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Question: Has Anyone Else Experienced Weight Gain While Taking Zoloft?
Does anyone have any significant weight gain to report as a result of Zoloft? I have gained approximately 25-30 pounds in the 1 1/2 years I have been on Zoloft. I used to be very conscious about my appearance, but now, while I don't exactly care to look at my weight gain, I don't obsess over it like I used to. Is this the norm? I feel like I should be concerned, but just cannot believe how I don't have the DRIVE to lose weight like I used to.
Answer #1
I am in the exact situation that you just described, except I've also been on the birth control pills at the same time. I've gained 30 pounds in the last couple of years, and although I don't feel very good about my appearance, I just don't seem to have a lot of drive to improve it.
In those couple of years on Zoloft, I went off of it for 6 months. I lost almost all the weight, but I was very depressed so I went back on it and have been on it ever since. I have not been able to tuck a shirt in for about 2 years. I believe the weight can come off with exercise. I've tried on and off again exercising and it seems to curb my appetite and make me lose a few pounds. The key is to stick with it, which is hard for me to do.
Answer #2
I am not sure that the cause was zoloft, but since I have been taking zoloft, I have gained around 30 pounds. I am considering ignoring doctor's orders, and quitting taking it. My problem was anxiety, and this was given along with busbar to cope with the physical (never mental) symptoms of it. I would rather have the pain in the back of my neck and the headaches, than the weight gain I have experienced.
At the height of the physical symptom (that they say were anxiety) I was in the best shape of my life. It stands to reason, at least in my experience, that stress increases the metabolism and maintains weight, or in my case last summer, causes weight loss. It is a major dilemma. Are there any doctors out there that have a suggestion that can give me the best of both worlds? That is, treat the physical pain associated with anxiety, yet still provide the benefits that the body's stress provides to ones metabolism.
Answer #3
I am so glad that I saw this! I was so worried that this was all in my head. After searching through many sites regarding the side effects of Zoloft, very few of them mentioned weight gain. They only mentioned weight loss. However, I have been taking Zoloft for about 2 months. I started off with 12 mg for 2 weeks and gradually increased to 25 mg for 6 weeks. This is a very low dosage. I was instructed to do this because I am known to be very sensitive to medications.
Over this 2 month period, on low dosage no less, I have gained approximately 10-15 pounds. I am an aerobic instructor and am very conscious of my weight. Ironically, I am not as depressed about my weight as I was 15 pounds ago. My moods have also improved.
However, in an attempt to lose this excess weight, I gave up sweets (meanwhile, I was a former chocolate addict--to the point I've experienced withdrawal symptoms when trying to give it up in the past). This has helped me to stop gaining. Nevertheless, it has been extremely difficult to lose any weight.
I have begun to lower my dosages to 12 mg in an effort to wean off of Zoloft. I want to see if I can lose weight once I've done this. I have to admit, I'm a little apprehensive because I do not want to experience the mood swings and depression I had before. However, I feel like I need to at least try it.
Answer #4
You people are not alone in your Zoloft-related weight gain. I have been taking Zoloft for 2 years, and have put on approximately 30 pounds. I am also an aerobic instructor and am conscious about my health and appearance. I am miserable and feel "uncomfortable in my own skin."
I think the medication must numb me a bit, because there was a time I would freak out. I think I'm in denial and refuse believe this could really be happening to me. I've ALWAYS been around 95 pounds (I'm only 5 feet tall with a very small frame). I don't typically use a scale, but today I had a doctor's appointment. 119 pounds. This is what I was at 7 months pregnant. I never made the connection with the Zoloft and the weight gain until recently. My doctor has prescribed "Celexa"; I am anxious to see if I drop some unwanted pounds.
Thank you again for your responses - I know now that I'm not alone in this secret battle.
Answer #5
My 11 year old daughter was given Zoloft for jerking muscle movements and OCD symptoms. No one told us about the weight gain. Now this short, once cute little girl has gained so much weight that she has a whole new set of problems to deal with! I am so angry that no one told us of this side effect. We are in the process of gradually getting her off, and if the OCD symptoms re-occur, we will use a behavioral approach. What can we do about this horrible weight gain? Once she is off the medication, will her weight decrease? Is there anything anyone has done that helps with the weight? Any help or advice would be appreciated.
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