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   Multiple medications - weight gain as a side effect? (Open to All Health Related Topics board)

4th November 2005
I'm not sure where to post this question, exactly, so I hope someone can help me. :confused:
I have been taking Effexor for depression for about a year. Then, around 9 months ago, my doctor added Wellbutrin XL.
I've taken Allegra for a long time, and started taking Singulair in addition to that this month.
About 3 months ago, my dermatologist prescribed Ortho-Tricyclen Lo to help clear up my acne. (It hasn't really helped).

I joined Weight Watchers last September, and I was doing really well on it up until about June of this year. Now I am gaining weight like crazy; I have almost gained back the entire 18 lbs I had lost. I exercise for about an hour, 4-5 days per week, and I am usually really good about following the program. But lately I have been hungrier than usual, and it's like I can't stop eating. Could the weight gain &/or increased appetite be from one of the medications?

Also, I can't tell if it's actual weight gain or just bloating.

The first week I took Wellbutrin I actually lost 3 pounds, and it seemed to help my depression. Now I feel terrible again, it's like neither of the antidepressants are working. Is it possible to build up a tolerance to these meds?

I feel so frustrated and depressed. I worked so hard to lose the weight and now it's back. I don't know what to do. I am too embarrased to even go to my Weight Watchers meeting today, because somehow I have gained 4 pounds in the last week. Can anyone help? :(
4th November 2005
As I've not had experience with Wellbutrin, I can't speak about it - but I gained weight while on Effexor (despite a dr. telling me that I would lose weight on it) and no amount of exercise made a difference. With my new dr's help I weaned off of the Effexor, and suddenly weight loss was actually possible. I AM currently on other medication for anxiety, but I have not gained weight while on it yet - and initially I lost weight when I started on it - and have not gained that weight back. I am thrilled. I don't gain weight on Singulair or Allegra, which I also take.

Medications and weight issues are hard to balance.
4th November 2005
Allegra may be cause of your increased appetite. You will have to fight the nibbles even harder while on it.

You may wish to try eleminating starches and sweets from your diet for a while and see if you lose again. Lean meat in moderation and normal servings of green or non-starch veggies work well for weight loss and control of diabetes. You will still be able to have a balanced meal.
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