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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mp on October 18, 1999, at 22:45:35
Any comparative information available regarding use of antidepressants (specifically ssri's) & weight gain.
Posted by Craig on October 19, 1999, at 0:37:11
In reply to antidepressants & weight gain, posted by mp on October 18, 1999, at 22:45:35
Although Wellbutrin was ineffective as an antidepressant for me, I would like to continue taking it because I was finally losing some weight once I reached 400 mg/day. Unfortunately, my doc is tapering my dose down as I switch to Celexa. Once again, I am gaining weight just as I did on Effexor SR and Paxil. Is anyone taking Wellbutrin in combination with a SSRI? I really want to stay on Wellbutrin at 400 mg, so how can I convince my pdoc to let me take it in conjunction with a SSRI? I've read that some people take two antidepressants simultaneously, so is it realistic to find a Wellbutrin combo? Can I hope for a synergistic effect? Just about all the other meds I've been on (especially Depakote) have caused weight gain. I'm at the point now that if antidepressants don't work for me anyway, I'd just as soon take one that at least helps me lose weight.
Posted by JohnL on October 19, 1999, at 4:02:07
In reply to antidepressants & weight gain, posted by mp on October 18, 1999, at 22:45:35
> Any comparative information available regarding use of antidepressants (specifically ssri's) & weight gain.
I can't remember where I read it, but just the other day I was browsing around and stumbled onto this very topic. (Maybe at Depression Central?) Not sure.
Anyway, of the SSRIs, Paxil was the most likely to cause weight gain, while Prozac was least likely. But of course, nothing has a reputation for avoiding weight gain like Wellbutrin. The side effect label warns that patients may lose up to 5% of their body weight and it is to be used with caution in underweight patients. It generally has the benefit (though not with everyone of course) of suppressing appetite and increasing sexual desire/ability. But only a personal trial will tell how YOU respond to any particular drug. For example, while Prozac is the SSRI least likely to cause weight gain, some people gain huge weight on it. ???
Posted by S. Suggs on October 19, 1999, at 7:57:58
In reply to Is anyone taking Wellbutrin+SSRI?, posted by Craig on October 19, 1999, at 0:37:11
Craig, I currently take 300 mg of welbutrin plus 20 mg of Celexa w/o any sig side effects. Celexa, being a ssri is obviously serotonin selective. Welbutrin basicaly has a weak dopamine effect, therefore, there should be no concern with the serotonin effect. There are a lot of docs who are mixing Welbutrin plus ssri's with some success. Celexa could have the same effect in increasing appetite, but it is less likely in comparision to Paxil and Effexor. Again, Mixing the two should be safe, but it is up to your doc to make the final decision. I would research on the net (ex. Psychopharmacology Tips - link on Dr. Bob's Home Page) and find several reliable sources and explain the mode of action of both. If you feel you need to keep taking a med for weight loss, there are countless ones on the market, some more desirable than others.
S. Suggs
Posted by PL on October 19, 1999, at 9:28:47
In reply to Is anyone taking Wellbutrin+SSRI?, posted by Craig on October 19, 1999, at 0:37:11
I am currently on Wellbutrin 200 mg. twice a day, BuSpar 15 mg. twice a day and Celexa 40 mg. once a day. I obviously have resistant depression and have tried several other meds with side effects before I could get to a dose that worked.
With this combo I am having NO side effects. But I am not "cured" yet. I don't explode or cry out of turn as I was, but I don't find pleasure in any activity. Good Luck To You.
Posted by katie on October 19, 1999, at 16:13:40
In reply to Is anyone taking Wellbutrin+SSRI?, posted by Craig on October 19, 1999, at 0:37:11
> Although Wellbutrin was ineffective as an antidepressant for me, I would like to continue taking it because I was finally losing some weight once I reached 400 mg/day. Unfortunately, my doc is tapering my dose down as I switch to Celexa. Once again, I am gaining weight just as I did on Effexor SR and Paxil. Is anyone taking Wellbutrin in combination with a SSRI? I really want to stay on Wellbutrin at 400 mg, so how can I convince my pdoc to let me take it in conjunction with a SSRI? I've read that some people take two antidepressants simultaneously, so is it realistic to find a Wellbutrin combo? Can I hope for a synergistic effect? Just about all the other meds I've been on (especially Depakote) have caused weight gain. I'm at the point now that if antidepressants don't work for me anyway, I'd just as soon take one that at least helps me lose weight.
*********I take the wellbutrin in a minimal dose, but I have noticed that I have a little more control in what I choose to eat. I guess I'm really not able to make a good suggestion, since I also take Lithium along w/ an anti-convulsant. The lithium may counteract the appetite control I get w/ Wellbutrin. I guess, all in all, the drugs I take are "good" and "bad". Sometimes I feel that I'm doing a pharmacutical balancing act. I'm always afraid I'll hit the ground...HARD.
But I'm straying from the topic. Maybe you could find an antidepressent that has a low side-effect profile..ie weight gain. When I was taking zoloft I just buzzed around all day. I was almost manic, but I was a real happy manic and I didn't overeat. However,I hear you can get the "munchies" w/ it.
Hope you are successful!-------katie
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