I am currently on Zoloft, started the beginning of May (had been on it for years, and needed to go back on it). Since I started it I've lost only 5.4. It's been less steady. I am wondering if anyone has noticed this with Antidepressents? And if so, what are you on that isn't hindering loss, or what were you on that slowed the loss? I hope this makes sense! Thanks!!!
Oh and I forgot to add, I am seeing my doc tomorrow afternoon, which is why I am asking.
i wish i could help....i am seeing a therapist who wants to put me on antidepressants and antianxiety meds... i told her i am terrified they will make me gain weight....i think one she had mentioned that wasn't supposed to cause weight gain was zoloft but not 100% sure...but if you are saying that slows losing that scares me too...i don't want one that hinders weight loss either....so discouraging to work out and diet and not lose cuz of a pill..that would make me even more depressed
i'm pretty sure the worst one that makes you blow up and gain is Paxil
i would be interested in seeing what they put you on...if you don't mind sharing please post after you go to the doctors...i'm very scared to go on medicine cuz i have heard from alot of people almost all antidepressants cause weight gain, even if dr's say that they don't
good luck, hope you find one that works for you...and please post..maybe it wd work for me too
Last edited by bellastarr; 06-14-2011 at 06:12 PM.
Zoloft works very well for me and I did not notice a huge weight gain when I used it. I did notice loss of sex drive and a hazy feeling. Both are better than uncontrollable depression. I have worked very hard to not go back on medication. I use counseling, whole food diet, alternative medicine, good friends, goals, and exercise to keep myself balanced and have been off medication for 3 years. Don't let a doctor push you into medication but, don't be stubborn and not take it if you need it. I think weight should not be a concern at this point. I will add that when you are cycling in and out of depression it is almost impossible to make healthy choices. If you are depressed it will be hard to properly address the weight issues.
I have battled depression most of my adult life. I have been on many of the antidepressants trying to find the one that worked - paxil, zoloft, prozac, welbutrin and finally one that worked great Effexor XR. The problem I gain weight everytime I need to go on it. The last time I needed it I gained 20lbs in 4 months. I'm working to get that weight back off right now, so I can start losing new weight. It's different for everybody though. My daughter (the same genes as me) has been on Effexor for over a year and has only gained 10 lbs. that she desperately needed.
Hang in there and keep working with your doctor. Feeling better and lifting the depression has always been more important to me. As you probably already know depression can cause weight gain too. So I'd rather just take the medicine and feel better.
I hope you and your doc can work out the perfect solution for you.
I deal with the mental health field a good portion of my day and I deal with mental illness myself (just so you don't think I'm preaching without an experience with MI).
I think it's important to know that antidepressants work differently for different people. If you're concerned about weight gain, tell your doctor. If you're seeing a primary care physician for depression, ask if there is a doctor or a nurse practitioner in the same building that deals with med management that knows more about mental health and medications. If there isn't, try finding a psychiatrist or a med management doctor who can help you out. They know the most about the mental health field and medication management for those with mental illness(es). If you find someone you're comfortable talking to, then that makes a world of difference. If you can say "I am afraid to gain weight or to slow my progress with weight loss" to your primary care physician and he or she listens, perfect, go from there.
I hope you all find the peace you are seeking and are still able to progress with weight loss!
Thank you. For me I use it more for Anxiety, which is why Zoloft was given to me, since it works well for Generalized Anxiety Disorder... I am also on Xanax as needed, but haven't needed it too much as of late. I think I am out actually.
I have a psych degree, so I am familiar with some meds, but I wasn't sure if anyone had real life experience.
The one thing I do hate about Zoloft is the sexual side effects! I mean, shoot, I've lost 30 lbs and my libido is back, only to have a pill kill it. Not fun!
I will be asking my (awesome) PCP about the meds, as well as getting some names for a new therapist (mine retired, I think), and maybe a nutritionist. Might as well, get a bunch of names, so when I need them, I have them (for one co-pay)!
Mines kind of a catch 22, part of my depression IS my weight so i did ALOT of research to find which antidepressants did not cause gain. I'm now on Wellbutrin and Cymbalta and they work great together I do have a loss of sex drive but it's better than the heavy depression i was feeling with the loss of my dad.
Oh, i would KILL to lose 5.4 since May!! I can't lose that in 3 months !!
I have been on Zoloft for a few months due to the severity of my OCD and have noticed I'm not losing like I was before taking it. 6 days ago I decided to go off of my medication because I have found that by doing Yoga and using breathing techniques, my OCD is somewhat under control. I'm going to see how I do these next couple months and if I seem to get worse, I'll go back on the Zoloft.
Definately talk to your doctor and see what he/she thinks. There may be another medication that won't stall your weightloss efforts.
I'm a therapist and although many doctors say that you don't gain weight on Zoloft, I believe that depends on the individual. What I see with clients and what I have experienced myself tell me different. I have gained 15 lb. since starting Zoloft up again last year. I work out 5 days a week and watch my food intake but cannot lose weight. I hate my anxiety and OCD but I cannot continue like this. I am discontinuing!
I just wanted to chime in on a little point- some people think the medication itself causes the weight gain, and that's not the case. Sometimes the meds cause us to think differently about food- crave it, get bored so eat more, etc. So, part of the solution would be to change your mindset so that you're not standing in front of the fridge all day: go out and do stuff- workout, get a hobby, spend time with friends/family; or if you're out and spend money on food take only cash for the non-food things you need, or leave the money at home. You just have to be conscientious of what you're/not putting in your mouth, and not just mindlessly eating.
This is a talk I had with my own therapist.. and I am also on an anti-d + mood stabilizer. I personally find my depression causes me to eat more than my anti-d does.
I went to my Doc last week (sorry I didn't update sooner), and she told me that Zoloft is "weight neutral" and is the best fit for me. Since I have panic issues as well, Zoloft really is the best fit. So I am staying the course for now. If things really slow down, then we'll try something else. Thank you for all the insights!!!
Thank you for starting this topic. I actually went to the doctor yesterday for anxiety/OCD. She put me in Paxil 10 mg and Trazadone to help me sleep at night. My BIGGEST fear is that the Paxil will make me gain weight. I am so close to losing 20 lbs. and I cannot/will not gain it back. I did some research on the Trazadone and I will NOT be taking that medicine. The side effects I read about are nothing I want.
Please reply if you have any information regarding the medicine I have been put on, I would really appreciate it.
Antidepressents & weight loss?
Thanks!!!
