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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
Has this drug shut down my metabolism?
I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
Thank you! I am completely frustrated with this and my dr. can't give me an answer.
Posted by vainamoinen on February 10, 2006, at 18:50:03
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
I'm pretty sure that Wellbutrin is contraindicated in patients with bulimia. Not sure exactly why, maybe increased risk of seizure?
Maybe that doesn't apply if you aren't a practicing bulimic.
It is stimulating and the one drug most likely to make you actually lose weight rather than gain.
Wellbutrin never did much for me though. I need the SSRI's. Of course your mileage may vary.
But whatever you do stay away from Remeron, that stuff will make you crave carbs like nothing else.
Posted by TylerJ on February 10, 2006, at 20:59:43
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
There are many different theories, one that I think may be true is that they have a negative effect on metabolism. Wellbutrin is not supposed to cause weight gain. Also, are you exercising-this will help a lot. Good Luck!
TylerJ
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on February 11, 2006, at 0:43:11
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
A few questions come to mind:
Are you currently working with a treatment team for your ED? Are medical professionals concerned abt your weight gain? I don't mean that to sound condescending, but have you been underweight and now that you are getting healthier you are becoming closer to your ideal weight? I know that this can be an extremely difficult part of recovery. Having a trusted health professional to help you figure out what is healthy weight gain and what is unhealthy can be helpful.
If you work w/ a nutritionist s/he can help you figure out if you are eating the right mix of things, etc. I know that sometimes what seems like it should be healthy may in reality be problematic. S/he can either give you tips, or confirm that you are gaining weight unreasonably from the med.
Have you been on an SSRI before? Did you have probs w/ weight gain? I ask b/c I know that some people do better on one SSRI or another. Go figure.
Of course, it does make sense to weigh the costs and the benefits of taking a med. Whether or not you have depression as a complicating factor to your ED may make a difference.
I'm sorry that you are experiencing this complication. :( I hope that it resolves itself soon!
Best,
EE
Posted by yxibow on February 11, 2006, at 7:18:19
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
> My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
> Has this drug shut down my metabolism?Sometimes weight gain from medication will occur from patients who are overly or more likely underweight. That is a fair schedule of workout, it sounds almost close to my attempt to removal of Remeron weight from my system. Are you male or female -- it makes a difference sometimes in excercise and apparently the amount that one has to exert to lose a pound of fat. But generally the base is 3500 calories/lb. I excercise faithfully (my aching feet love my Brookstone iSqueez... they should make those mandatory in gyms....but I divert) around 75 minutes of cardio daily for 11,500 calories a week give or take. It can take a lot -- do you run on a steady grade or do you raise the treadmill ? Or walk at a high grade ? Also an average calorie sheet per day would help alot, what foods you're eating, and adding them up. You start to lose weight when you go below what is known as your maintenance weight, or the calories required to sustain your body weight, give or take. Food plans are just as important as counting calories in the gym. Eating below the maintenance weight + the weight loss in the gym should be no more than 1-2 (I tend to do 2-3) lbs a week to maintain a healthy system. It takes time to put it on and it will take time to put it off.
> I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
Considering Wellbutrin's distant relation to Tenuate, a weight loss drug, I dont see a causality for weight gain -- if anything it should be a slight weight neutral to weight loss medication. It can cause annoying insomnia though.
> Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
The first part -- when your habits become healthier, as you learn to deal with your disorder, those are the psychological parts of treatment and are independent of medication. Does the weight come off -- its hard to say.. with Remeron, I can tell you, no.
With SSRIs, I've heard various anecdotal reports that the pounds drop off. I think its a little bit of both if you average medications overall -- some overeating caused by increased appetite, but a lot of metabolism change especially in antipsychotics like Zyprexa.
Posted by newstart on February 11, 2006, at 8:34:13
In reply to Re: Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI » newstart, posted by yxibow on February 11, 2006, at 7:18:19
Thank you everybody so much for your great responses. Such great, helpful people on this site.
I do believe the SSRI slowed down my metabolism...I am working out like crazy and even running on a 9% incline on the treadmill!
I might have more of a carb craving lately too.
I actually feel better since stopping the Prozac. Am taking a couple of weeks and trying Omega 3 supplements, then will start on the Wellbutrin.
Although I've had bulimia the past year, I was never underweight. I was 5'7 and 134 lbs...Normal but now I am over 150 lbs! Very frustrating. So thank you all again. I have to believe my gut feeling is right and my metabolism has been very slowed down by the drug and hopefully this will reverse itself.
My best to all of you.-Lisa
Posted by Sabrina_0805 on February 11, 2006, at 10:22:05
In reply to Re: Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 11, 2006, at 8:34:13
I gained rapid and consistent weight on Effexor, Topomax, Lamictal and Zoloft without changing eating habits.
It has been almost a year that I have refused to take meds at all and the weight will not budge.
Even though I try and accept myself as I am and though I really try not to indulge in negative thinking, I often feel bitter about my body. I didn't eat my way to my current size. I work out 5 days a week, to no avail. I wonder if my metabolism will ever correct itself.Sabrina
Posted by Racer on February 11, 2006, at 12:29:56
In reply to Re: Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 11, 2006, at 8:34:13
Wellbutrin shouldn't even be a consideration in someone with a history of bulimia. The risk is pretty high, for seizure, even if you're not actively purging.
A better solution would be to try another SSRI and add Topomax. Topomax is being used both to counter weight gain from SSRIs, and as a drug to reduce purging behavior. Both of which could be helpful in your situation.
Good luck.
Posted by Phillipa on February 11, 2006, at 19:23:00
In reply to Wellbutrin is contraindicated for bulimia » newstart, posted by Racer on February 11, 2006, at 12:29:56
For some reason I've never gained wt from an SSRI weird huh? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on February 11, 2006, at 20:26:17
In reply to Wellbutrin is contraindicated for bulimia » newstart, posted by Racer on February 11, 2006, at 12:29:56
> Wellbutrin shouldn't even be a consideration in someone with a history of bulimia. The risk is pretty high, for seizure, even if you're not actively purging.
Today we have Wellbutrin SR and now XR.. the risk for seizure is way down. It always was in the 1 in a thousand range anyway. SR and XR are much more controlled and the risk is far, far, less. But a prudent doctor would prescribe a very low dose of clonazepam or diazepam along with the Wellbutrin to prevent seizures (this was my experience with the medication). Even 900mgs of Neurontin along with it might be enough. The only real problem today is more the insomnia aspect for some, on Wellbutrin. But this I'm saying is for people who don't have seizure disorders. If you do, do consult your doctor on such a drug.
Posted by MoparFan91 on February 12, 2006, at 0:10:38
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
Try Fish Oil, up to 4g 3xday. That should recover metabolism again as it should get your liver working right. The SSRI's affect your liver, and that can kill the metabolism, in a select few people.
> My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
> Has this drug shut down my metabolism?
> I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
> Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
> Thank you! I am completely frustrated with this and my dr. can't give me an answer.
Posted by Kneeko on February 12, 2006, at 1:00:49
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
> My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
> Has this drug shut down my metabolism?
> I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
> Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
> Thank you! I am completely frustrated with this and my dr. can't give me an answer.Whats your diet like? Alot of people say that the drugs are putting the wieght on them, and many times they are right. It seems though that the medications only amplify the mistakes people are already making.
Starving yourself actually slows your metabolism, and makes it harder to burn fat. But alot of people here say they wish they had a drug that would "make them forget about food" what that does is make all the food that you do eat immediately do get stored as fat. Start eating 5 meals a day with adequate protein intake(.8 grams per lb). You dont need to be doing wieghts 7 days a week either. Start doing 4-5 days at most and cardio 6 days a week at most. Also make sure you are eating clean carbs. Refined products, candies, starchy products etc are a no no and until you take all the steps, you cant keep saying its the drugs. This is not to preach as the same experience has been had personally until taking this steps.If the SSRI is working, do not quit over something like wieght gain. Its far too important to have your mental health, especially when there are steps you can take to improve your appearence and health while still on medication.
Posted by joslynn on February 12, 2006, at 21:13:54
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
I hope you don't mind my saying this, but 5'7" and 134 may actually less than normal? I am not sure what that weight looks like on someone 5'7", as I am not lucky enough to be that tall, but you could probably carry a few more pounds than that and still look fine with that height, depending on your frame. Could you be gaining muscle, which weighs more? I wouldn't just go by weight...what about dress size, inch measurements, etc.
Regarding antideps...I am on Remeron, and like someone else here said, you'll definitely want to stay off of that. A remeron/combo works well for me, so I am dealing the fact that I am 7-10 lbs more than before and slowly it seems to be coming off, but it wouldn't be a wise choice if you have body image issues, eating disorder, etc. (Not that you are on it now, just putting it out there as something to avoid for the future.)
Posted by leah12 on March 22, 2006, at 13:26:33
In reply to Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by newstart on February 10, 2006, at 18:03:24
> My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
> Has this drug shut down my metabolism?
> I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
> Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
> Thank you! I am completely frustrated with this and my dr. can't give me an answer.Help!! I am having the same problem with Prozak. I used to be anorexic and now I am gaining weight day after day and I am starting to go crazy because of the weight gain. I have read all of the posts and I agree that I crave carbs, but I am not eating any more than I used to, although I have started to become extremely tired all the time. Has anyone found anything that helps??
Posted by mgm on March 26, 2006, at 19:41:23
In reply to Re: Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI » newstart, posted by leah12 on March 22, 2006, at 13:26:33
Hi
I have the same problem with celexa. I have been on the drug for 7 years. While it has been working well for me the only side effects I have are steady weight gain ( about 6 pounds a year) and chronic bursitis in both hips.
My eating habits have not changed and diet and exercise seem to have little effect. Iwould love yo hear from some one that has had some success losing weight while on a SSRI.
Three days ago I started taking high dose fish oil and CLA supplements. This is supposed to regulate leptin and help with weight loss. I'll post at the end of the first week.
MGM
> > My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
> > Has this drug shut down my metabolism?
> > I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
> > Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
> > Thank you! I am completely frustrated with this and my dr. can't give me an answer.
>
> Help!! I am having the same problem with Prozak. I used to be anorexic and now I am gaining weight day after day and I am starting to go crazy because of the weight gain. I have read all of the posts and I agree that I crave carbs, but I am not eating any more than I used to, although I have started to become extremely tired all the time. Has anyone found anything that helps??
>
>
Posted by leah12 on March 27, 2006, at 11:47:08
In reply to Re: Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by mgm on March 26, 2006, at 19:41:23
>Hello MGM,
Thank you for your reply. I finally go ahold of my doctor and she is starting me on Topamax? OR something like that, I don't have the prescrip right here. I'll let you know in a week also how it goes. I have also started taking 600mcg of Chromium Picilate??? IT is has helped me with my engery level. I haven't taken a nap in 4 days. Trust me that is a major step! Please let me know what is or is not working for you!
Your understanding friend,
Leah12
Hi
>
> I have the same problem with celexa. I have been on the drug for 7 years. While it has been working well for me the only side effects I have are steady weight gain ( about 6 pounds a year) and chronic bursitis in both hips.
>
> My eating habits have not changed and diet and exercise seem to have little effect. Iwould love yo hear from some one that has had some success losing weight while on a SSRI.
>
> Three days ago I started taking high dose fish oil and CLA supplements. This is supposed to regulate leptin and help with weight loss. I'll post at the end of the first week.
>
> MGM
>
>
> > > My dr. put me on Prozac over 3 months ago to help my recovery from bulimia. I must say my appetite is less and I rarely binge now but I have gained 20 pounds!! 15 of these pounds have come on in the past 3 weeks. I am eating less than before I was on the drug and am working out 7 days a week....50 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
> > > Has this drug shut down my metabolism?
> > > I am worried and going to stop taking it. My dr. suggested Wellbutrin. Will I gain on that too?
> > > Does anybody know why these drugs cause weight gain when your habits become healthier -- does the weight come off after the drug leaves your system?
> > > Thank you! I am completely frustrated with this and my dr. can't give me an answer.
> >
> > Help!! I am having the same problem with Prozak. I used to be anorexic and now I am gaining weight day after day and I am starting to go crazy because of the weight gain. I have read all of the posts and I agree that I crave carbs, but I am not eating any more than I used to, although I have started to become extremely tired all the time. Has anyone found anything that helps??
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by CareBear04 on March 27, 2006, at 13:25:57
In reply to Re: Please help! Keep gaining weight from SSRI, posted by leah12 on March 27, 2006, at 11:47:08
I totally understand and sympathize with this situation! I've been on dozens of drugs and have never gained substantial weight on any of them. I've tried Prozac at 20mg before, and didn't have problems. Then, my dr upped the dose to 40, then to 60mg, and all of a sudden, I've put on all this weight. I don't know if I'm eating more or if my metabolism has just slowed. The other possible culprit is Keppra. No one seems to know much about that. WHile I'm starting to feel less depressed, my self-esteem is plummeting from all this weight gain. I don't even want to bring it up to my dr because that'll make me self-conscious.
Please keep posting!
CB
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