Weight Gain and Antidepressants

Aha! What's the one thing that I've changed in the last few months? Well, besides the increased activity, which is a good thing, I started taking a new antidepressant. When I expressed a desire to cut back on Wellbutrin, my doctor had me start taking Lamictal, which is an anti-seizure medicine that is now being used for treatment-resistant depression. The pamphlet that came with the medicine cautioned mostly against a fever and rash, which can indicate a life-threatening condition. If it said anything about weight gain, it was in teeny tiny letters.

So of course I turned to the Internet to see if I was the only one having this reaction. And of course I wasn't. I found a few instances of other people gaining weight and becoming more food obsessed after starting on Lamictal.

So this situation looks to be a repeat of my experience with raising the Norpramin dosage. It's fascinating in a way that food addiction can be mimicked by chemicals. I was a heck of a lot more sympathetic to my husband, who's very overweight, bless his heart, after that first experience. I can see how hard it is to resist food when it's all you can think about.

So when I meet with my doctor in the beginning of June I'm going to tell him that I want to try another medication. Late onset diabetes runs in my family, so I just can't keep gaining weight. I have enough of a struggle with my weight now that MS has prevented me from engaging in really vigorous exercise, like I used to. There are so many new antidepressants and antidepressant combos out there that I am  confident that I can find something that will lift my depression without making me gain weight.