I have been on Zoloft for about 8 months. I began taking it for ...

Yes, I took Zoloft (50 mg) for anxiety and depression caused by birth control pills (Yaz - HORRIBLE stuff) for about 10 months and gained 25 pounds. When I started Zoloft, I weighed 115 lbs and now weigh around 140. I mentioned the weight gain problem to my doctor in January, and she gave me a low dose of Wellbutrin (150 mg) to counter the side effects of the food cravings caused by Zoloft. Needless to say, it didn't really work. I wanted to eat junk food constantly, which is not really me. Last month, I stopped taking both antidepressants entirely (tapered down for about two weeks). All the food cravings have stopped. I feel so much more in control of my food intake, so I feel that my weight gain was totally due to the Zoloft.
Have you considered what reasons you were taking the medications to begin with? Maybe you could try alternative treatment options? I told my doctor that the weight gain was more depressing to me than the actual depression I started taking Zoloft for!
I am currently doing a detox diet which will be very helpful to help lose the weight caused by Zoloft. It helps clean out your liver, because it becomes so toxic from medication(s). My accupuncturist told me that the reason I was overeating is because my body is so toxic and not absorbing nutrients it needs. Makes total sense.
I am also trying accupuncture and chinese herbs for the depression. So far, so good! I feel better than I had been, and am exercising and eating so much better!
Good luck to you!

My daughter has been on Zoloft for amost 11 months now and she has gained 25 lbs. She is in the process of weaning off this medicine. While her anxiety did get better the weight gain can be quite depressing. She found that her appetitie increased while on this medicine and even when she tried to watch what she was eating or exercise more she still gained. Others have told her that the longer you are on it and the higher the dose the more the weight gain. She is hoping that once she is off she will be able to lose the weight and fast. Good luck to you!

Yes, yes, yes! I started taking Zoloft 1 year ago (August 07) for PMS. I have gained 20 lbs despite working out 1 hour 4xs a week & weight watchers! I am SAD!!! I stopped cold turkey! I am now looking for something else to take for my PMS.

Doobee - I've been on Zoloft for 15 months now. During that time I've managed to gain 20 lbs. I was at a healthy weight before starting but the Zoloft has done wonders for me mentally although emotionally the weight gain is disturbing. However, I saw my doc today and she changed my Rx to Cymbalta due to a complete loss of libido (poor husband) and "break-through" depression. I've been reading online tonight that Cymbalta can decrease weight...but everyone's make-up is different so I'm not holding my breath. You might want to ask your dr. what he/she thinks of Cymbalta. Good luck! Carolina

I have brrn on zoloft 200mg. for over5 years and despite the exercising and controlled eating habits the weight won't come off,it's more depressing than being depressed,I gained 40lbs. now i'm coming off it and see what happens,wish me luck. margaret

thank you I am so glad I have found the possible reason for my weight gain. I have been on Zoloft for about 9 months now and have gone from 143 to 179. I am excersising 4 to 5 days weekly with a 1200 colorie diet and continue to gain weight. I couldn't find an answer why. My weight has always been a challenge but now it is out of control. I am going to discontinue the Zoloft with a Dr's help of course however I can not take this weight gain, besides I was presribed the med because of anxiety due to menoupase. Thank You for this revalation. Bernice

I have been taking Zoloft 100 mg for +1yr, and in the last few months have gained 13 pounds and spells of uncontrolled eating, I too have considered switching meds

I have been on Zoloft for about 6 months 75 mg. I have gained 40lb and can't fit into anything. When I first began taking the med I lost weight and had more energy. Zoloft has since caused me to become a sleepy overweight dont give a damn about nothing person. I have since stopped cold turkey and have been experiencing tremmers, verdigo, and light headedness. Not to metion being grouchy and feeling overwight. I am going to start exercising again. That's another thing that happened I stopped working out and didnt do much of anything. I felt as though I was going through life in a dream state unable to hold onto a single thought.

Hi, I've been on Zoloft for 4 years.I've started to take it when I was 17 and I stopped last summer. While being on Zoloft I've gained 10 kilograms, but I've lost them during the course of this year.In fact, when I was on Zoloft, I experienced lack of impulse control, that lead me to overeating and alcohol abuse, both of them disappeared after Zoloft discontinuation.
I suggest you to switch to another antidepressant. Try to find one that has less adverse effects.

Chiara