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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lisabet on January 24, 2001, at 18:17:49
For those of you who lost weight while on Wellbutrin, did you gain, stay the same, or continue to lose after ceasing the medication?
Details, please. Thanks!
Posted by SalArmy4me on January 25, 2001, at 5:55:43
In reply to Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by Lisabet on January 24, 2001, at 18:17:49
I lost 20 pounds on Wellbutrin, and everyone thought I looked like a whole different person. I didn't gain all of it back when I quit taking it. But I naturally have a high metabolism. Why do you have to go off of it?
> For those of you who lost weight while on Wellbutrin, did you gain, stay the same, or continue to lose after ceasing the medication?
>
> Details, please. Thanks!
Posted by Lisabet on January 25, 2001, at 17:57:43
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by SalArmy4me on January 25, 2001, at 5:55:43
I got a jump start losing weight with about ten pounds. Since then I modified my eating habits and am alot more energetic. I have lost a total of about 40 pounds. I have about 25 more to go.
I don't plan on going off Wellb. anytime soon, but eventually. I got to thinking, once I do, how my weight loss might be affected. Wellb. definetely helps with cravings and appetite, especially in he beginning.
I also take Buspar, which is an anti-anxiety medicine.
> I lost 20 pounds on Wellbutrin, and everyone thought I looked like a whole different person. I didn't gain all of it back when I quit taking it. But I naturally have a high metabolism. Why do you have to go off of it?
>
> > For those of you who lost weight while on Wellbutrin, did you gain, stay the same, or continue to lose after ceasing the medication?
> >
> > Details, please. Thanks!
Posted by Shell on January 28, 2001, at 22:40:57
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » SalArmy4me, posted by Lisabet on January 25, 2001, at 17:57:43
> I got a jump start losing weight with about ten pounds. Since then I modified my eating habits and am alot more energetic. I have lost a total of about 40 pounds. I have about 25 more to go.
>
> I don't plan on going off Wellb. anytime soon, but eventually. I got to thinking, once I do, how my weight loss might be affected. Wellb. definetely helps with cravings and appetite, especially in he beginning.
>
> I also take Buspar, which is an anti-anxiety medicine.
>
> > I lost 20 pounds on Wellbutrin, and everyone thought I looked like a whole different person. I didn't gain all of it back when I quit taking it. But I naturally have a high metabolism. Why do you have to go off of it?
> >
> > > For those of you who lost weight while on Wellbutrin, did you gain, stay the same, or continue to lose after ceasing the medication?
> > >
> > > Details, please. Thanks!This is very encouraging. I have lost 8 pounds in my first month on Wellbutrin. I'm glad to see that it may not just be my imagination!
Posted by Lisabet on January 29, 2001, at 14:26:55
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by Shell on January 28, 2001, at 22:40:57
What is your take on it? What affect/s do you think Wellbutrin has on you that make you lose?
What else I like about it, is you don't drastically lose weight over a short period of time. If feels really natural. Not like on a stimulant, or diet pills.
My main concern is that once I go off of the medication (can't take it forever?), that I will slowly starting gaining.
>
> This is very encouraging. I have lost 8 pounds in my first month on Wellbutrin. I'm glad to see that it may not just be my imagination!
Posted by Shell on January 29, 2001, at 22:04:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » Shell, posted by Lisabet on January 29, 2001, at 14:26:55
> What is your take on it? What affect/s do you think Wellbutrin has on you that make you lose?
I'm honestly not really sure *why* it seems to work the way it does.I have noticed recently that I find that I am hungry and then realized that I haven't eaten in 7 or 8 hours. For example, my husband asked me this afternoon at about 5:30 if I wanted to go out to dinner. I realized that I was a little hungry and by the time we got the kids ready and ran a few errands, I'd probably be ready to eat. When I thought about it, I realized the only thing I'd eaten so far was a half a peanut butter sandwich at about 9:15 this morning. That has been fairly typical.
I just don't really think about food at all until I am really, really hungry and when I do eat, I seem to get full sooner. The thought of eating until I am stuffed makes me nauseous.
Before I took Wellbutrin, I would often think things like "How long until lunch?", "Wonder what we should do for dinner?", "Maybe I'll feel better if I have a little snack", etc. Now food never enters my mind until I am truly hungry, and I am finding that seems to be a lot less often that I would have thought. I have also found that I am much less suggestible; I can walk past goodies that coworkers set out without any interest (unless I really am hungry), television ads for food don't phase me at all; and I can go out to eat with others and watch them eat dessert without wanting any myself. I won't eat food just because it is there.
I do have to admit that I am making a conscious effort to lose 10 pounds (ok, maybe 15!) or so. It is not like I just am just wasting away against my will. I simply find that it is much easier to choose the lower-calorie choice or smaller portions with the Wellbutrin. It's like I can take more of a long-term perspective; every little bit I can do each day makes a difference. Before Wellbutrin, my attitude was more like, "I'll just eat this today because it's a holiday/I'm on vacation/everyone else is having some/I'll feel better if I do/I've never been to this restaurant/I'll worry about it tomorrow", etc. Our dinner out tonight is a good example. Not only did I eat just half of my Gardenburger (though I did sneak a few french fries from the kids!), I actually *ordered* a Gardenburger. Before the Wellbutrin, I would have thought, "Screw it, I'll diet when I get home. I'll order a real cheeseburger." I think that that change in attitude has been the biggest difference I've noticed.
Is this the type of difference it made in you? I'd be interested in hearing if others have found the same kinds of things to be true on Wellbutrin (or on other medications).
Shell
PS - I almost forgot! I'm really not sure how much of this is due to the Wellbutrin (300 mg) and how much is due to the Concerta (36 mg). I started taking the Wellbutrin a few weeks before the Concerta, so it probably started to make a difference about the same time I took the first Concerta. Perhaps it is the combination of the two. I really don't know.
Posted by allisonm on January 30, 2001, at 9:44:42
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by Shell on January 29, 2001, at 22:04:27
Shell,
I have exactly the same feelings about food. I used to think about it most of the day. Now I have to remind myself to eat. Except for those damn little red cinnamon hearts in the dish by my desk (they'll be gone by Valentine's Day), I don't eat anything unless I'm hungry. I usually eat lunch but often skip dinner. I'm just not hungry.
Because my intake is lower, I am vigilant now about taking vitamins. Wellbutrin also has killed any appetite I had for meat, so I've become a vegetarian (I still eat dairy, though). I try to make sure I am getting enough protein from other sources. I also have gotten into eating mostly organic foods.
In all, I have lost more than 20 lbs., going on 25, since June of 99.
Allison
Posted by Lisabet on January 30, 2001, at 19:14:51
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by Shell on January 29, 2001, at 22:04:27
> Is this the type of difference it made in you? I'd be interested in hearing if others have found the same kinds of things to be true on Wellbutrin (or on other medications).
>
Yes, exactly! I do get full sooner and stomach gets upset if I try to eat more; I, too am less suggestible; and don't really want meat either! I am making a conscious effort to lose weight, but it is easier. I have about 25 more pounds to go. It's coming off a lot slower now than in the beginning.I am on 300 mg a day as well. When do you take yours? Why are you taking Wellb. (If you don't mind me asking.) And what other affects does Wellb. give you?
What do you take Concerta for and how do you feel about that med?
-Lisa
Posted by Lisabet on January 30, 2001, at 19:25:46
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by allisonm on January 30, 2001, at 9:44:42
Allison,
> What dosage are you on? I too, am vigilant about taking vitamins. I also take extra potassium, or I get leg and other muscle cramps.I'd still like to know if there are any changes or reverting after the cestation?
Any other feedback as far as Wellb. is concerned other than weight loss?
Lisa
Posted by Shell on January 30, 2001, at 21:12:02
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » Shell, posted by Lisabet on January 30, 2001, at 19:14:51
> I am on 300 mg a day as well. When do you take yours? Why are you taking Wellb. (If you don't mind me asking.) And what other affects does Wellb. give you?
>
> What do you take Concerta for and how do you feel about that med?
>
> -LisaI am taking the Wellbutrin for depression. As far as I can tell, the only noticeable effect that I get from it is the decrease in appetite. I don't have any negative side effects. I think it is working on the depression. I don't know that I can detect a big difference, but my family seems to notice it.
I'm taking the Concerta (methylphenidate, similar to Ritalin) for ADD (Wellbutrin is also used for ADD, so maybe it is doing something for that as well.)
My only problem with Concerta is that I get only about 10 hours of effectiveness from it (though since it lasts the longest of all the stimulants, I really shouldn't complain). I am planning to ask my doctor if I can either take it in two 18 mg pills spaced a few hours apart (instead of one 36 mg) or add some Ritalin so that I can have the effect for the entire day.
I really don't notice a big difference when I take it, but everyone around me does! I am more energetic and motivated (my house is clean!), can sit still in meetings (important at work), can stick to one thing for longer at a time, and am more able to filter out background noise, etc. that would normally leave me frazzled. I have also been told that I don't "short out" during a conversation -- whatever that means!
It must do *something* for me. Both my husband and my sister can tell what time I took it on any given day because they can notice the difference in me as soon as it wears off.
Shell
Posted by paxvox on July 26, 2001, at 9:11:35
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » Shell, posted by Lisabet on January 30, 2001, at 19:14:51
>
RE: Wellbutrin and weight loss. Weight loss is a very common effect of Wellbutrin, that is why it is not to be given to people with known eating disorders. I lost 30 pounds over a few years on Wellbutrin. This may be related to the chemical's similarity to amphetamines, which also cause weight loss.
Posted by susanlea on August 29, 2001, at 9:12:18
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by paxvox on July 26, 2001, at 9:11:35
I just started taking Wellbutrin, partly for depression, but also because of the added benefit of apparent weight loss that alot of people experience.
One of my co-workers takes it and has gone from a size 22 to a size 13-14 in about a year.
I spoke to my doctor, because I am an emotional eater. When I'm stressed, I reach for food the way others reach for a cigarette, drugs, a drink, or whatever. Apparently, Wellbutrin works by helping to control the "addictive" part of your brain (which is why Zyban is given to people trying to quit smoking).
I hope to god it works!
Posted by paxvox on August 30, 2001, at 12:24:58
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by susanlea on August 29, 2001, at 9:12:18
> I just started taking Wellbutrin, partly for depression, but also because of the added benefit of apparent weight loss that alot of people experience.
>
> One of my co-workers takes it and has gone from a size 22 to a size 13-14 in about a year.
>
> I spoke to my doctor, because I am an emotional eater. When I'm stressed, I reach for food the way others reach for a cigarette, drugs, a drink, or whatever. Apparently, Wellbutrin works by helping to control the "addictive" part of your brain (which is why Zyban is given to people trying to quit smoking).
>
> I hope to god it works!It does! :)
PAX
Posted by susanlea on August 31, 2001, at 7:44:48
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » susanlea, posted by paxvox on August 30, 2001, at 12:24:58
Dear Pax;
Are you on it right now? How long does it take before you notice a difference? My doctor prescribed 100mg ONCE a day, but when I've looked on all the threads on the webs sites, it seems that everyone else takes it twice a day.
I hope to god it works!
>
It does! :)
>
> PAX
Posted by paxvox on August 31, 2001, at 16:41:34
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by susanlea on August 31, 2001, at 7:44:48
GENERALLY, your doc will start you out at a smaller dose, then move you up if you tolerate it well (i.e. no seizures or other bad side effects). I have been taking WB for 2.5 years, first the 150 SR once then twice daily. They didn't have the 100 mg SR then, I don't think. Anywho....I was moved up to 400mg per day, but that caused me to have chest pains, so I backed down to the 150 x 2. Now, I must qualify my weight loss experience in that I eat a fairly Spartan diet...bagel for breakfast, rabbit food for lunch, then a "sensable" dinner. I also quit drinking entirely about 18 months ago. THAT is when the pounds started falling off. Went from 195 to 163 lbs. Now, I don't attribute that solely to the WB or quiting drinking, but a combo of both. WB helps curb your cravings, that's why as Zyban it is given to smokers, and even helps OCD like me. Ergo (that word is for the mouse-woman)it will make you less likely to binge on food or drinking etc.... Give it at least a month or two, and ask your doc to move you up to 150 twice daily.
PAX
Posted by allisonm on September 2, 2001, at 11:29:57
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » allisonm, posted by Lisabet on January 30, 2001, at 19:25:46
Lisa,
I take 150mg twice daily. I've lost more than 30 lbs now... have gone from a size 18 down to a 14. Most of my clothes are too big, but I am afraid to have them taken in for fear of someday gaining thhe weight back.
I have not stopped taking Wellbutrin since I started in June of 1999, so don't know what will happen.
It kills my appetite, which I think is good. However, I have been having problems with my stomach the last few months. I've so far had an endoscopy and an abdominal ultrasound. Have not met with the doctor yet, but I am wondering whether I have gallstones. The symptoms are similar. Gallstones happen more often in women in my age bracket and generally are caused byy eating fatty foods. Rapid weight loss also can help cause them. I am wondering whether my meds have had something to do with this. If the problem is my gallbladder, I probably will have to have it out, which I am not looking forward to.
Alisonm
> Allison,
> > What dosage are you on? I too, am vigilant about taking vitamins. I also take extra potassium, or I get leg and other muscle cramps.
>
> I'd still like to know if there are any changes or reverting after the cestation?
>
> Any other feedback as far as Wellb. is concerned other than weight loss?
>
> LisaLisa
Posted by opy_68046 on September 10, 2001, at 13:56:46
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » Lisabet, posted by allisonm on September 2, 2001, at 11:29:57
I went to my doctor this past July for a checkup and told him I couldn't handle smoking and being overweight anymore. I originally asked for Meridia but he wasn't too keen on the idea and gave me about a weeks worth of Zyban and a prescription for Wellbutrin. I can honestly say I have not had any cravings for cigarettes and for the first 7 days of taking 1 tablet a day I really wasn't that hungry. Now that I've been taking 2 tablets a day, I really don't feel like its surpressing my appetite like it did in the beginning.
Posted by paxvox on September 11, 2001, at 7:54:37
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q:, posted by opy_68046 on September 10, 2001, at 13:56:46
It will. As a matter of fact, I think that one can actually lose too much weight. However, if you are NOT losing weight,consider how much of your current diet has changed. I mean, you can't throw down a box of Ho-Ho's every day and expect to lose weight just because you are on Wellbutrin or Zyban (same medicine...exactly). If your goal is weight reduction, that requires a change in life style...permanently. There are no magic pills. I don't mean to sound offensive, so please don't take it that way, just telling like I see it.
PAX
Posted by KarenRB53 on May 30, 2011, at 10:15:54
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » Lisabet, posted by allisonm on September 2, 2001, at 11:29:57
> Lisa,
>
> I take 150mg twice daily. I've lost more than 30 lbs now... have gone from a size 18 down to a 14. Most of my clothes are too big, but I am afraid to have them taken in for fear of someday gaining thhe weight back.
>
> I have not stopped taking Wellbutrin since I started in June of 1999, so don't know what will happen.
>
> It kills my appetite, which I think is good. However, I have been having problems with my stomach the last few months. I've so far had an endoscopy and an abdominal ultrasound. Have not met with the doctor yet, but I am wondering whether I have gallstones. The symptoms are similar. Gallstones happen more often in women in my age bracket and generally are caused byy eating fatty foods. Rapid weight loss also can help cause them. I am wondering whether my meds have had something to do with this. If the problem is my gallbladder, I probably will have to have it out, which I am not looking forward to.
>
> Alisonm
>
>
> > Allison,
> > > What dosage are you on? I too, am vigilant about taking vitamins. I also take extra potassium, or I get leg and other muscle cramps.
> >
> > I'd still like to know if there are any changes or reverting after the cestation?
> >
> > Any other feedback as far as Wellb. is concerned other than weight loss?
> >
> > Lisa
>
> LisaI realize how old this post is but just found it. I too lost 40 lbs while taking Wellbutrin (which I had put on taking other antidepressants). However I stopped taking Wellbutrin in April because of memory problems and have already put 12 lbs back on. So....wondering if this happened to others.
Karen
Posted by desolationrower on June 5, 2011, at 16:38:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Weight Loss Q: » allisonm, posted by KarenRB53 on May 30, 2011, at 10:15:54
> > Lisa,
> >
> > I take 150mg twice daily. I've lost more than 30 lbs now... have gone from a size 18 down to a 14. Most of my clothes are too big, but I am afraid to have them taken in for fear of someday gaining thhe weight back.
> >
> > I have not stopped taking Wellbutrin since I started in June of 1999, so don't know what will happen.
> >
> > It kills my appetite, which I think is good. However, I have been having problems with my stomach the last few months. I've so far had an endoscopy and an abdominal ultrasound. Have not met with the doctor yet, but I am wondering whether I have gallstones. The symptoms are similar. Gallstones happen more often in women in my age bracket and generally are caused byy eating fatty foods. Rapid weight loss also can help cause them. I am wondering whether my meds have had something to do with this. If the problem is my gallbladder, I probably will have to have it out, which I am not looking forward to.
> >
> > Alisonm
> >
> >
> > > Allison,
> > > > What dosage are you on? I too, am vigilant about taking vitamins. I also take extra potassium, or I get leg and other muscle cramps.
> > >
> > > I'd still like to know if there are any changes or reverting after the cestation?
> > >
> > > Any other feedback as far as Wellb. is concerned other than weight loss?
> > >
> > > Lisa
> >
> > Lisa
>
>
>
> I realize how old this post is but just found it. I too lost 40 lbs while taking Wellbutrin (which I had put on taking other antidepressants). However I stopped taking Wellbutrin in April because of memory problems and have already put 12 lbs back on. So....wondering if this happened to others.
>
> Karenweight loss with wellbutrin is common, and makes sense mechanistically. If someone wanted a 'weight loss drug' it would be the safest thing available that could actually be effective.
-d/r
This is the end of the thread.
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