Please tell me there’s a light at the end of this tunnel. I started taking Prozac 3 years ago and have subsequently gained 60 pounds. I eat well and exercise regularly. Always have. Before Prozac, I never, ever struggled with my weight.
I have been under the impression that Prozac was a weight neutral drug that sometimes causes weight loss. Many of the stories I’ve read about people gaining on Prozac indicated that people over ate and made poor food choices. This has not been the case for me so I have been searching for other possible causes of my rapid weight gain. I’ve had my thyroid values tested several times. All good. I have tightened up my already balanced diet and I’ve increased the amount of exercise I get weekly. I work harder and eat better than I did 60 pounds ago. I feel like I’m stuck in a nightmare. And I’m at the point where the only possible explanation for my weight gain is the Prozac.
I have been off of Prozac for one month and am now on Wellbutrin. I’ve not lost a pound. It feels as though my metabolism is broken.
For those of you who can relate, how long did it take you to lose the weight you gained on Prozac?
I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d have cosmetic surgery, at least at the age of 38. But, I am so uncomfortable. Next month I’m having a tummy tuck. I look pregnant. True story. Hard decision to make because, well, surgery is scary. I am desperate to feel good in my body again. For me, Prozac was so not worth it.
If you’ve been through this and have any advice or feedback, I’d so appreciate hearing from you.
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7 Answers
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Nanobal
13 May 2019
Whitney! Please help me! I have the same issue as you! How are you now? Please tell me if getting off Prozac helped! I am 29 and I started Prozac about a year and a half ago and I was 175 at the time. Now I am 210. That’s about 35 lbs extra if not more. I went to the doctor and he didn’t think it was Prozac because it’s supposed to diminish your weight. Anyway. I’m so sad. I want to have stomach reduction surgery. I am exercising just not losing . I hope you can give me some advice !!!
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
13 Jan 2019
Hello! Many antidepressants are considered "weight neutral" which means that it can go either way: "Common (1% to 10% of users): Decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight loss, weight gain" All have the potential to cause changes to your metabolism and fat storage mechanisms which result in weight changes that are not affected by diet or exercise. Everybody responds differently to every medication and just because you gain weight on one doesn't mean you will on another. I'd address your concerns with your doctor and get her/his professional advice. Regards, Wild Cat
Votes: +0
KU
Kuregrl85
13 Jan 2019
I've been to my doctor several times I tried several different medications for anxiety all gave my major side effects the last one i tried and stuck to was the pristiq with the wellbutrin but after gaining all the weight I decided to stop. At my last visit her prescribed me prozac and said there is a chance because I gained with the other medications in the same class as prozac I may with this one too and that there probably isn't going to be a perfect one for me...
KU
Kuregrl85
13 Jan 2019
I was just prescribed prozac 20mg a couple days ago. I haven't taken yet because I'm terrified of the side effects, mainly weight gain and no feelings. I was on pristiq before and it made me gain 13 pounds in less than a year. I lifted weights, ate right etc and couldn't lose a pound. A few months after stopping pristiq the weight melted off, without me doing anything. I've been off meds for over a year, but have horrible anxiety again and I'm terrified I'll gain weight which is why I got off the pristiq... ugh
Votes: +0
MA
Maevlyn
16 Nov 2018
Hi there
I also experienced crazy weight gain on prozac. I took it for a year and calorie restricted and exercised like a demon but still gained and struggled to shift 10lbs. I'm very petite so it made a huge difference. I stopped the drug and it took about 18 months off for the weight to start drop off. Now back at baseline but anxiety still an issue. Best of luck
Votes: +1
WH
Whitney1980
16 Nov 2018
Thank you for your message. I have been off of Prozac for 4.5 months now and I have lost 20 pounds! During the first month off Prozac nothing happened so I was convinced my body was broken. Then I started seeing a metabolism specialists who suggested the best way to reset my metabolism would be through intermittent fasting in combination with following ketogenic diet. For the first several weeks nothing happened — but then the pounds started to drop bit by bit. I have more weight to lost but I am so thankful that I am losing!!! Prozac is no joke. Anxiety is back for me too and it sucks. I have been taking something called inositol that has actually helped with some of my anxiety/OCD symtoms. My psychiatrist reccommended it. It doesn’t take the edge off to the extent that Prozac does but it helps. I have also incorporated a five minute meditation into my morning routine which I find helpful. I wish you all the best. Anxiety is rough. :(
WH
Whitney1980
16 Nov 2018
Thank you for your message. I have been off of Prozac for 4.5 months now and I have lost 20 pounds! During the first month off Prozac nothing happened so I was convinced my body was broken. Then I started seeing a metabolism specialists who suggested the best way to reset my metabolism would be through intermittent fasting in combination with following ketogenic diet. For the first several weeks nothing happened — but then the pounds started to drop bit by bit. I have more weight to lost but I am so thankful that I am losing!!! Prozac is no joke. Anxiety is back for me too and it sucks. I have been taking something called inositol that has actually helped with some of my anxiety/OCD symtoms. My psychiatrist reccommended it. It doesn’t take the edge off to the extent that Prozac does but it helps. I have also incorporated a five minute meditation into my morning routine which I find helpful. I wish you all the best. Anxiety is rough. :(
NI
Nitro061
25 Oct 2018
Many medications affect your metabolism adversely. Gabapentin is one and most anti psychotic medications do the same.
Votes: +1
WH
Whitney1980
16 Nov 2018
Indeed they do. Thanks for your feedback!
LE
leverage2u
24 Oct 2018
Yes, I agree with you. The prozac has caused your weight gain. It is solely the cause & the culprit. I started taking prozac at the same age you are now(38). I am now 58 & have gained 133 pounds since starting the drug back in 1998. 3 years ago I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure(an added bonus from the weight gain). Like you, i gained about 50 or 60 pounds after 3 or 4 years on the drug. Quite a shock, since i had no real change to my eating or exercise routines. I hope you continue to stay off the drug for at least 6 months. I'm guessing you'll then see a return to your previous metabolism. Please don't let anyone tell you that the problem is simply that you just eat too much. They are ignorant and should be avoided. They just make a bad problem worse. Anyways, best of luck to you.
Votes: +1
WH
Whitney1980
16 Nov 2018
Thank you for you feedback — you are a 100% correct. I am so sorry to hear about what you’ve gone through. I have been off of Prozac for 4.5 months now and I have lost 20 pounds! During the first month, nothing happened. Then I started seeing a metabolism specialists who suggested the best way to reset my metabolism would be through intermittent fasting in combination with following ketogenic diet. For the first several weeks nothing happened — but then the pounds started to drop bit by bit. I have more weight to lost but I am so thankful that I am losing!!! Prozac is no joke. Thank you again for sharing your story with me. I wish you all the best.
