Q: I am taking effexor xr I gained 25lbs with this will I do this with celexa?
Hi Kay:
I have several questions: does the Effexor XR work for your depression? How long have you been on it? Have you had blood work done to rule out other factors that could be causing your weight gain? And finally, what does your doctor say?
Those questions having been asked, you need to understand that Effexor and Celexa are in a related class of antidepressants. Both are SSRI's and Effexor is also a norepenephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). One of the side effects of both these drugs (in fact, most antidepressants, regardless of class) are weight changes, and that often means weight gain.
However, it's important to remember that this doesn't necessarily mean that they cause weight gain. There are many factors that can work together to contribute to weight gain during antidepressant therapy. Some people lose weight as part of their depression. In turn, an improved appetite associated with improved mood may result in increased weight. Overeating as a result of depression also can cause weight gain. In addition, some medical conditions that mimic depression - such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - may cause weight gain.
If you gain weight after starting antidepressant treatment, discuss your concerns with your doctor. He or she can determine the likely cause of weight gain. If your antidepressant seems to be the culprit, it may help to adjust the dose or switch medications. In addition, increased exercise, 20-30 minutes 4 times a week of vigorous (running, step aerobics, spinning) will help you keep your weight down, and you will feel much better as well.
Best of luck,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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From what I've read, in the drug trials of many of the SSRI and SNRI antidepressants, weight loss is usually what was observed. These trials are usually not long-term studies, however.
Some seem to gain weight on various SSRIs, some lose weight. Celexa and Effexor, in the trials, were favorable towards weight loss.
But, as Dr. Walcutt mentioned, if it cheers you up enough to suddenly give you an appetite that you didn't have before, in your case, it could mean weight gain.
Your mileage may vary. Eat healthy foods and you're less likely to gain weight. Avoid junk foods, high-starch foods, and high sugar intake, and you will probably not notice any weight gain. You don't need to diet, you just need to be reasonable. If you avoid foods with lots of preservatives, artificial colors and flavorings, you may find that you feel better staying away from those additives. It certainly can't hurt to try.
Donald