Meds and weight gain?

73monte

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2007

Posts : 2519

Posted 1/14/2015 12:16 PM (GMT 0)

My wife has been battling on and off and often severe anxiety for several years. Previously, the Doctor prescribed Paxil, but my wife gained a considerable amount of weight, which left her severely depressed.

Her anxiety has peeked once again, and yesterday the Doctor now has prescribed Zoloft. She said it shouldn't cause any weight gain, but my wife is very apprehensive about taking it.

We both would prefer a more natural approach, but is really in the grip right now.

Can anyone comment on Zoloft, or, is there another anti-anxiety med that isn't associated with weight gain, or secondarily libido issues?

Sometimes i am me (HT)...

Elite Member

Joined : Mar 2009

Posts : 22619

Posted 1/14/2015 1:17 PM (GMT 0)

i have just been researching the libido issues. (mens) apparently as a possible side effect is decreased sexual function / libido. does not mean this, i am sure your doc has prescribed the best med for her. has the libido issue been mentioned to the doc? this will help with prescribing the best medication / treatment out there.

CT 2014

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2014

Posts : 256

Posted 1/14/2015 2:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi 73monte

I'm on Citalopram (Celexa) and if anything I've had weight loss since being on them rather than weight gain... Unfortunately I do think it has an affect on libido etc :(

The doc should be able to give your wife the right meds according to what she needs :)

specialone0129

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2012

Posts : 505

Posted 1/14/2015 2:46 PM (GMT 0)

I've been on zoloft for years. I haven't experienced any weight gain due to the meds. Any weight gain is due to my eating habits!!

Hibee

Forum Moderator

Joined : Oct 2008

Posts : 7935

Posted 1/14/2015 3:40 PM (GMT 0)

Hi

Sorry to hear of your wife's struggles with anxiety and depression they are tough things to deal with I have never been on Zoloft so can't really comment but I have read that it should not cause weight gain but you never know for sure until you give it a try. I hope it works well for her and if you need anymore info then feel free to ask.

hibee

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 1/14/2015 4:24 PM (GMT 0)

Hi 73M and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your wife's returning anxiety.:( Your question is regarding meds...but since you also inquired about other treatment options...I am wondering if she has been or is currently doing therapy? This in combination with an Rx is an effective anxiety management plan!

As far as meds...SSRI's are only one class of medication to consider...

Others that you could research/inquire about if the s/e's are undesirable with the Zoloft are:

SNRI...such as Effexor

Tetracylic A/D...such as Mirtazapine/Remeron

Aminokeytone A/D...such as Bupropion/Wellbutrin

Anxiolyic azapirone...such as Buspar/Buspirone

Beta blockers, benzodiazepines and even antihistamines (such as Vistaril) are used to treat anxiety as well...so these are all good things to discuss as possibilities with her doctor.

Wishing you the best in finding the best treatment for her! Inviting you both to post with us anytime for ongoing support.:)

Scaredy Cat

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