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veazie
New Member

Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 2

Posted 5/9/2005 5:50 PM (GMT -7)

I found this forum in my search for answers to my unexplained and excessive weight gain while taking Zoloft. I've been on this medication for 8 months now and I'm finally to the point of re-evaluating whether this prescription is doing more harm than good.

I acknowledge that each persons reason(s) for needing Zoloft may differ greatly and at the time I started taking 50mg a day; I was definitely going through some difficult changes in my life. I noticed some slight weight gain initially but the positive effects that Zoloft was having on me emotionally, far outweighed the few extra pounds. At the time anyway.

Now, 8 months later ... I have eliminated the stresses in my life that originally put me on Zoloft, but by staying on this medication I have inadvertently gained nearly 25lbs. I brought my concerns to my doctor but was told that the medication wasn't playing a part in the weight gain. I was instructed to start eating better and excercising. Followed by my prescription being changed to 100mg daily. ?!?!?!

OK, I'm NOT a doctor but I DO know that now I'm depressed because of all the excess weight!!! The only logical conclusion I can come to is that MAYBE this Zoloft which was SUPPOSED to be helping has actually made things worse for me.

I would like to say that I did not discount my physicians suggestions to exercise and eat properly. I started a healthier lifestyle with regard to eating and also incorporated walking rapidly

1 hour - 5 days a week. However, I haven't lost a single inch. My clothes are as tight as ever and I'm extremely frustrated. I've been pushing myself for the past 3 weeks faithfully and for what?!

I'n not going to give up my walking (etc.) but I AM tossing that bottle of Zoloft in the trash. I have read that there might be side effects by doing this but they can't possible be worse than what continuing this product is doing. It certainly doesn't help matters when I read countless forums from people that have gone through the same thing or are currently suffering.

Ultimately, I feel very betrayed. It's possible that I could have stopped this medication a long time ago and wouldn't be suffering the ill effects of Zoloft. If there's anyone who has/had a similiar experience, I would be grateful to learn I'm not alone.

AlwaysRosie
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 8598

Posted 5/9/2005 6:42 PM (GMT -7)

Welcome Veaze,

I'm sorry you are having such a time. I did take Zoloft for over a year, and did gain weight . . . but I REALLY was eating too much.

If you do decide to go off Zoloft, please let your doctor know and please do it gradualy so that you all your body to gently let go of it.

Maybe some of the others will have some good suggestions.

Blessings!

In His Grip,

AlwaysRosie

Psalms 139

_UCTD _{(Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease),}_Hashimoto's,_{High BP,}_{GI Inflamation,}_{Diverticuloses}

_{Plaquenil, RX Motrin, Lexapro, Amitriptylene, Salagen, Lotrel}

_{Please help HealingWell help others. Donate today:}_{http://www.healingwell.com/donate/}

babbajean
New Member

Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted 5/10/2005 3:14 PM (GMT -7)

I too gained weight while on Zoloft. I was thin, so a few extra pounds didn't hurt. But, after six months, I hadn't changed my diet, nor my workout. I am extra careful not to eat too much and always exercising. Nevertheless, I gained 20lbs in 6months. That's more than I gained while pregnant. Today, I weigh as much as I did when I had my baby! Talk about depression!

Although my Dr. told me it isn't the Zoloft, I know differently. My body chemistry is completely whacked! I feel it, I know it!

Physically, I have experienced the following:

Weight gain
Dry Skin
Contipation
Lower Back Pain (I can't even get out of bed)

I contacted my Dr. and she suggested 25mg for 7 days to ween myself from the Zoloft. I did it, now I'm feeling Dizzy, and very light headed. When I go to back up in my vehicle, just the movement of looking over my shoulder to back up makes me dizzy! NICE! I have a call into my Dr. to find out what to do now!

Errrrrr

veazie
New Member

Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 2

Posted 5/10/2005 6:33 PM (GMT -7)

Thanks for the feedback!

I have to mention that today is my 4th day of not taking Zoloft. I did a lot of reading that suggested 'weaning' off this prescription slowly because of the side effects you've stated, oddly enough I am feeling the same light-headedness but it's nothing so severe. It seems bizarre to me to keep taking it; even in small doses if we're only going to feel the effects anyway!

My theory at this point is to give my system a few more days to rid itself of the Zoloft, even if it means I have to take it easy and relax. I really believe I'm feeling better just knowing I'm not ingesting it anymore.

Also, to anyone who might read this .... Please understand that I am not advocating going "cold turkey". This is only my opinion/experience and what I have found to be the best thing for me.

Best of luck!

purplecrayon
New Member

Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 10

Posted 5/11/2005 12:16 PM (GMT -7)

Hi,

I just wanted to say that I also gained weight when I started taking Zoloft about a year ago. I gained 18 lbs but I chalked it up to "waking up" after a good 16 years of longer and longer bouts of depression. Now I was going to have to start to deal with actual life and the non-decisions I made. Suddenly all I knew was isolation and now I wanted to be more social but left that skill far behind. So I stress ate, stopped running, and made horrible nutrtion choices. This started 4 months into my taking Zoloft.

That being said I've just recently put myself back on a good food plan and also getting out and walking. We'll see how it goes. And if nothing happens I'll have to start reevaluating the meds. I didn't realize it was such a common side effect.

purplecrayon

Boo91
New Member

Date Joined May 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted 5/25/2005 7:08 AM (GMT -7)

I am so glad to hear that someone else has had a weight gain problem with Zoloft. I started taking Zoloft about 15 months ago and have gained 20 pounds. None of my clothes fit me anymore. My diet has not changed and I exercise more than ever. I could not understand why I was gaining weight instead of losing or maintaining. At least I have an explanation now. I am depressed because my clothes don't fit. I am weaning myself off of Zoloft now. I am wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to have your metabolism return to normal or if it ever does?

truettruet
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 10

Posted 8/8/2005 9:23 PM (GMT -7)

I took zoloft for about 4 years and gained about 45 pounds. I think it increases your appetite and then prevents you from losing the weight. I took myself off zoloft because I hated the way I felt on it and I think it did more harm for me than good. After being off it for about 2 years now, I've lost all that weight and have never felt better. And I went off cold turkey. I said too myself, "is it really worth not feeling good about myself?" and decided it wasnt worth it.

Kat24
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 8

Posted 8/14/2005 10:18 PM (GMT -7)

I absolutely gained weight on Zoloft. When I first started taking it I was under weight because of my severe depression. After about 4 months I had never seen myself bigger. I was eating pretzels and salad and going to the gym, yet I looked like I was chowing down on multiple cheeseburgers during any free moment. The minute I switched to a different medication I started dropping the weight. However, I didn't even realize the cause of my weight gain until long after I stopped taking Zoloft. I just thought I was destined to get heavier and heavier even while starving myself. Good luck to whomever is on Zoloft...I also felt that it made me a zombie. Members of my family described me as 'very still' during the time I was on it. I'm sure it affects everyone differently.

alwaysdream
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted 8/24/2005 11:35 AM (GMT -7)

I was on 50 mg of Zoloft for about 5 months and had gained around 7 lbs in that time period. When I went to the doctor complaining of how I wanted to sleep ALL of the time, she put me on 100 mg. That's when I really saw the weight gain just soar. I gained about 11 lbs. in 3 months or so. I've gone from 137 last May to 155 today. I weaned myself off of Zoloft and my last pill was at the end of July. I'm seriously depressed about my weight, and there hasn't been any change since getting off of the Zoloft, but at least it hasn't gone up. Now I'm just wondering how long it's going to take to get my body chemistry back to normal and if dieting is really going to do much of anything right now. I have been exercising around an hour every day, but there still hasn't been any change. Hopefully, someone can tell me how long it typically takes to lose the weight.

AlwaysRosie
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 8598

Posted 8/25/2005 9:54 AM (GMT -7)

I see we have lots of new members in this thread. WELCOME to each of you!!

Hey Babajean . . . hello and welcome! have you talked to the doc about that dizziness yet?

Purplecrayon. . . nice to see you again!

Boo91 . . .hello and welcome! I hope you are weaning from the Zoloft with your doctor's approval. I'm not sure about how long it takes to lose the weight.

Hello again Kat!!

AlwaysDream . . .welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question . . . but I 'd love to know how you do . . . so keep us posted sis.

Blessings!

In His Grip,

AlwaysRosie "We can't control the waves, but we can learn to surf!"

Psalms 139

_UCTD _{(Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease),}_{Hashimoto's, Plantar Fasciitis, Inflamatory Arthritis,}_{High BP,}_{GI Inflamation,}_{Diverticuloses}

_{Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Folic Acid, Synthroid, RX Motrin, Lexapro, Amitriptelyne, Salagen, Lotrel (Centrum Silver, B12, B6, Calcium+D,)}

kimigirl05
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted 8/26/2005 6:58 AM (GMT -7)

hi. started taking zoloft about 16 months ago. at first i lost a good five pounds on the medication. over the last few months i've been gaining weight like crazy. i weigh 155 pounds and usually sit at about 135 or 140. the meds made me like myselft again and i thought i'd like to try to go without them. i started a plan with my dr. i was at 50mg and went down to 25mg everyday for two weeks. then i went to 25mg every other day. had a few dizzy spells and strange headaches, but not so bad. the only thing making me more depressed is my weight. anyone lose weight after you quit taking zoloft? how long? any suggestions?

nana's mama
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted 8/27/2005 11:14 AM (GMT -7)

I started taking zoloft almost two years ago when my daughter was three months old. I began experiencing increased anxiety/depression after returning to work. My anxiety was preventing me from sleeping and my lack of sleep fueled my anxiety - talk about snowballing out of control! My anxiety/sleeplessness caused me to drop weight fast (about 5 lbs a week) and by the beginning of my fourth month post-partum, had dropped well below my pre-pregnancy weight. My doctor started me on 50 mg of Zoloft a day and after about 6 weeks, I started feeling better. Over the past two years, I have put on a considerable amount of weight (about 15-20 lbs). During that time, I did not change my eating habits or my exercise routine. In fact, I began a step aerobics/kick boxing class three months ago and have only gained more weight (although I realize SOME of that may be muscle). Six weeks ago, I began weaning off of Zoloft and am now "Zoloft free." I went through a brief period of increased anxiety/dizziness/sleeplessness but now I feel pretty good. However, I would really like to loose some of this new found weight - if anyone has had any luck losing weight after stopping Zoloft, please share your success story - I could use the encouragement!!!

AlwaysRosie
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 8598

Posted 8/27/2005 12:02 PM (GMT -7)

Welcome Mama!!

Thanks for telling your story! I think we all have to take the weight off the way anyone does. For me it would be STOP eating at night. If I figure out how to that, I will share my plan. I just bought some protein bars and plan to eat one each evening to try to stay out of the junk! I'll let you know if it works. I know I shouldn't eat anything after 7 or 8 pm, but these 10 cravings are very powerful. I think I would be better limited to the 100 to 200 calories of a protein bar than to go nuts on junk.

Thanks again for sharing!!

Blessings!

In His Grip,

AlwaysRosie "We can't control the waves, but we can learn to surf!"

Psalms 139

_UCTD _{(Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease),}_{Hashimoto's, Plantar Fasciitis, Inflamatory Arthritis,}_{High BP,}_{GI Inflamation,}_{Diverticuloses}

_{Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Folic Acid, Synthroid, RX Motrin, Lexapro, Amitriptelyne, Salagen, Lotrel (Centrum Silver, B12, B6, Calcium+D,)}

perigrine
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 5

Posted 8/30/2005 10:30 PM (GMT -7)

I also gained weight. about 55 pounds. I went to the DR about this, and he also said that it had nothing to do with Zoloft, but of course, I know my body than he knows medication he probably has never taken. I was also getting cramps when walking the 10 yards to the letter box. We are talking severe, crippling pain. Not the best when you are getting bigger and know you need to exercise more. I also suffered extreme heartburn. Enough to keep me awake and almost vomiting at night.

I went cold turkey off Zoloft 100mg, only taking a tablet every three or four days when my head started 'slipping,' and gradually reducing that. Since I have stopped taking it, I have lost weight, without doing anything differnent.

I must say...THANKS for reminding me that I did put in weight, BEFORE I mentioned to the Dr that I was thinking I should try Zoloft again

cheers,
Monique

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed." Chamfort

jwoodia
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 5

Posted 8/31/2005 2:39 PM (GMT -7)

I'm glad to hear one persons success story about losing the weight after Zoloft (perigrine's). I was on Zoloft for almost a year for PPD--and gained somewhere around 16lbs. It seemed like nothing I could do while I was still on Zoloft could help me lose weight--daily exercise, calorie counting, supplements, Curves, you name it. So now I've been off of it completely for only two weeks--and I've stepped up the exercise (weight training, cardio, 1300 calories of nothing but good food a day, plenty of water) and I'm still seeing NO results. It's very, very upsetting. From what I've read, Zoloft cranks your metabolism down so low, it's impossible to lose weight while you're on it. Does anyone know, or has anyone read, how long it takes for your metabolism to get back to normal? If someone could just tell me that it's going to be okay eventually--even if it's a few months--I'd feel a lot more hopeful.

Thanks--
Jen

perigrine
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 5

Posted 8/31/2005 4:55 PM (GMT -7)

Hi Jen,

I stopped Zoloft about August last year..maybe ..I think. I know I was totally off by September when I told the Dr though. At that time I was 110kilos (up from 85)..by April/May this year I was down to 92 kilos. Lots and lots of pounds if anyone wants to work it out.

So at a rough estimate, at least six months for anything to shift. I wouldn't expect to start seeing results for about 9 months..at least then, if you do start to see something going earlier, it will be a positive sign.

keep up the good work,

cheers,
Monique

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed." Chamfort

jwoodia
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 5

Posted 9/1/2005 7:57 AM (GMT -7)

Thank you so much, Monica. You've given me some hope.

myusername
Regular Member

Date Joined Jun 2005
Total Posts : 21

Posted 9/11/2005 8:09 PM (GMT -7)

Close to 100 pounds in a few months. I eventually ended up losing most of it, but it completely wrecked my metabolism, gave me stetch marks all over the place, and despite losing most of the weight, I still ended up being skinny fat (when before I was maybe 8% body fat). This extremely dangerous weight gain over a short period of time was not acknowledged by any of the doctors or nurses who surrounded me. I wasn't eating any more, and I was more active. It just screws with your body to the point where you gain no matter what.

jwoodia
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2005
Total Posts : 5

Posted 9/12/2005 2:37 PM (GMT -7)

You are so right! I worked SO HARD to lose weight while I was on Zoloft, and nothing happened. I just kept gaining. That's one of the reasons I went off of it--I was so unhappy about my body and health it was counteracting the zoloft!

Anyhow--the good news is I've been off for almost a month and have lost about 6 pounds--but it sure hasn't been easy!

andromeda3599
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 4

Posted 9/14/2005 5:35 PM (GMT -7)

I lost weight when I first started taking Zoloft...but after taking it for almost a year I've gained about 10 pounds. But don't cold turkey it. That's what I just did and the withdrawal symptoms are pretty bad. Night sweats, dizziness, electric shocks, not sleeping, vivid dreams, anxiety...it's been a little over 2 weeks since I've stopped taking it. I was at 100mg a day. Now I mostly have the vivid dreams, dizziness, and electric shocks. My weight seems like it's starting to go back down but I've also been exercising more so that might be it too. Good luck to you:)

rrowe612
New Member

Date Joined Jun 2003
Total Posts : 11

Posted 9/17/2005 8:45 AM (GMT -7)

I gained weight on celexa. about 20 pounds. I beleive most of it was water retention.I lokked water logged aas my freinds would put it. When I went off of it i lost the weight so fast.

LCmidas
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 1

Posted 9/17/2005 1:35 PM (GMT -7)

I've been on Zoloft for the past 5 months, and I'm having serious problems with weight loss. I know, nobody really wants to hear about that, but in my case, it's not a blessing & I really need some advice.

The Zoloft is working well. I was diagnosed with major depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD. Considering I'm still in recovery stage and that the Zoloft worked amazingly fast and without any other side effects (besides dropping pounds), I really don't want to stop taking it.

When I started taking it, I was at 116lbs. I am 5'3.5" tall. I quickly went down to 112. I asked my doctor if it was supposed to do that (I was under the assumption that most people gained on antipressants). She said it was a side effect for some people, & that if I lost any more, she'd take me off of it. I figured that it was probably just the appetite loss that I'd had the first week or so. When that went away, I figured I'd be fine.

Nope. One month later, I'm at 108. I purposely wore the heaviest clothing I could get away with to the appointment, considering it was summer. She didn't notice (or maybe she forgot the ultimatum).

Now I'm supposed to schedule an appointment for this coming month, & I'm at 103. I've been eating more (which isn't a great deal; I'm not exactly ravenous all often, but I make the most of it when I am). I do not exercise AT ALL. I eat healthy, but that's because I'm a health nut, not because I'm anorexic. What anorexic do you know that can (and does) eat a footlong sub sandwich in one sitting?

All my friends and family are being very pushy about my weight loss. I just don't know what to do about it. If I confide in my doctor, she could take me off the Zoloft. Trying to settle into a new medication (or no medication at all) would be really hard, because I'm in the middle of a semester at college, & I'm taking 18 hours. Additionally, I have family troubles that are set to worsen in the coming weeks.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

Devine Mercy
Regular Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 20

Posted 9/17/2005 1:56 PM (GMT -7)

I too have been on zoloft for two years and everyone makes nasty comments about my weight gain. My doctor was going to put me on something else but I could not afford it. This weight gain is depressing. Devine Mercy

jessicaanne
New Member

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 19

Posted 9/20/2005 7:32 PM (GMT -7)

I was so glad to find this site I started taking zoloft a year ago to treat my severe pms and since then have went from 120lbs to 153.I have three children and have never had a weight problem until I started taking zoloft.Everyone was telling me its because I am getting older and thats what happens with age but I'm only 29. In the last month alone I have gained 10 lbs I feel horrible I have no clothes that I can fit into even my "fat" jeans are to tight now. After reading all these posts I can see I'm definitly not alone in this battle of the bulge with zoloft and I'm calling my dr. tomorrow about how to ween off of them.

Hopefully I'll start dropping the weight I wish all of you luck as well and if anyone has had sucess after they stopped taking it I would love to hear about it.

Thanks so much....Jessica

WorkNProgress
Regular Member

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 65

Posted 9/21/2005 6:00 AM (GMT -7)

I can't believe I found this board. I have been feeling like I am losing my mind. When I first started Zoloft December 2004, I was well on my way in the weight loss battle. I felt like zoloft was a magic pill because in one month my anxiety and panic attacks were just about gone. By March I could not imagine life without zoloft. I began exercising on a daily basis at the gym and then in April I went to the doctor. OMG I had gained 15 pounds. I was mortified. I could not believe that all my efforts were futile. I never thought it had anything to do with the zoloft. So I stepped up my work out and watched my eating and now here I am 24-26 pounds heavier. The zoloft I also starting to have a weird effect; I don't want to do anything any more. I am too mellow.

Well as fate would have it. I ran out of my pills on Friday last week and I keep forgetting to renew them. Here I am day five without them. I started searching the web last night out of concern about withdrawal or going cold turkey and found this thread. WOW. My Dr. said zoloft had nothing to do with my weight gain. LIES. So grateful to have found this place. MAybe I will renw my prescription, but half/score them. I am taking 100mg daily. I know I should talk to my Dr. but I don't want to be talked out of going off of it.

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