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Weight Gain and Antidepressants

By Deborah Gray, Health Guide Saturday, May 24, 2008


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.

By Deborah Gray, Health Guide— Last Modified: 01/02/11, First Published: 05/24/08