Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Medication and weight gain
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Medication and weight gain
by T., Oct 09, 1999 12:00AM
Up until a 2 months ago I was on prozac - had gained about 40lbs
Not sure why the weight gain if from the prozac or not - ask dr. to change medication to wellbutrin - the dr. did -had heard from others on it that they were able to drop weight quickly on it- I remaind the same. I was also on cardizem cd could this have something to do with the weight gain. The drug store changed me to a generic brand now.
I can't go off the antidepressent without turning my life upside down. Also so I have had a thyroid test done which came back ok -but now my hairdresser has said my hair is very dry - should another test be done?
Have tried diets - can't drop the weight - was always around 115-now 160.
Not sure why the weight gain if from the prozac or not - ask dr. to change medication to wellbutrin - the dr. did -had heard from others on it that they were able to drop weight quickly on it- I remaind the same. I was also on cardizem cd could this have something to do with the weight gain. The drug store changed me to a generic brand now.
I can't go off the antidepressent without turning my life upside down. Also so I have had a thyroid test done which came back ok -but now my hairdresser has said my hair is very dry - should another test be done?
Have tried diets - can't drop the weight - was always around 115-now 160.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD - RG, Oct 11, 1999 12:00AM
Dear T,
It is unfortunate that the medication that you find effective to treat your mood disorder may be causing an intolerable side effect in the form of weight gain. This is a typical dilemma affecting many patients and physicians alike.
In addition, Cardizem may also be a potential cause for weight increase.
I would suggest after ruling out any other medical causes for your weight gain with your physician, to seek a nutritionist for an optimal diet. In addition, a regular exercise regimen should be also be considered to promote weight loss.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD -RG
It is unfortunate that the medication that you find effective to treat your mood disorder may be causing an intolerable side effect in the form of weight gain. This is a typical dilemma affecting many patients and physicians alike.
In addition, Cardizem may also be a potential cause for weight increase.
I would suggest after ruling out any other medical causes for your weight gain with your physician, to seek a nutritionist for an optimal diet. In addition, a regular exercise regimen should be also be considered to promote weight loss.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD -RG
Member Comments (2)
by Lovan in AU, Aug 17, 2007 07:26AM
To: Dear Doctor
I just read your alternate post that said weight gain was NOT typical in which I chose to state many users of these antidepressants have in fact had adverse respects in regards to weight gain. I really wish when giving advice as an expert, that you could stay level in your opinion. Those of us that are deeply concerned about the weight gain, need facts, not opinions from professionals. We can get the opinions from each other.
