Question:
Does Remeron (or Trazadone) Cause Weight Gain With You?

HELP ASAP!! I have been following the SBD Phase I for 3 weeks now. I am on Remeron for sleep(until tonight) and feel it is causing me not to lose any/much weight. What weight I do lose, I gain back the next day/two/three. Then I'll lose that same weight again in the next several days. It is a vicious cycle for months now (on Remeron). Even not on SBD, I was eating protein, veggie, fruit, and losing and gaining the EXACT same 3-5 pounds each and every week for months now. I've heard and read that a side effect of Remeron IS wt. gain. I stopped it as of today and will take deseryl(trazadone) beginning tonight for sleep. What do you know about Remeron or Trazadone and wt. gain? Nurse said that was not a side effect of Trazadone. Anyone out there in AMOS land please help with any and all positive and/or negative side effects of both or either RX you have personally experienced. THANKS. I've lost and gained the same exact 5 pounds for atleast 4-5 months now. Even on Phase I of SBD, it is STILL happening!!! Could it be the Remeron? I am on Lexapro, but have been on it since before RNY, and still consistantly lost over 100 pounds on it. Started Remeron for sleep about 4 months ago instead of Ambien. Haven't been attending Curves coz a t/t on June 21, 2004, but have been walking 1-3 miles per day for 7 weeks now. I'm at a loss since I am really sticking like glue to SBD Phase I. NO FRUIT/CARBS(except good veggie carbs)HELP!!! Kathy Riffle...open proximal rny, June 23, 2003....T/T, June 21, 2004...-2.5 pounds skin with t/t....295/180-185 for 5-6 months/170 goal wt. if I ever get off this vicious cycle!!!! Thank you.    — Kathy R. (posted on August 19, 2004)

August 19, 2004
YES! Remeron WILL cause weight gain! I was on it at one time. I gained more than 50 pounds! I have not had the gastric bypass as of yet, but this med will cause a very large weight gain!
   — Karen J.

August 20, 2004
I was on Trazadone before my bypass and I am still on it, I myself, have not experienced any weight gain from the medication. Our bodies are all different though some gain from a med, some lose, some don't do anything. Perhaps you should try Amytriptalin (I am sure I spelled that wrong) but maybe you will have success with that. The best thing you can do is sit down with your doctor and discuss your concern. I wish you the very best. Hugs, Tracy
   — Tracydarlin

August 21, 2004
Trazadone absolutely caused weight gain for me. The other thing it did (which is also in the research) is that it made losing very difficult. I am glad my PCP was smart enough to know to switch me to something else after a different doctor had me on high doses of trazadone. It was awful for me. It might work for you but it kicked my butt. Ann
   — Ann B.

August 21, 2004
Boy am I glad you wrote in and got some answers. I have been at a plateau for a year now with 50lbs to go and could not find a reason. I am using Trazadone to sleep and Zoloft and never considered it might be part of the problem.
   — Darla M.

August 21, 2004
Yes, Remeron is known for causing weight gain. Trazadone can cause edema, which of course will make it more likely to retain fluids. Both were a problem for me. I slept wonderfully and felt great from my depression on Remeron, but eventially had to go off the medication and begin taking, Prozac, Lamictal and Seroquel for sleep. Hope this helps.
   — Karen Renee

August 22, 2004
Have a friend on it and it causes really severe constipation. Need to drink a lot of fluids.
   — DianeN