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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 11 to 35 of 35. Go back in thread:
Posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:08:54
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by Matt on March 31, 1999, at 16:57:54
unsure what to say matt.
i know what i have seen and heard reported.
i know that by simply looking at even the posts here in "Psycho-Babble" you will see weight gains of the type i described quite frequently.
in fact, i've read likely 100 postings in various forums by people complaining of this side effect...and what you describe is exteremly rare
in the posts.
u can easily check this out right here.
what turns up quite frequently in these forums are weight gains of approx 20-40 pounds.
anyway..
take care.
Posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:17:09
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:08:54
in fact (man, i'm getting into this)
right here, in this "prozac-weight gain" topic, here's a liitle survey:
laura-25 lbs
cindy-40lbs
elizabeth (when on nardil)-60lbs
matt-8 lbs
harry-i gained 20-25lbs at the highest then worked really hard to lose it..began creeping up AGAIN..so recently finished withdrawing from the meds yesterday
My apologies to anyone for using the weight figures without express permission..makes for an interesting statistic though. An yes Matt, i am aware this is an uncontrolled sample..it may simply be that people who POST in these forums have the greater weight gain..nevertheless...ure is the only one..at least right here..with ure figure.
Posted by laura on March 31, 1999, at 18:55:02
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by Matt on March 31, 1999, at 16:57:54
> I looked at the page you noted; the stat there isn't that people gain 1-40% of their body weight, but that anywhere between 1-40% of people gain 7% or more of their body weight. (This wouldn't make 25 pounds of weight gain for a woman "not uncommon.")
>
> MattMatt--
The stat said 7% or MORE? My guess is that Harry,myself and the rest mentioned in Harry's response would be the ,unfortunate, MORE in that statement. I was 145 pounds, which is reasonable, since I'm 5'10". 25 pounds (171 lbs--completely unreasonable for me--even at 6'10") represents a 17% of my bodyweight--yes, I definetly fall in to the MORE..and even more catogory!! I CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE!!
Posted by Matt on April 1, 1999, at 1:34:45
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 11:47:24
No doubt SSRI weight gain is more than what you read in say, PDR; the anecdotal evidence is compelling, as well (though the MAOI doesn't count :) ). Hopefully someone will come out with good numbers on this sometime. (Though I'm not holding my breath; most of the drug companies certainly would never fund such a study....)
Matt
Posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 2:54:48
In reply to prozac weight gain, posted by laura on March 25, 1999, at 19:31:46
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Weight-gain-on-medication.html
This problem has taken awhile to recognize with the medical profession since these meds were described as causing weight LOSS. The weight gain seems to take longer to appear. It isn't even mentioned in the PDR as a side efect of many of these meds.
Since it IS being accepted, research is being undertaken to fight it. Certain antidepressants...Wellbutrin for ex, have a sig decreased percentage of patients with this side effect. Ane even ADDING wellbutrin to present regimen, when appropriate, may help with this.
It's already used to combat decreased libido with patients on SSRI meds.
Additionally, an aniticonvulsive med, Topomax, has been shown to sig decrease weight when given along with certain meds. Depakote is the one sited.
All meds have side effects. In fact, if they worked "perfectly"..there really wouldn't be a great deal of inspiration to self evaluate, seek psychological assistance, or even enjoy the interaction we have here.
Posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:36:00
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 2:54:48
> Additionally, an aniticonvulsive med, Topomax, has been shown to sig decrease weight when given along with certain meds. Depakote is the one sited.
would you know what meds it would work with?
Posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:40:59
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info, posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:36:00
> > Additionally, an aniticonvulsive med, Topomax, has been shown to sig decrease weight when given along with certain meds. Depakote is the one sited.
>
> would you know what meds it would work with?duh... i'm an idiot
Posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:40:59
v...not an idiot at all...always a great sign to express interest.
this is all very new...topamate isn't approved for this usage yet....the shrinks are still experimenting with it with their patients.
i've seen it discussed in patients with weight gain from depakote, remeron, zyprexa, lithium,
neurontin. it may be added to their current regimen..or "substituted" for a mood stabilizer that they are already on. has side effects all its own (dizziness, paresthesias, worsening of depression when its main med used, and "topo fog"(feeling stupid in the head)...when used at high dosesheres another site with some scientific info re" weight gain and SSRI's:
http://www.cme-reviews.com/PP198_Richelson.htmland another site with "patient feedback":
http://www.lexmall.com/HEALTH/HBOARD/messages/375.html
Posted by pat on April 1, 1999, at 13:46:31
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:17:09
I have been taking paxil for 5 years and
have gained 50 lbs. I am misserable.
But I need this medication. I would like
to stop the medication, but know I can't.
Posted by Matt on April 1, 1999, at 22:16:57
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
Harry,
I found that site on the biology of weight gain really interesting--it sheds light on the effects of Remeron, among other things.
Thanks
Matt
Posted by v on April 2, 1999, at 5:00:19
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
thank you for replying and the links... CME article was interesting, actually the whole CME review site looks good... i couldn't access the lexall article though
i'm seeing a new doc today for an evaluation... there's been so much going on for me lately... as i had said in an earlier post, i've been trying to get myself to reach out here for awhile... leave it to my favorite topic - WEIGHT - to drive me to it... sigh
it's another day - don't know if that's good or bad... perhaps neither... just another day... blech
thanks again
v
Posted by harry on April 2, 1999, at 8:37:25
In reply to thank you harry, posted by v on April 2, 1999, at 5:00:19
You're welcome v.
Unsure why you were unable to access the lexmail site.
Although, when i reread many of the postings there, they really weren't that great..so..you really didn't miss anything.I can't empahsize this enough..regarding what i thik as a "way out"....LEARNING TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY.
Regarldess of WHY we act certain ways,it's our ACTIONS that determine our experience if life. Illness, trauma, past issues affect the way we think and feel ..it's the ACTIONS that get us in trouble.
AND..and this is the cherry on the cake..that way..FINALLY..we really get to be in charge.
We are anyway, even if we hate it..may as well make the best of it.
THIS..is what being an ADULT means.
I spent some 13 years..in complete "psychotic depression". No "cycling". I was possesed by the devil, etc. It was an experience terrible beyond my previous ability to even imagine.
Today, i think pretty straight, am recently off psych meds, have plans and dreams and excitement and interest in LIFE and everything in it.
Its HARD....but..so what?!
Hard work at what we think is right is ESSENTIAL to self-esteem.
Listening to people who have "been there" is great.
And then..WE have to take the steps.We haven't been "singled out" as the target of a celestial joke.(i ENJOYED thinking that way).
EVERYONE who has ever lived has had to make these decisions...EVERYONE.
Posted by mo on April 14, 1999, at 17:24:36
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by pat on April 1, 1999, at 13:46:31
> I have been on and off prozac for about 8 years.
The weight gain has been yo-yoing up and down 40 pounds.
what can i do? Self esteem is out the window in this "dying to be thin' culture.
I spent most of my life as a thin girl and woman...then with weight gain i became invisible.
Off meds? What should I do?
My depression is only under control with meds and therapy.
Any ideas would be appreciated!Mo
Posted by mary on April 15, 1999, at 20:26:06
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by mo on April 14, 1999, at 17:24:36
Oh, how I hear you loud and clear.!!! Unfortunately, I have no words of wisdom or even hope. I am there and probably always will be. You are not alone!!! I know this doesn't change anything but you are not being singled out. We're all in the same position. Not much consolation. Maybe someday there will be an answer. Hopefully in our lifetime. take care. Mary
> > I have been on and off prozac for about 8 years.
> The weight gain has been yo-yoing up and down 40 pounds.
> what can i do? Self esteem is out the window in this "dying to be thin' culture.
> I spent most of my life as a thin girl and woman...then with weight gain i became invisible.
> Off meds? What should I do?
> My depression is only under control with meds and therapy.
> Any ideas would be appreciated!
>
> Mo
Posted by katie on April 25, 1999, at 19:52:28
In reply to Re: thank you harry, posted by harry on April 2, 1999, at 8:37:25
>
> I can't empahsize this enough..regarding what i thik as a "way out"....LEARNING TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY.
> Regarldess of WHY we act certain ways,it's our ACTIONS that determine our experience if life. Illness, trauma, past issues affect the way we think and feel ..it's the ACTIONS that get us in trouble.
> AND..and this is the cherry on the cake..that way..FINALLY..we really get to be in charge.
> We are anyway, even if we hate it..may as well make the best of it.
> THIS..is what being an ADULT means.
> I spent some 13 years..in complete "psychotic depression". No "cycling". I was possesed by the devil, etc. It was an experience terrible beyond my previous ability to even imagine.
> Today, i think pretty straight, am recently off psych meds, have plans and dreams and excitement and interest in LIFE and everything in it.
> Its HARD....but..so what?!
> Hard work at what we think is right is ESSENTIAL to self-esteem.
> Listening to people who have "been there" is great.
> And then..WE have to take the steps.
>
> We haven't been "singled out" as the target of a celestial joke.(i ENJOYED thinking that way).
> EVERYONE who has ever lived has had to make these decisions...EVERYONE.
>
***********************************************
> And I thought I was the only April Fool baby
who believed the former...Have you ever thought about compiling these into a book?
Posted by Donna Murphy on September 22, 2000, at 20:30:04
In reply to prozac weight gain, posted by laura on March 25, 1999, at 19:31:46
I was on Prozac for 12 months. After 8 months weight slowing starting creeping up. At 12 months I quite and my weight skyrocketed at the rate of one pound per day at one point! I gained extremely quickly. My weight went from 105 to 138. I've since early July when I quit, lost 3 llbs. It had gone up and down fro 138 to 135 and back to 138 for about 4 weeks. Now I'm a steady 135.
My pharmacist says a 2 to 3 day fast drinking 8 glasses of water per day may help along with periodic drinking of 100 percent juice to keep your sugar level up. This may help detoxify your system. You should also drink at least 8 glasses of water per day even if you are not fasting. It gets rid of the toxins. He also suggested weighlifting as sweating aids in getting rid of the toxins. A diet low in carbs, little, or better yet, no sugar at all should help. He said if you stick to it, the weight will come off, but VERY SLOWLY. He did say it can take a year to a year and a half for your weight to get back to normal. So he pretty much told me to sit back and relax. It's going to be a long ride.
Good luck guys.
Donna
Posted by pamperingchef@hawaii.rr.com on June 14, 2001, at 4:27:30
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
> v...not an idiot at all...always a great sign to express interest.
> this is all very new...topamate isn't approved for this usage yet....the shrinks are still experimenting with it with their patients.
> i've seen it discussed in patients with weight gain from depakote, remeron, zyprexa, lithium,
> neurontin. it may be added to their current regimen..or "substituted" for a mood stabilizer that they are already on. has side effects all its own (dizziness, paresthesias, worsening of depression when its main med used, and "topo fog"(feeling stupid in the head)...when used at high doses
>
> heres another site with some scientific info re" weight gain and SSRI's:
> http://www.cme-reviews.com/PP198_Richelson.html
>
> and another site with "patient feedback":
> http://www.lexmall.com/HEALTH/HBOARD/messages/375.htmlHi, my doctor tried two different times to put me on topamax for my seizures, I take Depakote for them now and I have gained weight while on it, I have been on Depakote for three years. I just found out that is used for manic depression. So I was wondering if it is used to calm the effects of the "mania" if it could be causing me to be depressed. As I don't have any mania, but I have had what I thought to be the "baby blues" for too long. I just realized my daughter turned 3 this week and I should not feel this way. The topamax is now being used regularly for migraine therapy and in some seizure disorders by my doctor...but I got horrible side effects, like nausea...but I did have the side effect of lack of hunger. Although the stomach problems persisted, I was taking it with 1000mg Depakote a day...and with the lowest dose of topamax. Well, my neurologist didn’t know what to make of the "blues" so I have an appointment with the psychiatrist now to see what she thinks, wish me luck...I do you! christine
Posted by bunny on January 22, 2002, at 19:27:29
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 18:06:55
i went on prozac in july, thinking i would feel better AND i thought i might also lose weight! boy was i wrong! i have gained 35 lbs. since then with no change in my diet except for the better. i have always eaten pretty much healthy.
what i want to know is if i go off of prozac, will i lose the weight if i exercise moderately. like treadmill and lite weights? this is sooooo much more depressing than anything i initially took prozac for!! help please!!!
Posted by BLPBart on January 22, 2002, at 23:35:43
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by bunny on January 22, 2002, at 19:27:29
I can sympathize. I started on prozac in september of 2000. My doctor also suggested exercise and the prozac seemed to help initially with my energy level so I went from being a depressed couch potato to feeling good and running for an hour five days a week. Unfortunately I gained weight the entire time. After quite a while of this I complained to my dr who added wellbutrin thinking it would be stimulating enough to counteract the lethargic feeling caused by the prozac. It didn't. He recently told me to go off the prozac to see if it would help if I was on wellbutrin alone. It has been almost a month and so far I still feel as lethargic and fat as ever. I completely quit running a couple of months ago because I don't have the energy or the motivation to get out of bed in the morning and can easily sleep 10 to 12 hours a night. I go back to see him in early feb and he said we could discuss stimulants next time. I'm very interested in trying that because I'm very concerned that I'm going to have this reaction with any AD I might be on.
> i went on prozac in july, thinking i would feel better AND i thought i might also lose weight! boy was i wrong! i have gained 35 lbs. since then with no change in my diet except for the better. i have always eaten pretty much healthy.
> what i want to know is if i go off of prozac, will i lose the weight if i exercise moderately. like treadmill and lite weights? this is sooooo much more depressing than anything i initially took prozac for!! help please!!!
Posted by Kat26 on January 23, 2002, at 22:37:51
In reply to Re: weight gain-topamax with depakote, posted by pamperingchef@hawaii.rr.com on June 14, 2001, at 4:27:30
Been on prozac over a year now, haven't gained because of it. I am rather underweight than over-, but still I don't want to start gaining lots of weight. I have pretty much always been thin.
My question: After more than a year, can "it" still happen?Kat26
Posted by jlb on February 14, 2002, at 10:06:50
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by BLPBart on January 22, 2002, at 23:35:43
I went on Prozac in '95. I was never told about possible weight gain. I'm only 5'1" and at the time weighed around 108. Each year I gained more weight and didn't understand. I wasn't eating more, I worked out off and on. (stopping because of really no big results). At 32 I'm not 145lbs. It is so discouraging. 2 months ago I started taking Celexa. I haven't seen any changes yet. Its comforting to know that my weight is probably due to the medicine. I'm trying to get my medical records to look at what my weight was each time I went in.
Posted by kreedi on February 16, 2002, at 8:46:09
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by jlb on February 14, 2002, at 10:06:50
I'm pretty envious of people (all on this thread) who experience weight gain as a side effect of Prozac! I lose weight with it (been on and off it since 95) and have trouble getting it back. I'm 5'8", male, and currently 107lbs (three weeks recently on Prozac, last week off, since it didn't seem to be working, and I couldn't deal with more weight loss), down from a "high" of 120; and would like to be able to maintain at least a constant 125. Any ideas?
Have thought about adding anabolics (Deca durabolin, testosterone), but worried about possible interactions, mood effects, liver toxicity, and the transience of the weight gain. Anyone have any experience with this? I know that even a 10 or 15 lb weight gain would do wonders for my self esteem. (Remeron seems out of the question for me, have posted about this before.)
Posted by ostrich annie on October 16, 2002, at 11:47:54
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain/anabolics question, posted by kreedi on February 16, 2002, at 8:46:09
I just stumbled on this site, because I read an article today that said Prozac can cause weight gain, and I was concerned.
I went on Zoloft 2 years ago and gained 6 pounds in 6 months. I'm very athletic, and normally have no problem with my weight. I run a farm by myself and eat a low fat diet. I'm 5'5" and am slim at 135 pounds. Still OK at 140.
I went off Zoloft last fall and went on Prozac 10 months ago. My doctor assured me that Prozac wouldn't cause weight gain. I'm now up to 150 pounds. I HATE this! I'm going off the Prozac. I'd rather be mildly depressed than fat.
Who knows what these drugs really do to your system? The doctors admit that they don't really know.
Anyway, this has been my experience.
Posted by nirvanagurl on January 28, 2004, at 13:44:47
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by laura on March 31, 1999, at 18:55:02
for those who have gained on prozac paxil effexor and celexa espically please come join us for support and maybe a way to fix it at
http://groups.msn.com/SSRIANDPSYCHMEDWEIGHTLOSSSUPPORT
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2004, at 18:24:17
In reply to SSRI WEIGHT GAIN SUPPORT GROUP, posted by nirvanagurl on January 28, 2004, at 13:44:47
> for those who have gained on prozac paxil effexor and celexa espically please come join us for support and maybe a way to fix it...
Please don't post the same information in more than one place at the same time:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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