![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jefff on November 11, 2002, at 22:53:34
Is there an actual physiological or medical reason that actually CAUSES people to gain weight on SSRI's, or is it just that people get fat for other reasons and they just blame the drugs?
If it is indeed the SSRI's that cause the weight gain than does that mean that the higher the dose you take the more weight you will gain? For example, if you were on 20mg Paxil and then it was increased to 40mg would you then start gaining more weight?
very curious and thanks,
Jeff
Posted by rainbowlight on November 11, 2002, at 23:43:04
In reply to WHY the weight gain w/ SSRI's???, posted by Jefff on November 11, 2002, at 22:53:34
My weight gain is definately med related. I was doing fine weight wise on my meds, then added Zoloft. I have since gained 20 pounds plus and can't get rid of it despite rigourous exercise. It's very frustrating. As far as dose comes into play, I am curious about that too. Hopefully someone will post that knows.
Posted by Mats on November 12, 2002, at 1:31:29
In reply to WHY the weight gain w/ SSRI's???, posted by Jefff on November 11, 2002, at 22:53:34
Read somthing about higher estrogen levels in individuals taking SSRI meds. Higher estrogen levels will couse to different degrees more water to retain in the body, and that could leed to dramatic wheight gains. Higer estrogen levels will also supress testosteron levels, witch can leed to sexual dysfunctions and hairloss.
Posted by jflange on November 12, 2002, at 17:22:22
In reply to Re: WHY the weight gain w/ SSRI's???, posted by Mats on November 12, 2002, at 1:31:29
Among the various reasons for SSRI weight-gain one sees mentioned and debated are a slowing of the metabolism and carbohydrate cravings. For those of us who have gained weight on meds without a change in diet/exercise routine, these explanations seem a bit paltry. The most convincing explanation I have found is that since serotonin plays a role in the metabolization of blood glucose, manipulating available serotonin in the body has an effect on insulin and the body's fat storage. The short answer is that nobody knows definitively!
However, the side-effect does not necessarily fluctuate by dose. Even those on low doses of SSRIs have experienced weight gain. But the good news is that you are unlikely to have more weight gain if you increase the dose on the same drug.
Would love to hear what others have found in their research on this topic!
jflange
Posted by Mats on November 13, 2002, at 4:35:22
In reply to WHY the weight gain w/ SSRI's???, posted by Jefff on November 11, 2002, at 22:53:34
Do weight gain and carbohydrate cravings do hand in hand?
Im on 125mg Zoloft for about 6 months, no carbo craving and no weight gain. By the way, no sideeffect at all. Going for 150mg next month.
Posted by djmmm on November 14, 2002, at 7:54:36
In reply to Re: nobody knows !, posted by jflange on November 12, 2002, at 17:22:22
I have read a few studies that suggest weight gain is NOT a pharmacological effect of antidepressants, but a result of recovery from depression.
also, SSRIs have a varying effect on the histamine system, the anti-histaminergic actions of SSRIs is also one theory (since anti-histamines stimulate hunger)
Posted by mat on November 14, 2002, at 10:49:03
In reply to WHY the weight gain w/ SSRI's???, posted by Jefff on November 11, 2002, at 22:53:34
hi!
i actually lost about 20 kilos while on paroxetine, despite the craving for carbohydrates i experienced while taking this med. i think the reason was that it simply increased my energy-level.
take care
mat
Posted by Ritch on November 14, 2002, at 11:51:16
In reply to Re: nobody knows !, posted by djmmm on November 14, 2002, at 7:54:36
> I have read a few studies that suggest weight gain is NOT a pharmacological effect of antidepressants, but a result of recovery from depression.
>
> also, SSRIs have a varying effect on the histamine system, the anti-histaminergic actions of SSRIs is also one theory (since anti-histamines stimulate hunger)That sounds pretty reasonable. I also wonder if SSRI's can cause weight gain due to generally *reduced* anxiety (given that you eat and exercise the same). Being really edgy and nervous makes me very hyperkinetic-that's got to burn some calories.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.