Question:
Why does Zoloft make you gain weight?
I started taking Zoloft last month and I've read were a lot of people are gaining weight...does anyone know why? — Kimberley D. (posted on July 28, 2004)
July 28, 2004
I don't know why, but I know that I gained 80 pounds after I started
Zoloft. I also had a failed pregnancy a few months before I started the
Zoloft. I think there may be a hormonal link. I've had a hard time
getting psychiatric professionals to believe me that Zoloft is linked to
weight gain. However, based on personal experience and the stories of a
whole lot of people on this board and elsewhere, I say be careful. It is
deceptive because you will feel like you have more energy, even are more
ready to follow your diet, but watch the scale. I'm guessing this will be
less difficult for a post op. Also, be sure that Zoloft is what you need.
If you truly suffer from clinical depression and the Zoloft relieves your
symptoms, that's great. If you have another condition that only looks like
depression or if the Zoloft doesn't really help, then you may be
introducing things into your body for no good reason. Just some thoughts,
wish I had more concrete answers.
Kathryn
— kcanges
July 29, 2004
I've been taking Zoloft for several years and I'm currently 16 months
post-op WLS. Zoloft didn't cause a weight gain before or after surgery.
Guess it depends on the individual.
— Jeana B.
July 29, 2004
Just to throw in my 2 cents, Zoloft is one of the few medications I've take
pre & post-op that didn't make me gain any weight. But, I know
different meds react differently with different body chemistries.
— klinzey
July 29, 2004
Hi there-I know everyone has different reactions to certain
antidepressants. I've been taking Zoloft for about 4 years now...I gained
alot of weight taking it because it really increased my hunger. I was truly
hungry all the time. I'm recovering from binge eating/bulimia so it's not
100% Zoloft that caused me to gain the weight but it did contribute alot. I
got so frustrated at times that I stopped taking the medication. I take
Zoloft for anxiety attakcs and once I stopped taking it my hunger
decreased, but the physical anxiety symptoms(muscle tension, heart skipping
beats, stuttering,etc)came right back. I tried Wellbutrin for awhile, that
controlled the hunger but not anxiety symptoms. So I'm nearly 5 months
post-op 100 lbs down and still take it. My new pouch controlls my hunger so
I'm fine. That's just been my experience...feel free to E-mail me if you
have any further questions :) Hope Zoloft works as well on you as it has
for me.
— mzcath
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