Does Taking Zoloft Cause Weight Gain?
One of the more inconvenient side effects of taking Zoloft is weight gain. Although studies have shown that approximately 1 percent of patients gain weight while taking the drug, it is difficult to say whether or not Zoloft is actually to blame. However, a change in physical activity or eating habits associated with symptoms of depression can trigger a fluctuation in weight.
What Can I Do to Prevent Weight Gain While Taking Zoloft?
Proper diet and exercise are important regardless of which medications you take. Medical professionals recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry and fish. Also included should be foods that are low in cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
Thirty minutes of daily physical activity will not only keep your weight down, but benefit your emotional well being. Some depression research shows that exercise can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. More recent studies have shown that a rigorous exercise program can have a comparable effect to treatment with an antidepressant.
As we’ve discussed previously, alcohol and antidepressants are not a good mix. Limit or discontinue your intake of alcohol.
If Diet and Exercise aren’t Helping, Speak to Your Doctor
If you stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen and can’t lose the weight, it might be an indication of another problem. Talking to your doctor about your medication dosages and other issues can help determine why you are experiencing a fluctuation in weight.
If you feel depressed or are dealing with anxiety and think you might benefit from taking an antidepressant, speak with your doctor. Have your doctor refer you to a mental heal professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis about your condition. You may benefit instead from psychotherapy or counseling, which would save you from having to deal with the many side effects Zoloft has been known to cause. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women to take antidepressants, as they have been proven to cause severe birth defects.
The Zoloft lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group have over 25 years of experience advocating for individuals in consumer product injury and mass tort cases. If you believe you have cause to sue Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zoloft, fill out our contact form and one of our lawyers will be in touch.
