Any good alternatiives to citalopram where I might actually LOSE weight please?

[doubleshotespresso]

I have been taking citalopram (a fairly high dose) and was wondering if anybody out there has had a similar experience to me?

Its generally worked in terms of depression/insomnia/anxiety- like many of you I guess- some days are better than others, but I'mnot "on edge" quite so much now...

However, I don't seem to be able to control my weight at all- I have zero energy most days, a walk around the park literally exhausts me to the point of tears and I seem to be craving starchy/high carb foods all the time, which is totally out of character for me normally. I don't have a sweet tooth at all and virtually never eat crap/take-out foods.... I don't eat red meat .... I eat loads of fresh fruit & veg...... I am at my wits end- and now am terrified of going beyond a size 14..... (big for me)

My GP describes it as a common side effect, but didn't offer any solution.

Can anybody recommend any alternatives please? Or any other helpful pointers?

Am getting desperate...............

[inhibernation]

hypothyroidism

[ThatllDoPig]

Sorry to hear things are so tough. You must be exhausted.
Ok here, although had to see difficult family members today. Thank God for the tablets I say, otherwise I would be under the duvet howling rather than managing to pretend everything is ok.

[buterflies]

Has anything changed now u hav spoken to doctor?

[Tammylynn]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie and I am curious about Citalpram. I was just today prescribed it, 20mg and I am really concerned about gaining weight. I am already overweght and i am terrified of possibly gaining more. I read that there is some of you who actually lost weight and I was wondering what your MG dosage was. I thank you for taking the time to read my post and also thank you in advance for answering any of my questions.

[noraa]

hi Tammylynn,
as you can see from the previous messages some people lost weight on citalopram.
so, you can give it a go and see what happens.
good luck.

[Thexfactor2013]

Hi I'd just like to say I went on citalapram after losing my dad and going through a messy divorce at the same time I'm on 30mg and they do help they help you a lot when your having a hard time, I have found a little weight gain through a bigger appetite but I actually pushed myself to do a jog round the block a couple of times a week and not a long jog but that did help my weight and trying to eat healthy snacks which isn't always easy but I try and honestly it makes a difference. Hope that helped

[Sophiedotty]

I take Sertraline & just 2.5 mg of Olanzapine. I actually list weight when I first took Sertraline. I have been on & off it for 20 years & no weight gain. Olanzapine is notorious for weight gain but my dose is so low it doesn't affect me. I currently take 75mg of Sertraline but have been on up to 150mg. It is the best anti D for me with the least side effects.

[Kendra78]

Hi everyone
I know this thread is a year old but I was wanting to know, if their is people who are on citlapram who feel the same. I am on 40mg daily, feel so sleepy all the time, I have very bad cravings for bread etc. when I started the tablets I was a size 12, I am now a size 18-20. Has anyone got any suggestions apart from getting my jaw wired shut as I can't stop eating!! And even when I am really good I still don't loose weight. Has anyone had any luck with changing antidepressants
Xx

[Funnyfishface]

Hi kendra

I am only on 10mg of citalopram for anxiety and panic. I have gained 10pounds. I am boiling hot all the time and I suffer with insomnia.
I went back to my gps this week who has changed my meds to sertraline 50mg.
He said that should sort out the weight gain issue.
I am starting a new job (after being sahm for 20 years) so can't take the risk of starting new meds now.
But I have read up and I think that anti dep effect everyone differently. Some people manage to lose weight on citalopram. I am like you tho and carb cravings are through the roof. I definitely am eating lots more. But I just can't seem to stop.

I hope you find a drug that works.

[songanddancemum]

Hello I have just caught up with this discussion and wanted to ask Funnyfishface what happened when she moved to sertraline?
I have been on citalopram for a year and have gained about 1 and a half stone. I am defeated and need a solution. Hope someone had some good experience with their doctors. doubleshotespresso, hope things improved for you.

[Smithy60]

I have been on citalopram for 5 years and have put on 5 stone. Nightmare. Am afraid to come off as they are a miracle for me. Increased appetite and cravings are the worst. Any suggestions would be appreciated

[nuttymango]

What sparklingbrook said :( same here and it's pants.

[Xxxxhanxxx28]

I did the same I put on 3 stone on citralapam in ,3 years. Then I started drinking tea and thought I'm guna do this it ain't beating me I ate clean drank green tea for energy or pro plus!! And it killed me but I did it I lost 2 stone in a year. And I'm still on 30mg CIT. Not coming g off anytime soon works wonders for my anxiety HSS changed my mental health for the better. Don't let it beat u u can still lose weight u just need to work hard. Trust me!!

[WingsofaDragonfly]

I know this a really old thread, practically a zombie one, but I want to tell you all that I’m weaning myself off citraprolam for the 3rd time, each time I gain around 3 stones, (and then lose it), each time at some point I look in the mirror or see a photo and I’m in absolute shock, I’m on it for severe ocd but there has to be another way, for the 3rd time I don’t recognise myself. For mental health it’s been amazing, but it ruins me, I drink and eat so much, it becomes all about self gratification for me, I’m not sure it’s good for everyone, I’m working hard in facing my demons and hoping to live an anxiety free life hopefully very soon..

[KarBB]

The problem I found is that anxiety gives me the runs & depression makes me lose my appetite. Citalopram relieves both very effectively but I definitely eat more when I'm 'well' that when I'm not. Also anxiety prompts me to exercise hard as it offers sone quick relief, which I'm less desperate for when ADs working. All in all though I am a healthy weight and the benefits of citalopram for me outweigh the negatives. Do you think you're eating more, or that the drug is affecting your weight in a different way? If it's overeating or being less active then CBT could probably help.