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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 35. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by laura on March 25, 1999, at 19:31:46
Has anyone lost the weight gained from prozac? I was on it for 1 year nd gained 25 pounds. My doctor perscribed Celexa, but I can't bring myself to start taking it--too scared of more weight gain. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Cindy on March 25, 1999, at 20:07:36
In reply to prozac weight gain, posted by laura on March 25, 1999, at 19:31:46
> Has anyone lost the weight gained from prozac? I was on it for 1 year nd gained 25 pounds. My doctor perscribed Celexa, but I can't bring myself to start taking it--too scared of more weight gain. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Laura, I have been on prozac and now on celexa and remeron for depression. I have gained approx. 40lbs. since I have been on medication. It can be very depressing I know to have the extra weight but as for me my depression is much worse. I keep hoping by taking the medication maybe I will feel better and can start exercising. I hope the same for you. I know society plays a big role in how we should look or how we should act. We just have to keep reminding ourselves it is what is on the inside of a person that counts. Good luck in losing the weight but don't neglect your mental status.
Cindy
Posted by Elizabeth on March 28, 1999, at 5:20:01
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by Cindy on March 25, 1999, at 20:07:36
I didn't gain weight when I was taking Prozac (I took it for three years). I didn't even regain the weight I had lost while depressed.
Nardil was a different story; I went from being 15 lbs underweight to 55 lbs overweight. I'd never had weight problems before in my life (this is the only med that's ever made me gain significnt amounts of weight), so I didn't even notice what was happening until I just couldn't fit into my pants anymore.
After that fiasco was over, I didn't try to make drastic lifestyle changes like exercising vigorously and eating only sugar-free, fat-free foods. Rather, I moderated. I ate chicken and turkey sandwiches instead of hamburgers, fruit instead of ice cream, and so on. I looked for low-fat foods that I liked, and I kept a list of them. I started walking places instead of taking public transit. Now I'm back to my "ideal" weight. Maybe it would have taken less time (this took me about a year) if I'd gone on a hard core diet and fitness kick, but I think that this way, I'm less likely to gain it back. And perhaps more importantly, I didn't stress about it, I just took my time and eventually I prevailed.
Anyway, my point is, you don't have to go on some kind of rigorous diet and exercise regimen to lose weight. Good luck with it, eh?
Posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 6:41:07
In reply to prozac weight gain, posted by laura on March 25, 1999, at 19:31:46
I gained about 8 pounds on Prozac after being on it for a couple years. I lost weight at first. Both of these are fairly common effects of the drug (and SSRIs in general). 25 pounds is uncommon, but not unheard of.
You'll *probably* lose weight at first on the Celexa; you may lose much of what you gained on the Prozac. But probably you'll gain some of it back after taking it for a while. (But different people react differently to these drugs, so one can't say for sure.)
Effexor causes less weight gain in some than do the SSRIs; you may want to give it a look. I'd stay away from Remeron and most tricyclics if you're concerned about weight gain. (For Cindy: probably much of your weight gain is due to the Remeron--it causes less weight gain at higher doses; this may be something to think about.)
Best,
Matt
Posted by harry on March 28, 1999, at 13:27:42
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 6:41:07
25 pound weight gain isn't uncommon at all.
in fact, this is likely the average gain in general.
apparently people gain 1-40% or so of their body weight..with approx 10-20% likely, with SSRI's in general.
Posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 18:06:55
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by harry on March 28, 1999, at 13:27:42
> 25 pound weight gain isn't uncommon at all.
> in fact, this is likely the average gain in general.
> apparently people gain 1-40% or so of their body weight..with approx 10-20% likely, with SSRI's in general.Harry,
Where are these stats from? I find this most interesting. We've gone from thinking of these as diet drugs to thinking that they cause all sorts of weight gain. (Though I've not seen anything that indicates that 25 pounds (given a normal body weight) is a "common" weight gain on SSRIs.)
Matt
Posted by laura on March 29, 1999, at 21:57:14
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 18:06:55
> > 25 pound weight gain isn't uncommon at all.
> > in fact, this is likely the average gain in general.
> > apparently people gain 1-40% or so of their body weight..with approx 10-20% likely, with SSRI's in general.
>
> Harry,
>
> Where are these stats from? I find this most interesting. We've gone from thinking of these as diet drugs to thinking that they cause all sorts of weight gain. (Though I've not seen anything that indicates that 25 pounds (given a normal body weight) is a "common" weight gain on SSRIs.)
>
> MattThank for the feedback guys-- I've seen many complaints on the web concerning SSRI's and significant weight gain. My physician said that some do experience weight loss, however 1 in 12 will experience weight gain. He also said it could have been alot worse--some people gain more than I did! If you do a search on prozac AND weight on any of the major search engines you'll find patients and doctors alike talking about SSRI's and weight gain. The worse part about it is there's many people that still believe you can't possibly gain weight from medication and it's a "cop out" by overeating, lazy pigs. For the first time in my life, I see the weight discrimation that goes on in our society. I have been guilty of it myself. It's no better than bigotry or sexism. I'm almost glad I got on the web and started talking about weight, it's changed my attitude completely.
Posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 11:47:24
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain, posted by laura on March 29, 1999, at 21:57:14
Matt, i agree with laura, although i think 1 in 12 ia WAY understated.
there are postings and articles regarding this all over the internet. you said you "haven't seen" it. what is your population sample? is it only yourself?
here is a reference:
http://www.thriveonline.com/health/experts/psychdoc/psychdoc.05-21-98.html
Posted by Matt on March 31, 1999, at 16:47:17
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 11:47:24
Harry,
I've heard of lots of people gaining weight on SSRIs. That wasn't what surprised me about what you said. Normally people will lose weight at first and then gain weight over the long term. What surprised me and what I wanted to hear more about was the amount of weight gain you were claiming was typicial--it was far higher than anything I had seen. (And my sample is larger than myself.)
Matt
Posted by Matt on March 31, 1999, at 16:57:54
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 11:47:24
I looked at the page you noted; the stat there isn't that people gain 1-40% of their body weight, but that anywhere between 1-40% of people gain 7% or more of their body weight. (This wouldn't make 25 pounds of weight gain for a woman "not uncommon.")
Matt
Posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:08:54
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by Matt on March 31, 1999, at 16:57:54
unsure what to say matt.
i know what i have seen and heard reported.
i know that by simply looking at even the posts here in "Psycho-Babble" you will see weight gains of the type i described quite frequently.
in fact, i've read likely 100 postings in various forums by people complaining of this side effect...and what you describe is exteremly rare
in the posts.
u can easily check this out right here.
what turns up quite frequently in these forums are weight gains of approx 20-40 pounds.
anyway..
take care.
Posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:17:09
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:08:54
in fact (man, i'm getting into this)
right here, in this "prozac-weight gain" topic, here's a liitle survey:
laura-25 lbs
cindy-40lbs
elizabeth (when on nardil)-60lbs
matt-8 lbs
harry-i gained 20-25lbs at the highest then worked really hard to lose it..began creeping up AGAIN..so recently finished withdrawing from the meds yesterday
My apologies to anyone for using the weight figures without express permission..makes for an interesting statistic though. An yes Matt, i am aware this is an uncontrolled sample..it may simply be that people who POST in these forums have the greater weight gain..nevertheless...ure is the only one..at least right here..with ure figure.
Posted by laura on March 31, 1999, at 18:55:02
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by Matt on March 31, 1999, at 16:57:54
> I looked at the page you noted; the stat there isn't that people gain 1-40% of their body weight, but that anywhere between 1-40% of people gain 7% or more of their body weight. (This wouldn't make 25 pounds of weight gain for a woman "not uncommon.")
>
> MattMatt--
The stat said 7% or MORE? My guess is that Harry,myself and the rest mentioned in Harry's response would be the ,unfortunate, MORE in that statement. I was 145 pounds, which is reasonable, since I'm 5'10". 25 pounds (171 lbs--completely unreasonable for me--even at 6'10") represents a 17% of my bodyweight--yes, I definetly fall in to the MORE..and even more catogory!! I CAN'T TAKE ANY MORE!!
Posted by Matt on April 1, 1999, at 1:34:45
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 11:47:24
No doubt SSRI weight gain is more than what you read in say, PDR; the anecdotal evidence is compelling, as well (though the MAOI doesn't count :) ). Hopefully someone will come out with good numbers on this sometime. (Though I'm not holding my breath; most of the drug companies certainly would never fund such a study....)
Matt
Posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 2:54:48
In reply to prozac weight gain, posted by laura on March 25, 1999, at 19:31:46
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Weight-gain-on-medication.html
This problem has taken awhile to recognize with the medical profession since these meds were described as causing weight LOSS. The weight gain seems to take longer to appear. It isn't even mentioned in the PDR as a side efect of many of these meds.
Since it IS being accepted, research is being undertaken to fight it. Certain antidepressants...Wellbutrin for ex, have a sig decreased percentage of patients with this side effect. Ane even ADDING wellbutrin to present regimen, when appropriate, may help with this.
It's already used to combat decreased libido with patients on SSRI meds.
Additionally, an aniticonvulsive med, Topomax, has been shown to sig decrease weight when given along with certain meds. Depakote is the one sited.
All meds have side effects. In fact, if they worked "perfectly"..there really wouldn't be a great deal of inspiration to self evaluate, seek psychological assistance, or even enjoy the interaction we have here.
Posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:36:00
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 2:54:48
> Additionally, an aniticonvulsive med, Topomax, has been shown to sig decrease weight when given along with certain meds. Depakote is the one sited.
would you know what meds it would work with?
Posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:40:59
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info, posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:36:00
> > Additionally, an aniticonvulsive med, Topomax, has been shown to sig decrease weight when given along with certain meds. Depakote is the one sited.
>
> would you know what meds it would work with?duh... i'm an idiot
Posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by v on April 1, 1999, at 6:40:59
v...not an idiot at all...always a great sign to express interest.
this is all very new...topamate isn't approved for this usage yet....the shrinks are still experimenting with it with their patients.
i've seen it discussed in patients with weight gain from depakote, remeron, zyprexa, lithium,
neurontin. it may be added to their current regimen..or "substituted" for a mood stabilizer that they are already on. has side effects all its own (dizziness, paresthesias, worsening of depression when its main med used, and "topo fog"(feeling stupid in the head)...when used at high dosesheres another site with some scientific info re" weight gain and SSRI's:
http://www.cme-reviews.com/PP198_Richelson.htmland another site with "patient feedback":
http://www.lexmall.com/HEALTH/HBOARD/messages/375.html
Posted by pat on April 1, 1999, at 13:46:31
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by harry on March 31, 1999, at 18:17:09
I have been taking paxil for 5 years and
have gained 50 lbs. I am misserable.
But I need this medication. I would like
to stop the medication, but know I can't.
Posted by Matt on April 1, 1999, at 22:16:57
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
Harry,
I found that site on the biology of weight gain really interesting--it sheds light on the effects of Remeron, among other things.
Thanks
Matt
Posted by v on April 2, 1999, at 5:00:19
In reply to Re: prozac weight gain-more info OOPS!, posted by harry on April 1, 1999, at 11:29:49
thank you for replying and the links... CME article was interesting, actually the whole CME review site looks good... i couldn't access the lexall article though
i'm seeing a new doc today for an evaluation... there's been so much going on for me lately... as i had said in an earlier post, i've been trying to get myself to reach out here for awhile... leave it to my favorite topic - WEIGHT - to drive me to it... sigh
it's another day - don't know if that's good or bad... perhaps neither... just another day... blech
thanks again
v
Posted by harry on April 2, 1999, at 8:37:25
In reply to thank you harry, posted by v on April 2, 1999, at 5:00:19
You're welcome v.
Unsure why you were unable to access the lexmail site.
Although, when i reread many of the postings there, they really weren't that great..so..you really didn't miss anything.I can't empahsize this enough..regarding what i thik as a "way out"....LEARNING TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY.
Regarldess of WHY we act certain ways,it's our ACTIONS that determine our experience if life. Illness, trauma, past issues affect the way we think and feel ..it's the ACTIONS that get us in trouble.
AND..and this is the cherry on the cake..that way..FINALLY..we really get to be in charge.
We are anyway, even if we hate it..may as well make the best of it.
THIS..is what being an ADULT means.
I spent some 13 years..in complete "psychotic depression". No "cycling". I was possesed by the devil, etc. It was an experience terrible beyond my previous ability to even imagine.
Today, i think pretty straight, am recently off psych meds, have plans and dreams and excitement and interest in LIFE and everything in it.
Its HARD....but..so what?!
Hard work at what we think is right is ESSENTIAL to self-esteem.
Listening to people who have "been there" is great.
And then..WE have to take the steps.We haven't been "singled out" as the target of a celestial joke.(i ENJOYED thinking that way).
EVERYONE who has ever lived has had to make these decisions...EVERYONE.
Posted by mo on April 14, 1999, at 17:24:36
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by pat on April 1, 1999, at 13:46:31
> I have been on and off prozac for about 8 years.
The weight gain has been yo-yoing up and down 40 pounds.
what can i do? Self esteem is out the window in this "dying to be thin' culture.
I spent most of my life as a thin girl and woman...then with weight gain i became invisible.
Off meds? What should I do?
My depression is only under control with meds and therapy.
Any ideas would be appreciated!Mo
Posted by mary on April 15, 1999, at 20:26:06
In reply to Re: SSRI- weight gain, posted by mo on April 14, 1999, at 17:24:36
Oh, how I hear you loud and clear.!!! Unfortunately, I have no words of wisdom or even hope. I am there and probably always will be. You are not alone!!! I know this doesn't change anything but you are not being singled out. We're all in the same position. Not much consolation. Maybe someday there will be an answer. Hopefully in our lifetime. take care. Mary
> > I have been on and off prozac for about 8 years.
> The weight gain has been yo-yoing up and down 40 pounds.
> what can i do? Self esteem is out the window in this "dying to be thin' culture.
> I spent most of my life as a thin girl and woman...then with weight gain i became invisible.
> Off meds? What should I do?
> My depression is only under control with meds and therapy.
> Any ideas would be appreciated!
>
> Mo
Posted by katie on April 25, 1999, at 19:52:28
In reply to Re: thank you harry, posted by harry on April 2, 1999, at 8:37:25
>
> I can't empahsize this enough..regarding what i thik as a "way out"....LEARNING TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY.
> Regarldess of WHY we act certain ways,it's our ACTIONS that determine our experience if life. Illness, trauma, past issues affect the way we think and feel ..it's the ACTIONS that get us in trouble.
> AND..and this is the cherry on the cake..that way..FINALLY..we really get to be in charge.
> We are anyway, even if we hate it..may as well make the best of it.
> THIS..is what being an ADULT means.
> I spent some 13 years..in complete "psychotic depression". No "cycling". I was possesed by the devil, etc. It was an experience terrible beyond my previous ability to even imagine.
> Today, i think pretty straight, am recently off psych meds, have plans and dreams and excitement and interest in LIFE and everything in it.
> Its HARD....but..so what?!
> Hard work at what we think is right is ESSENTIAL to self-esteem.
> Listening to people who have "been there" is great.
> And then..WE have to take the steps.
>
> We haven't been "singled out" as the target of a celestial joke.(i ENJOYED thinking that way).
> EVERYONE who has ever lived has had to make these decisions...EVERYONE.
>
***********************************************
> And I thought I was the only April Fool baby
who believed the former...Have you ever thought about compiling these into a book?
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