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Are my medications (Sertraline and Atorvastatin) causing me to gain weight?

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Stewart123
Stewart123

Hi all

About 6 months ago, my doctor prescribed me a daily 100mg dose of Sertraline depression and also a daily 10mg dose of Atorvastatin for high cholesterol.

I should start by saying both drugs have worked wonders!

However, without any change of diet, I have gained just under a Stone in weight and a very distended stomach.

I've been calorie counting and going to the gym in an attempt to address the problem, but the problem persists despite the fact that loosing weight has never before been too much of an issue for me.

I'm wondering whether this could be a water retention issue.

Has anyone experienced anything similar whilst taking either of these meds? and, apart from coming off them, can anyone offer any solutions?

Thanks

Stewart

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Lauren1607
    Lauren1607 Stewart123

    Posted

    I've just been prescribed Sertraline yesterday.  But I've been looking at the side effects and I've seen a few people say that they have gained weight because of them. 

    It may be a factor especially if your calorie counting and going to the gym. 

    At the end of the day these tablets are helping you smile 

    • Stewart123
      Stewart123 Lauren1607

      Posted

      Hi Lauren

      Yes the tablets are certainly helping.  Sertraline is wonderful, but if you have only been on it for a day then be prepared to wait a while before you feel any real benefit.  I would say I was on it for around 6 weeks before I really began to feel the effect.  It's wonderful when it kicks in.  I knew it was working when I suddenly got the giggles one day! Make sure you persist with it.

    • Lauren1607
      Lauren1607 Stewart123

      Posted

      I'm glad that they are helping you. I hope I'll be the same a few weeks time.  

      Thank you smile

    • Stewart123
      Stewart123 Lauren1607

      Posted

      And yes, the benefits of Sertraline certainly do outweigh any possible side effects (including weightgain), so don't worry about them, just celebrate the fact that you are now well on the way to recovery!

      Good luck

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