Should I switch my antidepressants?

Question

Hey, I am sixteen and taking 150 mg of Zoloft for OCD and some anxiety and depression. Recently my grandmother saw on tv that zoloft and other antidepressants not only make you gain weight but make it almost impossible to lose weight. Then i looked back and realized since starting zoloft I have gained about 30 pounds. I cannot go without medication but I'm tired of working out and not getting results and I finally see why. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I dont think you really need anti depressants, im the same age as you, i wanted them a few months ago but the doctor just told me i had to find a better lifestyle and hang around with new friends, i think when you hit 16 everything becomes so boring because we question everything, we want to know who we really are, try and see what makes you happy in life and stick with it.

good luck, i bet you'll learn alot over the next few months.  

Answer 2

I'm 25 and was also diagnosed with OCD and depression.  I'm currently taking Effexor XR 150mg.  I've been on this medication for about four years now.  It's similar to Zoloft with the same side effects, and I don't remember seeing anything about weight gain.  However, some antidepressants can cause increase in appetite, thus eating extra calories, but I don't think there's any direct correlation with the medications and weight gain.  I wonder if your grandma just misunderstood what she saw on TV.  These meds can actually cause weight loss, so be sure to read the fine print.  I might be able to shed some light about your inability to lose weight:  Chances are it's all in your head; you can still lose weight.  That is; when you and your grandmother saw and heard that thing about Zoloft on TV, you actually believed it so much, you created a self fulfilling prophecy or placebo effect and automatically think that it's affecting you.  Hey, no sweat, I tend to do the same thing if I watch the news or surf the net too much; lol.  With the right diet and exercise I was still able to lose weigh when I was getting chunky.  So gaining the 30 pounds might happen to be a coincidence from something else, such as poor dieting or lack of sleep.  If you start eating healthier (like fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein, etc), cut back on extra calories, and make sure you're getting at least three meals a day, I can almost guarantee that you'll lose weight.  Best of luck.

Answer 3

I'm on the same and while it is 'harder' to lose weight on the medication, its not impossible. In fact, since I went on it Ive lost about 10 kgs, and I was only about 75kgs to start with. If your depressed you should be excercising pretty much everyday anyway, and I good diet can only help. Eat well and excercise enough and you'll lose weight.