I didn’t. People kept telling me, it’s because muscle weighs more than fat, sure that’s true, I understand that. But I joined an 8 wk weight loss challenge and others in the challenge were losing 1-3 kg’s a week, why were they not gaining this muscle too.

I recently started to research, I was horrified to find out that paroxetine is highly likely to cause severe weight gain and worse, it makes it extremely difficult to lose it as the metabolism slows down so much. I was never told this by my GP. I have pushed and pushed myself, I have worked so very hard and for very little gain (pun intended). In my research I found hundreds of people have experienced severe weight gain from anti-depressant medication.

I have weaned off my meds and finally, finally the weight is coming off. I wanted to post this here just in case there are others who are struggling as I have, the frustration can be unbearable. I just want people to know this is what can happen. If I had not experienced this myself, I’d suspect people were simply eating more calories than they realized or not trying hard enough. AD’s CAN make you gain weight and it gain be extremely if not impossible to lose it.

There are other meds available that don’t have this side effect, consult with your doctor and see if there is somthing else that may work for you

Replies

  • htmlgirl
    htmlgirl Posts: 314 Member
    When ever my doctor wants to prescribe me anything, I ask for more information on it before I start taking it. I don't feel comfortable taking any kind of medication before knowing the possible side effects/risks first.

    Weight gain is pretty common with anti-depressants. Talk to your doctor and tell him/her that you're not comfortable with the weight gain. Maybe there is a different medication that will work that doesn't have that side effect.
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    Yes, some anti depressants can stimulate appetite, which in turn can cause weight gain. Other anti depressants (wellbutrin is one) can be known for the opposite effect....decreased appetite. For some people dealing with depression and anxiety, though, the benefit of getting that under control far exceeds the issue of weight gain. There are many anti depressants that can be prescribed today that have very low side effect profiles, and every one's body reacts differently.
  • avafrisbee
    avafrisbee Posts: 234 Member
    before anyone accepts anti-depressants from their doctor, please ask him or her for a thyroid exam. It's just a blood test. I can tell when my dose needs to be adjusted because I get severely depressed and I stress easy and anxiety takes over. It's amazing the change in my mood when my dose is corrected.
  • ipotakis
    ipotakis Posts: 6 Member
    yes, antidepressants can generally cause weight gain. problem is, all medications have a laundry list of side effects. some are more common, but some aren't, and you never know which ones you'll get until you try it. I also agree with getting your thyroid checked-could definitely be a cause or factor in depression.

    also, muscle does not weigh more than fat. 5 pounds of fat = 5 pounds of muscle. they are both 5 pounds.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I always research every drug I take. I like www.rxlist.com for good information on medications.

    Glad you've figured out the problem! Nothing more frustrating than doing things right and not losing.
  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    Different medications as others have said are better and worse for weight gain, and not every medicine will affect everyone the same way in the weight area. Besides the emotional benefits of getting anxiety and depression under control, some people will lose weight because they are no longer overeating from depression and anxiety. Definitely talk to your doctor, don't be afraid to try anti-depressants if you need them. They can usually tell pretty quickly if the medicine will make you gain more weight than it is worth, and then they can switch you to something else. I gained a lot of weight from a medication and once I stopped it, I lost 8 pounds without trying, just eating normally. I am now using MFP to try to lose the rest of it since I stalled on my my own, and it's coming right off.
  • moonsforeyes
    moonsforeyes Posts: 228
    When I was prescribed Prozac I noticed the opposite effect. I guess it just depends on the person/medication.
  • msbellzee
    msbellzee Posts: 69
    also, muscle does not weigh more than fat. 5 pounds of fat = 5 pounds of muscle. they are both 5 pounds.
    [/quote]

    it may not weigh more, I agree, but there is big difference in the density, 5 pounds of fat is a lot bigger than 5 pounds of muscle
  • msbellzee
    msbellzee Posts: 69
    To be honest, for me, if I hadn't been on these meds I do't know where I'd be today, they changed my life and I needed them. I just wish I'd been aware of the side effects.
  • msbellzee
    msbellzee Posts: 69
    When ever my doctor wants to prescribe me anything, I ask for more information on it before I start taking it. I don't feel comfortable taking any kind of medication before knowing the possible side effects/risks first.

    You're so right, I was told of a few side effects but weight gain was never mentioned. I will never again accepts meds without doing some research before starting them and looking at the best options.
  • echoica
    echoica Posts: 339 Member
    bump
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    They didn't say- because it's not true. People who were counting calories accurately and actively trying to lose weight have not been shown to have problems. Anti depressants usually "make you gain weight" in the same way birth control does (yeah right!) and that is by increasing cravings or lowering inhibitions against your will to make proper choices.

    Also muscle does not way more than fat. Your whole post seems like you are blaming the antidepressant for your weight gain and inability to lose.

    Paxil has been black boxed for a while now Anyway! Do some research on the medications you choose to take.
  • msbellzee
    msbellzee Posts: 69
    They didn't say- because it's not true. People who were counting calories accurately and actively trying to lose weight have not been shown to have problems. Anti depressants usually "make you gain weight" in the same way birth control does (yeah right!) and that is by increasing cravings or lowering inhibitions against your will to make proper choices.

    Also muscle does not way more than fat. Your whole post seems like you are blaming the antidepressant for your weight gain and inability to lose.

    Paxil has been black boxed for a while now Anyway! Do some research on the medications you choose to take.

    Right so the fact that weight is dropping off now that I'm off AD's is all in my head right!

    Respectfully I disagree with you, I whole heartly believe that AD's have inhibited my weight loss, I know hand on heart I have consistently worked extremely hard, both working out and diet and losing weight since starting on these meds has been very hard. I have never had a problem losing weight in the past when I put my mind to it.

    I'm not making any excuses I never have, I have no reason to kid myself. I know when I work hard and when I don't. If I wasn't 100% focused and putting 100% into my weight loss plan I'd be the first to admit it.

    Since reducing and finally cut out the meds my weight loss has increased dramaticlly
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