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Weight loss AFTER zoloft

Hi,

I was on Zoloft for three years - 150 mgs.  I gained about 50 pounds and I've now been off Zoloft for nearly a year.  Although I haven't gained any more weight, I haven't LOST any of it either, despite strict diet and exercise.  It just won't budge.  Does Zoloft permanently screw up your metabolism?  My doctor told me after a month or two being off, the weight would start falling off, but it never happened.  She now says I may have a thyroid problem.  All I know is, I NEVER had weight problems or difficulties dropping weight before I went on Zoloft.  Please, can someone give me some hope and tell me my metabolism will eventually right itself?
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
I take generic levothyroxin (syntrhoid is a brand name of this med) and generic liothyronine (cytomel is a brand name of this drug).  The levo has to take time to build up in your system, and it's usually 5-6 weeks before it reaches full potential, but it can still take a long time to get well -- don't forget, hypothyroidism is an illness and it takes time to heal.  

The liothyronine is a faster acting, shorter lived med, but is not indicated in all situations.

I might suggest that you go take a look at the thyroid forum and do some reading on the various possible issues, necessary tests, meds, etc.  We can never be too well informed.
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Avatar universal
Thanks, Barb.  I am hoping to have some insurance soon to get those tests.  I do have some of the other symptoms of hypothyroidism...like the fatigue, sluggishness, depression, dry patches of skin in weird places like on one ankle area...

May I ask which medicines you're taking?  And how long did it take before you began to feel better?
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, I'm on med for my hypothyroidism - actually 2 of them and will be for the rest of my life. If I were not on the med, I wouldn't even be able to get out of bed, most days. During the 3 months or so, just prior to my dx, I had gained right at 30-35 pounds. I could not drop an ounce of it, regardless of diet and/or exercise.  With that much to lose, it hasn't been easy, but I *can* lose it, so long as I watch what I'm doing.

There is no diet in the world that is going to cure it or make it better.  If your thyroid is not producing any or enough hormone, you will only feel worse, as it produces less and less; you will have to replace those hormones.  It's your thyroid that controls your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, as well as some other body function.

I understand about not having insurance, but if there's any way, you need to get those tests and get on med if needed.  The meds are cheap and will do wonders for both the way you feel, and your weight issues.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your reply....well, my doctor suspected the hypothyroidism and wrote me an order to go to the local hospital to have blood work done, but I haven't done that yet (I went back to school recently and don't have insurance right now - and those tests are expensive!)  I've been reading a lot about it, though, and an Atkins-like plan seems to help some people with thyroid problems.  
  
Are you currently on any meds for your hypothyroidism?  And if so, has it helped at all?
Helpful - 0
649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hypothyroidism will cause the problem you are having -- I've been struggling with this for a couple of years and I never had a weight problem either.  

If you are hypothyroid, there is nothing that's going to help you unless you are put on med.  

Can you tell me what your doctor says about your thyroid and are you on any med for it?  
Helpful - 0
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