Posted by Racer on September 24, 2008, at 13:43:44
In reply to Re: Do people LOSE weight while on an SSRI?, posted by desolationrower on September 23, 2008, at 21:01:30
> I lost 10 lbs on citalopram. I am skinny to begin with (trying to gain weight usually.) I think mostly i was less interested in food i was less interested in everything. I was on it for maybe 8 weeks.
> -D/RThe thing with any of the serotinergic medications is that they generally do cause some initial weight LOSS, which is why they were thought to be so great at first. The short term nature of the studies done showed a tendency towards promoting weight loss.
More recent, longer term studies, however, have revealed a pattern of weight GAIN emerging after four to six months on the medications. What seems to happen is a down-regulation of the 5HTc receptors in the digestive system, after a period of increased stimulation. Kinda like the little receptors are saying, "Oh, it's you again." At that point, weight gain begins, and tends to continue.
For some people, taking an OTC acid reducer can help control the weight gain. It relieves the GI irritation which can be perceived as hunger. That's helped me, when I've taken it.
Hope that's helpful for someone.
poster:Racer
thread:853540
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080915/msgs/853815.html