Depression and Weight IssuesHave you been diagnosed with depression, are possibly on depression medication, and find it affects your weight loss efforts? Post here for support!
I have been on antidepressents since 1993. I have tried to get off, but to no avail. I have just accepted the fact that I need them. The problem is that antidepressents are known for causing weight gain. When I started them, I was at my lowest weight ever. Then after I started, my weight began to increase slowly and I couldn't seem to get it under control. Finally, I just gave up and now I am 120 lbs overweight. I am about to start a 100% liquid diet program through my local hospital that has helped many people that I know lose significant amounts of weight. However, I am very worried that my medicines will prohibit any significant weight loss. Is there anyone out there who is experiencing anything similar? If there is, I'd love to hear from you!
Have you talked to your doctor about trying different meds? I was on many different antidepressants to regulate my sleep problems from fibromyalgia from 1991-2003. The first one that I took, trazadone, added 40 pounds. BUT I put the extra food in my mouth and had stopped doing a lot of the exercise I previously did. I lost 60 pounds while taking serzone or its generic, in 2001 and have kept the weight off. Serzone is no longer on the market, but there are so many new drugs out there, you and your doctor should be able to find one with minimal weight impact. You CAN lose on antidepressants, but it's harder to lose if you are depressed or in pain.
Yes - I've talked to my doctor and we've been working on this for awhile. The issue now is not solely the meds, but more the fact that I eat anything I want whenever I want. THAT"S why I weigh what I do. However, I find it interesting that about a year ago, she upped the dose on my meds and I gained 20 lbs. I have no way of knowing if the meds were the issue, but I had been pretty stable at my old weight for awhile, so who knows. I am really motivated to make this work. Thanks for your support!
Talk to your doctor about the possibility of switching you to Wellbutrin (forgot what the SR Or XL's are called). It's the ONLY AD that won't cause weight gain. There are people are able to lose weight while they're on it and many say it helps them to not overeat or control their food intake, but at the worst - you won't be gaining weight. I was assured that it's the only AD you can't gain weight from by Dr Stephen Hymsfeld, who is one the most well known obesity experts in the country.
Thanks for the recommendation! I have tried that one before and unfortunately it didn't work for me. I am just going to keep my fingers crossed that my liquid diet will help me lose! What a bummer if it won't. I just can't think about that one. Take care!
Good luck on your liquid diet. I did that way back when: pre-divorce, pre-anti-depressants, etc. etc. It was well regulated medically, and I felt great. Unfortunately, I didn't keep up with all the necessary re-feeding monitoring and behavior modification... so yeah, I regained it. But action is always better than inaction. Best wishes to you.
Antidepressents Anyone?
