meds and weight gain

I have gained 15 pounds in the last year.  Could it be from any of my medicines?
Cozaar
Bisoprolol
HCTZ
Amlodipine
Or is it likely from lack of excersise because of my pain?
Thank you,
4Bopp

[Jennifer R, RPh]

It cannot be ruled out, but it is unlikely that the medications you are currently taking would cause metabolic weight gain. You have listed as one of your medical conditions worsening arthritis. It might be in your best interest to contact your prescriber and make an appointment to have a physical. He or she may be able to prescribe something to help you with the pain to then in turn make it easier for you to become more active physically.

Best of luck to you

Jennifer R RPh www.drugstore.com

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On the topic of meds and weight gain, I am unable to discontinue the following drugs:

-Paxil 15mg (I get withdrawals trying to quit)
-Amitriptyline 10mg (Insomnia and nerve pain when trying to quit)
-Lyrica 75mg (controls my nerve pains)

And I am completely unable to lose weight!

For over a month I have been doing 2 miles/day on the treadmill and my diet is restricted by my Interstitial Cystitis. Is there anything more I can do or take to lose weight? Which of the above drugs is the most responsible for slowing my metabolism? Thanks!

[Jennifer R, RPh]

Here is some information for you.
Tricyclic Antidepressants ( ie amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, etc) can cause
general gains of weight of 0.4 to 4.12 kg/month ( over the course of 2 to 6 months). I would recommend you speak to your primary care provider about the possibility of using an alternative medication to the TCA, possibly Wellbutrin or Serzone. I would not stop taking any of your medications without the express guidance of your doctor or prescriber.

Also, Lyrica, marketed by Pfizer Inc., was previously approved to treat seizures, as well as pain from damaged nerves that can happen in people with diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy) and in those who develop pain following the rash of shingles. Side effects of Lyrica including sleepiness, dizziness, blurry vision, weight gain, trouble concentrating, swelling of the hands and feet, and dry mouth.

Lastly, Paxil can also be associated with weight gain. Again as stated before Wellbutrin has a lower incidence of weight gain .

The average weight gain with paroxetine (Paxil®) for someone who weighs 150 pounds is about 5 pounds. Some people can gain much more.
People who take bupropion (Wellbutrin®) tend to lose a little weight, about 2 to 3 pounds.

I cannot tell which of the three would cause the slowing of the metabolism. My only advice would be focus on the positive. Do you feel better? Is your pain more tolerable? All things I would suggest you discuss with your health care provider on your next visit. Best of luck to you.

Jennifer R RPh www.drugstore.com

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Thank you for responding :) I appreciate you popping in here, as I didn't realize it costs $15 to answer NEW questions in this forum.  Yes these drugs are keeping my post-viral neuralgia and anxiety symptoms at bay. And I have weaned myself down to 15mg Paxil from 30mg over time. I've also lost 20 of my 50 "Paxil pounds." Good luck to everyone out there with these same issues!  I've attempted Wellbutrin and couldn't tolerate the side effects, but I know many people who take it and love it.