Citalopram (weight gain)

[Jodierachel]

I’m struggling at the moment and after being previously offered Citalopram by the GP before, I’m thinking I need to go back and say yes.
I know my mood and happiness is important but I’ve recently lost a lot of weight with a slimming world and didn’t want all of that hard work undone. My weight used to affect me massively!

A side effect of Citalopram is weight gain but is that just from the medication or is it because it increases appetite?

Thank you for any comments ☺️

Hi...I can't really comment as yet, I've only been taking 10mg for just under 6 weeks. However, I've chosen to re join slimming world...I have put a bit of weight that I lost back on but I've been quite poorly and not very mobile, and eating all the wrong foods! I've managed to stick to plan all week with no problems. I would be gutted to put all my weight back on! Good luck...,a healthy mind is so important so I think you're making a wise choice xx

Are you noticing a difference with 10mg in six weeks? Are things a bit easier? 🙂

I'm on 20mg of citalopram and have been for just over a year. I've gained two stone 😔 however, I had my gall bladder removed a couple of months after starting the tablets, so I don't really know what the root cause is. I've not changed my diet etc.

I would say though, citalopram saved my life, literally. I can always put the effort in to shift the extra weight.

If you feel you need them, I'd advise getting them.

The first couple of weeks were gruesome for me, then everything settled down and I've got my life back.

@Jodierachel I've definitely seen a huge improvement to what I was. I do think I've got room for improvement though. I'm giving it another couple of weeks and if I still feel there's room for improvement, I'll discuss upping to 20mg with my GP. I'm just worried about the side effects! But I was worried about going on 10mg and can't say that I suffered greatly! X

@Alicia44 thank you! It's scary taking any medication, throw anxiety ontop of that and it's even worse isn't it

Oh it is @Jodierachel ! Anxiety about taking the meds that can make us better...sounds crazy huh?! But it's what most anxiety sufferers worry about! I feel like I'm managing to keep a lid on it now, rather than it engulfing me. I do still have blip days but they are far fewer than non blip days. Also sleeping a lot better now too. Some people say it can take at least 6 weeks to feel the full benefits so I'll see how I go. Keep your chin up and good luck xx

@Alicia44 yeah it takes a while to kick in but from what I've read all over the internet it's definitely worth it. Look after yourself x

And you @Jodierachel x

The weight gain is often because people who are depressed lose their appetite. When they feel better on antidepressants they eat again and gain some weight back. If you continue to watch your diet, weight gain won't be a huge problem with citalioram

I was able to lose a lot of weight on citalopram and Escitalopram as it improved my mood and motivation hugely. Maintained that weight loss for 2 years. Recently went up into the higher dose 20mg of Escitalopram which is equivalent of 40mg citalopram. I cannot explain how much better I feel but I have also gained about 5lbs. I feel that at high doses this drug has increased my appetite so I graze a lot when I didn’t before. It’s definitely what you out in your mouth it’s not a mysterious weight gain for me. Will power is a bit harder but I’m alreatu on it and preventing further gain but cutting out sugar and making sure I hit my 10,000 steps.
If you are mindful of the weight gain side effect you will be fine in my opinion. It’s purely appetite increase for me, I think that also comes from being happy!!
Good luck

I lost quite a bit of weight on citalopram - had no appetite or interest in food for the first few weeks. Then when I was feeling better, I found it much easier to look after myself and control what I was eating.