I have not been prescribe anything yet, but I know I will be getting something in March. I was just wondering if it's true that a lot of the anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds make people gain weight. Also, if this is true, is it because it increases a person's appetite so the person eats more? What I'm saying is... I'm very nervous about starting a drug that may lead to weight gain. Obesity runs in my family and I try very hard to eat healthy and exercise. If a pill causes an increase in appetite and I just don't feed into that increase, then I should be okay, right? I have such anxiety issues, even the thought of starting a med is causing me anxiety! I really want to feel better though, and so I think I do need to take something, but I fear the weight gain. I know my Mom took several drugs like xanax, klonopin, etc.. over the years and she had gained weight while on those.

Terry, I know how you feel. But unfortunatly...... with SSRI's there may be a side effect of weight gain or loss. It depends on how your body reacts with the meds. No-one can really explain it - from what I have read. Many people feel so much better - they are happy and the anxiety has lessond so they are enjoying life - they want to eat and be social etc. I have been there - being axious about taking meds. Now I don't care so much - I want to feel good! Ihave gained weight with 2 mdifferent meds. and If I need to go on one it will be Prozac. From what I have read there don't seem to be many complaints about weight gain.

please do not worry about the weight - get better! Feel better!

Make sure you talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jane

Xanax and the Benzo family do not have a side effect of weight gain at all, however, they may make a person feel better whihc could in turn help them relax if you get my drift. It also can cause lethargy if taken in large doses, but I take 2 mg of Xanax a day and weight lift 4x per week and have actually lost weight because now I can scrounge up the energy to go to the gym again.

Just me two cents,
OE

I've been on Zoloft and didn't really gain weight. When I was on Lexapro, I gained 17 pounds. That was the most I ever weighed. After I stopped taking the medication, with the help of my doctor and therapist of course, my weight eventually went back to normal. I don't think I ate more when I was on Lexapro. When I was on Lexapro, I was more tired and napped often. Anyways, I hope you find a medication that works for your anxiety and try not to think too much about the weight thing. It's the least of your worries, especially when your anxious.

Do you really have to go on meds, have you tried alternatives, talk therapy, relaxtion tapes, natural remedies? I developed anxiety and panic and tried alsorts of stuff for about a year before I finally gave in and went on paxil. It was a life saver (and thats important) however I gained weight rapidly, it doesnt matter if you eat a normal healthy diet or exercise it changes your metabolism. I gained around 33lbs in 12 months and I have been off the meds for 16 months and have only lost 7lbs! Whatever med you are going to take check it out on the internet for weight gain. There are lots of people struggling with their weight. If you arent going on until March you cant be too desperate. Try to avoid ssris if you can. It can be hard getting off them. Please inform yourself. Many people on a site I visit are sorry they went on meds as they are suffering long term effects.

I gained 40 pounds in 9 months on Lexapro/Wellbutrin combo. It didn't help with the anxiety either. What I found was that I was hungry all of the time (including the nighttime) and that what I craved was carbs and sweets--not good. Plus I was feeling so crappy that I wasn't exercising. I went off of them and my weight immediately stopped gaining, but I haven't lost a pound in three months. Ick. However, it might not have that effect on you, and it might be the answer to your anxiety.

I'm aware of perhaps getting increased appetite and because I'm aware, I will just put my will power to full use and not give into it. But, my worry was if it messes up metabolism and in turn, you gain weight no matter what you do for diet/exercise? I mean, if I see I'm gaining on it, and not doing anything different eating/exercise wise, I guess I can try to eat less or exercise more to try to equal out the metabolic effect, right?

i was put on elival 12 years ago not for anxiety but for pain and before i took this drug i read it could cause rapid weight gain. i almost didn't take it for that reason but i did and there was no weight gain at all.i do know that thiis is an older class of antdepressants so i am not sure if this is true with the newer ones.

i was on zoloft last year. didn't gain much weight. since i came off it i haven't lost any either. didn't seem to change things much for me at all. everyone reacts differently.