Question:
My doctor has suggested antidepressant medication to help
me cope with the recent death of my mother. I know that some of these medications tend to cause weight gain. I am wondering which ones do not cause weight gain? Thanks for any information. — Hackett (posted on August 27, 2003)
August 27, 2003
Hi Susan, Let me first say that I am very sorry to hear about your loss of
your mom! Something like that can put anyone into depression! I am now 7
mths. post op and have been taking antidepressants for about 2 years now
ever since my hysterectomy. I had tried many diff ones beofre I'd foud the
right one to suit me. Ones I tried before either made me gain weight or had
terrible side effects. But all medications have some type of side effects
you just have to find one that you can deal with that doesn't have too
many! Plus this was all beofre I had my wls done so the side effects for
meds might be diff now afterwards. But, anyway I finalyy found one that
really works for me and that is Lexapro and I reall ydon't notice any side
effects with it! And, it has helped me tremendously so if you are dealing
with any kind of depression, then I suggest you try an antidepressant
suited for you. You just might have to talk it over with your doctor and
see which one might be best for your body and you might have to try a few
diff ones before you can tell or you might get lucky and find the right one
right of the bat! So good luck to you!
— Melodee S.
August 27, 2003
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It is a very difficult time
to lose a loved one. Please do what your doctor has suggested. The
medication will not take away your feelings but lessen the intensity of
them and help you to grieve in a productive manner and not end up severely
depressed. I have been on Celexa for about 4-5 years now and do wonderful
on it and it in no way has caused weight gain not affected my weight loss.
I've been on Wellbutrin in the past with similar weight results - no gain
or loss. I was on Paxil for a short time and Zoloft for about 6 weeks but
they were not working well for me. However, my going off of them had
nothing to do with weight issues.
<p>I think it is Paxil that has a reputation for causing weight gain.
Not sure about Prozac. There are many choices out there and just voice
your concerns to the doctor so that he keeps that in his mind when deciding
what to prescribe. If this is your PCP prescribing the meds then it might
be better to go to a psychiatrist or ask him or her to consult with the
psych as to which meds do not have properties related to weight gain.
Trust me there are plently out there that will help and not sabotage your
weight loss. However, just realize that you mind and body are going
through a lot of stress and sadness right now and that alone can cause you
to plateau or even do some self sabotaging. So if you start to notice any
weight gain contact the doctor first and don't quit the antidepressant. It
does take 4-6 weeks to truly get a feel for if the initial dosage is right,
so hang in there and call the doctor with any questions or concerns you
have.
<p>I'd also like to strongly recommend counseling. It is a great
help after WLS and especially with the added things you are going through.
— zoedogcbr
August 27, 2003
I am sorry for your loss. It is good that you are taking care of yourself.
Sometimes we tend to put ourselves last. Your dr should be able to find out
which ones cause weight gain. If you'd like to look it up yourself, here's
a site that tells you all about prescription drugs, including their common
and less common side effects:
http://www.healthsquare.com/drugmain.htm<p>No matter which one you
end up with, MAKE SURE that it is NOT time-release. It won't be absorbed
and you may think the medication is not working for you when in reality you
are just being underdosed.<p>Best of luck to you!
— ctyst
August 27, 2003
HI,
I have been on and off of prozac as long as it has been out and love it.
Every time I get on it I lose some weight!!
— WendieS
August 27, 2003
Susan,
Allow me to extend my sincere sympathy for your loss. I began taking Celexa
after I lost my father. I took it for about 6 months and was able to stop.
I work in psychiatry so I am real familiar with these meds. Although the
drug rep's that bring us samples sware none of them cause weight gain, some
of our patients have experienced it. I think it will end up being more of
an individual thing since all medications affect us differently. I have
heard complaints about weight gain mostly about Celexa, although I didn't
personally notice it. Prozac is known to decrease the appetite, most people
like it. Wellbutrin is another great drug! It is an anti depressant that
also helps curb cravings. We use it alot for people trying to quit smoking,
drinking etc. As a previous poster suggested you not take a extended
release, you would have to check into it as Wellbutrin only comes in SR
(sustained release)that I am aware. Effexor is good but also only comes in
XR. Many of them are going to long acting formulas so be aware of that. My
thoughts are with you during this time, the first year is the hardest. Take
Care Angel
— Angela T.
August 27, 2003
Angela, Wellburtin comes in regular form also. I took it for 3 years and
never took a sustained release one. The pills are orange colored, not the
purple.
— zoedogcbr
August 27, 2003
Susan, I am also sorry to hear about losing your mother. Just remember -
your AMOS family is here to support here. I wanted to let you know I have
on both Celexa and Wellbutrin. Neither caused me to gain weight, but only
Wellbutrin did anything for me. I truly believe I would've lost my mind or
worse if it hadn't been for the Wellbutrin. Good luck with whatever you
decide.
— sweetmana
August 27, 2003
I am so sorry for your loss. I am bi polar myself and take Lamictal ( it's
weight neutral) I also take Atavant(sp) Lamictal works quick unlike Prozac
and the like where you have to wait six weeks for the effect. It's a small
pill for 25mg that you can swallow whole. The 100mg pills are chewable and
have no flavor. I find that a pill that is bitter, upsets my stomach.
You're in my prayers sweetie.
Annie
— Annie Hightower
August 27, 2003
First I am sorry to hear about your loss. I would like to know whether you
have been depressed before. I have been on antidepressants for most of my
life. I have a chemical imbalance and must do this.
If this is your first experience with depression, I believe a grief
therapist is more important right now. If depression is a way of life for
you, then I suggest a one time visit with a psychiatrist to evaluate what
is best for you. There are as many drugs as there are causes for
depression and it should not be left to amatures to decide for you. Just
my 2 cents.
— faybay
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