Is there such a medication as an antidepressant for anxiety and panic that does not cause weight gain? Anyone know?
What is the best antidepressant for anxiety and panic attacks, that does not cause weight gain?
Question posted by Anonymous on 21 Jan 2019
Last updated on 22 January 2019
3 Answers
MuseMyself
22 Jan 2019
Even though, it wasn’t for myself. As everyone reacts to medication differently I would say Prozac. If, it is just to treat anxiety not depression. I wouldn’t take and antidepressant for anxiety. Otherwise, there are a many that are weight neutral SNRIs like Effexor have been more difficult to get off of as Prozac is the easiest to discontinue. Prisiq has less side effects and is weight neutral is the sister to Effexor.
I have been on pretty much everything as you can ask anything I’m and open book.
Take care!
I have to run but, wanted to reply sorry to be so brief.
Muse
MuseMyself
22 Jan 2019
I had to finish my answer rather quickly. I apologize my answer wasn’t in full.
I had to rush off to help a family member.
I just read other comments as I completely agree with wildcat. Can’t fight with facts. I usually, use my experiences and facts. She, filled in the facts.
Inactive
22 Jan 2019
Hi MuseMyself: Thank you for your comments. You and Wildcat are perfect examples of why I come here to glean from the experiences and knowledge of both of you and other members. I welcome any help to deal with my life-long anxiety. It is so frustrating. I just want a med to treat it that agrees with my system to minimize the side effect reactions that I might have to any given medication.
MuseMyself
22 Jan 2019
There are so many off label medications used for anxiety.
-Buspar is for anxiety as I suggest trying if you haven’t... I took it for seven years it worked great before, it pooped out about nine months ago.
-Topamax I was on since a teen the manufacturer got in trouble for advertising off label uses you can still find information on the net topamax did wonders for me- still helped just for some reason brand topamax had only agreed with me it comes in generic some people are more sensitive than, others and do better on generics than brand... I am trying to get back on it as my doctor and insurance changed the same time it’s a process.
-Clonidine has helped me with many issues including anxiety.
-Minipress is another good one both are blood pressure meds but, help with fight or flight response , night terrors, my anxiety
-Many people don’t know there has been research when all meds have failed some people were given a stimulant ADD/ADHD medication that helped some people have a reduction in anxiety and panic attacks. I have ADD and I am on a stimulant the thing is it’s not for everyone. I only know it helps me for the fact it helps me focus as I can use my positive coping skills able to ground myself a lot more as for panic itself I only know myself and that I am less likely to have a full attack on my meds... There was controversy at one facility that didn’t believe a stimulant could help someone with a complex panic disorder as mine. The social worker actually looked it up to see if, it was true I guess she shown the doctor because, I was offered and alternative medication as they didn’t carry mine.
-Inderal people have found to be helpful as it’s a BP med as well. Unfortunately, I am allergic to it as my doctor told me it couldn’t be the medication She was proved wrong ha!
There are natural supplements & vitamins I had the okay from my doctor that I take that work well for myself but, are not for everyone.
I use a weighted blanket sometimes to calm me and comfort me depends on my personal anxiety at times I may feel restricted. When, I have a difficult time breathing and focusing I blow bubbles and watch them pop I have a mini size bottle with a twist cap for my purse as it became very clean with the pop tops haha... I write, draw, listen to music- I use guided imagery meditation that one author helps me. It takes a little getting used to. I used to laugh at yoga it really helps and believe me there is yoga for everyone! I used to think I am not flexible anymore no way I can do that blahs. They have chair yoga that’s relaxing just as much as traditional. I need to click things sometimes like a pen I bought a fidget cube not spinner it’s a cube it has all different sides with different one with a little ball , another with a knob, one with buttons another that clicks like a light switch my favorite side, one side there’s a circle that’s textured that you can move that clicks, then a smooth side... I use the cube daily for years to ground myself. I don’t go anywhere without it...
Just a few things that help me get through that aren’t the usual ideas. If, I was able to post specific information I would.
You’re not alone I hope you can find something that may help.
Be well!
WildcatVet
21 Jan 2019
They ALL have the POTENTIAL to cause weight gain by changing your basal metabolism... but it completely depends on your individual response to any given medication.
Even the so-called "weight neutral" ones will cause weight gain in a statistical number of patients.
Wellbutrin: Very common (10% or more of users): Weight loss greater than 2.3 kg (up to 28%), weight gain greater than 2.3 kg (up to 11%)
Paxil: Common (1% to 10% of users): Decreased appetite, increased appetite, increases in cholesterol levels, weight gain, weight loss
Trintellix: Frequency not reported: Weight gain (This is because post-marketing reports have not been collected and analyzed yet.)
Even the older TCA's and MAOI's were known to cause weight changes.
But, again, it all depends on your individual response. Notice the small percentage of patients who experience weight changes... for instance, when I was still able to take antidepressants I didn't gain on any of them. I know, lucky me! I was one of the lucky majority.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's not all bad if you look at the statistics and percentages.
Inactive
21 Jan 2019
Excellent info, thank you Wildcat...
MuseMyself
22 Jan 2019
Very well said wildcat! I agree.
I was interrupted as I was trying to answer could not have said it better.
Inactive
22 Jan 2019
Yes, and from research, some of them cause higher cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure. I also have a concern about how the liver or kidneys would be affected long term. Is there such a pill, or am I looking for a magic pill?
WildcatVet
22 Jan 2019
I don't believe anyone can or has made a medication that has no short or long term side effects. Even everydays like aspirin or ibuprofen can cause adverse, even fatal, complications.
Inactive
21 Jan 2019
I was taking remeron for at least 10 years, gained 15 pounds the first month, so you might want to stay away from that. Remeron was no longer working for me as far as sleeping, so 5 months ago I started taking 100 mgs of seroquel for sleep along with 1 one mg of Xanax XR. Dr. added 50 mg of zoloft and my entire mood has changed for the good. I don't think seroquel is a antidepressant and I've read SO many people have gained a lot of weight... I haven't gained one pound. Hope this helps somewhat & good luck.
Inactive
21 Jan 2019
Thank you for your comment Kayla.
MuseMyself
22 Jan 2019
I actually, was on remeron as I felt calm and was able to sleep. I became physically ill as if I had the flu- before, I knew if I could in fact take it. I don’t do well on antidepressants at all. Remeron was different. I knew it caused a friend to gain a few lbs but, she had told me it affected her heart. I have tachycardia so, I’m not even, sure if it’s and option. I wanted to try it again.
To get to my question to you as you were on it for some time. If, you’re open to answer you don’t have to at all as I would completely understand.
Did the weight gain subside or stop at some point after your body adjusted to it?
I just lost the weight I had gained on one of the top three meds that cause rapid weight gain to control my anxiety of 131lbs. I would be okay with 15-20lbs if, I am panic free and can possibly get and stay off benzodiazepines. Thanks in advance for any input.
Take care!
Muse
Related topics
weight loss (obesity/overweight), anxiety, panic disorder, weight, antidepressant, antidepressants
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