Posted by Lisa T on January 25, 2001, at 8:33:56
In reply to Re: weight gain/pharmaceutical research, posted by Adam on August 13, 1999, at 18:20:41
Hi there, I found this web site when I was searching for answers late one night, and I am relieved to hear others having very similar experiences.
I have been on prozac for two or so years and have noticed a difference in my weight and bodyshape. I have put on about 5 kgs that I cannot seem to lose no matter what I do (yes I train 5 days a week and follow a strict and very healthy diet). I certainly sleep a lot more than ever, and am very annoyed about all of this distinct lack of energy and weight gain. It's as if my body is holding on to fat and won't let it go.
I have decided to stop taking prozac and try to regain my body (I was in great shape before!) and hopefully I will lose the 5 kilos I have gradually put on.
My other half has been on zoloft for the past year and he has also gained weight.
I am not a researcher, nor am I a scientist, but I do believe that there is a correlation between raising serotonin levels and weight gain. You raise serotonin levels, you feel better, your body sleeps more, conserves more, does not expend as much nervous energy, your metabolism slows. Well, that's my speel on it anyhow.
My doctor suggested that I might increase the dosage of prozac to help raise my energy levels and thus lose weight, but I have opted to quit altogether. I do not think that increasing is the answer, it might help initially to raise energy levels and lose a bit of weight, but then I think my body will become accustomed to the drug and plateau again. And who knows, in four years, I may have packed on another 5 kgs!
Hopefully my depression will not re-emerge and I will lose the weight and get back to feeling good about myself again. Wish me luck, and I welcome any comments.
poster:Lisa T
thread:9648
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010122/msgs/52500.html