Posted by Jocor on June 27, 2001, at 14:16:25
In reply to JOCOR - ADs and Weight Gain, posted by Cam W. on June 27, 2001, at 12:05:25
> Jocor - I hope that you don't mind me asking you a question or two. Being a dietician, and having experience with weight-inducing antidepressants, could you tell me if your weight gain was of a delay-onset nature (ie. if it took 4 or 5 months to really manifest itself). I see this delayed weight gain with Paxil especially. I figure that it is the delay that caused researchers involved in clinical trials to miss this side effect (clinical trials last only 6 to 8 weeks, usually).
>
> Also, would following a strict (but healthy) diet and regular vigorous workouts keep this weight off? In other words, do you think that the weight gain caused by antidepressants is mainly due to carbohydrate craving or due to binding of the AD to secondary receptors (eg. histamine, muscarinic, 5-HT3), or is the weight gain an inexorably linked part of all of these mechanisms?
>
> Thanks for your insight - Cam
Hello Cam:From my experience, both personal and professional (in a Mental Health setting) I find that the weight gain is caused mostly by the insatiable carbohydrate craving. The craving is so strong that you almost obsess about food.
I also believe that with "healthy" eating (i.e. modest portion sizes and limited "junk" foods) and regular exercise, you could prevent the weight loss.
I personally have a very hard time refraining from eating high carb foods and especially sweets. I recently started working out 3x/week (mostly cardio) but have been unable to curb my evening appetite. Hence my weight remains stable but high.
Some people, however, are not affected with weight gain (few). Lucky them.
Jocor
poster:Jocor
thread:68088
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68107.html