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prozac and weight gain

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Posted 5/17/2007 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to the boards. I was on Prozac 10 mg every day for about 6 months, and  then up to 20 mg every day. WIthin two months, I had gained about 10-12 lbs. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a 10% weight gain!

I have stopped the Prozac (with Dr's OK) but wondering how fast I could expect to LOSE THE WEIGHT? I understand Prozac has a long half life.............5-9 wks.

This is very upsetting, because as I was gaining weight my physician (and others) kept assuring me that, NO, it couldn't be the Prozac.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

EM

Posted 5/18/2007 4:14 PM (GMT 0)

HI Unhappy, Welcome to HW, we are happy to have you join us here.  It is very true that any and most antidepressants do make us gain weight.  For some reason most Primary Care Physicians are not clued into this as yet.  If your prescribed the medication by a Psychiatrist then most of them are aware of the chemical back ground of the med and will tell you up front.  But really there is no way to know if someone is going to gain or lose on these meds...it just depends on our own body chemicals and how we each react to them.  Sucks huh?

So, it seems you have done your homework and know what the half-life of the med is and know how long it is going to take to get out of your system.  Which is normally how long it takes to fully get into your system when you start it.  So figuring all that there really isnt any way to say for sure how long it will take for you to be able to lose the weight.  Some can drop it pretty fast but for most it takes a while...be patient with yourself and your body while you adjust back.

Let us know how it goes.  Take care

Posted 5/18/2007 4:24 PM (GMT 0)

Hi els...Thanks for taking the time to answer. I read the other postings, and realize that weight loss can fluctuate. .....I will just hang in there and eat healthy and continue to exercise.

The frustrating part is I stopped the Prozac about 10 days ago and I have actually GAINED a little weight. I could see being at a plateau, but gaining???? I suppose it is just my body's metobolism being out of wack.

Again, thanks for the answers.

EM

Posted 5/18/2007 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder if this is why they say people with an eating disorder or a history of eating disorder should not take these anti-depressants, because the weight gain could trigger their ED again...
Posted 5/24/2007 7:04 PM (GMT 0)
While on Prozac, I gained 25 lbs within 4 months and had no idea why. I had not changed my eating habits or exercise routine. The weight gain was seemingly overnight. Doctors who deny weight gain on anti-depressants are ignoring the countless people who have experienced it first hand. My doctor acknowledged it, but only after I came to him and he saw on my record that I had gained 25 lbs.

Since then I have tried 3 other anti-depressants to minimize the weight gain, all with no results or other side effects that affected me. This included cutting calories, increased workouts.

Finally I'm coming off Cymbalta to see if I can go back to my normal weight. I'm journaling my experiences if anyone is interested. I'm monitoring the withdrawal symptoms and hopefully weight loss, though I know it may take 6 months or more.

 

Posted 5/24/2007 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
From what I understand, these meds can alter your metabolism. I know

I too gained weight inexplicably....no change in eating habits, and still exercising regularly. I suppose everyone's metabolism, age, make-up would affect their weight loss results. It IS frustrating!!! It's good to know we are not alone ....good luck.

EM

 

Posted 6/23/2007 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on 40mg of Prozac for 6 years, in the last 4 years I have gained 50+ lbs with no change in eating and being active. I have had tests for hypothyroidism and they were negative. I have been very frustrated over this weight gain since I never had any issues with my weight before. I am going to ask my doctor about stopping the Prozac ASAP to see if that makes any differece because I am at my wit's end over what could be causing this weight gain.
Posted 6/23/2007 7:09 AM (GMT 0)

Hi There and Welcome to HealingWell! yeah

A lot of people seem to experience weight gain with Prozac but can't put their finger on why other than that they started taking Prozac. Have you tried increasing your exercise to counterbalance it? I do know people who have done this successfully and although the weight loss is small, is it gradual and consistent week by week.

Darren

Posted 7/10/2007 9:08 PM (GMT 0)

onya26 said...
I would just like to suggest taking zoloft if you are scared of weight gain. I have been on this for 6 months and havent gained a pound. But i am going to switch to prozac and was just reading this so now the thought scares me


onya26

I am happy to finally hear that someone actually lost weight or maintain ther weight on Zoloft! I got my script filled just today and i have been terrified of taking anything for my anxiety/OCD since most are also anti-depressants and 90% of them seem to cause significant weight gain in the ppl taking them. So, being an already roly-poly 170lbs and having fought to get to that after having 2 kids, divorcing and stress eating to 215lbs; I am so scared to take anything that will make me gain weight. I was suggested Effexor and laughed at him when I read side effects and withdrawls, then Paxil gave me the spins as I was carrying my 2 yr old up the stairs and almost fell; and now several years later and I was given Zoloft. I have yet to begin the prescription, since I research every medication first. I began with good results, reading about side effects of weight loss on some sites, while other sites claim weight gain. And these are medical sites! So where is the real story? Is anyone as frustrated as me? Or do I simply put my depression causing weight in my dr's hands and hope we can work together on finding somethings else if I begin to gain weight?

If anyone has any experiences and has researched Zoloft, of know of any links for more info on it, I would SO greatly appreciate it!

Posted 7/10/2007 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
BTW I was suggested Prozac too, and after surfing about it...again conflicting info on whether not u gain from it.
Posted 8/1/2007 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
I was on a 20mg daily dose of Prozac for over 5 years. I gained weight at the rate of close to a pound a month over that period....overall probably 50+ pounds. I am active and eat healthy but can't seem to lose an ounce. A month ago my shrink had me start diminishing the amount I take for 2 weeks till I was off Prozac. He recommended that I try taking Sam-e instead. 200mg twice daily. So far so good. My weight seemed to have stabalized and it will be interesting to see if it starts coming off as the months progress. Today was the first day I've read this site and its comments. Really nice to get the experiences of others when it comes to health and medicines.
Posted 8/1/2007 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
So, you were told about Sam-E? I've head about it, but the only herbal aides for depp/anx that I've heard about is St. John's Wort. What is it that you have and how is the Sam-E helping you? I can get it here, but was wondering how it affected ppl and whether it's worth the try. Then again, it's always better than screwing up your system permanantly, right?

I definately don't want to gain any more weight, I'm still fighting (kind of...) to lose the weight from my 2nd child. Keep binging once in awhile though, and am SO not motivated to exercise. In any case, I'm am deathly afraid of getting on something that makes my system unable to lose weight once off the medication. I was on paxil about 7 years ago, for about a year, but soon after that I went to a 1200 calorie(lowest ur supposed 2 go) eating plan, and lifted light weights to keep arms toned, did some squats, and lots of tummy work, and I got from 210lbs to 130lbs in 18 months. It was HARD at first, but 210lbs on a 5'4" frame is NOT very good. Kinda like a butterball turkey that walks...not pretty. But after #2, most of it came back and I'm down to 170lbs from 210lbs. KINDA trying for the past year, just need to get my eating habits under control, and eat properly 90% of the time. Everything in moderation, right?

My doctor wants me to try an antidepp/antianx med to try and curb my anx and OCD with one med, but the effects seem to make it totally insane to take! I mean, if I was dealing with suicidal tendancies, or PPD, or an extremely difficult death to deal with, then yeah, I'd take them. But for these things that I have? I don't think it's worth it!!

SO!! (yes, I ramble) what has the Sam-E done for you? And if anyone else is reading, is anyone out there taking anything else herbal to help with depp/anx or OCD even?? I'd love to know. The alternative is scary. 

Posted 8/2/2007 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Think it's too early to tell what the Sam-e Mood Plus is doing. I like the idea that it is all natural vs chemicals...........my shrink suggested the Nature Made brand because they have a consistent Sam-e product and that is important.....Nature Made says the product is clinically proven to help detox the liver, help ones joints and will improve mood naturally by providing a balance of neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin....Like I said in my first post I am hoping getting off the Prozac will lead to weight loss. I was initially put on the Prozac by a VA doc to help my PTSD. They tried me on a bunch of antidepressants to no avail because I have such a drug intolerance problem. Finally the Prozac at 20mg worked. It gave me the break I needed so I could be involved with therapy and group for a number of years. That was the good news.....the bad, the 50+ pounds of extra weight I had to lug around.
Posted 11/4/2008 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so depressed!  I was put on Neurontin and Prozac the first week of October (after I tried to harm myself), and I have gained about 15 pounds and I'm not dealing with it well. I gained the weight 'over-night' it seems.  I've really noticed it in the last week.  I'm so bummed.  I have a temp job that I have to go to tomorrow and I don't fit into any of my skirts!  All of the weight is in my midsection.  I cannot be gaining weight...I needed to gain some weight as I was down to 107 but I'm now at 122...I was wearing size 2...4's were too big, now I don't even fit comfortably in size 6! As if that's not bad enough, I haven't had a full-time job for two years...and really haven't had any temp jobs either, I don't have any money, I certainly can't afford to buy any clothes let alone my prescriptions.  I'm not refilling the Prozac....

Has anyone had this happend with Neurontin?  I don't find it listed in the side effects, only in the Prozac side effects.  Oh help.  Will the weight leave as fast as it came if I stop taking the Prozac?

mad

 Edit:  I changed one word in your post to comply with our rules. Thanks for understanding.

Kitt

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 11/4/2008 2:39:12 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/4/2008 9:37 PM (GMT 0)

Hello SammysGrammy,

Welcome to HealingWell.  Neurontin can cause weight gain as I had a good friend on it that gained 15 lbs very quickly.

I think if you have a questions about switching meds you would be wise to talk to your physician.

AS far as clothes do you have any "2nd Time Round" or stores similiar that sells used clothes cheap.  Of course there is Good Will and if you really search you may find som real bargains.  Your size is not one most women wear so you could get verylucky.

Gain welcome to our world.

Kitt


Posted 1/27/2009 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
i took prozac for ~9 months. (january 08- september 08) around july of 08 i was bumped up to 60mg of prozac and gained about 20lbs in 2 months! *** mate!? it is now almost feb... i've lost about 5-6lbs MAYBE... but i haven't really been super active or watching my diet as i should. i too am obsessed with getting this weight off, and i should probably be back on the meds, but i refuse... not after the weight gain. i have always been pretty slim, but i weigh as much as when i had my daughter now! ridiculous. eyes
Posted 1/28/2009 12:34 AM (GMT 0)

unhappy,

To the best of my knowledge The "wash out period" for is usually 5-6 weeks.

I know how you feel as I am on Cymbalta and the Pdoc swore to me that it was a weight neutral drug...............not.   I have gained 20 lbs and I am weaning off now while I can still walk and not feel so depressed about the weight gain.  I had to discuss my decision with my Pdoc who swears I will have a melt down off of ADs.  Comforting to be told that......... smhair

Good Luck and stick with us.

Kitt

Posted 5/16/2013 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
I had been taking Prozac for about nine months for depression, and now, after stopping completely for almost two months, I've literally lost no weight at all. I weighed about 130 before, and now I weigh 150 on a good day. I exercize every single day, I eat as little as my type one diabetes allows me to, and I'm seriously contemplating not eating anything solid if it means losing this weight.. :( I lost about three pounds at first, but then, just like every other time I do, I gain it right back. I'm starting to think that I'll never lose it. I'm 18 now, but when I was 14 I had an eating disorder, and I can't stand being like this! I feel like crying every single time I see myself now! All I can do is gain weight, never lose it! My mom is an RN and she told me that it takes six weeks for it to get out of your system and for you to start losing weight. But it's been longer than that and I'm still just as fat as I have been :'( please, somebody help me..
Posted 5/10/2014 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Okay but have any of you thought about the people who are became depressed because they are too skinny? Or perhaps have eating disorders? Prozac will help those certain people gain the weight they need to boost their self esteem. It angers me to see people saying "take the weight gain out of the drug." I mean yeah it sucks YOU don't want to gain weight and Prozac is making you gain. But the ignorance off some of you thinking that being fat is only thing people feel bad about? No. Being called skinny to people that have underweight issues is JUST as bad as being called fat to people who are overweight. The weight gain is good for them, so just switch SSRI's and stop complaining because you're not the only one with weight problems. Think of the being who get bullied because they are too skinny. Fat people aren't the only ones bullied. It's society's fault. Not yours, it's your body.
Posted 5/11/2014 1:48 AM (GMT 0)

onya26 said...
I would just like to suggest taking zoloft if you are scared of weight gain. I have been on this for 6 months and havent gained a pound. But i am going to switch to prozac and was just reading this so now the thought scares me


onya26

Hi onya..you were very lucky not to gain weight on Zoloft!! I gained a lot and it drove me nuts!

OP: when I came off Zoloft and started Wellbutrin (which has been a life saver for me thank God) the weight started coming off right away.

For me, the weight gain made me feel absolutely terrible, I just could not stop eating candy! I feel much healthier at a normal weight and even though the Zoloft did work a little to bring me back up from a terrible depression, I still felt depressed about the weight gain so it was kind of like a circle!

Doctor was not concerned about the weight gain (so long as your mind is getting better) but it really affected me.
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