3 insightful Cymbalta weight gain stories

Does Cymbalta cause weight gain?

Cymbalta (Duloxetine) can cause weight gain in some individuals, and the amount of weight gain may vary. Cymbalta use has been linked to weight gain in several studies, however, the mechanism causing this impact is not fully known. 

It is advised that people talk to their healthcare professionals about any worries they may have concerning weight changes while taking Cymbalta.

What people have experienced so far?

Cymbalta can cause weight gain in some individuals. A 45-year-old Hilda, mother of two, stated:

“I was diagnosed with depression around 10 years ago. My doctor put me on Lexapro and told me that it’s the lightest antidepressant to start from, but I could not bear that one for some reason. My medication was changed a couple of times until my doc put me on Cymbalta.”

She continued:

“Cymbalta seemed to work just fine. It did help with my depression, but soon I began to feel heavy and my face looked twice its size. When I weighed myself, I was 10 lbs heavier than the last time I weighed myself. I talked to my doc about this and he told me it’s a side effect and will slowly begin to go away. He also asked me to keep my diet and lifestyle healthy. I followed all the advice and they all thankfully worked.”

Another Cymbalta user, 35-year-old Martin stated:

“My Psychiatrist put me on Cymbalta in 2018. At first, I suffered from nausea, insomnia, and irritability, but they all were pretty manageable. Soon I started to gain weight and kept gaining it. It made me lethargic and even more depressed as my confidence began to shatter because of my heavy appearance. I asked my doc to put me off this antidepressant and he later switched me to Wellbutrin.”

A 37-year-old Martha shared her Cymbalta-weight gain story. She stated:

“Cymbalta was my biggest nightmare and I still remember how it made me feel. It was more of a trigger for me because I was already struggling with my weight and Cymbalta made me gain around 25 lbs more. That antidepressant made my depression worse instead of curing it. It was a pure nightmare.”

She continued:

“When I discontinued the med, my doctor put me on Wellbutrin after some time. After my bad experience with Cymbalta, I did expect much from Wellbutrin but it delivered more, to my surprise. It not only helped me overcome my depression but it also helped me lose over 30 lbs. I’m still on Wellbutrin and it’s a lifesaver, at least for me.”

What does research suggest?

There are several research studies on the effects of Cymbalta and other antidepressants on weight change. One study indicated that Cymbalta can cause both weight gain and weight loss in individuals taking this antidepressant (1).

The study also indicated that weight loss was observed during the first few weeks of the treatment, which soon changed into weight gain. This means that a person taking Cymbalta can experience both weight gain and loss during the course of his/her treatment.

There are some ways through which Cymbalta is believed to increase weight. The antidepressant can cause mood disturbances in some people, especially during the early course of the treatment. This can trigger emotional eating, more specifically in women. 

When you begin to consume more calories, you begin to gain weight. Another reason could be related to the effects of Cymbalta on your body’s metabolic processes. 

Some surveys have revealed that Cymbalta may slow down your body’s fat-burning processes and you don’t burn as many calories as you are supposed to. This also leads to weight gain over time. 

What to do if Cymbalta makes you gain weight? 

There are a few things you can do if Cymbalta makes you gain weight. These include:

Talk to your doctor about it

You should talk to your healthcare provider right away if you’re gaining weight on Cymbalta. Although it is a good antidepressant, it may not work that well in every other individual. 

This is why it is extremely important to weigh out all the pros and cons before you continue with the treatment. However, it is not recommended to stop using Cymbalta without your doctor’s approval. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to maintaining a healthy weight. If you continue to consume a high amount of calories, you will gain weight regardless of what Cymbalta makes you feel. 

This is why you should always opt for healthy foods, like lean protein, good fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to stay hydrated. 

Understand the importance of exercise 

Exercise is essential for a healthy weight. You don’t necessarily have to follow a strict workout regimen. Walking for 30 minutes a day can be a good start and an easy workout that you can do on busy days. It will not only help you lose weight but can also help relax your mind by releasing negative energy from your body. 

Learn the art of portion control

Portion control is a way of controlling the amount of food you eat. You can eat literally anything if you learn to eat it right. Heavy portions are responsible for making you gain weight rapidly. 

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