side effects

I take prozac, abilify, and now propranolol. My appetite seems out of control and I've gained weight. Does anyone else have weight gain issues? How do you cope?

[Elfje]

All anti psychotics give wreight

Maiby ask something else

[Dolphin14]

I only had a problem with weight gain with the antipsychotic category of meds.

I came off for a brief period and lost the weight.

Check with your md regarding your issue.

[Hidden]

I took Abilify briefly, and yes, it will and can cause weight gain...probably tied to an increased appetite like you mention. Prozac, and most SSRIs do cause weight gain. There's the gut-brain connection that doctors are looking at more these days. I wouldn't be surprised if the chemical that takes 20 minutes (or so) to head to the brain to tell us we're full is impacted by the medications. The primary method to coping with this is by trying your best to find a well-rounded meal plan and to make good nutritional choices. Top it off with an exercise regiment and it may help. This is more hearsay based on reviews, but I've read some people even with a good diet/exercise plan see weight gain but it's substantially less than those who don't follow a plan. But, then again, as always, medications and how they work for each of us is unique. Above all else, I'd try (I know this isn't an easy recommendation) is to focus less on the weight gain and more on if you're feeling better. I put on about 25-30 pounds in the name of giving my medications a try. Unfortunately, I didn't have returns, but had I had a hold of my anxiety, I think I could have shrugged the weight gain off. One last note, and this would be for a doctor, is to ask about the propranolol (if you're taking it for anxiety especially). The medication slows the heart rate and blood pressure. With the heart rate, I would question whether this has any impact on your metabolization rates which in turn might also increase the odds of weight gain. I'm far from a doctor, but just some thoughts since I'm on a beta and have used many antipsychotics/antidepressants for anxiety. Best wishes and thoughts, take care for now!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thank you for your reply. that is very helpful.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Anytime at all, you're absolutely welcome. These meds can be a handful with the side effects. Wishing you the best on them and hopefully your doctor can give you some professional opinions on ways to manage this...it truly is a tough trade off.