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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lynn Brooks on May 16, 2001, at 17:10:22
I suffered from panic attacks and depression for years before I sought treatment. I know that I have to take some form of medication, however, I have found that I have gained weight with both Paxil and Zoloft. It took many hours of weight training and cardio to lose the weight initially and now I'm gaining it all back( I've had an eating disorder since I was a child and went from 250lbs to 87lbs). I need to know if there is a drug available that will not cause me to gain weight. I've also read articles that claim that excerise and proper diet will not combat the weight gain from antidepressants. I would appreciate if I could get a definitive answer, as there seems to be varying opinions.
Posted by cole on May 16, 2001, at 17:50:41
In reply to Weight Gain And Antidepressants, posted by Lynn Brooks on May 16, 2001, at 17:10:22
I'm on remeron, a drug notorious for weight gain. I've gained weight on zoloft in the past. This is my 2nd time on the remeron, the first time I gained 20-25# in 4 months. This time I've actually been able to lose weight. For my height (5'5'') I am normal(140), but I am a bit bigger than I would like (everyone else in my family eats 3000 cal/ day & stay rail thin, so I feel big in comparison).
My advice is watch your calories, and keep exercising and weight training. That's what has helped me the most. These meds cause insane carb cravings so the calories can really add up.
cole
Posted by cellocarly on May 16, 2001, at 20:57:48
In reply to Re: Weight Gain And Antidepressants, posted by cole on May 16, 2001, at 17:50:41
>I am on effexor xr and have not noticed any weight gain - i have been on some form of effexor for over 8 years and haven't had any problems. I know it is different for everyone, but I also come from a family line of very heavy people. I know some that have not had problems with prozac. I hope you find one that works as I know weight gain can really do a number on self image, esteem and anger. best of luck!
cellocarly
I'm on remeron, a drug notorious for weight gain. I've gained weight on zoloft in the past. This is my 2nd time on the remeron, the first time I gained 20-25# in 4 months. This time I've actually been able to lose weight. For my height (5'5'') I am normal(140), but I am a bit bigger than I would like (everyone else in my family eats 3000 cal/ day & stay rail thin, so I feel big in comparison).
> My advice is watch your calories, and keep exercising and weight training. That's what has helped me the most. These meds cause insane carb cravings so the calories can really add up.
> cole
Posted by loosmrbls on May 17, 2001, at 12:27:11
In reply to Weight Gain And Antidepressants, posted by Lynn Brooks on May 16, 2001, at 17:10:22
There is a general consensus that antidepressants can cause a mild weight gain (usually 6-10 pounds). The exact mechanism is unknown.
One must also remember that depression itself can cause weight gain. Especially if you get atypical depression (like me) -- with increased appetite, increased sleeping, and 'leaden paralysis' -- I become a zombie that eats alot.
If there is a metabolic shift that causes weight gain, the only way I could see to fight it would be to increase physical activity and decrease caloric intake -- the dreaded healthy lifestyle that's easier said than done, especially when you are depressed.
Posted by JennyR on May 17, 2001, at 16:30:01
In reply to Re: Weight Gain And Antidepressants, posted by loosmrbls on May 17, 2001, at 12:27:11
I didn't gain anything on Serzone, and I haven't on Wellbutrin.
Posted by caroline on May 20, 2001, at 8:52:32
In reply to Weight Gain And Antidepressants, posted by Lynn Brooks on May 16, 2001, at 17:10:22
Hi,
I don't know that there is a definitive answer, but Dr Valerie Davis Raskin, in her book "When words are Not Enough" talks about the mechanisms whereby anti-depressant meds may cause weight gain. Her view seems to be that diet and exercise are unlikely to be of great help if you are effected. However, my own experience, on remeron and anafranil, suggests to me that diet and exercise can do the trick. I've been on AD's for 10 years and for most of that time my weight has been round about 7.5 stones, with fluctuations upward whenever I start a new drug/combo. I am 5'5".
I hope it works for you too. I've had an eating disorder since childhood also.
Good luck!
Caroline
This is the end of the thread.
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