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medication side effects
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medication side effects
by Robin, Dec 30, 1999 12:00AM
I would like to know why some antidepressants cause a weight gain. Is it because of the stimulated appetite they cause or is there something in the pill itself that causes the metabolism to slow down? I am on remeron and have gained some weight. My dr is thinking of switching the medication because of the weight gain but I dont want to switch because I am doing otherwise fine. I am going to really watch my food intake but I want to know if I am fighting a losing battle. I realize that a stimulated appetite will cause you to eat more but I can try and supress the desire. But I want to know if something else is going on because of the pills that causes the weight gain?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Jan 01, 2000 12:00AM
Robin,
I can understand your concern about weight gain associated with your medication. Weight gain may accompany the use of some psychotropic medications, and appears to result from varying combinations of increased caloric intake, decreased exercise, or retained fluid. To minimize unwanted weight gain, dietary measures (including, but not limited to restriction of intake of fats and carbohydrates) and regular exercise may be initiated. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist.
I can understand your concern about weight gain associated with your medication. Weight gain may accompany the use of some psychotropic medications, and appears to result from varying combinations of increased caloric intake, decreased exercise, or retained fluid. To minimize unwanted weight gain, dietary measures (including, but not limited to restriction of intake of fats and carbohydrates) and regular exercise may be initiated. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist.
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I also would like to know what the mechanism is for weight gain. I know that Serotonin has a dual function in the body, and the second function involves digestion. My appetite is higher, but in the past I could lose weight if I wanted to. I can do it now but it is much, much harder, and I cannot keep the weight off.
If anyone has any suggestions, besides the obvious of eat less and excercise more, I would like to hear them.