SSRI and Weight Gain

[RedMan1972]

Hello all!

When I had a really bad bought with my OCD a few years ago I was put on 50mg of Zoloft. It worked and helped me...but I gained 60 pounds!

I feel it really starting to spike now and wondered if there was some type of medication others was taking that didn't cause them to gain weight. I have just now gotten the weight off and don't want to go back to it.

 

[gracealone]

Hi Redman,
I know... that's a tough side effect to deal with. I gained about 30 on Remeron. I'm off that now and I use Buspar which doesn't have that side effect, at least for me. I wouldn't say it does wonders for me but it does take the edge off the anxiety a bit. Another idea could be to try 5-HTP.
My daughter lost a lot of weight when she switched from Zoloft to Prozac and hasn't gained it back. I don't know if that's typical for most people but it sure worked for her.
Best thing is to bring all this up with your Dr. and see what they recommend.
Blessings,
Mitzi

Hello all!

When I had a really bad bought with my OCD a few years ago I was put on 50mg of Zoloft. It worked and helped me...but I gained 60 pounds!

I feel it really starting to spike now and wondered if there was some type of medication others was taking that didn't cause them to gain weight. I have just now gotten the weight off and don't want to go back to it.

 

[RedMan1972]

I am actually trying 5-htp right now. Only my 3rd day though. Hopefully it will work. Was just getting my next line of defense ready just in case. You know how OCD is....

That gives me comfort that maybe not all SSRIs will gain weight. Did your daughter gain weight on Zoloft as well?

 

[gracealone]

Good! Sounds like you're on the right track.
Yes, my daughter gained about 25 pounds on Zoloft, she's very petite. It all came off when she switched to Prozac. The other thing I think is encouraging about prozac is that I believe it's easier to stop than the others. The discontinuation syndrome doesn't seem to be as big a deal as it is with a lot of the other SSRI's. If I get into another bad flare I'll probably give it a try too. I had a lot of really intense paradoxical anxiety when I was put on Zoloft and Paxil. In retrospect I probably just needed to start on a baby dosage and increase very gradually. My Buspar had the same effect on me at first but not as intense. I had to back way down on the dose and increase in incremental steps. That worked beautifully so it encourages me that If I ever need to maybe I can to do the same thing with Prozac.
For now, exercise and ERP are two of the main tools I use to treat my OCD.
Praying for you,
Mitzi

I am actually trying 5-htp right now. Only my 3rd day though. Hopefully it will work. Was just getting my next line of defense ready just in case. You know how OCD is....

That gives me comfort that maybe not all SSRIs will gain weight. Did your daughter gain weight on Zoloft as well?

 

[Dogperson]

Weight gain is common with most of them I think, except I've heard that Prozac doesn't affect your weight so much. I've also heard that about Wellbutrin but it isn't an SSRI. I take 20mg Paxil. Last year I had to go up to 40mg & gained 15 pounds in 6 months, which is not good because I am really small-boned so I got a little potbelly even though I was still within a normal weight range for my height. I went down to 20mg & lost 11 pounds. I've found that for me it seems to have more to do with lack of energy than the drug itself. I just don't get in as many steps in a day, do as much housework, etc. So I have a treadmill & stationary bicycle & try to do several miles a day. I can't afford to go to a gym & don't want to. I am not the type to get dressed & pack up stuff to go to a gym. I like exercising at my own house in private without using equipment others have sweated on because that is so icky to me! As long as I exercise about 45 minutes a day & watch what I eat, I can stay about the same weight. I also have 2 dogs that need walking several times a day. So you might be able to go back on an SSRI & just try to add a little more activity to your day if you have time & don't have any physical problems that would prevent exercise. Some people find that going on a more vegetarian type diet works when on an SSRI, cutting back a lot on meats & dairy. If you're an outdoorsy person you might prefer biking or walking on a trail somewhere. I would discuss with your doctor which meds might be best for this problem. Good luck!

 

[gracealone]

Ditto's - Great Advice!
Mitzi

Weight gain is common with most of them I think, except I've heard that Prozac doesn't affect your weight so much. I've also heard that about Wellbutrin but it isn't an SSRI. I take 20mg Paxil. Last year I had to go up to 40mg & gained 15 pounds in 6 months, which is not good because I am really small-boned so I got a little potbelly even though I was still within a normal weight range for my height. I went down to 20mg & lost 11 pounds. I've found that for me it seems to have more to do with lack of energy than the drug itself. I just don't get in as many steps in a day, do as much housework, etc. So I have a treadmill & stationary bicycle & try to do several miles a day. I can't afford to go to a gym & don't want to. I am not the type to get dressed & pack up stuff to go to a gym. I like exercising at my own house in private without using equipment others have sweated on because that is so icky to me! As long as I exercise about 45 minutes a day & watch what I eat, I can stay about the same weight. I also have 2 dogs that need walking several times a day. So you might be able to go back on an SSRI & just try to add a little more activity to your day if you have time & don't have any physical problems that would prevent exercise. Some people find that going on a more vegetarian type diet works when on an SSRI, cutting back a lot on meats & dairy. If you're an outdoorsy person you might prefer biking or walking on a trail somewhere. I would discuss with your doctor which meds might be best for this problem. Good luck!

 

[seymourfaith]

What exactly is 5-HTP and who can take it? I've heard of this before but I'm currently on Prozac. I'd like some extra help however...!

 

[RobertZ]

Hello all!

When I had a really bad bought with my OCD a few years ago I was put on 50mg of Zoloft. It worked and helped me...but I gained 60 pounds!

I feel it really starting to spike now and wondered if there was some type of medication others was taking that didn't cause them to gain weight. I have just now gotten the weight off and don't want to go back to it.

PM me, I can help you with the weight issue if your willing to give up certain foods.

 

[RuthD]

What exactly is 5-HTP and who can take it? I've heard of this before but I'm currently on Prozac. I'd like some extra help however...!

Before taking any otc alternatives we should always consult our doctor. There can be bad effects from some of the alternatives too and they should not be mixed with certain meds either. I just want you to stay safe.