Weight gain after stopping taking Citalopram

[Laurajane260511]

I was taking Citalopram for about a year and a half. Whilst taking them I did lose a considerable amount of weight but I was going through quite an anxious time hence needing the antidepressant. Since I’ve stopped taking them, and with no changes to my diet, I’ve put on about 2 stone in weight in 6 months. I’m now the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life. Even when dieting I’m still putting on weight at a fast rate. The only thing that I can put it down too, especially as the gain is so significant, is the removal of Citalopram. The timing completely matches up. Has anyone else experienced this? I have been considering going back on it anyway but wondering if anyone else has done this and the weight has come off?

Some people lose weight on antidepressants so it could be that you're not getting that effect anymore. Also if you're happier/less anxious in general that could be a factor for gaining weight. Are you absolutely sure you're not eating more?

I’m absolutely not eating more. I actually eat healthier now than I did before. I only mention it because the weight gain has been so dramatic over a short period of time. I know there could be other factors, of which I’m trying to explore also I.e I’m nearing 40 and my metabolism isn’t as good as it once was, but this is also something that I wondered about hence my post, as the timing is exactly the same. I stopped taking them and put on a lot of weight.

So many have experienced the same when stopping Citalopram. See if you can find some suggestions here patient.info/forums/discuss/weight-gain-an-adverse-affect-of-discontinuing-citalopram-37035

I've just started on it and lost a few pounds over 2 weeks. It is an appetite suppressor I find.

Thank you. That’s a really interesting read. :)

Yes I did find the same. At first I thought it was due to the anxiety I was feeling at the time, and maybe part of it was. But since I’ve stopped, Ive put all the weight back on and more so by quite a bit but it’s not warranted by what I am eating. It’s so strange.

@Laurajane260511 I am experiencing the same thing. I was on 20mg for about 18 months during which my weight didn’t change and weaned off them in October. Since then I have piled on weight. I haven’t changed my activity or my diet but my clothes are getting tighter weekly. I was smaller than this postpartum. I don’t weigh myself but before I was a size 10-12 and now am more 14-16. Even my previously baggy clothes are now tight. It’s really affecting my confidence and getting me down I feel like I have to go back on them which I don’t want. I just want to know how long this will last.