Need advice re antidepressants.

[KeeKee]

Basically I have been on antidepressants now for almost 6 years. I was first put on Fluoxetine and gained around a stone but at the time I was skinny so it didn't bother me, however last year I was switched to Paroxetine and am now about .3 on the BMI scale from being overweight.
My diet and activity levels have never changed since I was a teen (now 25). I come off meds around 5 weeks ago in hopes of losing weight, although after days and days of research it seems that most people only lose weight after 6 - 12 months of not being on it.
Not suprisingly I am feeling pretty crappy at the moment. So I will most likely need to go back on and it is vital I do not gain anymore weight. I know I could eat less, but I do not feel like that is fair considering I have always had the same diet. The bigger I am getting, the worse I feel. I am in tears on a daily basis.
I also have no libido whatsoever (am in a longterm relationship and this is seriously affecting it). When on meds I also need a daily nap which is just no good for my lifestyle (have a 7 year old)
Is there any antidepressants that do not cause weight gain and loss of libido? I would be especially interested in hearing about people who had gained on one and not on another as this would give me hope. I have looked into Wellbutrin and it seemed very promising, but last night I discovered it is not available in the UK. I feel so stuck, I have heard people say they'd be happy with a few extra lbs if they felt good in themselves, but even my partner has noticed that the bigger I am getting, the more agitated I am becoming.

[bimmer18]

Hey keekee...I can't say for sure as I've only been on one anxiety med, but I take 20mg of Citalopram and I never gained weight from it. The main side effect in the beginning is usually nausea, so if anything you'll lose weight. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[KeeKee]

That is fine, thank you very much for your input. Unfortunately I took Citalopram for 4 months last year and experienced what I believe was depersonalisation. It was horrendous.
I was most recently on Paroxetine, but my weight was increasing and increasing and was not letting up (I gained a stoneish on Prozac but then my weight stabilised).
I wish there was more info on this as doctors insist the weight gain is an increased appetite but mine is definitely not. I am an emotional eater so when antidepressants kick in I should effectively lose weight which I never do.

[Jingo]

I gained massively on mirtazapine plus it made me feel suicidal. Have lost weight on duloxetine and feel generally much better than I have in years. (Previously had fluoxetine and escitalopram without weight change). There is hope!

[KeeKee]

Thanks Jingo, That must have been awful, I have been very lucky in that respect as I have never felt suicidal. It must be utterly terrifying.
Ill have a look into that one, yes I read a thread on Mirt earlier on where most had gained noticeable amounts of weight.

[SADnomore]

This is what I found online about Zyban (the same thing as Wellbutrin, marketed for smoking cessation).

British National Formulary:
Unfortunately Wellbutrin® is not marketed in the UK and so is not available on prescription. Bupropion (the active ingredient in Wellbutrin®) is available in the UK but it is marketed as Zyban® for smoking cessation. We suggest that you discuss the matter with your general practitioner.

Me, I would make a couple of calls to find out just how long you would be prescribed it. I have read reviews where people have been on it for 3 months or more. I suppose it would be up to your doctor in the end.

[KeeKee]

Wow, thank you for that sadnomore. I will certainly mention this to my doctor. I'm guessing he will not allow it due to me being a non smoker, but its worth a try :)

[loreen]

I have put on weight while on different meds,but have lost weight now I am on venlafaxine. I am eating well,but don't have the big appetite I had while on other medication. x

[swgrl09]

Wellbutrin is prescribed a lot here in the US. It's used sometimes in conjunction with other antidepressants to counter-act the loss of libido or on its own.

I was on Lexapro (Escitalopram) and didn't have any weight gain.

---------- Post added at 13:58 ---------- Previous post was at 13:57 ----------

Also, while you are off meds, do you exercise? It can help mood along with the weight-loss factor.

[KeeKee]

Thanks for the replies guys.
My appetite hasn't increased, yet my weight persists, that's why I am so scared to go back on (although I am almost certain I will as I feel I have no other option).

Yes I was doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, it made me feel more alert (so I could stave off napping), but certainly didn't improve my mood (NOTHING does, other than spending money, which is not an option as I havent been getting any personal income for a year now). I also didn't lose any weight on it but I did appear to (just) fit into some jeans that I could previously not fasten.

For the last 2ish weeks though I have a (hopefully ridiculous) fear of a blood clot and exercise is out of the question until I have next seen the doctor (9th June).

I wonder if this set back could be due to me pretty much going cold turkey - I was on 30mg Paroxetine, went to 10mg for 4 weeks then quit. No withdrawals other than this low mood and a bit parasthesia.

[SADnomore]

Well, that does sound logical, hunni. Let us know what you decide :hugs: