Paxil Causing Weight Gain?

[LittleSassafras]

Over the past year and a half or so, I've been rapidly gaining weight- over 60 lbs! I didn't feel like I was eating a lot more and though I wasn't going to the gym every day, I still went at least a couple times a week and was on my feet and lifting heavy materials every day at my new job. Now feeling like my body is out of control I've tried to take more serious action and I've been eating better foods and more appropriate portions, and my fiance and I have been going to the gym at least 5 times a week (and gotten ourselves Fitbits this month to help keep track). Now I'm feeling extremely discouraged because despite all of this I have GAINED 2 more pounds in the last week and still experience a lot of lethargy.

I'm now wondering if Paxil, an anxiety medication I've been taking for a little over a year, is responsible- but I was told it wasn't known to cause weight gain. Am I doing something wrong?? I just feel so helpless, like my body isn't even mine anymore 😞

[WendyB]

Have you talked to your Dr about this? They would be the ones to answer your questions. Maybe they can even reduce the med strength.

But you need to make sure you are eating a balanced diet. Protein , fruits and veggies, dairy etc.

Also weighing you food and counting calories helps so you know you are getting in ther proper amount of calories and the proper Portion size.

Welcome to the forums!

[Cindy_Phyfer · Accepted solution]

Hi. 🙂

I just got my Fitbit for Christmas. So far I've lost 5 pounds. I have bipolar disorder and take four different medications for it. My current weight (minus the 5 pounds) is 410 lbs. I attribute some of this to overeating, but also attribute the weight gain to such meds as Paxil, Lexapro, Zyprexa Zydis, and others. That being said, I completely understand your frustration. 😄

Have you tried maybe setting your caloric intake to one of the more aggressive categories? I have set mine so that I can expect to lose 1.5 lbs per week. I have decided to be very vigilent. I have to be, or I will not lose the weight this time.

I would definitely agree with the advice that's already been given where you should speak with your doctor. Express your concerns. Maybe there's a medication that will do a better job for you with less weight gain (some of them really pack the pounds on). When I was taking Paxil 10 years ago, my doctor told me the same thing: "it's not known to cause weight gain." Which was the furthest thing from the truth.

If your doctor won't listen to you, find a new doctor. You deserve to have some say-so in your care. 😉

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck. :)

Cindy

[FitinNWPA]

I was on Paxil & gained a lot of weight. I, with dr approval, stopped taking any antidepressants, with a lot of work, lost weight. Seasonale (sp) the birth control pill also caused weight gain. I could not stop craving & eating sweets. It became almost an obsession to eat something sugary.

[Farica]

Someone I know has gained a lot of weight very rapidly on Paxil. She's older, seems to be eating what she's always eaten, doesn't eat sweets, etc. so I doubt the gain is because of increased food intake. I don't know what other pills she's taking though, so I can't swear it's only Paxil. In any case - talk to a doctor, either yours or a new one. 

[Onmiwei]

A lot of depression medication can cause weight gain. It is a common side effect. Speak to your medical provider (DR or Nurse practitionor which ever you see) Do not stop these medications on your own. This actually goes for most medications. Always get info for medication from your provider. Remember to take in your fit bit information so they can look at all you are doing in case they notice something else.