Which antidepressants cause weight loss? Benefits, dosages, and side effects

Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Effexor (venlafaxine), are antidepressants that are known to have a lower risk of weight gain and may even contribute to weight loss

When it comes to managing depression, finding the right antidepressant can be a complex process. People may experience depression and respond to medications in different ways. In particular, antidepressants may cause weight gain as a common side effect, which may be a concern for many individuals. 

Although weight gain is common with many types of antidepressants, there are some options available that have been shown to be less likely to cause this outcome. Certain antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Effexor (venlafaxine), are known to have a lower risk of weight gain and may even contribute to weight loss.

As with all medications, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate option for your specific needs and concerns. Continue reading to explore some antidepressant options that may contribute to weight loss.

Can antidepressants cause weight loss?

Serotonin is a chemical or neurotransmitter that can play a role in regulating metabolism in addition to mood, sleep, and other bodily functions. It can regulate feelings of appetite and affect how the body uses food for energy. Many antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can affect how serotonin is transported in the brain, leading to effects on appetite and body weight. However, some SSRIs may cause less weight gain than others or promote weight loss. 

While many antidepressants affect serotonin levels, others may work through different pathways involving other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Effects on these pathways may cause weight loss instead of weight gain. For example, although the way in which bupropion causes weight loss is not fully understood, its effects on dopamine and norepinephrine may play a role in promoting weight loss.

The effects of antidepressants on weight can vary depending on the person. Some individuals may experience weight loss, while others may experience weight gain or no meaningful weight changes at all. In addition, other factors such as lifestyle, diet, and exercise can influence weight management while taking antidepressant medications.

Which antidepressants cause weight loss?

Certain antidepressants from various drug classes have been shown to potentially cause weight loss. However, weight loss associated with these medications may be a short-term effect and could change with long-term use. 

Prozac (fluoxetine)

Fluoxetine is an SSRI that has been linked to weight loss. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which may help improve mood and regulate appetite, leading to weight loss. Studies have shown that fluoxetine may reduce body weight by around three kilograms when used off-label in people who are overweight or obese. Common dosages of fluoxetine range from 20 to 80 mg per day, depending on the severity of depression and the patient’s response to treatment.

Related: Prozac side effects

Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), which is another type of antidepressant medication that may be linked to weight loss. Bupropion works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It has the most studies connecting it to weight loss among antidepressants. Common dosages of bupropion range from 150 to 450 mg per day, depending on the specific formulation and the person’s overall condition.

Related: Wellbutrin for weight loss

Effexor XR (venlafaxine)

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that has been associated with weight loss in some cases. It works by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The weight-loss effects of venlafaxine generally occur when first starting treatment, and weight gain may occur with long-term treatment. Common doses of venlafaxine range from 37. 5 to 225 mg per day, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s response to treatment.

Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Duloxetine is another SNRI that has been linked to both weight loss and weight gain in individuals. Similar to venlafaxine, it works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Studies have shown that duloxetine may cause weight loss within the first eight to nine weeks of treatment. However, people on long-term treatment with duloxetine for at least a year may experience weight gain. Common doses of duloxetine range from 30 to 120 mg per day, depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy.

Related: Cymbalta side effects

The effects of these prescription medications on weight loss can vary. You should discuss possible side effects, appropriate dosages, and other concerns with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.

Can you take antidepressants for weight loss?

While some antidepressants have been linked to weight loss, they are only FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and other mental health disorders at this time. Using antidepressants solely for weight loss purposes is not recommended, as they may not be appropriate for every individual and can have potential side effects. 

If you’re interested in weight-loss medications, you should consult your primary care provider or a specialist to determine the best option for you. If you’re struggling with symptoms of depression and are also concerned about weight gain as a side effect, a healthcare provider may recommend an antidepressant that has a low risk of weight gain. Healthcare providers may also recommend other weight-loss methods, such as lifestyle changes or supervised weight-loss programs. 

Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. You should not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider first.

Risks of using antidepressants to lose weight

While weight loss may be a potential side effect of some antidepressants, other possible risks and side effects can also develop while using these medications. For example, one common side effect of certain antidepressants is sexual dysfunction, which can occur as a decrease in libido, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, or issues with reaching orgasm. 

Antidepressants can also lead to changes in blood pressure, either high or low, depending on the individual and the medication. People with an underlying condition that affects their blood pressure may need to be cautious and closely monitored when starting a new antidepressant.

Other potential side effects of antidepressants can include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

Serious side effects of antidepressants may include increased suicidal thoughts or behaviors, serotonin syndrome, and allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs or symptoms that may indicate a serious problem. 

The side effects of antidepressants can differ between the different types and individuals. The severity and duration of these side effects may vary. However, common side effects usually disappear over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

How to maximize the benefits of antidepressants for weight loss

There are different ways to manage weight while taking antidepressants, especially if you’re concerned about weight gain. The following are some healthy tips that can be used along with your treatment plan to manage weight.

Incorporate Regular Exercise or Physical Activity

Regular exercise with an active lifestyle may help support weight loss efforts in those taking antidepressants. Clinical studies have shown that increased physical activity is one of the cornerstones of weight control in people with depression. Create an exercise plan that includes a mix of aerobic exercises and strength training for calorie burning and muscle development.

Manage Appetite and Food Intake with a Healthy Diet

You may be able to manage weight while on antidepressants with a balanced diet. You may want to pay attention to portion sizes and choose nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables. Reducing calorie intake and eating a healthy diet may help manage appetite, improve energy levels, and support your overall goals.

Reduce Stress

Reducing stress may be helpful in managing weight while taking antidepressants. Try using stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, muscle relaxation, or yoga every day. These practices may help lower stress levels, improve your mood, and support weight loss by helping you deal with emotional triggers and make healthier choices.

Be Consistent With Your Weight Loss Efforts

Losing weight while on antidepressants can take time, so it’s important to stay consistent and patient. You may want to stick to your exercise routine, eat a healthy diet, and practice stress management techniques consistently. Losing weight slowly and steadily is healthier and longer-lasting than losing weight quickly.  

These are just some lifestyle changes that can help you manage antidepressant effects on weight. These daily habits may even help improve the potential for weight loss with certain antidepressants. 

Antidepressants that do not cause weight loss

While some antidepressants are known to cause weight loss, there are others that may cause weight gain or no changes in body weight. Let’s explore some of the antidepressants that are weight neutral or cause some weight gain. 

Weight-neutral antidepressants

Antidepressants that are weight-neutral are not known to cause significant changes in body weight. These medications may be a better option for individuals concerned about unwanted weight changes. They may include antidepressants from different drug classes, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants. 

Weight-neutral antidepressants may include Trintellix (vortioxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). These medications may cause small changes in weight, but the possibility of notable weight changes, including weight gain or weight loss, is low.  

Antidepressants that cause weight gain

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are two types of antidepressant medications that may cause weight gain. However, some antidepressants within these categories may have less impact on body weight compared to others. Elavil (amitriptyline) and Pamelor (nortriptyline) have been linked to the greatest amount of weight gain among TCAs. 

Among the MAOIs, Nardil (phenelzine) causes the greatest amount of weight gain. One study found that patients taking phenelzine gained an average of almost seven to 10 kilograms. 

Some SSRI medications may cause weight gain or be considered weight-neutral. For example, Celexa (citalopram) is an SSRI that may cause weight gain, while Lexapro (escitalopram) is considered weight-neutral. In addition, certain atypical antidepressants, such as Remeron (mirtazapine), may cause weight gain. 

Antidepressants that don’t cause weight loss

• Trintellix (vortioxetine)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
• Serzone (nefazodone)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Elavil (amitriptyline)
• Norpramin (desipramine)
• Nardil (phenelzine)
• Remeron (mirtazapine)

Consult your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best antidepressant for your specific needs. A healthcare provider may evaluate the severity of depression, overall health, and other factors when determining a medication to prescribe.

Your experience with antidepressants and weight changes can vary, especially when considering other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, along with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, may help manage weight changes that may occur during treatment with antidepressants.

Can antidepressants cause weight loss? Types and side effects

Antidepressants treat mental health conditions but can affect body weight. Although most can cause weight gain, a few antidepressants, including fluoxetine and duloxetine, may decrease appetite and lead to temporary weight loss.

Doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are second-generation antidepressants. They generally have fewer serious side effects and better tolerability than first-generation antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

The SSRI fluoxetine (Prozac) and the SNRI duloxetine (Cymbalta) can lead to a decrease in appetite and slight weight loss during the first months of treatment. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by blocking norepinephrine and dopamine, may also have this effect.

This article explores the link between antidepressants and weight change. It also outlines other side effects and explains how to prevent weight loss.

Weight gain is a more common side effect of antidepressants than weight loss. A 2019 review of 27 studies found that, on average, individuals experience a 5% increase in weight after starting antidepressant therapy.

Various factors could cause a person to gain weight. The possible causes include:

• Some antidepressants increase appetite, so a person may consume more calories than their body needs.
• When a person feels depressed, they may become less active and burn fewer calories than they consume.
• Antidepressants may affect metabolism, causing the body to burn calories more slowly.

Some antidepressants may contribute to weight loss by decreasing a person’s appetite, leading them to consume fewer calories than they burn. In addition, mental health symptoms can affect a person’s eating habits and activity levels, and treating the underlying condition may lessen or stop these effects.

Learn about how many calories a person needs.

A few antidepressants cause no weight gain or lead to weight loss. These include:

• Bupropion: In a 2016 study, participants who did not smoke lost an average of 7.1 pounds (lb) after 2 years of treatment with bupropion compared with those taking fluoxetine. However, those who smoked gained 2.2 lb on average.
• Fluoxetine: A 2022 review found that in adults with overweight or obesity, taking 60 milligrams (mg) of fluoxetine daily can lead to an average weight loss of 2. 7 kilograms (kg) — equivalent to almost 6 lb — during the first 6 months of treatment. There is no weight loss effect for people taking low dosages for a longer duration.
• Duloxetine: An older 2006 study found that people taking duloxetine for major depressive disorder lost weight in the short term but gained a small amount during longer-term treatment.

It is common for side effects such as weight loss to stabilize as the body adjusts to the medication.

A 2018 study found that the use of antidepressants was associated with weight gain over at least 5 years.

The noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) mirtazapine (Remeron) is most likely to cause weight gain. It is an atypical antidepressant. A 2016 study involving 36 people taking mirtazapine found that these participants gained an average of 11.6 pounds after 2 years.

The following SSRIs may cause weight gain:

• paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• citalopram (Celexa)

Although it may result in weight loss for some people, fluoxetine (Prozac) can also cause weight gain in others. The effect of this drug on body weight may be dependent on the dosage a person receives and the duration of their treatment.

These older antidepressants may also cause weight gain:

• amitriptyline
• imipramine
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• trazodone (Desyrel)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Learn more about antidepressants that can cause weight gain.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve antidepressants for weight loss, so doctors do not prescribe them for this use. However, doctors do consider the potential weight change effects of medications when prescribing them.

Doctors can prescribe anti-obesity medications to help people with obesity lose weight. The options include:

• phentermine (Adipex-P)
• lorcaserin (Belviq)
• topiramate (Topamax)
• naltrexone (Revia)
• liraglutide (Saxenda)

People with a low or moderate weight do not need to lose weight, and excessive weight loss can be harmful. To maintain a weight within the healthy range, a person should eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

This involves avoiding or limiting foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, as they can increase the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood glucose.

Instead, a person should try to eat meals and snacks consisting of:

• 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily
• whole grain starches and carbohydrates with every meal, including oatmeal, potatoes, cereals, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and whole grain bread
• full-fat dairy
• fish, eggs, poultry, meat, or other protein sources
• 6–8 glasses of water per day, but not directly before a meal, as this may limit how much a person feels able to eat

Milkshakes with protein powder are a good way to boost calorie intake. People can also snack on nuts, peanut butter toast, yogurt, or fruit between meals.

Antidepressants may cause side effects for some people. The type and severity can depend on factors such as age, gender, and other health conditions. The side effects may lessen as the body adjusts to the medication.

The most common side effects include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• weight gain
• diarrhea
• sleepiness
• sexual dysfunction
• headaches
• dry mouth
• sweating
• vision changes
• constipation
• sleeping problems

The following side effects are rare and require immediate medical attention:

• suicidal thoughts
• confusion, agitation, and muscle twitching
• seizure
• irregular heartbeat
• unconsciousness

If someone experiences serious side effects, they should call 911 or visit the emergency room.

If other side effects worsen or cause concern, a person should make an appointment with a doctor.

People under the age of 25 years are most at risk of suicidal thoughts when they first begin taking antidepressants. It may be wise for an individual to tell a friend or family member that they are on antidepressants so that this loved one can check in from time to time.

If antidepressants are causing concerning weight loss, it is important to contact the prescribing doctor.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Was this helpful?

Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressants, but a few medications may cause weight loss instead. These medications include bupropion, fluoxetine, and duloxetine.

Some antidepressants may affect appetite, leading to weight changes. A person may also change their activity levels and eating habits due to mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

Weight changes often happen in the initial months of treatment, with a person’s weight stabilizing as their body adjusts.

Doctors do not prescribe antidepressants specifically for weight loss, but they will consider an individual’s health needs when selecting a medication.

Antidepressants may cause various side effects. If a person experiences worrying or serious side effects, they should seek medical attention.

Why is it dangerous to take antidepressants without a prescription

Health

May 3, 2020

Taking these medications without a doctor’s supervision can lead to convulsions and even respiratory arrest.

What is depression

If you feel sad or depressed, it is not necessarily depression. Depression is a severe emotional disorder that occurs primarily due to internal causes rather than external factors.

This serious diagnosis is based on the presence of the following criteria:

• deterioration in mood;
• decrease in pleasure from those activities that you used to like;
• increased fatigue (fatigue sets in after a short walk or doing simple tasks).

Moreover, all these symptoms should be observed most of the day and last at least two weeks. They will not disappear if some joyful event suddenly happened, for example, a person was promoted or given a long-desired thing.

There must be several additional signs from the following:

• inability to concentrate on the work being done;
• self-doubt;
• feeling that the person is to blame for his illness;
• a person ceases to see “clearance” in the future;
• difficulty falling asleep, insomnia, difficulty waking up;
• loss of appetite;
• desire to harm one’s body.

Only a psychotherapist or psychiatrist can evaluate these symptoms and make a diagnosis. This is due to three reasons.

First, there are various disorders that are very similar to depression but are not. These are, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia. They are treated differently.

Secondly, sometimes depression is caused by diseases of the internal organs, such as the heart or the endocrine system. In this case, the brain will receive less oxygen, and it will have to “turn off” or weaken not the most important functions. Particularly the mood. Such depression is called somatogenic, and it will not go away until the treatment of the underlying disease is started.

Finally, there are atypical forms of depression. They are manifested by other symptoms, such as increased appetite, severe drowsiness. This requires a special approach in treatment.

How antidepressants work

Special chemicals called neurotransmitters are responsible for emotions in our body. These are:

• norepinephrine – a hormone, the release of which forms a feeling of anxiety, it is also responsible for wakefulness and adaptation in the outside world;
• serotonin – a hormone that forms a feeling of happiness or pleasure, also controls anxiety, aggressiveness, falling asleep, sexual behavior;
• dopamine – a hormone that causes a feeling of intense joy in response to a reward or encouragement;
• oxytocin is a hormone that forms feelings of trust, calmness, reduces anxiety and fears;
• melatonin — a hormone that regulates the human circadian rhythm;
• gamma-aminobutyric acid – a neurotransmitter with a sedative effect;
• prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for the production of breast milk and the ability to get an orgasm in men and women;
• other neurotransmitters.

Many of them are hormones and have an impact not only on mood, but also on the functioning of the whole body: the functioning of the sex glands, changes in blood pressure, activation or slowdown of the heart. Others, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and phenylethylamine, are non-hormonal in nature and control only emotions.

Most drugs that belong to the group of antidepressants work only with the first three molecules listed: norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Medicines act where the processes of two nerve cells meet (this is called a nerve synapse). One process releases a neurotransmitter, which enters the space between the cells and there it acts on the process of another nerve cell.

Nerve cell processes interact with various substances. But in one unit of time, either those mediators can work that cause a feeling of joy, or those that lead to a depressed mood. Two cannot turn on at once.

To exert their effect, as a rule, antidepressants follow one of three main routes:

1. They block the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which destroys neurotransmitters. As a result, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine act on neurons for more time than they used to. Drugs that act on MAO can inhibit it irreversibly or reversibly.
2. Prevent neurons that have already released norepinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin from reuptake of these molecules (drugs are called reuptake inhibitors). As a result, nerve cells that are supposed to receive neurotransmitters interact longer with these hormones of joy and pleasure. Then, if you maintain a constant concentration of the antidepressant in the body (that is, take it as prescribed by the doctor), the neurons will not have time to return to the previous state. A person will no longer experience such an oppressed mood as before.
3. Increase the release of either norepinephrine and serotonin, or only serotonin from the desired neurons. As a result, more happiness hormones enter the neurons, and the state of depression recedes.

A separate group of antidepressants are drugs that act on neurons that produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. A decrease in its production causes seasonal depression. In addition to increasing the production of the hormone melatonin, they increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, block one of the types of receptors that perceive serotonin. More hormones of pleasure and happiness, and there will be no room in the brain for depression-causing molecules.

The group of antidepressants also includes preparations based on St. John’s wort extract. They are able to suppress the reuptake of all three neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepressants also include drugs based on methionine, an amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of adrenaline.

Myths about antidepressants and their debunking

Often people are afraid to take antidepressants because of the perceived side effects. Let’s take a look at popular misconceptions.

Antidepressants do not help solve problems, they only make you forget about them

Drugs do not affect memory. In addition, when a person is depressed, he has a distorted perception of his problems and little energy to solve them. The appointment of antidepressants often helps to better deal with current tasks by maintaining the mental energy that a person needs.

Antidepressants can make you gain weight

Some medications can actually make you gain weight, but there are also medications that reduce your appetite and help you lose weight. These are fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram.

If a person is concerned about weight problems, the doctor who prescribes antidepressants should be told about it.

The drugs will have to be taken for life

On average, antidepressants take 6-9 months, sometimes longer. During this time, the symptoms of depression disappear. However, in more than 20% of patients, signs of depression reappear over time.

Antidepressants affect potency

This is not true. Some medicines affect sexual life. But they only reduce libido without affecting potency or the ability to get an orgasm. In some cases (for example, if the person was very active sexually before the depression), it may even improve sexual relationships.

How antidepressants can actually harm

According to the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 403n “On approval of the rules for dispensing drugs”, all antidepressants are dispensed by prescription. Many still find ways to buy such drugs without a doctor’s prescription, not considering that these are far from harmless drugs. They interfere with the natural balance of neurotransmitters, most of which, as we said, are hormones, that is, substances that work not only with the brain, but also with various internal organs.

Main side effects of antidepressants:

• Influence on the cardiovascular system. This is an increase in heart rate, a decrease in blood pressure with a sharp rise from the bed, fainting, shortness of breath.
• Changes in the functioning of the endocrine system. Some antidepressants can cause an increase, less often a decrease in blood sugar levels. There may also be milk secretion from the mammary glands in non-nursing women.
• Deterioration of the digestive system. Some antidepressants can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, taste disturbance, darkening of the tongue.
• Disorders of the nervous system: insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, tremors.
• Other side effects: enlargement of the breasts (in men and women), hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, weight gain (body weight increases if the drug is taken for more than a year), hemorrhages in the skin or mucous membranes.

The use of drugs for depression must be clearly justified also because these drugs are “fine-tuned”. They are difficult to combine with other drugs, and generally should not be taken with alcohol (and the course of treatment lasts at least 6 months). Moreover, antidepressants “do not allow” the use of certain products.

For example, when taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, you should not eat food that contains the amino acids tyramine or tyrosine. These are cheeses, smoked meats, dairy products, meat broths, legumes, beets and sauerkraut, sausages and sausages, liver of animals or birds. If a person taking pyrazidol, moclobemide, or other MAO inhibitors consumes such products, they may develop tyramine syndrome. This is a sudden increase in blood pressure along with a severe headache and sometimes other symptoms:

• severe redness of the head and face;
• intense pain in the heart;
• cardiac arrhythmias;
• photophobia;
• dizziness;
• convulsions.

If you take an MAO inhibitor and a drug that blocks the reuptake of one or more neurotransmitters, severe side reactions also develop:

• fever;
• nausea or vomiting;
• dizziness;
• convulsions, up to causing respiratory arrest. What to do if you notice signs of depression in yourself yourself. If this is a disease, and not a temporary deterioration in mood, then suicidal thoughts may appear a little later. Depression needs to be treated.

  Therapy must be prescribed by a specialist psychiatrist or psychotherapist. It is not at all necessary that the doctor will begin treatment with the appointment of antidepressants. In mild to moderate cases, especially in children and adolescents, psychotherapy, magnesium supplementation, and increased physical activity may be sufficient.

  Self-treatment is definitely not worth it. You will not be able to objectively assess which drugs are right for you, and increase the risk of side effects.

  Read also 😔💊🤮

  • Why women are twice as likely to be depressed than men
  • How to recognize alcoholism, depression and other mental disorders
  • How to tell if a man is depressed
  • 12 Signs of Anxiety Disorder

  6 drugs that make you gain weight

  6 drugs that make you gain weight

  The list of side effects of the prescribed medication can terrify the patient. Some simply ignore this point in the instructions: in the end, the benefits of the drug certainly outweigh its potential disadvantages. But it is important to know what you may encounter during treatment.

  – Some drugs have been shown to cause weight gain. Knowing this, you can take preventive measures in time, says MD, gynecologist Prudence Hall from California.

  Shilpi Agarwal, Washington DC certified family physician, agrees:

  – The main recommendation is to find out your starting weight before treatment and then check it after 2 weeks. Many people gain weight without even realizing it, and gain 4-5 kg ​​in just a few weeks.

  We tell you what types of drugs can cause weight gain and what you can do to avoid this side effect.

  1. Antidepressants

  Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the receptor in the brain that reabsorbs the “feel good hormone”. This type of antidepressant works well for depressive symptoms, but it can also affect appetite.

  – Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil can actually increase carb cravings, says Dr. Agarwal.

  What to do: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to drugs that do not affect weight as much. The atypical antidepressant bupropion is a good option for patients who want to lose weight. It is often prescribed when depression is combined with obesity.

  2. Steroid hormones

  As a rule, steroids are prescribed in short courses: these drugs can cause insomnia, increased appetite and fluid retention in the body. Dr. Hall says that nearly 75% of patients who take prednisolone for a long time for rheumatism, arthritis, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, bronchial asthma, hepatitis and other chronic diseases gain weight.

  What to do: Ask your doctor for the shortest course of treatment and the most effective dose of steroids. To prevent insomnia and excess weight, have dinner 2-3 hours before going to bed, do not overeat, try to walk in the fresh air before going to bed and exercise regularly.

  3. Beta blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

  These drugs are prescribed to treat and prevent high blood pressure. It is known that their intake increases weight by 2-3 kg. A recent study published in the journal Cell Reports found that angiotensin receptor blockers slow down metabolism and can lead to obesity.

  What to do: Drug treatment of arterial hypertension is recommended to start with diuretics. Beta-blockers or ARBs are given if diuretics don’t work. But blood pressure control is vital for hypertensive patients, and they may not have other options for treatment. People taking beta-blockers and ARBs are advised to limit their intake of simple carbohydrates, exercise, and get good sleep. A healthy lifestyle can deal with any potential danger of weight gain.

  Associated diseases: Migraine Allergy Hepatitis Asthma Ankylosing spondylitis Scleroderma Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatism Insomnia Hypertension Hypertension Diabetes mellitus Obesity Depression

  while taking oral contraceptives most often becomes water retention in the body. Drugs that affect metabolism and cause obesity have long been out of production. However, some birth control pills reduce carbohydrate tolerance and increase the need for insulin, which is dangerous for diabetic patients.

  What to do: When it comes to birth control, women have many options. Low estrogen pills have the least effect on weight. If you notice unwanted weight gain, consult your gynecologist about changing the drug. It is not recommended to interrupt the course of oral contraceptives on your own.

  5. Antihistamines

  Think twice before taking allergy pills every day. Studies show that long-term use of these over-the-counter medications can cause weight gain – especially in women.

  “We don’t know yet why this is happening,” says Dr. Agarwal. – It is believed that people begin to experience hunger due to the cessation of histamine production in the body.