QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
You may have addressed this question on your website already, but I have had a very difficult time finding specific issues on your site - so forgive me if I am being repetitive. I have gained about 15 pounds in 2 years of being on Zoloft. I am slowly weaning off the drug. What are the chances that I will be able to effectively lose the weight once being off the drug? I am a marathon runner and eat very healthily, but nothing I do while on the drug helps me loose the weight. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
ANSWER:
Zoloft normally doesn't cause weight gain. There are many possible explanations:
1) You have the generalized anxiety disorder - particularly the
cognitive component - and Zoloft increased the GAD and your appetite. If this is the case
reducing calories should work.
2) You were underweight in the first place and taking Zoloft improved
your appetite so that you are now at a more appropriate weight.
3) Your thyroid may be off and the weight gain had no relation to the
Zoloft at all. (If you get your thyroid blood tests checked, make sure you get both the
TSH and the thyroid level - usually an FTI or T7 - checked also.) See my
patient Newsletter on low thyroid
