Weight gain and antidepressants

[scarlottibiscotti]

I gained 35+lb on antidepressant medication.  Now I want to lose this weight and more through diet and exercise.  Other blogs state that losing weight while on these types of medications is VERY difficult.  I have found this to be true.  Getting started is hard because my desire for food has increased--particularly with carbohydrate rich foods.  

Right now I am exercising vigorously once a day, and I have cut back on my alcohol consumption by a lot.  Still--I battle with snacking.  

Any suggestions?

[sunshine1976]

When I started on Zoloft Doctor suggested taking in with a B100 Vitamin. I found a time release b100 and It seems to help.  I've lost about 16 lbs since I started (with diet and exercise of course).

[Ranaesheart]

Thank you for your question scarlottibiscotti and for the answers of you other members.  The exact relationship between antidepressants and weight gain isn't clear, but weight gain is a reported side effect of nearly all antidepressants.
  
According to Mayo Clinic, "Certain antidepressants are more likely to cause weight gain than are others. For example, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are more likely to be associated with weight gain than are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The exception to this may be long-term use of paroxetine (Paxil) — an SSRI that's more likely to cause weight gain than are other SSRIs."

Robert Gould, MD, who is on MedHelp's expert community, has addressed this question quite frequently.  From what I gather, he suggests Prozac as an antidepressant that does not cause weight gain.  

Here is the link to several questions on this topic from other members and his answers. http://www.medhelp.org/forums/search/122?query=antidepressant+weight+gain  

It should also be pointed out that association is not the same as causation.  There are many factors that can work together to contribute to weight gain while on antidepressant therapy.  Some people lose weight while depressed.  Others have an improved appetite that coincides with their improved mood which may increase their weight.  Overeating as a result of depression also can cause weight gain. In addition, some medical conditions that mimic depression — such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) — may cause weight gain .. so you may want to have your physician check that out.

If you gain weight after starting antidepressant treatment, discuss your concerns with your doctor. He or she can determine the likely cause of weight gain. If your antidepressant seems to be the culprit, it may help to adjust the dose or switch medications.

Very best wishes to you .. and please let us know how you are doing.  I am currently on an antidepressant for a severe clinical depression and am watching my calories carefully and implementing some exercise.  I am maintaining and/or losing a little weight here and there.

Healing HUGGSSSSS ...

PS  - Hope you'll join us here for some continued support and friendship ... it sure makes our journeys easier.

[allmymarbles]

Do you really need the medication you are taking? There is a tendency to over-perscribe. This may not be true in your case, but gaining weight, it seems to me, would only add to depression, no  matter what you are taking.

[chubbynovlawstudent]

I don't want to play doctor here or anything, but I was in a similar situation for several years.  My apartment got broken into, then I moved home, and then my house literally got hit by lightening.  I started taking lexapro for the Post-Traumatic Stress.  I'd always been a bit of a snacker and stress-eater, but I a burdensome amount of weight from it.  I asked my doctor about other alternatives to the Lexapro, and she suggested Welbutrin.  It doesn't cause weight gain and has even been shown to create a bit of weight loss.  Plus, it curbs cravings for food tremendously.  I was a big nighttime eater and I've pretty much kicked the habit.  Good luck with everything!