Seeking Advice About Antidepressants and Weight Loss

Hi N.,
I feel UR pain. Im a mother of two and the same age as you.the only difference is see between out story is... My kids 15 and 11.I lost all my weight with both kids with out to much problems. I was about 130 when i stared my meds. I started my meds about 2 years ago. I have gained 30 lbs. I cant say its all do to the meds alot of it could be stress. I have done the same as you worked out 4 to 5 days a week eat small amounts of food several times a day drink 10 8oz glasses of water a day. I cut out all sugar and only had whole wheat pasta and bread.
I have been told by serveral people is it our age... I dont belive that. So I too look forward to the responses on this matter.

Have they checked your thyroid?
Thyroid problems can cause severe anxiety, depression and weight gain. If you are really exercising and eating properly it is possible to lose weight- but if it is impossible to lose weight there is likely something else happening medically.

Many antidepressants can cause weight gain, but that doesn't mean you have to live with it. There are medications out there that don't make you gain weight, such as Wellbutrin.
As an exercise pyhsiologist, I worked with many in your same situation. The first thing I would do is conduct a little research on ALL medicines you are taking, even over the counter ones. Just google them and see what the they don't react well with. Lately, new studies have come out about a number of antidepressants. If oyu find nothing that can cause and adverse reaction maybe try getting a second opinion. I have found many doctors don't really like it when you do that, but you have to remember, it is not about them. This is your body and you are right there is no need for the weight gain. And also remember, depression alone can cause weight gain. Take some time for yourself and I found that yoga, in addition to 30-45 min of cardio 5 days a week and strength training also helped a lot of the people I work with clear thier mind and gave them a break from the day to day worries.

I don't know what you are taking, but I know that for awhile, Wellbutrin helps you lose weight. I too am taking antidepressants and Cymbalta has worked for me. I haven't gained any weight, (unless I hit the Ben and Jerry's hard!), and to be honest, I don't work out.

You could also go the natural route and take St. Johns Worte, and their are several teas that help. But you should discuss with your doctor, especially if breast feeding. There are also natural products that would help with your seratonin level. You could get more information online, but if you have questions, feel free to email me and I will try to help.

My prayers are sent your way,

R.

unfortunately your doctor is right, while taking antidepressants it's not a good idea to take a medicine for weight loss, the combination of the 2 can be serious or even fatal. i can talk to my sister who takes antidepressant for severe anxiety & depression and ask what kind she takes, it took alittle tinkering to findone that wouldn't cause her to gain weight.

I have found that by eating fruit in the morning, I lose weight. It doesn't matter what fruit or how much, but I just eat fruit. Try it for a week and you should notice a difference.