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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
anxiety medication and weight gain
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.
anxiety medication and weight gain
by Mary, Apr 01, 2000 12:00AM
I have been reluctant to use any psychotropic meds due to the side effects of weight gain in many of them. However, it is time that I start to look at the possibilities out there. What medication seems to work best for GAD (without panic attacks) that does not have a side effect of weight gain? I am in the process of trying to lose a lot of weight,and I want something that will not hinder this process (but helping it might be nice). Can you offer any suggestions? Thanks for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD - RG, Apr 01, 2000 12:00AM
Unfortunately, most if not all medications that is prescribed in psychiatry would have weight gain as a side effect. It is a perenial problem that patients face. When I am consulted with this dilemma, I ask the patients to weigh the risk and benefits of taking medications.
All medications have side effects, but I point out to my patients the value in being symptom-free. It is true that gaining weight is itself a problem, but comparing to being depressed or becoming anxious most of the time, I believe its worth taking the chance.
Weight gain is usually controlled through diet and exercise.
If you are quite bothered in taking medication, you may want to try psychotherapy first to treat your anxiety.
Medications indicated for anxiety are Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor. Consult with your psychiatrist to determine which among the medications is best suited for you.
All medications have side effects, but I point out to my patients the value in being symptom-free. It is true that gaining weight is itself a problem, but comparing to being depressed or becoming anxious most of the time, I believe its worth taking the chance.
Weight gain is usually controlled through diet and exercise.
If you are quite bothered in taking medication, you may want to try psychotherapy first to treat your anxiety.
Medications indicated for anxiety are Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor. Consult with your psychiatrist to determine which among the medications is best suited for you.
I fully understand the problem of the weight gain thing. I, for years, have not wanted to go on any anti-dep. drugs because of this. I am Obessive-Compulsive and need some help,mentally speaking, because I'd see myself fat no matter what...I think...
However, Just this past September-November '99 I decided I better do something, because now I'm newly married and my husband gets to see ME!!No more hiding behind myself and that freaks me out. Like I said I'm searching for a therapist. But do know, that I understand and if you are trying to loose weight it makes it that more frustrating. Be kind to yourself and if you and your physician think this is the way to go, then so be it. But in the meantime, do nice things for yourself. Go walking if you can, do some situps, if you can. Remember, Progress Not Perfection is the key....
firenze
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