Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 81763

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wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by pat2237 on October 20, 2001, at 7:48:21

I have gained about 30 pounds in the last 4 years. I am usually 110lbs. Wellbutrin is the last of many drugs I've ben on. From zoloft, paxil, effexor, celexa and now wellbutrin. I can't stop eating and craving sweets. I am so depressed now because I am so heavy. I'm only 5'1". When will this stop and what meds do I take now? I feel like I've been on all of them. I lost a lot of weight four years ago when I went on my first antidepressant zoloft. I've never gotten that feel good about life feeling again. The weight all came back in about a year. Do these meds wear off and then it's on to another one and new side effetcts? I guess I am very confused. But wellbutrin has caused a huge increase in appetie for me. Thanks.

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » pat2237

Posted by Kaysey on October 20, 2001, at 13:18:42

In reply to wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by pat2237 on October 20, 2001, at 7:48:21

> I have gained about 30 pounds in the last 4 years. I am usually 110lbs. Wellbutrin is the last of many drugs I've ben on. From zoloft, paxil, effexor, celexa and now wellbutrin. I can't stop eating and craving sweets. I am so depressed now because I am so heavy. I'm only 5'1". When will this stop and what meds do I take now? I feel like I've been on all of them. I lost a lot of weight four years ago when I went on my first antidepressant zoloft. I've never gotten that feel good about life feeling again. The weight all came back in about a year. Do these meds wear off and then it's on to another one and new side effetcts? I guess I am very confused. But wellbutrin has caused a huge increase in appetie for me. Thanks.

Hi!
At this point I can't offer you anything but empathy; however, maybe we can draw out some information from the babble crowd that might help.
I have the same problem with Wellbutrin (which I have combined with Effexor). My original successful combo was Prozac, Ativan, and Lopressor. These meds served me well for a long time with very little side effects, and no change in appetite whatsoever. As with many combos, they 'pooped out' after a while and I began Effexor (carb cravings and all)--have been on it six months, while it has helped depression and anxiety greatly, he has made me very drowsy all day. Enter Wellbutrin to the mix (virtually every post I read talks about the loss of appetite, etc.), and yes it has provided some necessary stimulation, but it also appears to amplify the sugar craving.
I have posted about this before, and there doesn't seem to be any plausible answers. It is extremely frustrating. I am 5'10" tall, and my weight can fluctuate without too much problem, BUT the cravings are still extremely annoying. I spend a great deal of time at a computer, and it is difficult to focus when all you can think about are sweets.
It is ironic that many people report 'having to remind themselves to eat' when taking Wellbutrin (often the same is said of Effexor). I wouldn't mind putting up with it if it didn't interfere with my daily activities so much.
I am considering going back and trying Prozac again. I want to give the Wellbutrin a decent chance--have almost been on it a month. How long have you been taking this?
Let me know how things go for you. I welcome imput from anyone else, as well.
Thanks.
Kaysey

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by bonnie_ann on October 20, 2001, at 21:24:16

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » pat2237, posted by Kaysey on October 20, 2001, at 13:18:42

> > I have gained about 30 pounds in the last 4 years. I am usually 110lbs. Wellbutrin is the last of many drugs I've ben on. From zoloft, paxil, effexor, celexa and now wellbutrin. I can't stop eating and craving sweets. I am so depressed now because I am so heavy. I'm only 5'1". When will this stop and what meds do I take now? I feel like I've been on all of them. I lost a lot of weight four years ago when I went on my first antidepressant zoloft. I've never gotten that feel good about life feeling again. The weight all came back in about a year. Do these meds wear off and then it's on to another one and new side effetcts? I guess I am very confused. But wellbutrin has caused a huge increase in appetie for me. Thanks.
>
> Hi!
> At this point I can't offer you anything but empathy; however, maybe we can draw out some information from the babble crowd that might help.
> I have the same problem with Wellbutrin (which I have combined with Effexor). My original successful combo was Prozac, Ativan, and Lopressor. These meds served me well for a long time with very little side effects, and no change in appetite whatsoever. As with many combos, they 'pooped out' after a while and I began Effexor (carb cravings and all)--have been on it six months, while it has helped depression and anxiety greatly, he has made me very drowsy all day. Enter Wellbutrin to the mix (virtually every post I read talks about the loss of appetite, etc.), and yes it has provided some necessary stimulation, but it also appears to amplify the sugar craving.
> I have posted about this before, and there doesn't seem to be any plausible answers. It is extremely frustrating. I am 5'10" tall, and my weight can fluctuate without too much problem, BUT the cravings are still extremely annoying. I spend a great deal of time at a computer, and it is difficult to focus when all you can think about are sweets.
> It is ironic that many people report 'having to remind themselves to eat' when taking Wellbutrin (often the same is said of Effexor). I wouldn't mind putting up with it if it didn't interfere with my daily activities so much.
> I am considering going back and trying Prozac again. I want to give the Wellbutrin a decent chance--have almost been on it a month. How long have you been taking this?
> Let me know how things go for you. I welcome imput from anyone else, as well.
> Thanks.
> Kaysey

I am currently taking 100IR Wellbutrin 3x a day and 10-15mg of Celexa. At first I lost weight because of the increased anxiety it caused. I would say that I have been on this combo almost three full months. I have no problem remembering to eat - (I do have to remind myself to go pee though)- and I drink water all day.
I too crave sweets especially at night.
One good thing is that my sex drive has improved greatly. I still have some anxiety - social phobia.
Sometimes I get discouraged - but I haven't felt hopeless in a long time - that's the worst feeling for me.
Bonnie


 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by pat2237 on October 21, 2001, at 8:11:43

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » pat2237, posted by Kaysey on October 20, 2001, at 13:18:42

> > I have gained about 30 pounds in the last 4 years. I am usually 110lbs. Wellbutrin is the last of many drugs I've ben on. From zoloft, paxil, effexor, celexa and now wellbutrin. I can't stop eating and craving sweets. I am so depressed now because I am so heavy. I'm only 5'1". When will this stop and what meds do I take now? I feel like I've been on all of them. I lost a lot of weight four years ago when I went on my first antidepressant zoloft. I've never gotten that feel good about life feeling again. The weight all came back in about a year. Do these meds wear off and then it's on to another one and new side effetcts? I guess I am very confused. But wellbutrin has caused a huge increase in appetie for me. Thanks.
>
> Hi!
> At this point I can't offer you anything but empathy; however, maybe we can draw out some information from the babble crowd that might help.
> I have the same problem with Wellbutrin (which I have combined with Effexor). My original successful combo was Prozac, Ativan, and Lopressor. These meds served me well for a long time with very little side effects, and no change in appetite whatsoever. As with many combos, they 'pooped out' after a while and I began Effexor (carb cravings and all)--have been on it six months, while it has helped depression and anxiety greatly, he has made me very drowsy all day. Enter Wellbutrin to the mix (virtually every post I read talks about the loss of appetite, etc.), and yes it has provided some necessary stimulation, but it also appears to amplify the sugar craving.
> I have posted about this before, and there doesn't seem to be any plausible answers. It is extremely frustrating. I am 5'10" tall, and my weight can fluctuate without too much problem, BUT the cravings are still extremely annoying. I spend a great deal of time at a computer, and it is difficult to focus when all you can think about are sweets.
> It is ironic that many people report 'having to remind themselves to eat' when taking Wellbutrin (often the same is said of Effexor). I wouldn't mind putting up with it if it didn't interfere with my daily activities so much.
> I am considering going back and trying Prozac again. I want to give the Wellbutrin a decent chance--have almost been on it a month. How long have you been taking this?
> Let me know how things go for you. I welcome imput from anyone else, as well.
> Thanks.
> Kaysey

Thanks for your response. I have been on wellbutrin for about 9 months. After reading many of the various postings, I'm noticing that the weight gain is after being on meds for many years. The weight loss seems tohappen the first time you experience the meds. I have to look into it more.

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by terra miller on October 21, 2001, at 9:57:30

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by pat2237 on October 21, 2001, at 8:11:43

i take 75mgIR 4x/day with xanax as needed. at first, the loss of appetite is very prominent because it feels like everything gets put on edge. i wasn't hungry or thirsty or sleepy for that matter. i still do not drink enough water and my hunger fluctuates. i know i've been on it more than half a year, but i forgot when i started. it's the perfect thing for me and i now have the energy necessary to tackle the difficulties of life; and i couldn't get suicidal if i wanted to because it's just not findable anymore.

i also crave sweets. (i've always craved sweets my whole life.) this is what does the trick for me: i buy these protein bars at a healthfood store that are high protein, low carb, and covered in chocolate (!) the trick seems to be that there has to be just enough carb/sweet without there being too much. the really low carb bars do nothing for my sweet needs. the low carb bars have around 2g, and the ones i eat are more like 11g. (some bars are 30g+ and that's too much.) anyway, they're good for me and they satisfy my sweet-tooth. they're about 140cals, and not the 250+cals many have. hope this is a good lead for you.

terra

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » terra miller

Posted by Kaysey on October 21, 2001, at 10:15:22

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by terra miller on October 21, 2001, at 9:57:30

> i take 75mgIR 4x/day with xanax as needed. at first, the loss of appetite is very prominent because it feels like everything gets put on edge. i wasn't hungry or thirsty or sleepy for that matter. i still do not drink enough water and my hunger fluctuates. i know i've been on it more than half a year, but i forgot when i started. it's the perfect thing for me and i now have the energy necessary to tackle the difficulties of life; and i couldn't get suicidal if i wanted to because it's just not findable anymore.
>
> i also crave sweets. (i've always craved sweets my whole life.) this is what does the trick for me: i buy these protein bars at a healthfood store that are high protein, low carb, and covered in chocolate (!) the trick seems to be that there has to be just enough carb/sweet without there being too much. the really low carb bars do nothing for my sweet needs. the low carb bars have around 2g, and the ones i eat are more like 11g. (some bars are 30g+ and that's too much.) anyway, they're good for me and they satisfy my sweet-tooth. they're about 140cals, and not the 250+cals many have. hope this is a good lead for you.
>
> terra

Hi Terra:
Thanks for the info. I did in fact try the protein bars when I started with Effexor (which gave me sweet-cravings, as well) and it did help (and yes, the CarbSolutions only have 2gms of carbs and that really isn't quite enough). I need to focus on trying this again with the WB/Effexor combo. Seems like when I added the WB, I felt like I could only 'tolerate' carbs--crackers, chips, etc.--and protein and veggies didn't 'agree' with me. I guess this sounds silly, but that is what caused me to 'stray' from the lower carb diet.
Also, are you just taking the WB and Xanax(prn)? From your post, it seems that you are quite satisfied with the results. Have you had WB in combination with anything else?
Thanks again.
Kaysey

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by Simcha on October 22, 2001, at 8:20:32

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » terra miller, posted by Kaysey on October 21, 2001, at 10:15:22

I've been on WellbutrinSR (was 150mg now 200mg) /Celexa 40mg for a few months now. I've gained weight since I've moved to Iowa. I kind of attribute it to the move more than the meds, I think.

Recently I got a membership to a swanky gym. I am a mesomorph (big guy.) I have not lost any weight in the little over a month and a half I've been working out. In fact I think I've gained. I crave protein. My body is just building muscle like crazy. I have fought being big and powerful my entire life. I have always loved food and my body has always been big and beefy. This is just the way it is and I'm learning to accept it.

I figure that so long as I remain active and keep myself in relatively good health then I'm doing OK.

So, at the beginning of the year I was able to wear 32s. Now I'm most comfortable in 36s but I can do with 34s for dressy pants. ;-)

I have had a tendancy to over-exercise in the past. I think it is part of my OCD. I'm working with a hypnotherapist to see myself as I actually am. I am a solid, well-built, powerful, and fit young man. It's time I recognized it.

> > i take 75mgIR 4x/day with xanax as needed. at first, the loss of appetite is very prominent because it feels like everything gets put on edge. i wasn't hungry or thirsty or sleepy for that matter. i still do not drink enough water and my hunger fluctuates. i know i've been on it more than half a year, but i forgot when i started. it's the perfect thing for me and i now have the energy necessary to tackle the difficulties of life; and i couldn't get suicidal if i wanted to because it's just not findable anymore.
> >
> > i also crave sweets. (i've always craved sweets my whole life.) this is what does the trick for me: i buy these protein bars at a healthfood store that are high protein, low carb, and covered in chocolate (!) the trick seems to be that there has to be just enough carb/sweet without there being too much. the really low carb bars do nothing for my sweet needs. the low carb bars have around 2g, and the ones i eat are more like 11g. (some bars are 30g+ and that's too much.) anyway, they're good for me and they satisfy my sweet-tooth. they're about 140cals, and not the 250+cals many have. hope this is a good lead for you.
> >
> > terra
>
> Hi Terra:
> Thanks for the info. I did in fact try the protein bars when I started with Effexor (which gave me sweet-cravings, as well) and it did help (and yes, the CarbSolutions only have 2gms of carbs and that really isn't quite enough). I need to focus on trying this again with the WB/Effexor combo. Seems like when I added the WB, I felt like I could only 'tolerate' carbs--crackers, chips, etc.--and protein and veggies didn't 'agree' with me. I guess this sounds silly, but that is what caused me to 'stray' from the lower carb diet.
> Also, are you just taking the WB and Xanax(prn)? From your post, it seems that you are quite satisfied with the results. Have you had WB in combination with anything else?
> Thanks again.
> Kaysey

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by Carlos on March 11, 2002, at 17:15:30

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » terra miller, posted by Kaysey on October 21, 2001, at 10:15:22

It seems like most of you are not ONLY on Wellbutrin, but some sort of SSRI combined with it. The SSRI is the likey culprit. Give wellbutrin a try alone and you'll probably notice weight stability or even loss. I know all SSRI's made me gain 20+ pounds!

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by bonnie_ann on March 12, 2002, at 21:09:44

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by Carlos on March 11, 2002, at 17:15:30

I'm on 10mg of Celexa along with the Wellbutrin.
I don't have the nerve to discontinue the Celexa yet. I have anxiety on it, I don't want to consider how it's going to be without it.
Any advice?
Bonnie

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by Gorda on December 29, 2002, at 22:16:30

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by Carlos on March 11, 2002, at 17:15:30

I've been on Pamelor (Nortriptyline) 200 mg, Welbutrin SR 200 mg and Zzoloft 200 mg and Provigil 200 mg for two years and I just get bigger and bigger. Don't feel any better, worse actually, because I'm so huge. No energy, no enthusiasm, no interest in anything. Just drag around day after day. I feel like I've tried everything - except exercise which gives me pounding migraines. What else is there?????

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by nemo kitty on October 20, 2003, at 21:00:33

In reply to wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by pat2237 on October 20, 2001, at 7:48:21

hi**
I was on wellbutrin for a year. I did not gain any weight. In fact, I lost 12 pounds when I switched over from Zoloft (which made me gain 15 lbs) I think if you take wellbutrin alone you would see that it does not cause any weight gain at all (At least not for me) The only problem is that it is not quite strong enough, or as strong as ssri's (zoloft, paxil, etc) But I just heard about another new one wellbutrin XL. I think I will try it! Good luck*

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by Arghh!!??? on November 4, 2003, at 23:46:07

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by Gorda on December 29, 2002, at 22:16:30

First I have found alot of great info on this site, I too have gained 20 lbs on effexor in only 9 mos, survived the withdrawl and recently started wellbutrin.... just wondering if the weight will return to normal by its self or should I force it? I have(Usually)a great metabolism, normal weight is approx 100 lbs...at 5'2 very noticeable to gain 20 lbs...Also I feel that my rage is stronger than the Wellbutrin... I had great energy at first, but now I feel like it's not doing anything. Yes it has only been about 5 weeks. Any help would ummm...help. Thanks,

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain

Posted by sfloridamatt on November 5, 2003, at 11:42:49

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by Arghh!!??? on November 4, 2003, at 23:46:07

> First I have found alot of great info on this site, I too have gained 20 lbs on effexor in only 9 mos, survived the withdrawl and recently started wellbutrin.... just wondering if the weight will return to normal by its self or should I force it? I have(Usually)a great metabolism, normal weight is approx 100 lbs...at 5'2 very noticeable to gain 20 lbs...Also I feel that my rage is stronger than the Wellbutrin... I had great energy at first, but now I feel like it's not doing anything. Yes it has only been about 5 weeks. Any help would ummm...help. Thanks,


wow gained weight on effexor? and someone else said they are more hungry on wellbutrin? wellbutrin is a distant cousin of amphetamine..
i am currently taking 300mg. effexor xr. and 450mg. wellbutrin sr. daily and i do have to remind myself to eat sometimes and cravings for carbs/sugars have decreased dramatically..
how much wellbutrin are u taking? it took 450mg for me before it started to work because of my high tolerance to drugs.
the weight u gained wont just fall off and you do have to force it to lose it (excercise AND dieting) i hate the word diet..let me re-phrase that..excercise AND well-balanced nutrition.
my craving for carbs and sweets use to be unbearable...my diet was bad (fast food and lots of sugar) even though i am 5'10 150lbs. male...i didn't gain a lot of weight but felt bad all the time because of the excess carbs.
there is a book called "potatoes not prozac" i read that explained my sensitivity to carbs and sugar..and the book gave me excellent ideas for meals throughout the day to balance my blood-sugar while decreasing my cravings for carbs/sugars...excercise daily also helps a lot..even if it a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood nightly

 

Re: double double quotes » sfloridamatt

Posted by Dr. Bob on November 5, 2003, at 18:50:25

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by sfloridamatt on November 5, 2003, at 11:42:49

> there is a book called "potatoes not prozac" i read that explained my sensitivity to carbs and sugar..

I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon

The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html

Thanks!

Bob

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain-- To Kaysey!

Posted by Laree on November 7, 2003, at 0:23:43

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain, posted by Simcha on October 22, 2001, at 8:20:32

Kaysey:
I have taken many different meds w/Wellbutrin SR 100 mg./day. I am currently on Percocet for back pain and Valium for muscle spasms. I just recently stopped taking Serax (for insomnia) b/c of the addition of Valium from an Ortho. specialist as they are in the same (drug)family. I also take Adderall (50 mg./day). I stopped taking the Wellbutrin for a few days last week b/c I thought it was making me very irritable, but when I did, I got EXTREMELY depressed; in fact, I thought I was going to have an emotional breakdown. I have been on many different SSRI's with wavering successes. I am not sure about the WB yet, but I do know I felt terrible when I took a "break" from it & much better when I started taking it again. Good luck!

>> > Also, are you just taking the WB and Xanax(prn)? From your post, it seems that you are quite satisfied with the results. Have you had WB in combination with anything else?
> > Thanks again.
> > Kaysey

>
>

 

Re: wellbutrin and weight gain... help!

Posted by mariarp on February 3, 2004, at 18:25:07

In reply to Re: wellbutrin and weight gain » terra miller, posted by Kaysey on October 21, 2001, at 10:15:22

I have been taking Wellbutrin for about a month or so now, and I can already tell I am losing some weight.

After reading some of your responses I am a bit confused. My psych said it should help lose weight (which it seems to be doing), but are you saying that after taking it for a bit more time the benefit of losing weight could come to an end??

-maria


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