What Causes Chronic Diarrhea And Weight Gain?

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 2 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am currently taking 300 mg bupropion xl and 20 mg citalopram for depression. I feel better emotionally but still cannot contrary on finishing tasks and I still get irradiated at times. I have have cronic diarrea for 7 months now and i have gained 25 lbs which has put me back up to 264 lbs. I don't want to gain any more weight back. my doctor took another job and is no longer available. i need help.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Increasing the dose of Bupropion might help

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Bupropion is a good anti depressant drug and the drug is known to cause weight loss in most of individuals. The drug if increased in dose will result in loss of weight.

Citalopram is a SSRI drug and the drug is known to cause weight gain so if the weight gain is an issue then its doses should be reduced or should be replaced by some other drug. Fluoxetine, Escitalopram are the drugs that don't cause much weight gain if we compare them with Citalopram.

Apart from this drugs like Topiramate can be used for weight loss. The drug is a mood stabiliser and is known to result in weight loss and also supplement the actions of antidepressants. So addition of Topiramate, increasing the dose of Bupropion and replacing the Citalopram with Fluoxetine or Escitalopram will help in preventing the weight gain.

Thanks, Please consult a psychiatrist for change in your prescription. Hope this helps you, please dont hesitate to ask again for more clarifications.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (57 minutes later)

how much should I increase the dose of buproprion?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Doses of 450 mg per day should help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question

In my opinion dose can be increased by increasing the dose from 300 mg per day to 450 mg per day (300 in morning time and 150 in evening). This should help in better symptom control and will help in maintaining the weight. Apart from this spend more and more time in exercise. Take high protein and complex carbs and low fat diet. This will help in quick loss.

Call your doctor for prescription.

Thanks, Still have more doubts please ask again. TAKE CARE

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad