I received an email back from my doctor regarding my inquiry as to whether Wellbutrin would cause weight gain, and she said that it does. As does quitting smoking.
So at least I know. This totally explains the recent minimal weight loss and today’s weight gain:
- 2 weeks ago, I lost 3.3 lbs, before taking the Wellbutrin.
- Last week, I lost 0.4 lbs, when the Wellbutrin was starting to get into my system. I did everything else the exact same.
- This week, I GAINED 1.4, and the Wellbutrin is totally in my system now. Again, eating and activity were the same as the previous 2 weeks.
Here’s the part that I don’t like: When I asked her what I could do to counteract the effects of the Wellbutrin on my weight gain, she said there was nothing I could do. That my weight would resume back to normal once I stopped taking it, in several months’ time.
Uh, Doc? F-You! There is no way that I am going to go through months and months of hard work, only to see zero results on the scale. It isn’t worth it AT ALL!
And before you guys get crazy on me, I am still quitting smoking on Saturday. I’m just going to stop taking the Wellbutrin. I think I have a strong enough mind that I can quit without it. Plus, I have the patches, which will help. And drinking lots of water. And the support of my friends, family, and you guys.
Because any medication that is causing weight gain (that’s not essential to staying alive and healthy) is bullshit.
Sorry that the Wellbutrin isn’t working out! but it is so great that you are quitting smoking! you can do it!!!
I think if you’ll research the drug a bit, you’ll see that the actual drug does not make a person gain weight. The side effects (like having a bigger appetite) CAN make a person gain weight. As long as you don’t change what you’ve been doing, you should not gain weight. Your weight gain could just be muscle that you are gaining from your hard work! If your clothes are feeling looser (as I think you’ve mentioned), then it probably is muscle (and not fat) that you are gaining.
I have had experience with Wellbutrin and I did not gain weight at all.
Thanks for your feedback, but I think I’ll go with what my doctor tells me, since she went to medical school.
Also, since I’ve been taking the Wellbutrin, my appetite has not increased one bit – just the opposite, in fact. I’ve been much less hungry, so that doesn’t really jive with your comments.
Just like with any medication, each person has a different reaction, and for me the side effect my doctor mentioned, weight gain, has been apparent.
Here’s the thing: if NOT taking the Wellbutrin causes a problem you can always go back to it. It’s definitely worth trying without it.
Fwiw, I think the emphasis on protein will help too, especially with the amount of exercise you’re getting.
i think the Wellbutrin isn’t working out for this case.. but usefull for quitting smoking or our smoking habit
Absolutely.
Bella!!!!
It sucks that the medication is not helping your weight loss, but it’s helping other aspects of your life and you know that the weight is going to come down again, so take the time you need to get through stopping smoking!
Thanks for your comments and your endless support… you are incredible and you always make me reflect and want to work harder!
i’ll be tracking like a maniac this week and hopefully mister scale is going to like it next week!
have a great weekend!
I quit smoking 13 1/2 years ago. The patches, when used exactly as prescribed, help the addiction part to the nicotine perfectly. The other part is having the mindset to WANT to quit. That’s the only thing that got me through it. I knew I was addicted…I still am and know for a fact that if I even take one puff today (even after 13 yrs) I’d go back to it. I had made up my mind that I was not going to smoke anymore! I wish you all the best in your efforts to becoming more healthy! You are one determined women and have no doubts that you CAN DO THIS! IMHO I would not take the Wellbutin…you don’t need the added stress of the weight gain b/c as we all know…stress causes weight gain or at least no weight loss. Good luck!
i don’t know much about Wellbutrin, but i do know about quitting smoking. This month..it will be 4 years for me. I did it cold turkey.. after smoking a pack and a half in one evening. (brutal) but I also moved the day I quit, and changed all my triggers.
I’m a bit worried that you’re going off the drug right before you quit..and that will give you adverse reactions. I agree with one of Jo’s statements above.. that if you keep doing what you’re doing, (a calorie deficit really) then the weight WILL come off. I think with any new med (admittedly I’m not a trained educated physician) there’s an adjustment period. My WW leader told us once that even taking tylenol the day before WW can affect some people. Every body IS different…however.. and only you know your body, how it works, and what you can handle.
so I second Cammy and the above poster… you can always go back to it if it causes a problem going off it.. and YES, you are a very strong determined woman.
You CAN and you WILL do this.
xoxox
Amy
Thanks for your advice. I have done a really good job of changing my routine so that my triggers aren’t there. Tonight is the last night I will smoke, and no doubt I will enjoy that cig more than any other.
The cool thing about this weekend is that I have quite a few events planned, so I won’t be as inclined to want to smoke. The way it works for me is that if I’m engaged in something, I can go for at least 8 hours with a cig. With the help of the patches, water, and my strong mindset, I think I’ll be just fine.
I appreciate everyone’s thoughts, advice, and support. It really does mean so much!
psst..sweetie..
i’ve been on wellbutrin on and off for years..it does help you quit smoking, it can also be used as an anti-depressant.
i find it interesting that your doc says it will make you gain weight and keep it..i was told the opposite, that because of hte lack of appetite i would lose weight until i put my body into starvation mode, and then it would just gain and gain.
i’ll look into that more when i get back from my trip..who knows, it might be that reason that i can’t seem to shed weight consistently? Or maybe i’m just inconsistent LOL
just one thing i wanted to tell you..
i quit smoking on tuesday (first day of new job)..not an inhale since!! (wellbutrin and the patch)
make sure when brushing your teeth you scrub your tongue.
love ya, take care!
xo
Wow, I wonder if the Wellbutrin is the reason for your plateau? My doctor was very clear that in the dosage I was taking, I would not lose weight, and would continue to gain weight, as long as I was taking the medication. Your circumstance may be different, but I don’t think it would hurt to check with your doctor and see if that could be a cause.