I've been on anti-depressants for around 9 years, and about 4 months ago, I decided I wanted off of them. I gained 30 lbs right off the bat from them...been on all kinds through the years, but, Lexapro helped the most without the side affects except weight gain. I've been off 4 months, lost 25lbs, but, have I lost the weight because I've quit the pills, or because I started watching my weight and taking diet pills and shots from the doctor. Alot of people think now that I'm off, and have emotions, just can feel more, that I should get back on the anti-depressants...some people think I should, some not, they say, I have a right to cry, be happy, sad, mad, and when I was on the drug, I always was calm, cool and collect, even through death. Yes, I've made an appointment with the dr. to see if I should get back on them...but, he swears that they don't make you gain weight..can someone please tell me, if they really do, and I have tried them and all have made me gain.
2007-01-28 06:02:06 · 17 answers · asked by Confused 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Some anti-depressants do in fact make you gain weight. I have been on anti-depressents for eight years now. I found that Effexor really dulled my emotions...I wan't able to feel anything. About six months ago I switched to Welbutrin. After the initial adjustment period, I found that I really do like Welbutrin better.
Anyway, many anti-depressents have it stated right in the written information, (sometimes the fineprint,) that either weight loss or weight gain can be expected, (usually within 20lbs.)
When people first get depressed, they tend to either lose or gain weight on their own. So when they start a med, and It works, they may gain back those 20lbs they lost from being depressed in the first place.
Some other medications that aren't strictly anti-depressents, such as Lithium, can make you gain a lot of weight. I've seen several people on this medication do so.
It's awesome that you've been able to get off meds. Good luck!
2007-01-28 06:21:09 · answer #1 · answered by invisablechicchick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
May be you should check your diet.
And don't listen to what other people say, you should decide for yourself if you need anti-depressants again. Also better if you get a mental re-evaluation by your doctor.
I know that numbing feeling we get when on anti-depressants. I really don't know how it happens but I think it has something to do with the drugs affecting the chemical balance of the brain.
And some philosophical advice- Life isn't all about how you look.
2007-01-28 06:25:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also gained weight with Lexapro and prozac before that. I'm now on Wellbutrin XL and it has curbed my appetite and I've lost several pounds plus it works great for the depression part.
Good luck - I know it is a battle.
2007-01-28 06:11:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stand up and walk atleast 5 mins after evry 2 hours while working
2015-12-11 22:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat 5 6 small meals a day instead of 3
2016-01-26 16:18:24 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do 45 minutes cardio workouts a few times a week
2016-03-13 21:33:51 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
opt for self checkout wait in line for 7 minutes ring yourself up for another 10 bag your own grub and load up the car
2016-03-29 03:39:51 · answer #7 · answered by Kermit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
15 minute minimum walk after each meal
2016-04-10 02:07:49 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your self before eat
2015-12-29 21:50:00 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when i went off my meds, i gained weight.
2007-01-28 06:11:31 · answer #10 · answered by momoftrl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋