Which Anti-Depressants help you lose weight

[flgirl1]

Are there any AD's that I should mention to my Dr that have the great side effect of weight loss? Ever since I went off Topamax w/my AD's I can't seem to keep weight off. Years ago, when Prozac was new to me I lost a ton of weight on it. Went on it a second time years later and it didn't do the same thing. Isn't that strange?

Thanks for your reply.

[meg]

Talk to you doc about your weight concerns and he/she should have a few ideas too-- but I thought I'd mention Wellbutrin to you since it's known to be one of the more activating ADs that tends to go to the weight loss side, but keep in mind that it's not an SSRI like Prozac and if Prozac worked for you then it might make more sense to try another med in the same class before switching out to another kind, if you know what I mean? I also hear that Lexapro tends to be more weight-neutral than some other SSRIs so you might look into that.

ADs generally won't *cause* weight loss in most people, but some are less likely to screw with your weight so it's easier for you to do the work to lose weight without having the AD interfere.

As always, YMMV!

m

Ps- welcome to CB, I just realized you were new-- YMMV = Your Millage May Vary

[olga]

Susan is right about physical activity, and the bottom line is that you have to burn up more calories than you take in. There isn't an AD around that can do it for you. I also agree with her that you should work with your doc to pick an AD for its efficacy in dealing with your depression, and worry about the side effects later.

I've been on Wellbutrin for a couple of years and I consider it weight-neutral.

I'm also in my 5th decade and pushing perilously close to my 6th.....and my words of wisdom for you are these: as you get older, controlling your weight becomes more and more difficult. The ONLY way to stay at a healthy weight is to eat good food in modest quantities and exercise at least 3-5 times a week. Fad diets and oddball pills and the rest of it lead to the yo-yo syndrome, which is very unhealthy for you.

Welcome to CrazyBoards and I hope you stick around to meet the rest of the members here!

olga

[jennifer8055]

I used to be pretty obese and started putting on a lot of weight especially on my thighs and bottom in my late thirties. I started exercising as often as possible and also cut down on a lot of high calorie stuff. Unfortunately I hardly managed to lose much weight at all. I then recently read an article by a lady who claimed that she managed to lose nearly half of her weight using a particular weight loss supplement. I tried it out and it actually worked quite well. Within 4 months I managed to lose about 65 pounds. The results were pretty amazing and I feel so much healthier and energetic now. You can read more about the lady's article at

[Mayteana]

I've lost a bit of weight on mine, but I take an MAOI - which is a last resort for most.

Seriously though, it's about what gets your head right. If your MI is stable, then you'll be able to do more things to take care of yourself (eat right, exercise)... which is your best chance of a healthy weight.

[N&P]

keep in mind shopping for head meds for their side effects and not for their primary effects isn't the most effective way to treat mental illness. Wellbutrin can help you lose weight, but if it's not going to relieve your depression, it's not the right medication. There are people who add Wellbutrin to an SSRI for a little bit of a boost in energy and to combat sexual side effects and weight gain. However, none of those effects are guaranteed and a lot of people can't tolerate Wellbutrin.

Things affect us different ways at different times in our lives. I'm taking Wellbutrin again for the first time in 10 years and it's a lot different than it was the first time. I'm getting more side effects this time, it seems.

Depression itself can cause weight gain-- I think I gained 20 pounds in 2 months from depression.

I am back to going to the gym. Physical activity is the only surefire way to keep weight off.

Susan, can I ask why you are on SR WB instead of XL?

I am ridiculously vain...I admit it. I told my pdoc that I will probably quit a med if I gain more than 5lbs. on it unless it's a miracle med that is perfect in every other way. If I am uncomfortable with my appearance I get depressed. I've had 4 kids so I am very body conscious. If I have to fight depression brought on by weight gain caused by an AD...it's counterproductive, IMO. I gained a lot of weight on Celexa because I began sleep-eating on it. The weight gain depressed me so I began taking it incorrectly and it lead to disaster.

( I was very med uneducated at the time and not yet a nurse)

THAT being said- My attitude regarding weight gain and meds is not a healthy one and I would discourage anyone else from basing their AD choice exclusively on weight gain. I understand body image issues but I don't want to condone any related behaviors.

I can tell you that Wellbutrin and Paxil were weight neutral for me.