weight gain from going off celexa

For those that have been off of celexa before: does it cause you to gain weight once you stop taking it? Does anyone know? I'd appreciate it!! Thanks.

Well I started tapering off Citalopram about October 2006 and now, in May 2007 (7 months later), I am 2 dress sizes bigger. This is not because I'm eating more or exercising less. Far from it - I have a healthy diet and lifestyle. I'd be really interested to know if otehrs have had the same experience.

It's also interesting to see that, all this time later, I still sometimes get the dizzy / tingling head / swishing in my ears reaction that I associate with withdrawal symptoms. So I usually end up every few days eating just a tiny crumb of a tablet from my last prescription. Has anyoen else had anything similar? And how long does thsi go on for? Thanks!

I was on celexa for over 6 years and have recently weaned myself off of it. I have noticed that since completely stopping (one month now), I am slowly packing on the lbs. I am exercising almost daily and my diet has not changed in any appreciable way. am too becoming slightly concerned about this. anyone else out there with similiar experiences?

Yes, this is described as a 'paradoxical weight gain' effect... people who have stopped the drug and suddenly found themselves gaining significant amounts of weight for no apparent reason.

It is described on p.77 of Joseph Glenmullen's book on SSRI side-effects 'Prozac Backlash'.

I am also gaining weight after 1 month off. I also feel like I may be getting depressed again as I feel like I did prior to going on it. Has this happened to anyone. I don't want to be on Meds my whole life!

Chris, anxiety and depression are two of the commonest withdrawal effects. How do you tell 'withdrawal' vs.'return of original problem'?

http://www.mind.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/59D68F19-...

I weaned myself off celexa in January. it was a crazy first few weeks w/ all sorts of horrible physical and mental reactions. Here I am 2 1/2 mos later and I have put on almost 10 lbs, which for a highly active very healthy, watch what I eat slim woman, is a disaster. I understand it is part of my paradoxical weight gain from going off the drug, but when will it end? how long does it last? any information would be great! Thanks.

How are you now?

mango wrote:

I weaned myself off celexa in January. it was a crazy first few weeks w/ all sorts of horrible physical and mental reactions. Here I am 2 1/2 mos later and I have put on almost 10 lbs, which for a highly active very healthy, watch what I eat slim woman, is a disaster. I understand it is part of my paradoxical weight gain from going off the drug, but when will it end? how long does it last? any information would be great! Thanks.

How are you feeling now? I have been off celexa for a week and feeling horrible!!!!

My wife stopped taking celexa cold turkey and has been feeling horrible for two weeks so far. I also have been trying to get off of this med, cutting my daily dose in half. I will continue to cut it even more in a few weeks. I hope we don't gain any weight because we are both overweight to begin with! Good luck to everyone trying to get off this med.

I have been on generic celexa for just 6 months and now weaned off for about 3 weeks. Since stopping the pills I am sooo hungry all the time and am starting to gain weight. Does anyone know how long this lasts? Other effects like the brain zaps and ear ringing have decreased significantly. I hope that I will return to my normal appetite and weight! This is all so scary and I wish I had never tried these stupid pills.

weaning off celexa is tough, the best way is to do it slowly. The weight gain could be a result of eating excesively from anxiety. I find that keeping a daily journal of my food intake helps me analyze and make better choices. I am taking a woman's multivitamin, omega 3 fish oils and L-Tyroisine with B vitamins which help you feel better and boost serotonin. Antidepressants cause a problem in the brain that are irreparable, the best thing you can do is to be good to yourself eat healthy and take supplements to get back what you have lost from the stress caused by the serotonin boosters. Good luck! Keep a positive attitude :)

..meaning the synthetic serotonin boosters (reuptake inhibitors). there are natural ways to boost serotonin, one is exercise also some vegetables and minerals help to boost serotonin which is all produced in your intestines believe it or not! the issue with ..depression is that due to stress or traumatic situations your body re-absorbs it too quickly..hence the depression and the need for an inhibitor like celexa, and others.. I would strongly recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy it's a great way to change what our minds are trained to do or how to react to something more positive that dissipates any stress or anxiety thereby eliminating the current response that leads to depression.

dude33, I agree with you about the supplements and therapy too. They can help tremendously.

I'm happy to report back that my ravenous hunger after weaning off has finally subsided! I have gained about 10 pounds from where I was on the celexa. I hope to be able to lose 5 of those.

I've been off Citalopram now for 2 weeks after cutting my dosages down gradually. I'm feeling well but my head has that whooshing sensation and dizzy feelings. I'm eating like there is no tomorrow too. How long will it take for these things to go away?

I have put on so much weight since I was put on citalopram 20mg. I seem to constantly graze with no thought to what I'm eating.
I would like to wean myself off any suggestions.I have been on it 4mths

Hope this blog is still going. I was on Celexa for 1.5 years and been weaning off from 30mg to now 10mg every second day, this over a period of 6 months. I should be stopping in about 3 weeks. I dont think I put on any significan weight while I was taking the meds but I've been working out for 4 months now(3xwk cardio/stength) and I've put on weight - fat weight!! not muscle. My tummy is out of control. I eat well, I occasionally snack on low fat goodies or stick to dark choco. I've always been aware of what I eat and I've always been thin. Just wondering how long after I've finally weaned myself off will my metabolism will get back to normal and be able to shed the weight.

i, too, have gained weight after weaning off of celexa (took for 6 1/2 years), even though i exercise regularly. i'm with marty, will my metabolism "get back to normal"? also, i'm incredibly lethargic since stopping the celexa. anyone else really, really tired? thanks--stacey:)

I stopped celexa after taking it for almost 2 years, and I have gained about 10 lbs. I exercise and don't eat the best, but I have always done this and saw no problems before. I now have a fatty layer I can't seem to get rid of, even with eating better and exercising more! Suggestions?

So this all explains alot- however- I wonder if there is anyone out there with a positive story around going off celexa and getting the weight under control- I gained 5lbs in less than 2 weeks and I am eating non stop!