Question:
Hello Everyone, My doctor placed me on paxil a couple of months ago

but I didn't want to take them thinking they would hinder my weight loss. I feel that my mood swings and such are out of control and have been for several years. I would love to hear from others who are taking anti depressants. I'm not sure that this has anything to do with it, but keep in mind in 22 years of age. Thanks.    — Kristina P. (posted on December 18, 2001)

December 18, 2001
Kristina, unfortunately Paxil does tend to make a lot of people gain weight. However, there are many other kinds of antidepressants that do not have this side effect. Discuss this issue with your doctor. I know those mood swings can be debilitating themselves. Don't not take anything for fear of weight gain, you have other options. Best of luck to you & God bless
   — Donna S.

December 18, 2001
I was on Paxil prior to my surgery. I didn't find out until about 3 weeks prior to my surgery that the Paxil could have been part of my weight gaining culprit. I had my Dr. take me off Paxil about a week and a half prior to surgery and put me on Zoloft afterwards. Talk to your Psychiatrist and ask him about your options. As important as your health is in regards to weight loss, your mental health is equally important. Trust me. With the emotional ups and downs that come with the surgery, this is not a time to neglect your mental health. If you just wanna talk, feel free to contact me.
   — Janet C.

December 18, 2001
Hi there, I'm 20 and I was on antidepressants for many years... moody as all heck, irritable, etc. My psych thought I might be bi-polar because my dad was, but honestly, I've never been manic a day in my life... only incredibly depressed. I was much more qualified for Major Depressive Disorder actually. The meds helped me cope a great deal during a period of time in which I had no control over my life (i.e., stuck at home in a disfunctional and oppressive family). I spent two years away at a university and have since transferred home to save money, but things are better here now that I'm older. I have known many people on different anti-depressants... prozac, zoloft, welbutrin, paxil and I myself was on a mild non-category anti-depressant Serzone. From what I have seen, prozac tends to wreck your libido and paxil is the big weigh gainer. A good friend of mind started taking paxil and gained so much weight that she had to go on a crash diet just before her wedding because she couldn't fit into her wedding dress anymore (and they let out the dress all the could). Serzone is a rather mild drug with fewer side effects and many think it's less effective (I don't really). One big thing to keep in mind is that the majority of people who are on antidepressants for an extended period of time try more than one medication before they settle. Don't be afraid to try different ones to see what is right for you. There are many different drugs out there and many different categories of drugs as well, and their side effects are sometimes very idiosyncratic. Shop around and find what's best for you. Good luck :)
   — [Anonymous]

December 18, 2001
Hi, I am 24 years old and have been on Celexa for depression. About 6 months ago, my doctor tried switching me to welbutrin thinking maybe the celexa was causing my weight gain. Not only did I not lose any weight, but the welbutrin did NOTHING for the depression! I feel that the benefits of me having my life in order- mentally- are the most important things. I have decided to treat my weight problem seperately...this is why I am going to have wls. It's true that there are many kinds of medications so talk to your doctor about trying different ones to see which is best for you. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

December 19, 2001
Kristina, I was just recently diagnosed as bipolar after an episode of major depression (I was hospitalized for it for 9 days). I was first put on remeron which led to an immediate weight gain of 12 pounds in 2 weeks (of course that was not going to work for me). My Psychiatrist then put me on 200 mgs. Zoloft and 75 mgs Effexor XR (extended realease) twice a day and I take 300 milligrams of Topamax which is a mood stabilizer every night at bedtime for my MAJOR mood swings. For acute anxiety attacks I take xanax or Klonapin. This along with psycho therapy and a great support system has brought me out of the darkness of my depression. It took some trial and error on the drug thrapy before settling on what finally worked for me. If you have any questions email me...
   — corpdiva2006

December 27, 2001
I have been on Paxil 20 mg for 1 year and I am now 2 months post op. I have lost close to 50 pounds to date. My PCP doctor offered to switch me to another medication if I felt the Paxil was slowing down my weight loss. I am going to wait until my 3 month check up with my WLS doctor before deciding if I want to change. Generally speaking I am very happy with what I have accomplished and the Paxil is working great too.
   — Erin H.