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Problems with Medication-Weight Gain

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
9 Responses
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Avatar universal
Yeah they all basically make you gain weight. I gained the most on Zoloft and Paxil, hence I am not taking them. So far Wellbutrin has been the one that made my cravings a little smaller.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm curious...I have been taking Zoloft for over a year and this is my first week off...(never again) The withdrawal has been mild nothing I can't deal with. The weight gain I experienced is very much due to the fact that I ate everything in site...things like 5 candy bars a day...whatever I found at home etc...junk food mostly. Craved Pizza and burritos.. craved wine as well. So I was wondering if that is the cause of others gain? I have been completely off for a week now and the cravings have subsided and I feel like I can control myself around a chocolate bar now!! but I was wondering if any one else felt out of control with will power and food? I never really was much of a junk food junky until I was on the Zoloft. I took it for anxiety mostly and to date have gained 40 lbs. 5 Candy bars a day will do that but am I blaming the wrong thing? I don't have any addictions like smoking but the food thing has really been tough to control.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know exactly what you mean I'm on Lexpro 10mg and have went from 180lbs - 230lbs in a matter of 9 months. Now If I was to gain like 10-20lbs max that's okay, but my diet has always been the same but gaining 50 lbs c'mon now. Also I tried to do exercise and lift weights to tone but of course when turning fat into muscle you have to be careful because it tends to cause stretch marks :-/ I'm trying to come to a agreement with my doctor what I could do without going off the medication because my life currently makes me need it.

Good luck,
Steve
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I gained 70 lbs while on zoloft and buspar.  I went off the zoloft [but was still on the buspar] and lost 40 lbs in 8 weeks but also suffered intolerable(sp.) withdrawal, so bad, that I was put back on zoloft.  The weight came back on within 2 months.  Also, when I went back on the zoloft, my muscles where very very weak for about 3 months.

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].

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I belive the wellbutrin stabeized me in terms of weight gain, but I was also experincing complete weakness of my mucles. I would not be tired, but my muscles jsut felt like they did not want to push any more. Numerous times I remember my les just feeling like they did not want to move.

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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have done my research at the post hospital medical library.  Topomax can work, but according to the information I found, you have to be taking the SSRI with it still.  Is this true? Does anyone take it as post SSRI weight loss therapy?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh, I forgot to mention....

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:)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Celexa and all SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) inhibit or slow down your metabolism. They inhibit specific enzymes in your liver that allow your metabolism to function correctly. If you were already a poor metabolizer, it will even be more pronounced after using an antidepressant.

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:)
Helpful - 0
242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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.
Helpful - 0

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