medication and weight gain

[rattie77]

Since Jan my medication was upped from 20mg of citalopram to 40mg and I have consequently gained approx 5lbs without changing diet or activity levels. I have now been put on velafaxine and am wondering if this will also increase my weight. Has anybody else had any experience of antidepressants and weight gain?

Hi, I didn't gain weight and have gained weight on venlaflaxine - mainly because my appetite is more etc. I chose to get myself better then deal with the weight but also i struggled coming off the venlaflaxine also.

I guess everyone is different and what affects one person will not affect each other. Citalopram to venlaflaxine is quite a jump in medication - has your dr explained this to you? With venlaflaxine you are meant to have (think yearly) 12 lead ECG's and blood pressure checks, so hope you get the follow up care. My psychiatrist monitors my venlaflaxine - apparently according to her that is who should monitor it, but then again that doesn't mean it is right.

Perhaps your weight might stabliise, but if not would you talk to your dr and see if there is another medicaiton that would suit you? Hope you are well.

Thanks for your reply. I know that in the bigger picture gaining a few pounds shouldn't matter, but my self esteem is at rock bottom and this isn't helping. The doctor hasn't really explained about the new medication, except to say it is similar to ssri, but with a slight twist. He certainly didn't mention blood pressure checks etc.I am due to go back in 3 weeks for a review. Is it working for you?

I didn't change weight on citalopram. Lost 5lb very quickly on going on fluoxetine, although gained the exact same amount as soon as I came off it.

Hi - citalopram and other ssri's are first line ADs given out, whereas venlaflaxine is classed as a 2nd line, if first lines have not worked. They don't for some people. Yes, it can affect heart and blood pressure - so I have annual ECG's, just at my gp's with a nurse and blood pressure done with gp twice a year. It has worked well for me. Venlaflaxine is classed as an SNRI ... it comes in two forms, tablets or capsules. Tablets go to a higher dosage than capsuler which are slower release.

Do tell your Gp about your concerns about weight - I was put on an antipsychotic for a while and put on weight, so the dr changed the one I was on, as they heard and understood about concerns.

There are other SSRI's such as fluoxetine and sertraline ... but am sure your Gp will listen to you. Over 3 weeks you can really monitor how things are going for you and they should have some effect by then.

I lost weight quite easily on citalopram by being careful with what I ate. I couldn't lose any on sertraline by doing the same thing. I guess every drug affects people differently. I have heard it said that venalflaxine is quite good with regard to weight gain. Are you sure you're not either comfort eating (if you're still low) or eating more (if you're feeling brighter and lost your appetite whilst depressed)? Mood can have a big impact on how much and what you eat. (Then that impacts your weight, which shapes your mood....bloody nora you can't win, can you?!)