Antidpressants and slow weight loss/weight gain?

I was reading a post that got me thinking about the impact of antidepressants on the weight loss process. I have been taking Zoloft for about 7 years now and I couldn't function with out it. But I got to thinking, what effect is this having on my weight loss. I have heard that wellbutrin is one of the better medications to avoid the weight gain from antidepressants but I wondered how universal this experience is? I wonder what others experiences are with antidepressant medications and their weight loss journey?

 Before my revision, I was taking 5 pysch meds including Xanax. I have reduced them down to 2 and an ambien as needed. All of my meds were weight gainers the biggest being the Xanax. It has been tough, but Im too commited to this weight loss and I have found other ways to deal with anxiety and stress. I would not recommend going off of any medication without the support of your dr. though!

I would stay with whatever meds have been working if you are stable with your depression. Making med changes & going through possible other side effects for me is not something I want to do. I stick with what works for me & live with it. I'm not in a race I just want the weight off & as long as the scale keeps moving I can live with that. It's better than no movement at all. Now of course while I say this I wish the weight would literally drop off, but it didn't come on over night so I can't get rid of it overnight!!

You have lost a lot already for being so new post-op!!
Keep up the good work!!

I've been on Effexor since before my surgery and it didn't keep me from reaching my goal weight.  However, last summer I was started on Abilify, and I gained 23 pounds in just a couple months.  I stopped taking the drug (under my doctor's supervision) and so far have lost ten of those pounds.  I think it varies from patient to patient, though.

I've been on Zoloft since 1995 (with doctors increasing dosage as time's gone by). After my open RNY 2/28/12, I had to crush my Zoloft. I could barely stand the smell of water, let alone crushed Zoloft (or Tylenol). That was the part of my day I dreaded the most, drinking that crushed Zoloft. So I skipped a dose or two.

I must tell you honestly: I hit bottom emotionally about a month & a half later. I don't know if there was a malabsorption issue (my doctors don't know, either), or that it was a delayed reaction to my skipped doses. But it was BAD. One of the worst bouts of depression I've ever gone through.

I've been seeing a counselor weekly since 3 weeks before my surgery, & I attend Overeaters Anonymous meetings at least once a week (more like 3 a week). Although both have helped me immensely, that bottom-out scared me almost to death. Thank heaven I told my grown daughter & my doctors & got help.

I've been steadily losing weight since my RNY. I don't weigh myself often (I usually only weigh at the doctor's), but I'm about 2 1/2 months out & have lost about 45 pounds. I started in a size 20 jeans (which were tight) & I now fit into size 14 jeans.

I feel this way: I'm not in a huge hurry to lose my weight. I'm so happy I had this surgery, & I know that, if I follow my surgeon's instructions, eat right (protein firs****er water water), take my vitamins, & get some exercise, I will be slimmer each month that goes by.

If you decide to change depression meds, PLEASE: Have a support system in place (surgeon's office, PCP, psychiatrist / psychologist / LSCW / counselor, family members [my husband was completely absent emotionally & was no help to me & if anything a hindrance], Overeaters Anonymous [I can't recommend them highly enough; this is a wondrous organization]).

Keep us posted! I wish you only happiness & success!

I am bipolar and take several meds (Abilify, Lamictal, Prozac, Trazodone, and Klonopin- generics of course!) I, too, need to have a sit down with my doctor and go over my ****tail to try to weed out those culprits...  Losing weight is hard enough!  I'd be very, very careful...  and, ABSOLUTELY under doctor supervision...  but I agree, the meds can and do make it harder.

Hang in there !!!

Davina