medication side effects

I would like to know why some antidepressants cause a weight gain.  Is it because of the stimulated appetite they cause or is there something in the pill itself that causes the metabolism to slow down?  I am on remeron and have gained some weight.  My dr is thinking of switching the medication because of the weight gain but I dont want to switch because I am doing otherwise fine.  I am going to really watch my food intake but I want to know if I am fighting a losing battle.  I realize that a stimulated appetite will cause you to eat more but I can try and supress the desire.  But I want to know if something else is going on because of the pills that causes the weight gain?

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Robin,

I can understand your concern about weight gain associated with your medication. Weight gain may accompany the use of some psychotropic medications, and appears to result from varying combinations of increased caloric intake, decreased exercise, or retained fluid. To minimize unwanted weight gain, dietary measures (including, but not limited to restriction of intake of fats and carbohydrates) and regular exercise may be initiated. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist.

[Lea Remaley [e-mail]]

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[Josephine]

I am also on Remeron and have also gained about 50 pounds. I think the Remeron caused the weight gain because I was thin all my life until I started taking it. I also take Celexa, but it is less likely to cause weight gain according to my psychopharmacologist.

I also would like to know what the mechanism is for weight gain. I know that Serotonin has a dual function in the body, and the second function involves digestion. My appetite is higher, but in the past I could lose weight if I wanted to. I can do it now but it is much, much harder, and I cannot keep the weight off.

If anyone has any suggestions, besides the obvious of eat less and excercise more, I would like to hear them.