I've been talking Lithium & Lamictal for over a year and neither affected my weight. A few months ago I started taking Depakote and it has caused me to gain about 15-20 pounds. My eating habits haven't changed at all since I started taking it but I still continue to gain weight. I know that's one of the side effects but I was curious why that is.
2007-06-22 02:42:05 · 12 answers · asked by Bonzilla!! 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
This drug affects metabolism and slows it down along with many other side effects I am sure. I have a friend who has the same problem and bless her she eats next to nothing and excercises her heart out to no avail. She has come to the conclusion that she will try to reduce her dose until she stops taking it completely because she is more depressed being slightly overweight than she was before she started on it.
2007-06-22 02:48:22 · answer #1 · answered by Yoga Wifey 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hello, I am not a DR however I have been on many different depression drugs over the years.As they fail,I change then lose the 30 to 40 extra pounds. My theory is medications just for the most part mess with our who system.I to gain weight even though I eat less. Remeber when you felt well,I hope at some point you had. That bowls etc weren't a concern now all those side effects just mess with the good ole body rythums. Hope this helps
David
2007-06-22 02:56:09 · answer #2 · answered by curtisdaviddean 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know either....it must be something in the drug that affects your body. Because I was on Paxil for 3 months and gained 25 pounds and I wasn't over weight and did not change my eating habits! I know~it sucks! I just, cold turkey, stopped taking it....no, that's not good, but the weight thing freaked me out more than the mood thing! Good luck!
2007-06-22 02:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by noodle 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well some antidepressants do make people to gain weight it's normal but some people don't gain weight...like birth control...some people gain weight on that pill and some people don't.....it's can be from stress.....your not use to the antidepressant.....I would just go back to the Lithium & Lamictal.....but if it did something to you then I wouldn't....sorry that I don't have that much info...but I will in a few years when I graduate from medical school...good luck...
2007-06-22 04:45:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had taken so many medications that there so many side effects that would happen.Lithium, If you take that for long time your kidneys will turn to stone sooner or later.
People who take this any of these drugs mention can experience a variety of side effects, some of which may or may not require immediate medical attention. Especially dangerous side effects include vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, or dark urine. These suggest a possibility of liver damage. People taking this any drugs should also call their doctor if they experience other serious side effects. Some serious side effects are unusual bleeding (especially in the urine), hallucinations, and extreme drowsiness.
2007-06-22 03:11:30 · answer #5 · answered by gundame81 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the medication slows down the metabolism. I have gained weight while taking antidepressants, too. I never had a weight problem before, so I know it's gotta be the medication.
2007-06-22 03:09:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
They tend to increase the appetite and people on those medications tend to be less active.
You might think your eating habits haven't changed, but you're probably eating more.
My wife is a Dietitian with a psychiatric hospital.
2007-06-22 02:53:13 · answer #7 · answered by majnun99 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's a good question...check into the ingredients found in your meds...i wonder if it has sugars added or carbs or something... seriously. You know that these are temp mood shifters as well. You may be on to something
2007-06-22 02:46:03 · answer #8 · answered by twhite 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These drugs cause you to gain weight because they increase your appetite and suppress your metabolism.
2007-06-22 02:45:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
cuz U don't need any of it, your brain can stabilize it self and if possible stop taking all those pills and try replace it by make your self very busy with other chores around the house or your job every day.
p.s stop thinking negative thoughts
2007-06-22 02:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by ktown 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋