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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Problems with Medication-Weight Gain
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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Problems with Medication-Weight Gain
by carlosj27, Nov 02, 2004 12:00AM
Hi,
I am in the U.S. Military. Late last year I was prescribed a combination of Celexa and Buspar for depression treatment. Shortlly after that, my weight carreined out of control. I gained about 60 lbs over a 4-5 month period. My behavior was so out of control, the doctor took me off of Celexa and put me on Wellbutrin for treatment. The withdraw from the Celexa was so bad that I was experiencing stomach pain and diarreah.
Now my problem is the weight I have gained. I have only been able to loose 20 pounds of the 60 pound i have gained. I have never had such a hard time loosing weight.
I am now on the verge of being separated from the military because of my weight. I have tried numerous times to talk with the medical personnel about the problem with my weight, and no one seems like they want to listen. 8 Months later, I feel I a paying the price. I have lost my opportunity to deploy.
For the last 8 months I have been trying to being it to the attention of the medical staff, and no one wants to listen. All they can tell me is diet and exercise, which I do. I have never had such a hard time loosing weight. Is there anyone out there that can help me? I dont want to be put out of the military. I know the weight I gained was the result of Anti-Depressants, and I feel as though no one wants to listen to me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to combat the weight I have gained from my medication, or documentation to prove what I suspect.
It would be appreciated.
CJ
I am in the U.S. Military. Late last year I was prescribed a combination of Celexa and Buspar for depression treatment. Shortlly after that, my weight carreined out of control. I gained about 60 lbs over a 4-5 month period. My behavior was so out of control, the doctor took me off of Celexa and put me on Wellbutrin for treatment. The withdraw from the Celexa was so bad that I was experiencing stomach pain and diarreah.
Now my problem is the weight I have gained. I have only been able to loose 20 pounds of the 60 pound i have gained. I have never had such a hard time loosing weight.
I am now on the verge of being separated from the military because of my weight. I have tried numerous times to talk with the medical personnel about the problem with my weight, and no one seems like they want to listen. 8 Months later, I feel I a paying the price. I have lost my opportunity to deploy.
For the last 8 months I have been trying to being it to the attention of the medical staff, and no one wants to listen. All they can tell me is diet and exercise, which I do. I have never had such a hard time loosing weight. Is there anyone out there that can help me? I dont want to be put out of the military. I know the weight I gained was the result of Anti-Depressants, and I feel as though no one wants to listen to me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to combat the weight I have gained from my medication, or documentation to prove what I suspect.
It would be appreciated.
CJ
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Nov 03, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 03, 2004 12:00AM
Weight gain is definetly caused by antidepressants. The wellbutrin should help, are you still on it? You can help by going to www.thepsychiatristsdiet.com. There you will be able to pinpoint the emotional eating pattern that is hindering you.
However, after a certain amount of time on an antidepressant, your metabolism will be the same as a poor metabolizer even if you were classed as an ultra metabolizer before using the antidepressant.
It also recommends for Buspar (Buspirone Hydrochloride.) to caution if you have liver problems, so it strongly affects the liver as Celexa does, ALSO a side affect of Buspar can be increased apetite.
As far as military medical staff listening to you, or giving a ****, that usually won't happen. I've seen people kicked out or service for the stupidest reasons due to the Dr's incompetence.
I found an article of someone with the exact same problem and a response to it as well it may give you more insight and help you see it's more common than one may think:
http://www.mhsanctuary.com/therapist/206.htm
Since I am not a Dr., I can't make any valid suggestions on how to lose weight due to a long term side affect of weight gain, as stated above, even after you get off of it, you can still experience weight gain, which is a scary thought, but not to worry it's not permenant, and can easilly be treated.
One person stated, the same person who had the same problem you did and spent years trying to find a solution:) "It started with Omega 3 use for weight loss. Omega 3 does not induce the liver enzymes used by antidepressants and activates the cell adipocyte. Adipocytes are key to activating and regulating Leptin. Leptin reduces food uptake and increases energy."
This article is definatly the most insightful and helpful article you can find on your specific problems, as most of what I have said came from it:)
http://www.prozactruth.com/weight.htm
Anything you find in these articles you MUST consult a DR. first...preferably one not in the military, lol:)
The weight loss that accompanies topiramate therapy in some instances is useful for those individuals who have gained weight while taking other mood stabilizing drugs. In some studies 20-50% of people taking topiramate lost weight.
Topamax is the usual drug prescribed to help with weight gain due to SSRI medicationes like Celexa, hope that helps:)
My command is attempting to discharge me for my weight and my inability to pass a Phyical Fitness Test.
#1. I believe that my current weight gain was brought on by the Celexa.
#2 I believe my muscled weakness caused by wellbutrin is the reason I could not pass a PT test.
Strange part is that the dosages of both meds was [and is] very very low [4mg's per day of zoloft and 2.5 mg's per day of Buspar].
Good luck,
Steve