is weight gain on an SSRI caused from the drug itself or the tiredness associated with it?
in other words, do you gain weight because you are just more tired on an anti-depressant and therefore less willing to work out? or, is there something in the drug that chemically causes you to gain weight?
I take Wellbutrin SR (150 mg) in the morning, and Lexapro (10 mg) in the evening, for depression and anxiety. I’ve been taking that for over two years, and it’s working very well for me.
The Wellbutrin SR seems to help me to be more alert and active – and wanting to do things – while the Lexapro makes me more mellow, and it helps me sleep better, too. They are relatively low doses of each medication, which keeps side effects at a minimum. I really can’t tell I’m taking any medication at all.
I have to think it’s because of the tiredness / drowsiness of the SSRI medication. It makes you want to not do much, just sit around and play on the internet or watch TV. The Wellbutrin SR that I take helps with that, it’s kind of a "pick-me-up" and helps get me going.
February 8, 2010
9:07 am
My doctors have explained to me over the years that a lot of medications cause cravings for food, especially carbohydrates and sugars.
No doubt though that being tired and depressed will affect the amount of working out you’re going to do.
References :
February 8, 2010
9:40 am
Unfortunately most of the antidepressants increase your appetite, that is not deliberate it is just part of the chemical composition of the drugs. There are some that don’t cause weight gain. If you are unhappy about your weight gain discuss this with your psychiatrist and ask for a change. But remember that some antidepressants will for some and not for others.
References :
February 8, 2010
10:13 am
It’s all because of the chemical serotonin. You gain weight because of it, your appetite increases… but im not so sure why…Fatigue plays the smaller role i think…
if this is a big problem you could ask your doctor to switch you to Wellbutrin. which increases weight loss.
or maybe even Adderall, which can also be used as a Antidepressant in certain cases… but most doctors see it as a controll substance more than medication… hope this helped
References :
February 8, 2010
10:40 am
I take Wellbutrin SR (150 mg) in the morning, and Lexapro (10 mg) in the evening, for depression and anxiety. I’ve been taking that for over two years, and it’s working very well for me.
The Wellbutrin SR seems to help me to be more alert and active – and wanting to do things – while the Lexapro makes me more mellow, and it helps me sleep better, too. They are relatively low doses of each medication, which keeps side effects at a minimum. I really can’t tell I’m taking any medication at all.
I have to think it’s because of the tiredness / drowsiness of the SSRI medication. It makes you want to not do much, just sit around and play on the internet or watch TV. The Wellbutrin SR that I take helps with that, it’s kind of a "pick-me-up" and helps get me going.
References :