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What Causes Weight Gain After Taking Pristiq?
Question: I have been on several anti depressants since I was 16. And recently changed back to Pristiq 50 mg. After 30 days, it was increased to 100 mg. I have always had a weight problem but have been able to keep 40 pounds off for 4 years until I started taking this medication. Now since March I have gained 20 pounds. Before my meds were changed, I took Wellbutrin 400 mg, Lamictal 400 mg and Klonopin 0.5 mg tid prn. I don't know what to tell my doctor because when I mentioned the weight gain after taking Pristiq 50 mg for 30 days, it was increased to 100 mg. I can't keep taking this medication and I know, from past experiences, I get the electric shock feeling when i don't take it properly. I go back to see him today. Any suggestions at what I can say to get him to listen to me?
Brief Answer:
Ask him to change medications stating that weight gain is not acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns about depression and weight gain.
It is well known fact that SNRI group of medications are associated with weight gain and I think it should not be prescribed to someone who has issues with weight gain. I am not aware why the dose was increased but probably your psychiatrist analyzed the risk of depression and risk of weight gain and acted to combat depression which was probably more acute problem in your case.
I feel first ask him why the dose was increased despite putting on weight and communicate properly that at no cost you are willing to gain weight. In case he insists for continuing Pristiq the measures to weight control should be opted together. Some of such examples include Abilify and wellbutrin.
You can also state that for last two months you have gained 20 pounds and if it continues you will be beyond management limits. Tell him that increased weight will require more medication and in turn more medications will cause more weight gain thus establishing the vicious cycle.
I hope this answers you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Ask him to change medications stating that weight gain is not acceptable
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns about depression and weight gain.
It is well known fact that SNRI group of medications are associated with weight gain and I think it should not be prescribed to someone who has issues with weight gain. I am not aware why the dose was increased but probably your psychiatrist analyzed the risk of depression and risk of weight gain and acted to combat depression which was probably more acute problem in your case.
I feel first ask him why the dose was increased despite putting on weight and communicate properly that at no cost you are willing to gain weight. In case he insists for continuing Pristiq the measures to weight control should be opted together. Some of such examples include Abilify and wellbutrin.
You can also state that for last two months you have gained 20 pounds and if it continues you will be beyond management limits. Tell him that increased weight will require more medication and in turn more medications will cause more weight gain thus establishing the vicious cycle.
I hope this answers you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Thank you for your prompt answer. Do you have a suggestion of a medication I could mention to him that could take the place of Pristiq minus the weight gain side effects?
Brief Answer:
It is wellbutrin, agomelatineband tyneptine
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for responding back to me. In fact there are only few antidepressants which are weight neutal.
First among them is wellbutrin. You used it on last occasion and I think you know how it helped you.
The other is tyneptine ehivh is used 12.5 mg three times a day.
The third is agomelatine which is used in fose range of 25 to 50 mg oer day.
Other options include Prozac which is weight neuteal in majority if not in all.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
It is wellbutrin, agomelatineband tyneptine
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for responding back to me. In fact there are only few antidepressants which are weight neutal.
First among them is wellbutrin. You used it on last occasion and I think you know how it helped you.
The other is tyneptine ehivh is used 12.5 mg three times a day.
The third is agomelatine which is used in fose range of 25 to 50 mg oer day.
Other options include Prozac which is weight neuteal in majority if not in all.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
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