ARE THE MEDICINES YOU ARE TAKING MAKING YOU FAT?

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It is unknown precisely how many prescription drugs can cause weight gain, however experts believe this list includes in excess of 50 common drugs.

There are several prescription and over-the-counter medications that can cause considerable weight gain, such as steroids, antihistamines, anti-seizure medications (except Topamax/ Topiramate), antidepressants (e.g. Paxil, Zoloft), oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, anti-psychotics and beta-blockers. Elavil and Tofranil (older anti-depressants), second-generation antipsychotics such as Zyprexa and steroids (e.g. prednisolone) are the biggest and most well-known inducers of weight gain. Certain medications to treat migrains, diabetes (e.g. Diabeta, Diabinese), high blood pressure (e.g. Cardura, Inderal) and heart burn (e.g. Nexium, Prevacid)may also induce weight gain. Increases in weight due to prescription medications, can be as high as 10lbs. a month.

Antidepressants, which do NOT cause weight gain are Wellbutrin (Bupropion) and Serzone (Nefazodone).

When to be Suspect

If you have not changed your lifestyle (i.e. no change in diet or exercising habits) and have gained 5 lbs or more in one month, it may be the case that the medications you are taking are to blame. This is especially true if you have only recently started a new medication. You can check the package insert or ask your pharmacist if weight gain is one of the side-effects of your medication and you should see your doctor to discuss what has been happening.

See Your Doctor

If you have experienced weight gain after taking the above medicines, it is worthwhile to speak to your doctor about this. Do not take for granted that your doctor knows what is happening. Not all drugs have the same side-effects on all people. Some drugs, for example can cause weight gain in some people and weight loss in others. This means that you have to work with your doctor to find the drug that works for you. Never stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. It is very possibile that your doctor can change the medication you are taking with one that is equally effective, but that does not cause you to gain weight and may even help you to lose a few pounds.

Drugs: Help With Weight Loss/ Do Not Cause Weight Gain

• Anti-depressants: Wellbutrin and Prozac tend to help people lose weight (some people gain weight on Prozac).

• Diabetes medications: Glucophage (metformin) and Precose (acarbose) are both weight-neutral. Byetta and Symlin can actually help you lose weight.

• Seizure disorders and headaches: Zonegran and Topamax are associated with weight loss

Before

HYPOTHYROID?

If you have been having difficulty losing weight despite your best efforts  (no cheating!) and are lacking energy, it is worth checking with your doctor that you are not hypothyroid. Those suffering with hypothyroidism have lower levels of thyroid hormone and suffer with a sluggish metabolism, making it difficult for them to lose weight untreated. However, once treated it is possible to lose weight.

Your doctor may ask for a thyroid test, measuring your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels. It is worth noting that in some cases patients who test within the “normal” range of traditional medical standards may still be in need of thyroid support. Their TSH may be only slightly elevated, but enough to influence their metabolism and thus lead to weight gain.