How to Lose Weight While on Celexa
Celexa is the brand name for citalopram hydrobromide, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (or SSRI) drug used for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Celexa's side effects can include increased appetite and increased weight, according to manufacturer Forest Laboratories. It may be prescribed in doses ranging from 20 to 40 mg daily.
Some patients actually lose weight on Celexa; in fact, Forest found that "Patients treated with Celexa in controlled trials experienced a weight loss of about 0.5 kg compared to no change for placebo patients." However, other patients report that the drug seems to prompt a craving for food.
Achieving or maintaining a healthy weight can be a real challenge for patients who suffer from this effect, but several options are available to them.
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Instructions
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Discuss this and any other side effects with your health-care provider. (The pharmacy instructions include this warning: "Call the doctor right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Signs to watch for include new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, insomnia, hostility, panic attacks, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior.") Some side effects vanish as you become physically accustomed to the drug over the course of a few weeks. If not, you and your doctor may decide that a side effect of weight gain is unimportant considered against the benefits of the drug. If you are on a high dose of Celexa, your doctor may suggest trying a lower dose.
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Healthy eating and exercise may counteract any weight gain. Exercise itself is helpful in treating depression. According to a study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas published in 2005, "Individuals who participated in moderately intense aerobics, such as exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle--whether it was for three or five days per week--experienced a decline in depressive symptoms by an average of 47 percent after 12 weeks."
The Mayo Clinic recommends dealing with weight gain caused by depressants through eating healthy foods "such as plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains"; cutting back on sweets, sweet drinks, and fast food; getting 30 minutes of exercise each day; and consulting a dietitian or nutritionist. -
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The Mayo Clinic also recommends talking to your doctor about switching medications. The antidepressant bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin), for example, is not chemically related to SSRI drugs and not associated with weight gain. In fact, a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine in 2005 found that 400 mg of bupropion daily was effective in treating obesity: "Over a period of 6 to 12 months, weight loss in the bupropion group (4.4 kg) was significantly greater than in the placebo group (1.7 kg)." However, many patients find that SSRIs like Celexa are more effective than bupropion in treating mood disorders, especially major depression.
A doctor may consider prescribing a mild dose of bupropion in addition to an SSRI to help counteract the effect of increased appetite. (Bupropion's effectiveness as an anti-smoking drug, marketed under the name Zyban, may be related.) It is important to note that other antidepressants, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Nardil, should never be combined with SSRI drugs.
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You may need to learn coping skills to deal with increased appetite. Weight loss programs like Weight Watchers, weight loss counseling or a program to deal with eating disorders such as Overeaters Anonymous may be useful. Remember that you have taken a major step in dealing with mood disorders, and even good change can be stressful. Take advantage of help available to learn to adapt to these changes.
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Tips & Warnings
Please note that weight change itself may be a symptom of depression, and so weight gain may not be caused by the drug---it may in fact be treated by it. Forest Laboratories warns that "Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug."
The Mayo Clinic cautions, "Don't stop taking your antidepressant or reduce the dosage without first talking to your doctor or mental health provider. Suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal-like health problems. Always tell your health care provider about your side effects, because some can be serious." It is crucial to tell your doctor about all medications, prescription and over-the-counter (including nutritional supplements), that you are taking with Celexa.
