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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lou on October 20, 2001, at 4:55:01
Hi there
I have been on Paxil now for around a year and at the most have taken 40mg per day.
In the past year I have put on 30kilos and it just keeps coming. I am also ravenous most of the time and finally enjoying my food.
If anyone has any suggestions for losing this weight I would greatly appreciate it.
Also does anyone know why Paxil causes weight gain? Will the weight continue to pile on while I am on it?
HELP!
Lou (fat Paxil user)
Posted by Cam W. on October 20, 2001, at 8:21:21
In reply to Paxil-side effects, weight gain, posted by Lou on October 20, 2001, at 4:55:01
Lou - The weight gain caused by Paxil™ (paroxetine) is probably multi-factorial. One obvious reason why Paxil causes weight gain is due to it's antimuscarinic effects. The blocking of this acetylcholine receptor is known to cause weight gain. Paxil also seems to cause carbohyrate (and possibly fat) cravings. It may also have something to do with modifying certain serotonin receptors involved in controlling hunger and saiety.
Most people have trouble losing the Paxil-induced weight even if they stop the drug. Recent studies have shown that, while making your heart and lungs stronger, exercise will do little to take off weight gained by SSRIs or atypical antipsychotics. Some researchers have gone as far as to say that weight gain with SSRIs (particularily Paxil) and especially with the atypical antipsychotics may be an irreversible side effect of the drugs (much along the lines of tardive dyskinesia is in the older, traditional antipsychotics).
Usually though, weight gain with SSRIs does plateau, after a year or so of starting the drug. Thirty kilos is a lot of weight to gain, and it may be adviseable to seek medical help to combat this sort of weight gain (depending upon your original, pre-Paxil, and current, body mass index, the condition of your heart, and your genetic predisposition to type II diabetes, etc.).
Some advice I do give to those starting Paxil is to closely watch their diet, especially over the first four or five months. Keeping a diary of everything one eats is helpful in noticing changes in eating habits. The weight gain with Paxil is insidious. Most people will initially lose weight when starting Paxil, and will not notice the change in their eating habits, nor the weight they are gaining, until their clothes do not fit anymore.
A strict, doctor- &/or nutritionist-controlled dieting program may help you shed some weight. A controlled exercise program will strengthen your body and help you to carry the extra weight more safely. Fad diets and diet pills can, in many cases, cause more harm than good.
Sorry that I have not much good news, but your doctor can help you, or refer you to a specialist that can help. You can start by tossing out the junk food and eat more raw vegetables and fruits.
- Cam
Posted by Darwin on October 20, 2001, at 11:17:26
In reply to Re: Paxil-side effects, weight gain » Lou, posted by Cam W. on October 20, 2001, at 8:21:21
> ... Some researchers have gone as far as to say that weight gain with SSRIs (particularily Paxil) and especially with the atypical antipsychotics may be an irreversible side effect of the drugs (much along the lines of tardive dyskinesia is in the older, traditional antipsychotics).
...
> > - CamThis is a scary thought!
How unfortunate it is that drugs which cause weight gain seem to be as common as weeds yet, despite the huge amounts of money spent on research, drug companies have yet to develop a safe and effective drug for long term weight loss.
Darwin
Posted by Kat26 on October 20, 2001, at 11:54:47
In reply to Re: Paxil-side effects, weight gain » Cam W., posted by Darwin on October 20, 2001, at 11:17:26
It always sounds like Paxil is the worst SSRI for weight gain???
How common is it with Prozac? Have been on it nearly 10 months now and still thin - could it come later?Kat
This is the end of the thread.
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