Zoloft/Weight issues

Hi....new to the website...
I have been on Zoloft for 6 years now.  Started out on the normal 25mg, to 50 to 75mg.  I was able to drop myself down to 25mg, but was never able to get below that.  Just recently I had to go back up to 50mg due to a very severe panic attack, and unfortunately my doctor just put me up to 75mg because the 50 is not cutting it.  Anyway, I am in the midst of trying to lose weight and I am having a heck of a time getting the weight off.  I excercise everyday and watch how I eat.  I have heard numerous times that Zoloft can cause weight gain and weight loss problems.  Does anyone know why this is and what causes it?  Any suggestions on how to lose weight on this drug?  I know that I need the med. because I don't want to live my life having panic attacks all of the time but I would love to lose weight too.   Help!!!!!

[dobiqueenx2]

You sound like you have a similar situation to mine. I've worked VERY hard for the past nearly 2 years now to lose the 75# I've lost....started having panic attacks in April of this year and was put on Zoloft first and now Effexor.  I haven't been able to lose any weight now. I had this same problem 7 yrs ago when my daughter was born and I was put on Remeron for post-partum-depression....I actually gained 30# after she was born prior to going on this diet. I too exercise daily & follow the weight watcher's diet, but have been plateaued since going on these meds for anxiety. It is also driving me crazy as I've been working so hard to lose and want to lose another 35# but not sure if I can do it either being on these meds. I've been able to maintain, but I've really uped my workouts also....I believe any anti-depressants cause weight problems, either gain, loss or where you cannot lose. My niece has been on anti-depressants now for quite awhile and has gained a LOT of weight....it's a 2-faced medication it seems....ugh!!!....so, I totally feel your frustration!!!

[threesacharm]

thanks for your response...at least i know that i am not the only one out there having weight issues...that is awesome that you lost 75#'s though...good for you!!

[dobiqueenx2]

Yeah, but it's take such a long time, and now to have it plateau is really depressing!!! UGH!!! But I "try" to look at it this way; at least I'm maintaining!!!  I don't EVER want to be that big again!! That's why taking these meds make me nervous....If I were done w/ dieting & at where I wanted to be, it wouldn't bother me so much as long as I didnt' gain, but to not be able to lose now for 4 months bothers me...

[anxiety123]

Just something you may want to try that worked for me, and I'm very short and tend to gain weight easily.  Try to watch your carb intake.  No simple sugars, desserts, etc.  Eat more lean protein, green vegies, and fruit.  My Dr. warned me about weight gain with ADs and told me to do that plus eat really slow so you don't overeat.  I also eat 5 small meals a day.  That is supposed to help with metabolism plus keeps you from overeating.  I also exercise 6 days a week with weights and cardio.   And don't forget a healthy breakfast such as oatmeal and a protein such as egg whites, it is the most important meal of the day!  : )

Hope this helps.

[threesacharm]

actually i have tried the low carb and failed miserably!!!  i guess i just wasn't trying hard enough...i love my carbs!!  i bet you are right and if i would cut out some of those carbs it would probably make a big difference.  i'll tell you what though, i would loose weight like crazy if i would just keep having these damn attacks because when i have them i poop my brains out!!!  i lose my appetite too.  (of course i don't want the panic attacks...just kidding.)  it really sucks having anxiety...if your on the meds, you have weight problems, if your off the meds you have mental problems!

[anxiety123]

Hi.  It is actually not giving up all carbs.  More of a moderate carb diet.  Try cutting back on starchy carbs and sugar.  When I want something sweet, I will eat grapes or apple or some other sweet fruit.  If you can make it a week or two you will be surprised how you really don't want them as much anymore.  I usually have one or two meals a week that I pretty much eat what I want.  If I have been eating really healthy and well, I will give myself a cheat day but don't do that all the time because it will backfire on you if your not careful.  My Dr. told me the ADs cause carb cravings so try to tell yourself that it is just the med and you are not really hungry for that candy bar or big plate of pasta.  It is a mind game but you can beat it if you try really hard.   It hasn't been easy to me.  I fight the craves at night so I chew lots of gum and suck on SF hard candy.

[threesacharm]

oh---okay, that sounds like something i might be able to do...i will start doing that on monday...thank you for your advice...i wasn't aware that AD's cause carb cravings...it makes sense though because that is all i seem to want...