On antidepressants. Need to lose weight. How to get started?

well, is it possible that you might want to try a different SSRI? if you've lost interest in something you used to do a lot before, then maybe it's not doing what it's supposed to. perhaps you should discuss tweaking your meds with your doctor. i know it's not typical, but i went on lexapro and lost 10 pounds. ymmv.

Increase your protein intake, decrease your carb intake. IANAD, of course, but in my research I've found that SSRIs can increase carb cravings and insulin resistance - eating more protein will make you feel fuller longer. Your description of what you would eat (pizza, burrito, sandwich) without feeling full is good evidence that what you're experiencing is the rebound hunger that comes from high carb intake, which leads to a rapid rise, then crash, of your blood sugar. When the blood sugar crashes, you get hungry. Skip the bread, pizza, rice, etc. and replace it with protein and veggies.

SSRIs can increase carb cravings, as was mentioned. In my experience, they can also make you lose interest in some things you used to do. I would not recommend changing meds if they are working for you. It can be difficult to find a good med; I had to try several to find the right one for my stuff. Obviously up to you, but in my experience you're going to have side effects to any med you take, and so if a med is working, it's best to find out how to work with its side effects if they are tolerable. I have gained some weight on the med I'm on now. Cutting out carbs won't work completely, because you'll still crave them. It's better imo to balance your diet with some carbs included, but try not to snack on them. Portion them out. Keep a food diary. I managed to lose weight while on meds, but I had to get sort of obsessive about it. I kept a spreadsheet with the foods I ate, the calories in everything, and calories lost through exercise. I don't know what that might do to your anxiety however. I'd advise working with your therapist on what actions you could take. They might have experience helping others to control their weight while on meds. I read medical journals as part of my job (and personal interest), and there is a lot out there now about controlling patients' weight while on meds, as it has become a concern for a lot of people.

Wellbutrin actually helped me lose 20 lbs. But I don't know if that's right for you. Dietary extremes are usually a bad idea. May I suggest talking to a nutritionist and perhaps meeting with a trainer? The only way to keep weight off is to make permanent changes in your diet. I know it's expensive, but talk to a pro who can counsel you in both areas. Endorphins kick in, even when you're on and SSRI, and eating well will help your mood, though not in the same way as medication. Good luck. I've been there/ am still there. Keep in mind, it's not easy for anyone to keep in shape. Not being anxious is also helping your health.

This is a significant weight gain here. I think your best bet is to try a different SSRI without such nasty side-effects. Talk to your doctor. This is pretty unhealthy stuff, 255 at your height is not good. On preview, Wellbutrin is a powerful stimulant. Be wary if you get prescribed this.

I went through a similar arc, complete with the reduction in anxiety leaving me with no reason to go work out. I still haven't solved the gym issue, but I've addressed the food issues through simple calorie counting. Nothing severe, but keeping track of what I'm eating tends to help me eat reasonable amounts. Of course that discipline slipped a bit during the holiday season. Time to start keeping track again...

oh, and to chime in again--i also tend toward the anxious, and wellbutrin made me batshit crazy. you might want to go back to the lexapro--even if it does cost more, it may be worth it because the side effects are supposed to be fewer. so, i don't know how much more you had to pay for the lexapro, but is the difference equivalent to the gym membership, nutritionist's fees, and the self-loathing you feel about your weight right now? i mean, it might be worth it to go back.

I experienced the same thing. I was a new person on Celexa. This was a person I'd never known before...calm, equanimous, positive, likable...and fat. Yes, the skinny one in the family finally gained a bit of weight...then a bit more...then more and more and ....... !!! I tried to exercise; I tried to eat less. Nothing worked. I had to go off the medication. I since lost all of the weight. What did Celexa do to my life? I lost the best relationship I've ever had due to the weight gain (say what you want about true love but I guess I can understand how a guy who signed up for a size 4 wasn't pleased to suddenly be with a 14). I spent a small fortune buying clothes in all different sizes. And although my body looks pretty damn good it never quite got back to what it was before (it's rather like weight gain due to childbirth). I am not trying to be negative. This was my honest experience. The only thing that worked for me was going off the medication. Wellbutrin doesn't cause weight gain OR sexual side effects (but it doesn't work nearly as well as Celexa for me). I have slowly come to accept that I have to manage in other ways. My advice is: 1. Don't let people tell you that you can just have willpower or exercise more. The drug is messing with your metabolism and your appetite. It's not in your head. If you're vulnerable to this side effect mere "willpower" is unlikely to help. 2. Keep in mind that no matter how happy the drug makes you, you aren't going to be happy if you develop diabetes. Weight gain is a side effect that can have serious consequences. 3. The most important thing is to LOSE THE WEIGHT SLOWLY. This minimizes the damage done to your body and helps your skin to bounce back. It's also healthier. If you lose the weight very quickly you risk developing very loose, flabby skin. 4. EXERCISE. Lift weights for tone. Good luck :)

P.S. I found no difference between Lexapro and Celexa for side effects. Interestingly enough, I found Lexapro to be a less effective medication even though there isn't any reason it should be.