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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Flutterbee on October 9, 2000, at 8:58:49
I was thinking that if I could figure out why they make you gain weight I could counter act it.
Is it because they slow your metabolism?
Do they make you hungrier and you eat more?
Do they affect the hormones in your body that make you store more fat?
ANYONE??? I can stand the thought of gaining more weight, that will just make me more upset and I don't think taking AD's would be a good thing for me. I just started taking Celexa a little over a week ago (for anxiety and mild depression) and I think I'm starting to feel better already (i know, it's probably too soon), but if I'm going to gain weight, i won't take it. I have been exhausted all day and waking up at night, but I'm hoping that will pass. I tried Zoloft, and that totally zonked me out. I am always tired to begin with. Thanks for your input!
Posted by Julie on October 9, 2000, at 19:47:06
In reply to Does anyone know WHY AD's cause weight gain???, posted by Flutterbee on October 9, 2000, at 8:58:49
I gained about 30 pounds on Zoloft (which, other than the weight gain, was a real godsend for me). For me, I think there are a couple of factors: first, I think I did (and, unfortunately, still do) eat more, without even realizing it-- bigger portions. I feel hungry a lot. I notice I don't feel full even when other people who have eaten the same amount do. But besides that, I think there was some kind of a metabolic change. Doing lots of cardiovascular exercise and trying to eat sensibly, I still struggle to hold my weight steady (at about 25 pounds over what I used to be)--which was never a problem before I began this med. Last month I got stomach flu-- couldn't keep anything but water and weak soup down for 2 days. I GAINED a pound.
There's not much research on weight gain and meds, especially SSRIs-- just a lot of anecdotal accounts. I sure wish someone would research it. My meds doctor, who didn't know me before my "Zoloft 30", didn't seem to believe me for a long time that the meds had helped cause weight gain; now I think he does, but he has no advice other than eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink lots of water, exercise. Good advice- but, grrr!
Posted by Leonardo on October 10, 2000, at 5:53:37
In reply to Does anyone know WHY AD's cause weight gain???, posted by Flutterbee on October 9, 2000, at 8:58:49
Hi Flutterbee
I gained a little weight on Paxil, and loads on Remeron which I have still not fully shifted. My impression is that it increases your appetite and reduces your metabolism, and maybe causes fluid retention too. I put on several pounds in a matter of days after starting Remeron.
Not everyone gets the weight gain side effect, but if you get it badly I think it will be very difficult to combat by diet and exercise, the drug is working pretty hard against you. In this case think about a different med, another SSRI may affect you differently. Some other types are known to cause weight loss and give you more energy, eg Wellbutrin and reboxetine.
Leonardo
> I was thinking that if I could figure out why they make you gain weight I could counter act it.
> Is it because they slow your metabolism?
> Do they make you hungrier and you eat more?
> Do they affect the hormones in your body that make you store more fat?
> ANYONE??? I can stand the thought of gaining more weight, that will just make me more upset and I don't think taking AD's would be a good thing for me. I just started taking Celexa a little over a week ago (for anxiety and mild depression) and I think I'm starting to feel better already (i know, it's probably too soon), but if I'm going to gain weight, i won't take it. I have been exhausted all day and waking up at night, but I'm hoping that will pass. I tried Zoloft, and that totally zonked me out. I am always tired to begin with. Thanks for your input!
This is the end of the thread.
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