[dismantle.repair]

Hi everyone,
Was just wondering if anyone experienced any weight gain while using antidepressants?
If so, how much?
As I've mentioned, it's been suggested by my counselor that I look into medication, but I've been on the fence about it.
However, I used to be obese as a teenager. I've lost a lot of weight, but I fall into despair when I even put on 1lb now. I'm terrified that I"ll put on weight again.

[crazyman28]

Hey there Crash&Burn,

weight gain on an antidepressant is pretty normal. I know that it can sound frightening but with management you can maintain a healthy weight. I gained 12 pounds over a months time and I am still trying to get those extra pounds off. However, my doctor never told me that I was going to want to eat so much so I was not prepared. Its good to be aware that you may gain weight now, so that you are not overwhelmed like I was. Make sure you eat smaller portions and exercise regularly. You'll be fine! Antidepressants helped me get out of a major depressive episode and they may help you too. If you feel that you are out of control and want to try something else then tell your doctor. You know your body the best not your doctor!

Best of luck,

Crazyman28

[Elana05]

Originally Posted by crazyman28

Hey there Crash&Burn,

weight gain on an antidepressant is pretty normal. I know that it can sound frightening but with management you can maintain a healthy weight. I gained 12 pounds over a months time and I am still trying to get those extra pounds off. However, my doctor never told me that I was going to want to eat so much so I was not prepared. Its good to be aware that you may gain weight now, so that you are not overwhelmed like I was. Make sure you eat smaller portions and exercise regularly. You'll be fine! Antidepressants helped me get out of a major depressive episode and they may help you too. If you feel that you are out of control and want to try something else then tell your doctor. You know your body the best not your doctor!

Best of luck,

Crazyman28

Hi crazyman,

Out of curiosity may ask what worked for you?

[crazyman28]

Well currently I am on wellbutrin but I am not sure that I want to stick with it. It helped a lot to get out of my last episode, but since I have been cycling so much I don't know if it the best for me right now. I am also taking seroquel (antipsychotic) which combined caused the huge weight gain. I have never actually been diagnosed with anything besides depression, so I may change meds if I can find out whats causing all this. Anyway, got a little side tracked there. Wellbutrin is what helped me. Check with your doc to see what fits you best. You may have to try more than one before you get the medication that works.

Best of luck,

Crazyman

[dismantle.repair]

I have no idea what I'm gonna do yet. Thanks though.

[Caretaker Leo]

Yes crash&burn, some medications do cause us to gain weight. I've been fighting the extra pounds for a couple of years now, but I'm willing to accept it because I would rather be alive and feeling somewhat stable than skinny and dead.

I think if I started exercising on a regular basis it might help me. I'm older, so my metabolism has changed and some of our reactions to medication is due to our metabolism.

Not everyone will gain a lot of weight and your doctor is probably the best person to consult with if you are concerned.

[Can't Stop Crying]

I was honest with my doctor about my concern about weight gain (recovered from an adolescent ED) and he takes that into consideration with every single med. he puts me on. Not all meds cause the same reaction in all people though so that's something you might want to keep in mind. I'm on Cymbalta for my anti-depressant and that does not cause weight gain for me. If you start a med and get a ravenous appetite or notice weight gain, discuss it with your doc. With my doc, he knows my mental well being is the primary concern, but he takes my concerns about all potential side effects into consideration if I'm adjusting doses or adding new meds.

Originally Posted by crash&burn

Hi everyone,
Was just wondering if anyone experienced any weight gain while using antidepressants?
If so, how much?
As I've mentioned, it's been suggested by my counselor that I look into medication, but I've been on the fence about it.
However, I used to be obese as a teenager. I've lost a lot of weight, but I fall into despair when I even put on 1lb now. I'm terrified that I"ll put on weight again.

I totally understand how you feel.

you can talk to your dr about which antidepressants have weight neutral qualities. my dr worked with me on that since my other meds affected my weight so much - Wellbutrin is known for not making you gain weight - it's the one i take and it really helps me.

[maggyjo]

Talk to your doctor. I was very honest with mine and said I would not take anything that would make me gain weight.

The two I have had the most success with were lexapro and lamictal. But some people respond differently to meds.

I think one of the big reasons I gained weight on the antidepressant I took was because they left me so exhausted I didn't do anything beside sit on the couch.

Maggy Jo