I had taken this medicine alittle over a year ago and had gained some weight. I just can't remember if the weight gain occured while I was on the medicine or after I had weaned off. Also while on the medicine, I was always tired. Every after noon I had to take a nap. But it did help me get my life back in order. Anyway, now Im dealing with major stress and the doctor wants to put me back on it after I have been at the gym losing the extra weight. Just wanted some other opinions. Thanks!
Has anyone had ANY weight gain from taking Citalopram?
Question posted by CHRISTmas777 on 8 Dec 2011
Last updated on 6 July 2019 by Creese498
6 Answers
Creese498
6 July 2019
Absolutely. I gained 15 lbs in the first year if taking it. My activity level suffered because I was so tired ( I take it at night) . I’ve been trying to lose weight for a year and a half and my weight will not budge. I’m currently very active and have tried many diet methods but NOTHING happens.
Fransene
8 Nov 2017
Yes, so much !
I've been dieting so hard though
CHRISTmas777
13 Dec 2011
Thanks for all of the responses to this. I have been on it since the post and no weight gain so far. I am so sleepy tonight though. Im just taking it one day at a time. Im not sure if the medicine was the right diagnosis for the way I was feeling though. We will see. time will tell. Anymore comments are greatly appreciated. I like to hear others opinions and experiences.
Inactive
8 Dec 2011
Hello CHRISTmas777. I was on celexa and I put no weight on. Much like yourself, I stopped taking it because it left me feeling tired out. I was on seroquel and of course, gained weight because of it. Celexa is not known as drug where people generally gain weight on. Best of wishes to you, hope that you get to feeling more like your old self,
Delila
8 Dec 2011
Hi, i have definitely gained weight since taking citalopram, but i also am taking seroquel so i can't be sure which one is the culprit, or if it is a combination of the both. I am pretty upset with the weight gain but i've had to weigh it up, the weight gain, or the emotional distress. I haven't found the citalopram to make me lethargic but i do know people that have this problem and the general advice is to take it at night. I can identify that i have been eating badly for the last year or so which obvioulsy doesn't help. I am going to try to be more strict with my diet starting Jan so i hope this will help...
Rach936
24 Nov 2012
I also take both pills and have gain quite a lot of weight. I have tried dieting, shakes, gym etc but carnt shift even a pound!! I'm at my whits end!! The weight is really getting me down but the I darednt come off the pills. If I'm even 30mins late takin a quetiapine I no about it!! My mum comments I get really stroppy n jumpy. I live in fear ov my reactions so avoid all people & activities... Help any1...
Delila
24 Nov 2012
Hi, sorry to hear you are isolating yourself. Do you think the medication makes you appear as your mother tells you? Has anyone else commented negatively about your attitude? I think it would help you if you got involved in some counselling or therapy to get you in touch with how you really feel and how to learn to interact in society again. I have a degree of agoraphobia so i know how lonely it can be spending all of your time alone. When did your doctor last review your medication? If you are this unhappy, maybe something needs to be adjusted?
Rach936
24 Nov 2012
Unfortunately yes her comments are valid. I've tried both reducing & increasing my meds but to be honest I loooonnng to feel 'normal' ...
I'm am in counsiling and have been for quite a while. It's a long process though trying to break negative thought patterns that have been with you all your life...
Delila
25 Nov 2012
Absolutely, making big changes is hard and does take time, i am working through things at the moment. I started a course of therapy a few months ago now and it is going to be a year long. And after that i will probably go on to other kinds of therapy/counselling/group work. Just an idea, i joined a walking group recently. It gets me out of the house without the worry of being alone, and i can interact with the other walkers or just quietly appreciate the environment. The fresh air and taking some light exercise lifts my mood, and helps with the weight gain! Do you know if there is anything like that where you live? In the meantime i'm happy to keep talking with you if it helps? I will add you to my friends list...
Rach936
25 Nov 2012
Bless you. Thanks xxx
It's just a comfort to speak to someone who understands what you have been though & the journey that you are on!! It's sooooo difficult for people on the outside to even begin to understand... 'Pull yourself together & get on with it!'
Hell if only it was that simple...
Rach936
30 Nov 2012
I had a really really bad nite. Scared myself enough in2 getting an emergency app at doctors. Finally getting my meds changed. Long process tho. Which is what's put me off b4. Gota wean off old 1s b4 goin on new 1s :/
Fingers crossed they can find something that finally works!! :/
Delila
1 Dec 2012
Hi i just commented on your other question - Quetiapine with Effexor. Sorry you had such a bad night. How are you doing today? So the doctor thinks the reason for you scary symptoms was an interaction symptom from the Quetiapine & Effexor? Apart from the weight gain i haven't suffered any interactions but i would be interested to know how the new combination works out for you once you've been on it for a while? I hope it is better for you.
Rach936
1 Dec 2012
Hi I'm glad u replied. I tried 2 private message you and it wouldn't work. Feeling much better today thanks.
For quite a while now i dont think the citalopram has worked for me but the thought of wearing off to zero then building back up again scares me. Realistically the process will be at least a month before you will start to see any benefits so I keep taking the pills...
After the latest uncontrollable crying session. I finally decided enough was enough. I can never get a appointment at my doctors so usually convince myself I'm not that bad really... I'll be ok... Bla bla... N I am... Till the next time... :/
This time I insisted on a emergency appointment and went before I could change my mind!! Of cause didn't see my doctor but mayb this was a good thing. He suggested stoping the citalopram immediately (after all it wasn't working anyhow) and I'm goin back next Friday n if all's ok hopfully stating on the Effexor. I'm so pleased I went. It's given me hope n something to aim for if nothing else!
Keep you posted xxx
Hope your ok?
Delila
1 Dec 2012
Well done for seeking help and i'm glad it was so helpful! I'm supposed to be reducing some of my meds at the moment but it is going really slow... I hope you get on well with the Effexor. I wonder why the private message didn't work? Speak soon : )
Rach936
1 Dec 2012
Naughty I no. But I've been that desperate I've tried tweaking my meds myself. I take extra pill & I've tried taking less but nothing seems to work. Im prob I'm not giving it long enough. I don't no. My moods are so up n down anyway it's difficult to regulate them. I'd give anything to remain constant. It's the roller coaster that wears me out...
Really glad I've found you & this support group it's nice to no it's not just u! ... I've cut off from all my friends as they don't understand n I never no which way I'm goin 2 react or what's goin 2 trigger me off... plus I get really embarrassed afterwards... :/
Unfortunately no quick fix but doctor is hopful that this new combo might work. Fingers crossed xx
Rajive Goel
8 Dec 2011
In clinical studies on the possible side effects of Citalopram (Celexa), weight gain was reported in more than 1% of people. If you gain weight while taking this drug, let your doc know so he or she can rule out certain medical conditions, prescribe another antidepressant, or recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating heart-healthy foods, exercising more, and limiting your alcohol intake.
2 to 5% people who taken the med also have felt fatigued as its side effect, but the med seemed to have helped you, maybe the side effects could be ok, or else please talk to you doc who prescribed the med.
Take care, best wishes!
Related topics
weight loss (obesity/overweight), citalopram, weight, anxiety and stress, medicine
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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