Does Celexa make you gain weight?

Question

One of the side effects of Celexa is suppressed appetite. I have been reading a lot that Celexa makes you gain a lot of weight. Is that true? I just started taking it. Can it help you to lose some weight being an appetite suppressant??

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Weight gain from Celexa

Celexa weight gain is more common then you might think. You are not alone with this side effect. Not every person taking Celexa will gain weight but it happens enough for Celexa to hold a solid reputation as a weight gain drug.

In the weight gain arena, all antidepressants without exception have the potential to cause weight gain. Many people are not even aware that weight gain is one of the most common side effects associated with Celexa until it is too late. Ironically, this common side effect of Celexa is counterproductive to depression since unexpected weight gain can further aggravating mood instability and low self-esteem.

Weight gain caused by Celexa and other antidepressants is a major reason for people stopping drug treatment. Even Wellbutrin, which is touted as the antidepressant lest likely to cause weight gain, causes weight gain in some people.

All antidepressants slow the metabolism and inhibit specific enzymes in the liver that allow the metabolism to function correctly. Many antidepressants also also increase appetite and carbohydrate cravings. Antidepressants like Celexa are also shown to cause hormonal changes, which can further add to weight gain.

Deprex is a complex of natural "antidepressants" that supplies the precursors to key mood-controlling neurotransmitters. Deprex raises circulating serotonin levels, restores the appropriate production of serotonin and norepinephrine and regulates cortisol release – without weight gain side effects or other side effects commonly associated with Celexa and other antidepressants.

Studies showed an average weight gain of 15 to 20 pounds with Zoloft, Prozac and Celexa. Paxil appear to have the most significant impact on weight gain of all of the SSRIs and causes weight gains in excess of 20 pounds for the average person taking this antidepressant. Effexor weight gain is not as severe as the weight gain reported with Paxil, Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft. Lexapro appears to have the least weight gain problems of all SSRIs.
With Celexa weight gain, it is not the amount of food eaten, but the body’s crippled metabolism. If you have already cut your food intake, have eliminated fatty foods, exercise on a regular basis and you still are gaining weight, your metabolism is to blame. If you are taking Celexa, chances are Celexa is contributing to the sluggish metabolism. The only true solution to Celexa weight gain is not to take Celexa.

Most people slowly return to their pre-Celexa weight after discontinuing Celexa use, but the emphasis is on the word “slowly.”

Weight gain with SSRIs is tricky because SSRIs give an appetite suppressant feeling and some weight loss in the beginning. It isn’t until after a few months that the weight gain appears.

SSRIs were originally thought to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. Many people will experience weight loss in the first months of taking antidepressants but that side effect is short-lived. It is now known that long-term use of SSRIs like Celexa are associated with weight gain. It is common for people to report weight gains of 20, 30 and even 60 pounds several months into treatment.

Antidepressants outside the SSRI family have also been shown to cause weight gain to varying degrees. The greatest tricyclic antidepressant weight gain has been observed with those using Elavil, Tofranil and Remeron. Wellbutrin causes the least amount of weight gain but is not shown to be as effective at reducing anxiety as other antidepressants. Desyrel appears to cause less weight gain than Elavil but more than Wellbutrin. Again, the only substantial means of combating weight gain from these types of antidepressants are to discontinue use.

Celexa can cause serious side effects including the increased risk of suicide. Addiction and subsequent withdrawal symptoms also rank on the list of serious Celexa side effects. Celexa has been linked to drug-induced stuttering.

*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse Celexa, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse side effects of Celexa. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not be construed to indicate that Celexa is safe, effective or appropriate.

Do not stop taking Celexa without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping Celexa completely. Suddenly stopping citalopram may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms.



What is Celexa?

Celexa is a medication for the treatment of depression. Celexa helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a substance in the brain called serotonin. Celexa appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

How will Celexa help my depression?

Celexa is an antidepressant that is a member of the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Celexa helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a substance in the brain called serotonin. Celexa appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin without affecting many of the other chemicals in the brain that influence mood.

When can I expect to feel better with Celexa?

While every person is different, you may notice improvement in your depression with Celexa therapy in 1 to 4 weeks. Your doctor or other healthcare professional may adjust your dosage based upon your response to Celexa. If you don't notice any improvements in a few weeks, you should speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional.

When I begin feeling better, can I stop taking Celexa?

Only your doctor or other healthcare professional can tell you when to stop taking Celexa. Your doctor or other healthcare professional may want you to continue treatment for several months to prevent your depression from coming back. Because it takes time for depression to completely resolve, you should not stop taking your medication as soon as you feel better.

Are there side effects with Celexa?

Celexa has a favorable side-effect profile. As with any medication, you may experience some side effects, but with Celexa, most side effects are mild to moderate, and tend to go away as you continue taking Celexa. The most frequent side effects reported with Celexa are nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, increased sweating, tremor, diarrhea, and problems with ejaculation.

What do I do if I experience side effects with Celexa?

Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional if you have any concerns about side effects or if the side effects do not go away. Be patient with your treatment. You should know that most side effects of Celexa tend to go away within a few weeks.

When is the best time to take Celexa?

Celexa should be taken once a day. You can take it either in the morning or the evening, with or without food.

Can I take Celexa with other medications?

Celexa does not interfere with the metabolism of many drugs. However, you need to make sure you tell your doctor or other healthcare professional if you are taking, or planning to take, any medicine—even the types you buy over the counter. As with other SSRIs, caution is indicated in the coadministration of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with Celexa. If you're not sure about any medication you are taking, ask your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Can I have alcoholic beverages while taking Celexa?

As with many other medications, you should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while being treated with Celexa.

What else can I do for my depression?

Be sure to keep follow-up appointments with your doctor or other healthcare professional. They need to know how you are doing and might want to change your treatment plan. In addition to taking a medication, you may also want to participate in psychotherapy or "talk therapy". These counseling sessions can provide you with valuable support that can help you better understand how depression affects you and ways you can cope with the illness. While your doctor or other healthcare professional should be your main source of support in depression treatment, talking with a close friend or family member can sometimes be very helpful.