[poptardqueen]

I've been on zoloft for about a month and a half now and I've now gained about 10 lbs!! This is stressing me out more than ever before, especially since I have a borderline eating disorder and obsession with my weight. I want to say it's the zoloft, for as little as I eat I STILL gain weight. I'm getting more and more desperate, and I see this taking a turn for the worst if it doesnt stop (e.g. not eating, purging etc.) Has anyone else experienced this weight gain, and is there any other med that either counteracts this weight gain or is a better substitute. I've been on effexor and lexapro before, both which i lost weight on. And info would be greatly appreciated!

[SunshineGold03]

Hello There,
If you don't mind my asking what are you on the zoloft for? Anxiety, Depressions, etc?

Jennifer

[Butterfly_Faerie]

No Zoloft does not make you gain weight, It likely is the borderline eating disorder, I was on Zoloft for 7 years and never gained a pound.

Never stop eating hon, talk to your doctor about this, see if he/she will help you. Watch your eating habits, maybe write down everytime you eat something and what time, bring it into your doctor and see if he/she can help you with it?

My friend is borderline and she gained alot of weight, plus she was on so many different medications, and this one medication made her ballon up, she is starting to loose some weight, but she use to be tinier then me and i'm like only 100lbs..

Definatly discuss this, not eating is not the answer that is for sure.

Take care of yourself, what are you on Zoloft for?

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[poptardqueen]

many things, depression, anxiety, OCD, BPD, ED.....Im also on abilify for dissassociation/racing thoughts amongst other reasons

[poptardqueen]

Maybe it doesnt, but I have read many things on the internet of other people reporting massive weight gains. I watch EVERYTHING I eat. Its an obsession that rules my life. I count and I calculate. I eat salads and veggies, and I am STILL gaining weight. I've gained about 10lbs. This is beyond unacceptable. I've talked to my doc about this, he thinks the zoloft will help me STOP obsessing about everything, but my eating obsession is the worst it has ever been. As sick as it is, I'd rather be dead than fat. I know that's wrong and backwards and everyother which way, but its how I feel. I'm on the zoloft for depression, OCD, anxiety, BPD, etc etc etc. And im also on abilify for dissassociation (relating to SI and other things) and racing thoughts. Ugh.
I'm seeing my doc later today, but this weight gain is making me HYSTERICAL. I know my body, and this has been happening since I got out of the hospital and was switched to zoloft from effexor xr.

Thanks for the input

[SunshineGold03]

Hey Pop,
You sound like this is upsetting you a great deal. It is good that you are going to see your doctor today. I was just reading about the side effects of Zoloft is changes in weight. So it is more than possible that Zoloft is causing your weight gain so it is good that you are talking to your doctor about this. Keep in mind though Zoloft and Lexapro are both in the category of selective serontonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) so they MAY both produce the same results.
I was on Zoloft for a few months and I too gained weight. I have OCD as well so I know all about racing thoughts....it STINKS! Also, I have always been what I consider borderline eating disorder. I am currently on Lexapro and I find that it has helped a great deal with the OCD. However, I have gained weight with this too. But for me I have gained weight because of my change in appetite/ Premedication me was SEVERELY panic ridden and Depressed, etc. but VERY thin. Post med me has gained quite a bit of weight. However, I am much happier! And I do find that I can lose weight when I stick to a healthy eating regimen and exercise. So I think for me and for many other people when you have Anxiety or Depression and are not medicated you tend to not have an appetite at all hence you are much thinner where as when you start taking medcation to quell these disorders you tend to naturally be much happier and your appetite increases with it and if your not careful your weight too. Now with that being said, to me, it DOES NOT sound like this is the case for you. So good luck with your doctor. You and he/she can discuss your possibilites with medications and/or counseling which is in addition to medication is a key component to getting well.

Jennifer

[Butterfly_Faerie]

I can totally understand the stress you are feeling, i've just recently found out that I'm not fitting into pants I use to be able to fit into. I've always been a tiny person and the fact that my size 2's and less are too tight then I worry, I went on a fruit and veggie diet, but that just doesn't cut it, you need protins ect for a healthy diet. My shrink is keeping track of my food intake, I'm writing down what I eat and what time. I thought at first that my belly was from my remeron, but it wasn't, I think it's just because I'm getting older, (almost 24) and I'm just starting to fill out all around, I'm still at a small size, but i've been stressed out about it, I don't think i've actually gained weight, then again I haven't been able to get on a scale, well because I don't have one. I'm trying to excercise every day or every other day, but i've been slacking in that department. I'm self consious, and i've always been about my stomache, but I'm just gonna live with it, exercise and try and eat healthy. I tend to gorge into things I love like chips, licorise, nibs, chocolate.. but luckily in my household we don't have any of that but chocolates from easter and i've been staying away, only having one here and there.

I'm glad your talking to your doctor, good luck., Sorry you are feeling so down, I can in away like I said understand.

Have you tried getting into some kind of workout program to help get rid of the weight?

I was on Zoloft for clincal depression, SAD's, panic and anxiety disorder and reminants of ptsd, after 7 yrs it just stopped working, then went on Celexa which made me feel like absolute crap, went off that now i'm on remeron.. it's helped me out alot with depression especially, so right now that is under control..

I'm babbling so i'll end this.

*hugs*

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[willoughby]

Hi
I'm not on Zoloft but do give it to some of my residents and yes, they did gain weight. Quite a bit. I'm sorry to rain on your parade. lol
I have been on Paxil for sometime and I too gained a lot. It used to really bother me. Well I gues it still does. But I feel better RE: symptoms of panic and depression. I feel as though it's worth it. Sometimes I get into a mini depression cause of it. You gotta weigh it out. Hope you can work this out

"you only have one chance to make a first impression"

[poptardqueen]

I've not always been a tiny person, but I'm pretty small now (or was) and am now finding myself putting on 10lbs in two months or so. For someone with an ED and who fears fat more than death this is agonizing, which I'm sure you've had some experience of unfortunately too. It's just that I'm getting SO desperate to lose weight, and I've nevver been this obssive in reguards to this before, so I cant help but blame it on the zoloft. I've stopped taking it, though my doc doesnt know this yet. I never got up the never to say anything to him last mon when i saw him. I feel ashamed as being so vain and obsessive I guess. But he will have to know next mon when i see him. I doubt this is just me filling out, seeing as im only 19 (and barely that even). I wish I could deal with, but i cant/wont. I too GORGE myself when there is anything chocolate or bad for me in sight, which why i have to obsess and calculate my grocery shopping. ugh.

Thanks for the support It really helps to know im not alone out here afterall

[poptardqueen]

Hey sunshine,
I wimped out at my doc appointment :: I know no one can help me if they dont know whats wrong, but theres alot of shame in it because people tend to patronize me for needing to lose weight when they think i am too thin already. So i didnt say anything. We just got caught up in other fun topics such as my cutting, and befiore i knew it time was up and i was being ushered out. But i will tell him this coming up monday, especially since im NOT taking it and don't plan on it due to this sideeffect. I know this is inherent in many ssris. but ive had nothing but luck so far in that ive LOST weight on others so far. I definately have an ED in some form. My doctor even mentioned those words to me for the first time a week or so ago. It's an obsessive form of anorexia with some bulemic tendencies, but im not in a danger category yet or anything which why it is ignored for the most part. I wish the medicine would free me from worrying about it and i could just focus on feeling better, but this consumed me and i can think about nothing but ballooning up and gaining weight. Thanks for the advice darlin I WILL make myself talk to my Pdoc on mon, i WILL. Ugh

*hugs*

[poptardqueen]

Yes, it does unfortunately seem that I am one of these people who get fat on it ha, its not you raining on my parade, just my metabolism at war with my brain chemicals. Bah! I've been given the option of paxil too, but my mom takes it and ive heard so many things about weight gain and such. This is why i chose zoloft, because previous to taking it i had heard nothing about weight gain as a side effect. But this 10lbs tells me more than enough. I wish the zoloft would mellow me out so that i didnt care, but it doesnt seem that way. Its been about 5 or 6 weeks now, and its only gotten worse and worse.

I hope something works out too and my doc doesnt hate me for being a defiant patient and not taking it.

*hugs*

[SunshineGold03]

Hey Pop,
You will tell your doc when you are ready. And it sounds like you are about ready. I was very obsessive with my weight before being starting medications for my OCD. I was borderline I believe anyway I use to starve my self, binge and purge, etc. and I weighed 115 at that time and it still wasn't good enough. I use to cry alot if I felt like I went off my diet. It was pure hell. Then when I went on the SSRI's, it took a few weeks to take affect, it not only helped my OCD symptoms but it also help to quiet down my obsessions on dieting. Now when I am trying to lose weight I found that it is easier to do it in a health way. Maybe once you get on the right SSRI for some time it will also help with your obsessions on weight. But do your best to get the courage to talk to your doc maybe think about also talking with an eating disorder support group. Best of luck!

Jennifer

[Butterfly_Faerie]

Hon, never EVER stop taking medication without telling your doctor and without weening off of it , that is the worst thing to do and can be dangerous. You definatly need to talk to you doctor, why would you take yourself off of it hon ? It's not the pill that caused the 10lbs, I understand your fear of gaining weight, it's understandable, but stopping medication isn't the answer. Have you talked to your doctor about this?

Maybe he/she can get you into a schedule so you can loose that 10lbs?

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[SunshineGold03]

I agree you definitely should not just stop taking it. You can get really sick if you do. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking this pill. Good Luck!

Jennifer

[poptardqueen]

Sunshine,
I've had OCD since i was 7 or 8, but it's never taken a hold on my weight so much as it has recently. Over the past 4 years i've lost 80lbs, a time during which i was preoccupied with my weight definately, but not obssessed. So after this weight loss, its just the fear of going back that terrifies me. It's such a slippery slope. I cry alot too when I feel myself slipping off my diet, it is pure hell to let such a trivial thing rule your life when I have so many other things that possess me on top of that. I have been trying to wait and give the zoloft a chance, but its been about 6 weeks and its only getting worse so i dont think i can afford to stay on it and keep bulging out. I'm happy that something has helped you be happier and less obssessive, it gives me some sort of hope in a way . I've thought about the group, its just that group therapy terrifies me (im horrible avoidant) and I'm currently in DBT group which is trying enough. I just keep waiting for something to click and stop me from crashing so hard so often. Thanks for everything dear

*hugs*

[Butterfly_Faerie]

Well not just this pill any pill..

Withdrawals are terrible, not good at all.

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[poptardqueen]

I know it's a horrible thing, but its almost as if im physically unable to even make myself take it when i know I need to in order to not end up back in the hospital again. I need to talk to my doctor definately, you are very right there. Being a unwilling patient is not helping me or my doctor I know, but my obsessions are able to make anything logical in its own way. It's irrational. I will def talk to my doctor, and I really am considering picking up my rx for my zoloft thats sitting at the pharm and just riding it out until monday so he wont be upset with me and i wont go diving off the deep end.
I would ask him to help me lose the weight, but i am definately not even close to needing to lose weight logically, and i would just come off as neurotic. I wish he could help me make it go away though.
Thanks for listening doll

*xoxo*

[SunshineGold03]

Hey Pop,
I real sorry to hear things are tough for you right now. I know you will find something that works for you but must remember to be honest with your doc and work with him/her to find the right course of treatment. If you are less than honest with your doc you are only hurting yourself and cheating yourself out of getting the best course of treatment trust me I speak from experience. If the zoloft is making you this unhappy then it definitely sounds like it is time for a switch but be sure to do that with your doctors help. Once you find the right meds and behavioral treatment you feel so much better. I know really. I have OCD, panic attacks, borderline eating disorder, and self injury but within last 1 or so I would say I have gotten at least 70 percent better than where I was. By the way NOTHING is trivial if it is important to you and if impacts your life. You can get better with time, therapy, and meds. You really can I am living proof and so aren't alot of people on this board! By the way if you don't feel comfortable with a support group see if you can add another doc/therapist to regimen who specializes in eating disorders. Best of luck and keep us posted.

Jennifer

[Butterfly_Faerie]

It's just ever dangerous to do what you are doing. Why do you not want to take the meds if they help you? I don't understand that one?

You should tell your doctor everything, even if he will question you or seem upset. You should go pick up your perscription at the pharmacy hon, how long have you been without ? Depending how long you've been without you might feel a bit strange when first taking them again, cause you are messing with your body by not. know what I mean?

Gotta start taking care of yourself, if weight isn't the issue what about establishing a good diet?

Take care.

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[poptardqueen]

sunshine,
thanks . I hope I will find something. I just find myself feeling so bad just for the reason that I am not really responding to treatment, that I only seem to be getting worse with every positive step I take. I know honestly is definately the best policy. It's not that I lie of course, I just supress my opinions and needs. It's a bad fault of mine I know. I am so glad that you are doing better, helps me keep my head up. I am still considering that ED therapist, maybe Ill talk about it with my T today, because I probably should
Thanks again for everything

*xoxo* Kelly

[poptardqueen]

I know the whole stopping my medicine on my own accord is not a good idea. On one level I know it makes no sense to get people to invest so much time in trying to adjust my meds and such when Im just goind to be non-compliant and not take them from time to time. But for some reason I can make it make sense to myself, though definately not on a LOGICAL level, heh.
That's the thing, the meds DONT seem to be helping me. If anything Ive felt 10times worse since I started taking the zoloft about 6 weeks ago. I know that it takes a while to get adjusted, but I've been patient and nothing seems to be getting better and often i am at the end of my rope and the only options I can see are not good ones. I probably will go pick up my rx, just because I am a people pleaser and i guess know on some level that I should be taking them anyways.

I just wish I could start taking care of my self in a logical way other than this obsessive, compulsive way that I do now. weight is ALWAYS the issue, which is what makes it so desperate I suppose. On one level here I want to est. a normal eating pattern, but the other side of me fears that this will make me gain weight and tells me I'm better off sticking to meticuliously chosen foods like I do now. Ugh

But thank you so much for caring, It's good to know that people out there give a rip
*xoxo*
kelly

[Butterfly_Faerie]

maybe the meds aren't helping cause you're not on the right dose, taking yourself off them is messing with the dosage as well, so you don't really know if it did help or not... you know what I mean?

Maybe you need to be on a different medication, what dose are you on before you took yourself off of it?

when you start focasing on one thing in a negative way it makes you feel tons worse....

Definatly bring this up to your doctor maybe write it down.

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

[SunshineGold03]

Hey Kelly,
Treatment takes time but it will happen for you. It took some time for me and I am by no means cured but I have many more good days now than I do bad days and sometimes that it is all you can hope for that you have more good days than bad. It sounds to me that you are headed in the right direction try not to get too frustrated with yourself along the way. You will stumble along the course of treatment but that is normal you just have to try and get back up and dust yourself off and keep going. Just know you are strong and you will get better. You sound like a fighter to me so keep your head up you will because I believe you will find that over time your good days far out weigh your bad. Best of luck! And keep us updated!

Jennifer

[pooh_ac]

Every time I have taken zoloft I have lost large amounts of weight. I also know they were doing research at one time on zolfot as a wt loss med....

"Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you."

Carl Gustav Jung

[darkeyes]

Celexa didn't cause me to gain weight, but some of the others have, have you tried it? Lexapro is a similar compound of Celexa, kind of like a "cousin" to it.
Just my 2 cents.
I wish you luck, it really sucks when a person either is trying to quit smoking or overcome depression and stuff and then our body rewards us with damn weight gain
Don't give up though, see if your pdoc will try something different or a combo.
I am wishing you hope and luck with this

DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON