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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

I am bipolar II. Hyptothyroid. Very much overweight. Suffer from stress- and hormone- induced migraines. I take propranolol for migraine prevention (this works pretty well). I have been on several different anti-depressents for many years. I am also taking lamictal. I was taking celexa, but (as is my usual MO) I have recently tried to cut back on all the medications I have been taking. I do not like the apathetic feeling that comes with the antidepressants. I feel as if it is necessary to feel emotion. I just don t handle emotions well. I have a prescription for klonipin that I can take (1mg) up to 4x per day. I began to gain an enormous amount of weight following having a child (only one, will have no more) and taking anti-depressants. I m afraid that I will always need something to stay in balance; however, I need to also lose a lot of weight (about 75-100 lbs.) I am 5 8 and 240 lbs. What recommendations can you offer that I could discuss with my psychiatrist?
Mon, 27 Apr 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

You have been suffering from Bipolar disorder and have hypothyroidism. Following childbirth you have started to gain weight. You are also taking Propranolol for migraine prevention. A lot of females develop increased weight following childbirth and you are also having hypothyroidism which also increase the risk of weight gain. First thing that should be done is to get your thyroid hormone levels checked. If you have any evidence of hypothyroidism then start taking thyroxin or other thyroid medicines as per prescription.

Most of common antidepressants carry risk of manic switch in depression with bipolar disorder but medicines like Fluoxetine can be used with caution in low doses. The drug also don't cause much weight gain and you can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding prescription of this drug.

Try to avoid taking Clonazepam in the doses you have stated that is 4 mg per day. This drug is known to cause dependence and the drug carry high abuse potential so try to avoid that drug use regularly. Exercise daily and have diet rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fats.

Visit your psychiatrist for detailed evaluation.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care
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Do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries You have been suffering from Bipolar disorder and have hypothyroidism. Following childbirth you have started to gain weight. You are also taking Propranolol for migraine prevention. A lot of females develop increased weight following childbirth and you are also having hypothyroidism which also increase the risk of weight gain. First thing that should be done is to get your thyroid hormone levels checked. If you have any evidence of hypothyroidism then start taking thyroxin or other thyroid medicines as per prescription. Most of common antidepressants carry risk of manic switch in depression with bipolar disorder but medicines like Fluoxetine can be used with caution in low doses. The drug also don t cause much weight gain and you can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding prescription of this drug. Try to avoid taking Clonazepam in the doses you have stated that is 4 mg per day. This drug is known to cause dependence and the drug carry high abuse potential so try to avoid that drug use regularly. Exercise daily and have diet rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fats. Visit your psychiatrist for detailed evaluation. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care