Stress Center Peer Support

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone in the group exeprienced weight gain with Zoloft, or heard of problems losing the weight once off of Zoloft?

I have been off my 25 mg. prescription of Zoloft since July - feeling great - this program is awesome. My only issue is that I gained 28 pounds while on the meds - mind you, I exercise 6 days a week, do yoga, weights and cardio. Nothing is getting the weight off, which is frustrating.

I did some research and my doctor also told me that it could take a year for my metabolism and hormones to get back to normal, and that the zoloft decreases your metabolism to a point where the weight gain/loss is an issue for some.

How long before anyone out there stopped the zoloft and was able to see some weight loss?

Please - I am not trying to hinder anyone from taking the drug. I needed it at the time, while working with the program, and have no regrets. You have to do what you have to do. And I also realize some fortunate folks don't have any problems with weight gain with the drug - everyone reacts differently.
Thanks in advance and happy holidays.

First, I really liked your post. Too many are negative about meds, or the scary side effects, etc. I took Lexapro, gained weight too, and now I'm off, enjoying life again and working the program (session 13). I didn't know there was an effect on my metabolism. I found I ate more when on the meds, and when going off I definately ate more. By making me less anxious, I was able to enjoy food more and I also wasn't expending all that nervous energy that I had been. Ironically, by getting better my metabolism probably decreased. I have not yet lost the weight, but I'm finding that the longer it's been since taking the medicine, the better my will power with food is becoming. After the new year, I'm going to start a food log and try and eat half of each meal or at least stick to one helping of anything. Like you, I exercise 6-7 times a week, so that won't change. Good luck with your weight loss. I'm interested to know more about this metabolism effect you mentioned.

Same thing happended to me. My anxiety was soooo bad last winter that I had lost weight, but when I went back on Paxil plus of course feeling better, naturally I gained some of it back. I am having such a hard time getting it off also and I've wondered about any connection. I work out consistently and try to eat well although I want to do what tweaky said about starting a food log and eating half a meal. My problem is not what I eat, probably how much!! I've been really excited about getting in good shape since I got the Total Gym a week before Christmas and i absolutely love it. Sorry you are having a hard time too but it makes me feel better knowing there's someone trying hard and frustrated just like me. Good Luck to both of you.

I forget to say i went off Paxil in June-that's why I am so frustrated.

Hi everyone and thanks for replying! It's nice to know I am not the only one out there dealing with some of the weight issues. I will try to find out more about the metabolism issue, there are also a few sites/blogs out there that discuss this...if you run a generic search on google on "zoloft and weight gain".

Keep exercising and doing what we are doing, right? I also started a food log, and that has been (yikes!) helpful. Especially with the holiday treats. As an aside, I did join one of those online weight loss management programs, I won't list here so it doesn't appear as if I am promoting. It has been a great motivator for me, and daily lists exercises and cardio to do, along with a fitness diary. So, that has kept me on track, and I have lost two pounds, which makes me smile. I think the increased circuit training has increased the metabolism too...but we'll see. I still crave pizza. <laughing> And still enjoy it too. <laughing harder>

Have a great week and best wishes on your journey.
LW