I knew that some drugs can cause weight gain but I never knew it was so many. I do have a friend that stopped taking her antidepressant because it caused her to gain 15 pounds,, she stopped with the blessing of her doctor. I also couldn't believe that insulin can cause weight gain. That's the last thing a diabetic needs.....

So what can we do about this? I say we become better informed. I for one will be more diligent about reading the entire package insert if I am perscribed medication long-term. I will also ask my doctor to give me as much information about the mediciation before I buy it. What else can we do?

I always ask my doctor if gaining weight is going to be a side effect.  I work too hard at the gym to sabotage my hard work.  He usually is pretty honest with me.  I wonder if the weight gain with these medications was known to the patients before they began or if it was something that was not foreseen.  I did put on a few pounds, and to this day, he says it is me and not the medicine.  Part of me wishes it was-easier to fix.

im sure working out at the gym can counteract these sideaffects. as long as these meds dont affect your energy level. then its definitely a problem

As you get older it seems the gym is not as easy an answer as you think.  I know from experience that it takes a lot of gym time to get even one pound off.  And some of these medications put many, many pounds on.  Make sure you question your doctor before taking any meds and read up.  Do your homework.