Comments on: The Correlation Between Antidepressants And Weight Gain http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/ We're bringing chubby back. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:02:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: L http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-57387 L Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:42:21 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-57387 hahaha. So true. I gained a hundred twenty pounds (from 160 to 280) over the five years I took antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro in about equal turns). Last spring, I finally stopped taking them. Without changing my eating or exercise, I haven't gained any weight in the year since. hahaha. So true. I gained a hundred twenty pounds (from 160 to 280) over the five years I took antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro in about equal turns). Last spring, I finally stopped taking them. Without changing my eating or exercise, I haven’t gained any weight in the year since.

]]> By: caitlin http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-49382 caitlin Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:13:43 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-49382 I have taken antidepressants (most of the time) for about nine years now, which I credit for my sanity and general ability to keep it together. I had a major depressive episode when I was 18 and went on Paxil. When the Paxil kicked in, it was like and nigh and day between my depressed self and better self. I still take Paxil because of major anxiety problems. I tried going off of it for a while, to some serious problems. I also have gained a lot of weight over the years, to the tune of about a hundred pounds. I also take anti-convulsant medications, as I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder a few years ago. I know also contributes to my weight gain. However, I'd rather be fat and otherwise healthy than be an anxious, seizing wreck. It's funny that I ran across this today because yesterday I had the worst experience ever with a doctor. I had to switch general physicians because of insurance reasons and met with this doctor for the first time to get a referral. That's all I needed. I had my vitals taken and noticed that I gained about 15 pounds, to my dismay I must admit. The FIRST thing this new doctor said to me was that I weighed too much and should have gastric bypass surgery and that my antidepressants could not account for my "excess weight." I'm getting a new doctor, one that won't make such horrible snap judgments. I have taken antidepressants (most of the time) for about nine years now, which I credit for my sanity and general ability to keep it together. I had a major depressive episode when I was 18 and went on Paxil. When the Paxil kicked in, it was like and nigh and day between my depressed self and better self. I still take Paxil because of major anxiety problems. I tried going off of it for a while, to some serious problems. I also have gained a lot of weight over the years, to the tune of about a hundred pounds. I also take anti-convulsant medications, as I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder a few years ago. I know also contributes to my weight gain. However, I’d rather be fat and otherwise healthy than be an anxious, seizing wreck.

It’s funny that I ran across this today because yesterday I had the worst experience ever with a doctor. I had to switch general physicians because of insurance reasons and met with this doctor for the first time to get a referral. That’s all I needed. I had my vitals taken and noticed that I gained about 15 pounds, to my dismay I must admit. The FIRST thing this new doctor said to me was that I weighed too much and should have gastric bypass surgery and that my antidepressants could not account for my “excess weight.” I’m getting a new doctor, one that won’t make such horrible snap judgments.

]]> By: Helena http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-47867 Helena Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:08:05 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-47867 It's the first time I am making a comment on this blog and I want to say that it is really good and have been helping me a lot. So congrats for what you're doing!! (I'm portuguese, so sorry for some mistakes in my english) About the post: I'm a psychologist and like other people said before " I get really upset when people try to say that you can always get better just by changing your lifestyle", etc, etc. That is not true, mental illness usually have an organic cause, that's why you will need medication. And therapy it's very important too, the meds act like a support for therapy. About the medication, i think it really depends on your doctor. I suffer from general anxiety and I have been taking anti-depressants for some years. My psychiatrist always keeps in mind that I'm fat when he perscribe my meds. He says that if I already have a problem (mental illnes) I shouldn't have to concern with another, like gaining weight. I know, he's great! I never gained weight with my meds. For example, a very popular anti-depressant, Prozac, even makes some people to loose weigth. Because it was a small dose, when I was taking it I didn't loose weight, but I didn't gain neither. Right now I'm taking other meds, paroxetin and xanax and I didn't gain any weight. So I really thinks it depends on your doctor in choosing the right meds for you. Not all meds are bad for you and they can help you a lot. But no, I don't think that obesity can be a mental illness. I think, sometimes, it can partially cause some others, but not for itself alone. It’s the first time I am making a comment on this blog and I want to say that it is really good and have been helping me a lot. So congrats for what you’re doing!! (I’m portuguese, so sorry for some mistakes in my english)
About the post:
I’m a psychologist and like other people said before ” I get really upset when people try to say that you can always get better just by changing your lifestyle”, etc, etc. That is not true, mental illness usually have an organic cause, that’s why you will need medication. And therapy it’s very important too, the meds act like a support for therapy. About the medication, i think it really depends on your doctor. I suffer from general anxiety and I have been taking anti-depressants for some years.
My psychiatrist always keeps in mind that I’m fat when he perscribe my meds. He says that if I already have a problem (mental illnes) I shouldn’t have to concern with another, like gaining weight. I know, he’s great! I never gained weight with my meds. For example, a very popular anti-depressant, Prozac, even makes some people to loose weigth. Because it was a small dose, when I was taking it I didn’t loose weight, but I didn’t gain neither.
Right now I’m taking other meds, paroxetin and xanax and I didn’t gain any weight.
So I really thinks it depends on your doctor in choosing the right meds for you. Not all meds are bad for you and they can help you a lot.
But no, I don’t think that obesity can be a mental illness. I think, sometimes, it can partially cause some others, but not for itself alone.

]]> By: Bronwyn http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-47661 Bronwyn Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:03:54 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-47661 I have to say I'm with Madison on this, I get really upset when people try to say that you can always get better just by changing your lifestyle; for every doctor that is over-prescribing anti-depressants or other drugs, there's another doctor telling you "Just work out and get some sunshine and you'll be all better." I get that no one is perfect, even a doctor, but I wish there was more effort on everyone's part to emphasize that those things *can* help, but you shouldn't get the idea that they absolutely will. It causes so many problems, from people who start to work out obsessively to try and feel good, or people who flat out refuse drugs that could really help them because they think they don't need them- because someone gave them the hope that if they just do everything else right they'll get better. I have to say I’m with Madison on this, I get really upset when people try to say that you can always get better just by changing your lifestyle; for every doctor that is over-prescribing anti-depressants or other drugs, there’s another doctor telling you “Just work out and get some sunshine and you’ll be all better.” I get that no one is perfect, even a doctor, but I wish there was more effort on everyone’s part to emphasize that those things *can* help, but you shouldn’t get the idea that they absolutely will. It causes so many problems, from people who start to work out obsessively to try and feel good, or people who flat out refuse drugs that could really help them because they think they don’t need them- because someone gave them the hope that if they just do everything else right they’ll get better.

]]> By: All Women Stalker http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-47207 All Women Stalker Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:03:58 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-47207 I actually lost weight when I was put on antidepressants. O.o I actually lost weight when I was put on antidepressants. O.o

]]> By: Bliss Harmony http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-47167 Bliss Harmony Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:02:20 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-47167 I totally know what medication for depression can do.....especially when a person runs out. It made my mom gain weight and it made her sleepy when it was mixed with her other medicine that the doctor prescribed. Sometimes i think doctors should be more careful what they prescribe. My mom just got an anti inflammatory for her foot but it says on the warning paper not to mix it with anti depressants or blood thinners, which she both takes. But yeah, according to psychologists I should get put on an anti anxiety pill. yeah i know the anxiety is triggering my clausterphobia, which made me drop out of college early and almost drop out of high school but i deal with it. And those moments when you get like really pent up with emotions, mine is usually anger since i like never get mad, everyone gets those right? Now I'm rambling..... my bad!!! ^_^ I totally know what medication for depression can do…..especially when a person runs out. It made my mom gain weight and it made her sleepy when it was mixed with her other medicine that the doctor prescribed. Sometimes i think doctors should be more careful what they prescribe. My mom just got an anti inflammatory for her foot but it says on the warning paper not to mix it with anti depressants or blood thinners, which she both takes. But yeah, according to psychologists I should get put on an anti anxiety pill. yeah i know the anxiety is triggering my clausterphobia, which made me drop out of college early and almost drop out of high school but i deal with it. And those moments when you get like really pent up with emotions, mine is usually anger since i like never get mad, everyone gets those right? Now I’m rambling….. my bad!!! ^_^

]]> By: miss kitten http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-46978 miss kitten Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:48:09 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-46978 i had a doctor (past tense) who really wanted me to be on antidepressants. she pushed them HEAVILY. problem was, the depression i was feeling was within normal limits...i was having a difficult divorce (made difficult by the courts, not my ex, a year later they STILL dont have the custody stuff finished), my son doesnt live with me, and i'm no longer near my adult daughter. reasonable that i'm blue over that. then i was diagnosed with diabetes. and bitched at for gaining weight...and then was told 'oh yeah, this med can cause weight gain'. now i have a wonderful endocrinologist, who looks up side effects before perscribing them...and i've gained 40 pounds total. nearly 30 of those pounds were in a 6 week period. so he starts talking lap band surgery. um, NO. HELL no. dont bring it up again, i'm not doing it no. yay for modern medicine. (cause i'm on a lot of it. and i'm allergic to the newer forms of insulin. yay.) i had a doctor (past tense) who really wanted me to be on antidepressants. she pushed them HEAVILY. problem was, the depression i was feeling was within normal limits…i was having a difficult divorce (made difficult by the courts, not my ex, a year later they STILL dont have the custody stuff finished), my son doesnt live with me, and i’m no longer near my adult daughter. reasonable that i’m blue over that.

then i was diagnosed with diabetes. and bitched at for gaining weight…and then was told ‘oh yeah, this med can cause weight gain’. now i have a wonderful endocrinologist, who looks up side effects before perscribing them…and i’ve gained 40 pounds total. nearly 30 of those pounds were in a 6 week period.

so he starts talking lap band surgery. um, NO. HELL no. dont bring it up again, i’m not doing it no.

yay for modern medicine. (cause i’m on a lot of it. and i’m allergic to the newer forms of insulin. yay.)

]]> By: Sybil http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-46957 Sybil Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:18:08 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-46957 Ya... Lithium... 2 weeks; 2 dress sizes. Ya… Lithium… 2 weeks; 2 dress sizes.

]]> By: Alyssa http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-46905 Alyssa Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:30:08 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-46905 Since I went on Zoloft I've put on 20 pounds that won't go away. This is just like the whole "birth control doesn't make you gain weight" crap. Drug companies need to 'fess up about side effects. I mean, come on, in all those heinous drug ads, they go on and on about the possibility of dry mouth, constipation, growing a second head and, oh yeah, DEATH, but they can't mention weight gain?!?!?! And I agree with Kath; it's definitely worth finding the one that's right for you. Since I went on Zoloft I’ve put on 20 pounds that won’t go away. This is just like the whole “birth control doesn’t make you gain weight” crap. Drug companies need to ‘fess up about side effects. I mean, come on, in all those heinous drug ads, they go on and on about the possibility of dry mouth, constipation, growing a second head and, oh yeah, DEATH, but they can’t mention weight gain?!?!?!

And I agree with Kath; it’s definitely worth finding the one that’s right for you.

]]> By: Kath http://www.bfdblog.com/2010/01/25/the-correlation-between-antidepressants-and-weight-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-46827 Kath Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:42:48 +0000 http://www.bfdblog.com/?p=2182#comment-46827 I tried about 5 anti-depressants before I found the one that works. And all of those 5 made me gain weight on top of my already fat body. I knew I had found the right one when I a) felt like me again and b) wasn't affected with weight gain by it. My advice to all when it comes to anti-depressants is that it's really worthwhile working through the crappy ones until you find the one that is right for you. Each of us react to them differently, so it takes a bit of dialing (which is pretty bloody yuck) in to get the one that works, but when it does... it's sooooo worth it. I tried about 5 anti-depressants before I found the one that works. And all of those 5 made me gain weight on top of my already fat body. I knew I had found the right one when I a) felt like me again and b) wasn’t affected with weight gain by it.

My advice to all when it comes to anti-depressants is that it’s really worthwhile working through the crappy ones until you find the one that is right for you. Each of us react to them differently, so it takes a bit of dialing (which is pretty bloody yuck) in to get the one that works, but when it does… it’s sooooo worth it.

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