Do any anti-depressants NOT cause weight gain and is there a way to lose the weight gain from the meds?

Question

I'm switching from Effexor to Cymbalta, but I've gained so much weight from being on Effexor. Is there anyway to shed this?

Answer 1

I don't know; I, most of the time, always gained 10 lbs. the 1st wk. or 2 - when I'd go on Pamelor (a tricylic-type of antidepressant); I quit taking Pamelor lots of times due to gaining weight so fast! One time, yrs. ago a doc had me on Ludimol and Mellaril & i gained 25 lbs in ONE Mo! Talk about depressing! // I read in a book once---title I think was Dr. Atkins --probably Diet Revolution -- that persons who did NOT cheat on that diet & who were taking anti-depressants (tricyclic types I THINK) EITHER COULD NOT LOSE WEIGHT OR EITHER LOST VERY SLOWLY. --and that was the way it was in my case. /// I lost weight fast on the Atkins zero-carb diet; but I drank 64 oz. of water per da. --i think it was. I think that diet can be dangerous--especially if u don't drink enough Water while on it, possibly because u r body might be releasing toxic waste products ----OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT;
& certain vitamins and minerals? -might need to be taken while on the Atkins' Diet. //THERE MAY BE DIFFERENT WAYS OF DOING THE ATKINS DIET.--4 instance-I went on 30 (grams?) of carb's once and another time, 60 gms & I lost weight fairly fast on 30 & on 60 gms. --but I lost weight the fastest when I went on the Zero-carb Atkins Diet. I think I was taking Pamelor the 1st time. My husband tried it but his heart beat too fast; not sure if he drank enough water. The Diet put me up Mentally--little need for sleep; after 1 wk.--you could then have just a little bit of Carb daily & then after 2 wks.- u could have even a little bit More of same --- & U checked your urine with Keto-sticks--which turned Purple--IF No cheating! (best wishes---you probably already knew about All THAT ? / u could have cheese & several good foods & bacon & steak & salads; at 1st All that was GOOD--but soon cheese did not even taste like Cheese to me, etc. etc. ; i always gained the weight back very Fast--upon stopping that Diet. //// I take Zyprexa, with 20 lbs weight gain; been back on it bout 3 yrs. /Haven't gained any more lately & have lost about 4 lbs. (Lost 10 when i stayed off it for 8 mo's! (that was bout 3 yrs ago). I DID NOT LOSE it quickly - but over THE 8- mo. period./// but Zyprexa causes me to sleep far too much; 12 to 18 hrs. daily much of the time & i take less than lots of persons do, it seems; 2.5 mg. daily; I was diagnosed with Bipolar---long ago.

Answer 2

I'm on Effexor have been for a year and am continuing to lose weight steadily. When on these types of meds you need to remain or become active, severely depressed people want to lay down and sleep, lay down and watch TV this of course puts weight on, you may not feel like exercising but a simple brick 1/2 walk will be good for you emotionally and physically, I make sure I walk 3 times a week, I usually go for an hour and I am losing 1 kg a week. Eat healthily and stay away from soft drink and high calorie juices. Water is best!

Answer 3

It's not just the pills, you are eating more and moving less because of depression. Exercise every day, even if it's just a walk. Go on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Eat fish, eggs, chicken, occasional lean beef or pork, low fat cottage cheese. Stay away from regular cheese, no bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, peas, beans (except green beans). No fruit and no fruit juice (it's sugar water, my dr says). Cut down on carrots and tomatoes (included ketchup). Use mustard instead of mayonnaise in recipes. Eat lots of salads, green vegetables. Salads only have one tablespoon of dressing for the whole salad. No ice cream, or other desserts. 8 glasses of water a day. No caffeine

Answer 4

Years ago when I was on Wellbutrin I lost weight with it. So have other people. Not everyone does, but it can have that side effect for a lot of people.

Answer 5

I guarantee the Effexor hasn't caused you to gain weight. Effexor causes ANOREXIA in most people who take it. I would bet your problem isn't clinical depression but a thyroid problem instead.

Answer 6

Snap a photo of yourself once a week to know progress that will also increase your confidence level

Answer 7

Proteins takes more time to digest than carbs so eating protein will make you feel full for longer

Answer 8

milk a cow for 34 minutes