Is there any anti-anxiety/depression that I can take that doesn't have weight gain side effects?

Hi, I recently took Valium and it worked for me to help calm anxiety and depression (I only took this pill before bed)...however, the prescription was just for a surgery and I was told that Klonopin would be a good alternative to the Diazepam...however, I am concerned about the addictive quality of that pill and the weight gaining side effects...I was also given a prescription of low dose amitriptyline and found that it also can cause weight gain. I was wondering if there was anything that I can take to help calm anxiety and depression that is taken before bed that has an effect like Valium that does not have a side effect of weight gain? Another concern of mine was the medicine required me to not be in the sun but my job requires it...so it would need to be something where direct sunlight is not a problem while taking it. I was wondering if you had any advice or possible ideas of an alternative to these? Thanks so much for your time

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should consider continuing on Valium for anxiety and ask your doctor about  Prozac or Wellbutrin for depression.

[Tink70]

You are kinda in a quandry cause most of the good anti anxiety meds are addictive and have the propensity to aggrevate depression.  Most of the anti depressants that are used for anxiety tend to make you gain weight and cause sexual sideeffects.  There aren't too many anti depressants that you have to avoid sunlight with but most of the mood stabilizers can make you alittle sun sensitive.  Jeez!  You will probably have to decide which way you wanna go - possible addiction? (I haven't seen a whole lot of people become addicted to Klonopin - mainly just become zombies! LOL)  Amitriptyline is a first class antidepressant, I believe, so maybe you could change that???? It is frustrating - it took almost 2 years to figure out the right combo for myself so good luck.

[Meggerz1533]

I have pretty bad anxiety myself, and started taking Xanax a few months ago.  I take it usually twice a day; sometimes three times if work is stressing me out.  My doctor suggested Paxil, so I started taking that about 2 weeks ago.  I've been taking it in the morning, and at first it made me all weird and loopy.  I don't think the Xanax helped the loopy feeling.  I was going to stop taking the Paxil as well, because it made me completely lose my appetite.  I've lost 10 lbs in the past 2 weeks because of the medicine.  I started eating again a few days ago, so I'm thinking the medicine just takes time to kick in.  Some meds make you gain weight, but this one definitely made me lose weight.  I do sleep better though; I take a Xanax an hour before I go to bed, and it makes me sleep like a baby.  There's also no side effects about going into the sun, so you might want to consider Paxil as an alternative.  I've tried Valium before, but I like the Xanax better.  Either way, every medicine effects people differently, so just keep looking for the right combination for yourself.  

[Paxiled]

Paxil is notorious for weight gain.  Gained 50 pounds on it myself.  Also known for side effects and difficulty quitting.  Try the Prozac.  Save the Paxils and Effexors for last.

[Meggerz1533]

Yea, I forgot to mention I have a Hiatal Hernia, and my diet restricts me from alcohol and tasty foods... I developed it 2 years ago, and slowly kept losing weight.  Maybe the Paxil is just messing with my hernia and causing adverse effects.  Who knows.  I'm not supposed to have caffeine but I still drink coffee.  I figured bc of the Xanax I would get more hungry, but I'm thinking if this loss-of-appetite thing keeps happening I might try switching to something else.