weight gain & sertraline

Sertraline shouldn't make you gain weight, it maybe because you are feeling less anxious you are eating more?

A side affect of Sertraline is weight gain.  I gained 30 lbs in the 10 months I was on it!  I'm now fighting to lose it .  I have a friend who has been on it for years and she's gained 80 lbs.  I go to the gym 3 times per weeks on the treadmill for 40 minutes, it's a slow process to get it off.  I'm in my 60's though so slow metabolism!

I'm quite good with food. I wouldn't say I'm any worse than I was before tbh. But I guess I have had more sugar cravings than before. My metabolism is slow from the thyroid condition. I've managed to maintain a healthy weight though. Either my dose is too low thyroid wise or its the sertraline.

Interesting to hear u guys have put on weight too.

Have you come off the sertraline yet Maureen?

Yes been off 14 months and still experiemcing withdrawl of nausea, tummy cramps, and loose bowels nearly every morning.  It has not been an easy journey on or off the meds.  I will never take an A.D. again!  There's a link on this site called Do Sertraline withdrawls ever go away?  Many of us have had challenging times. 

I can only have one cup of coffee now or I become anxious, same applies to one glass of wine.  This was never the case prior to sert!   Yes it gave me sugar cravings.  I have a high sensitivty to these type of meds.  I was perscribed them for anxiety due to Seasonal effective disorder!  I was on 150 mg at the time I decided to taper off them.  I was on them ten months, tapering off for 3 months at 25 mg. every 2- 3 weeks. 

I didn't put on any weight, but did the funny buzzy feeling in my head sometimes.  

I just came off it, by accident. I went into hospital for some surgery, and was so groggy afterwards I kept forgetting to take them.  I've been off them 3 weeks now and feel fine.  Not that I would recommend that, because you are supposed to only come off them gradually.  I am seeing my GP soon to discuss it.  The buzzy feeling in my head has gone.

Hi Amanda,

It seems people taking this medication have very different side effects relating to food, many not eating properly at all. I lost my appetite completely on my previous medication but my healthy appetite has returned since the new year starting on Sertraline. I know my depression contributes to my comfort-eating but I do try to eat sensibly and healthily on the whole. I have been experiencing very bad migraines on and off recently and having read other posts, assume this to be another nasty side effect of the meds. I try to combat them with drinking water, getting fresh air and not overstraining my eyes (or brain!)

I'm really glad to hear that your anxiety has benefitted though. Good luck in your recovery.

Digsby

x

I didn't have an appetite for the first four months or so then I became ravenous.  I ate a healthy diet but still kept gaining.  The only option was to starve myself and I wasn't about to do that!  Everyone repsonds differently to these drugs, most I've talked to though have gained many LBS.