Citalopram weight loss. Citalopram and Weight: Understanding the Connection, Tips for Management

16.09.202309.07.2023 by alexxlab

How does Citalopram affect body weight. What factors contribute to weight changes while taking antidepressants. How can one manage weight while on Celexa. What lifestyle modifications support healthy weight maintenance during antidepressant treatment.

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The Relationship Between Citalopram and Body Weight

Citalopram, marketed under the brand name Celexa, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression treatment. Many individuals express concern about potential weight changes when considering antidepressant medications. While weight fluctuations are possible with Celexa use, the effects vary significantly between individuals.

Studies have shown that Citalopram can lead to both minor weight gain and weight loss in some patients. The underlying mechanisms for these changes are not fully understood, but they may be related to the medication’s impact on appetite and metabolism.

Potential Causes of Weight Gain

Improved appetite due to alleviation of depressive symptoms
Changes in eating habits or food preferences
Alterations in metabolic rate
Fluid retention

Factors That May Contribute to Weight Loss

Initial side effects such as nausea or gastrointestinal disturbances
Reduced appetite in some individuals
Increased physical activity due to improved mood

It’s important to note that weight changes associated with Citalopram are typically modest, usually within a few pounds. The 2014 study mentioned in the original text compared weight gain across various antidepressants and found that Citalopram’s effects were relatively mild compared to some other medications.

Distinguishing Between Medication Effects and Other Factors

When evaluating weight changes during antidepressant treatment, it’s crucial to consider multiple factors that may influence body weight. Depression itself can cause significant fluctuations in appetite and eating habits, making it challenging to determine whether weight changes are due to the medication or the underlying condition.

Depression-Related Weight Changes

How does depression affect weight? Depression can lead to both weight gain and weight loss, depending on the individual. Some people experience increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, while others may lose interest in eating altogether. These changes can persist even as depressive symptoms improve with medication.

Lifestyle Factors

Are there other lifestyle factors that can impact weight during antidepressant treatment? Absolutely. Consider the following potential contributors:

Sedentary behavior
Lack of regular exercise
Poor dietary choices
Increased alcohol consumption
Changes in sleep patterns

Managing Weight While Taking Citalopram

If you’re concerned about weight changes while taking Citalopram, there are several strategies you can employ to maintain a healthy weight. It’s essential to approach weight management holistically, focusing on overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale.

Dietary Modifications

Reduce intake of sugary foods and beverages
Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet
Practice portion control
Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
Stay hydrated with water instead of calorie-rich drinks

Increasing Physical Activity

How can you incorporate more movement into your daily routine? Consider these suggestions:

Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Go for short walks during breaks
Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week
Find physical activities you enjoy, such as dancing, swimming, or cycling

The Importance of Medication Adherence

While weight changes can be concerning, it’s crucial not to discontinue Citalopram without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially worsen depressive symptoms.

Potential Withdrawal Symptoms

Anxiety
Irritability
Confusion
Sleep disturbances
Dizziness
Nausea

If you’re experiencing significant weight changes or other concerning side effects, discuss these issues with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage, consider alternative medications, or provide additional strategies for managing side effects.

Other Medications and Health Conditions Affecting Weight

When evaluating weight changes during Citalopram treatment, it’s essential to consider other medications and health conditions that may contribute to fluctuations in body weight.

Medications Associated with Weight Gain

Birth control pills
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone)
Certain antipsychotics
Some diabetes medications, including insulin

Health Conditions That May Affect Weight

Hypothyroidism
Heart failure
Digestive system disorders
Chronic infections
Eating disorders

If you’re taking multiple medications or have underlying health conditions, work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive approach to weight management.

Hormonal Influences on Weight

Hormonal changes can significantly impact body weight, particularly in women. These fluctuations may coincide with Citalopram treatment, making it challenging to determine the precise cause of weight changes.

Common Hormonal Factors Affecting Weight

Pregnancy
Menopause
Thyroid disorders
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If you suspect hormonal imbalances may be contributing to weight changes, consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management.

Psychological Aspects of Weight Management During Antidepressant Treatment

Managing weight while taking antidepressants involves more than just physical considerations. The psychological aspects of body image, self-esteem, and motivation play crucial roles in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Strategies for Psychological Well-being

Practice self-compassion and avoid negative self-talk
Set realistic goals for weight management
Celebrate non-scale victories, such as improved energy or mood
Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying thoughts and behaviors related to weight and body image

Remember that your mental health and overall well-being are the primary goals of antidepressant treatment. While weight management is important, it should not come at the expense of your mental health progress.

Long-term Considerations for Citalopram Use and Weight Management

As you continue Citalopram treatment, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any persistent weight changes or concerns. Long-term strategies for weight management may need to be adjusted over time.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-up

Schedule regular check-ups to assess medication effectiveness and side effects
Track your weight and discuss any significant changes with your doctor
Consider working with a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice
Explore alternative treatment options if weight changes become problematic

By taking a proactive approach to your health and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage both your mental health and weight while taking Citalopram.

In conclusion, while Citalopram may cause modest weight changes in some individuals, these effects are generally minor and can be managed through lifestyle modifications and close collaboration with your healthcare provider. By focusing on overall health and well-being, you can maximize the benefits of your antidepressant treatment while minimizing potential side effects.

Is There a Link, Weight Loss Tips & More

Celexa and Weight Gain: Is There a Link, Weight Loss Tips & More

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Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 27, 2019

Overview

Weight gain is a common concern for people considering antidepressant drugs, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft).

Celexa, the brand-name version of the drug citalopram, is another type of SSRI. It affects different people in different ways. It could cause you to have a small gain or a small loss in body weight, or it could cause no weight change at all.

If you do gain weight, it could be the result of many different factors. Here’s what you need to know.

Medications used to treat depression can affect your appetite and your metabolism. In some cases, these effects can cause you to gain or lose weight.

Celexa has been associated with slight weight gain, but it’s thought that the drug itself doesn’t cause this effect. Rather, the weight increase is likely due to improved appetite from taking the drug. A better appetite can cause you to eat more, leading to increased body weight.

On the other hand, Celexa could also reduce your appetite, leading to slight weight loss. Studies have demonstrated both effects. It’s hard to say whether you should expect weight gain or weight loss.

In a 2014 study of more than 22,000 patient records, amitriptyline, bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL), and nortriptyline (Pamelor) caused less weight gain than citalopram over the course of 12 months.

Keep in mind that weight changes due to taking antidepressants are typically small, usually within a few pounds. If Celexa has an effect on your weight at all, whether it’s weight gain or weight loss, it’ll likely be minor.

If you think Celexa is causing you to gain weight, don’t stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Stopping Celexa abruptly can cause problems such as anxiety, moodiness, confusion, and trouble sleeping.

Your doctor can work with you to taper your dosage to reduce or prevent side effects.

Keep in mind that weight gain can be caused by other factors besides the drug you’re taking.

For instance, depression itself can lead to weight changes. Some people with depression have no appetite, while others eat more than usual. It can be hard to tell if weight changes are caused by depression or the medication used to treat it.

Many other factors can also affect your weight. Talk to your doctor if you’re doing any of the following things:

Adopting unhealthy habits, such as:
- having a sedentary lifestyle, or spending most of the day sitting, lying down, or doing little physical activity
- not exercising
- consuming lots of foods or drinks that have high amounts of sugar or fat
Taking certain medications, such as:
- birth control pills
- corticosteroids such as prednisone (Rayos) or methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- antipsychotics used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression
- certain medications used to treat diabetes, including insulin
Having certain health conditions and mental health concerns, such as:
- hypothyroidism
- heart failure
- digestive system problems
- chronic infection
- dehydration
- eating disorders such as bulimia
- stress
Experiencing changes in women’s hormones caused by pregnancy or menopause

If you’ve gained weight and are concerned about it, try these tips for improving your diet and getting more exercise in your day:

Cut back on sweets and sugary drinks.
Replace high-calorie foods with tasty fruits and vegetables.
Give yourself smaller portions and eat more frequently throughout the day.
Eat slowly.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Get outside and take a walk.
Start an exercise program with your doctor’s guidance.

It’s always a good idea to get professional guidance when trying to lose weight.

Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any physical activity. If you need help managing your diet, ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian. For more suggestions on how to lose weight safely, check out these additional weight loss strategies.

If you gain or lose a considerable amount of weight after starting Celexa, talk to your doctor to discuss what may have caused the change. A gain of 10 percent or more of your body weight could be cause for concern, especially if it occurs over just a few weeks.

If your doctor thinks the weight gain is related to your use of Celexa, ask if lowering your dosage or trying a different antidepressant could help.

If your doctor doesn’t think your weight gain is related to your use of Celexa, discuss what might be the real cause. If you’re making healthy lifestyle choices but still gaining unwanted weight, be sure to let your doctor know.

In any case, feel free to talk to your doctor about your weight concerns and to ask any questions you may have. These might include:

Do you think my weight gain was caused by taking Celexa?
If so, should I take a lower dose or switch to a different medication?
What advice do you have to help me lose weight?
Can you refer me to a registered dietitian for help with my diet?
What are some safe ways for me to get more active?

Q:

Is it true that exercise can help with depression?

Anonymous patient

A:

Exercise is a great tool for the body. It has a number of documented positive effects including releasing chemicals that make your brain and body feel good. Regular exercise can help to alleviate several symptoms of depression and can sometimes be successful on its own in treating mild seasonal depressive symptoms. If you feel that you have depression symptoms that are interrupting your life, you should speak with your doctor to see if exercise alone or a combination of exercise and medication can help to treat your symptoms.

Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Last medically reviewed on March 27, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Blumenthal SR, et al. (2014). An electronic health records study of long-term weight gain following antidepressant use. DOI:
10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.414
Celexa – citalopram hydrobromide tablet, film coated. (2019).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4259d9b1-de34-43a4-85a8-41dd214e9177
Mental health medications. (2016).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml

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Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. — By University of Illinois — Updated on March 27, 2019

Does Celexa Cause Weight Loss?

Celexa (also referred to by the generic name citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This class of antidepressant medication increases serotonin levels in your brain as a way of keeping your mental health balanced and treating depressive disorders.

This prescription medication does tend to work for many people dealing with a depressive disorder. One review of studies found that it was superior to a placebo in the treatment of depression.

But symptoms of depression aren’t the only thing Celexa can be used to treat. It is also used in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder or panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, eating disorders, alcoholism and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

As with any medication, there are potential side effects. One side effect that some people talk about is weight loss.

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Can Celexa Cause Weight Loss?

Citalopram is a prescription medication that can be taken in liquid or tablet form. Generally, a mental health professional will start you on a low dose and then increase it gradually. Doing so can help lower your risk of side effects.

Celexa is meant to be taken once a day with or without food. The starting daily dose for major depressive disorder is usually 10mg a day and the maximum dose is 20mg a day.

Even if you start on a lower dose, you may experience side effects. Some of the more common side effects of citalopram include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, changes in your sex drive, decreased appetite and — yes — weight loss.

You should know, when it comes to weight fluctuations, it’s usually thought that antidepressants can lead to weight gain, rather than weight loss. There’s even evidence to back this up. In a large systematic review, it was found that most studies of weight changes and antidepressants concluded that there was an average of a five percent weight increase in people taking antidepressants. So, it may be confusing that one of the side effects is weight loss, rather than potential weight gain.

First, even though weight gain is a commonly-talked about side effect of antidepressants, it isn’t actually that common. Just 10 percent of people who are longtime users of SSRIs say they’ve gained some weight.

So, not everyone gains weight on antidepressants. And because one side effect of taking citalopram is a decreased appetite, you may notice you actually lose some weight.

If you are bothered by any of the side effects of citalopram or you want to stop taking it for another reason, do not stop cold turkey. Instead, work with a healthcare provider to wean yourself off of it. By doing this, you can avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Other Causes of Weight Loss

If you are taking Celexa for depression and notice you’ve lost weight, it could be a bit of a chicken and the egg situation. This is because major depression can cause some people to eat more or engage in less physical activity due to low energy levels or mood swings. So, then, if they start taking citalopram and those depression symptoms (like lack of energy) go away, they may become more active or eat a bit less and notice weight falling away.

If your weight loss isn’t connected to your depression, you should seek medical attention to look for the root of the issue. While it’s normal for weight to fluctuate a bit each month or week, or even day by day, weight loss of 10 pounds or more in the span of six to 12 months without trying is considered unexplained weight loss.

There are a variety of other things and medical conditions that can cause unexplained weight loss, including:

In addition to these things, there are more serious things that can cause weight loss. These include cancer, drug misuse and more.

If you notice you are losing weight, you should speak to an online psychiatrist so that they can monitor it and help you find a cause.

What to Do About Weight Loss

A little weight loss isn’t a big deal — heck, it may even be welcomed by some. But if you notice a significant weight loss, it’s worth repeating: You really should speak with a healthcare provider about what to do and what might be causing this weight loss.

If it’s determined your weight loss was caused by a decreased appetite due to taking Celexa, there are a few things you can do to put the weight back on — should you want or need to.

If your weight loss has put you below a healthy body weight, this will be particularly important.

Here are some things you can do to gain weight in a healthy way:

Reach for calorie-dense foods: Items like nuts and cheese are nutritious and filled with healthy fats. They will help bring more calories into your diet, so you can gain a little weight.
Try a protein shake: Another way to boost calories in a healthy way is through drinking protein shakes. They pack a lot of calories in a small amount, so even if you’re not hungry, you should be able to get through one.
Go for many small meals: Can’t get through a big meal? No problem. Break your meals up into smaller meals throughout the day. The goal should be to eat every two to three hours.

If you add about 500 calories a day to your regular diet, you should expect to gain about a pound a week.

The Connection Between Celexa and Weight Loss

Celexa is a medication that is most often taken for the treatment of depression and certain anxiety disorders. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which means it works by boosting levels of serotonin in your brain.

Like with many other medications, there are common side effects associated with taking Celexa. One such side effect is changes in weight.

While it’s commonly thought that taking an SSRI may make some people gain weight, for some, taking Celexa can lead to a loss of appetite and even weight loss. Usually, this is nothing to worry about and will subside as you adjust to taking this medication.

If you are looking to gain weight back, you can increase the number of calories you consume a day.

If you lose weight while on citalopram, you should talk to a healthcare professional for medical advice. They can help you decide if you want to switch antidepressants or give you tips about lifestyle tweaks you can make to help address your weight loss.

10 Sources

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

Citalopram. Medline Plus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html
Chu, A., Wadhwa, R., (2021, May 10). Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Stat Pearls. Retrieved from https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
Keller, M., (2000). Citalopram therapy for depression: a review of 10 years of European experience and data from U.S. clinical trials. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11206593/
Citalopram. National Alliance of Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Citalopram-(Celexa)
Celexa. Highlights of Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021323s040lbl.pdf
Alonso-Pedrero, L., Bes-Rastrollo, M., Marti, A., (2019). Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review. Obs Rev. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524318/
Medication Frequently Asked Questions. National Alliance of Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nami. org/FAQ/Mental-Health-Medication-FAQ/My-doctor-recently-started-me-on-an-antidepressant
Depression. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression
Unexplained Weight Loss. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17770-unexplained-weight-loss
How to Gain Weight Safely. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-gain-weight/

Find out what are the best antidepressants for weight loss?

The problem of excess weight is often associated with disorders of the nervous system. This group of ailments includes compulsive overeating and bulimia. Taking antidepressants for weight loss, some patients hope to get rid of the pathological condition. But is it really so? Can drugs, whose action is aimed at the treatment of neurosis and depression, help to cope with the constant desire to eat?

Reasons for overeating

The female half of the population is more susceptible to eating disorders. The first signs of deviation may appear even in the tender adolescence. Various problems characteristic of this age are often “jammed” in attempts to compensate for the feelings and emotions shown. At some point, it begins to seem that overeating helps to overcome life’s troubles.

Fluoxetine: latest patient reviews, composition

Bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating (binge eating) are more common than anorexia. And if in the latter case the symptoms of the pathological condition quickly become noticeable to others, then in the case of excessive food intake, normal weight can be maintained for a long time.

The following factors may influence the development of an eating disorder:

depression;
depression;
psychological trauma;
low self-esteem;
genetic predisposition;
high standards.

Bouts of uncontrolled food consumption often occur against the background of sudden mood swings.

It should be borne in mind that, in addition to disorders of the psycho-emotional state, the disease can also lead to obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular pathologies.

Methods of treatment

Complex therapy usually helps to completely get rid of both the causes that led to weight gain and extra pounds. In treatment, it is important to influence the problem from different angles. First of all, special attention is paid to the normalization of the nervous system. Many people start taking antidepressants for weight loss. Without prescriptions in a pharmacy, you can buy only the safest drugs from this group.

Fluoxetine for weight loss: latest reviews and tips

Indeed, some antidepressants, in addition to their main purpose, promote weight loss by increasing the production of the hormone serotonin. However, without strict indications – diseases of the nervous system – taking drugs that have a toxic effect is highly discouraged. Only a specialist can prescribe such drugs, since some antidepressants containing a high concentration of psychotropic substances can cause a backlash and “turn off” the feeling of fullness.

For weight loss, you should choose antidepressants that will have a positive effect on tone and increase vitality. This will be of particular benefit when playing sports. In addition to drug exposure, it will also be necessary to normalize the regime of rest and work, to avoid stressful situations as much as possible.

Specialists warn that any medications that can affect the psycho-emotional state are intended solely to suppress a depressive state, eliminate severe nervous overexcitation. Therefore, only in the presence of similar deviations and weight gain against this background, antidepressants for weight loss can be prescribed.

Latest generation antidepressants. Antidepressants: which are better?…

The list of drugs that can be freely purchased at the pharmacy is not long. To reduce weight and restore a normal psycho-emotional state, antidepressants belonging to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are suitable. The substance is necessary for the brain to transmit signals to neurons. The drugs are able to normalize the level of serotonin and at the same time do not cause serious side effects, unlike the drugs that were used before.

Popular and effective drugs

In medical practice, one antidepressant is especially often used for weight loss. The name of this drug is Fluoxetine. It is not specifically designed for weight loss, but the effect that it has on the nervous system allows you to cope with the feeling of hunger.

The most common antidepressants used for weight loss also include the following:

Bupropion;
Zoloft;
Venlafaxine;
Prozac;
Citalopram;
Paxil.

Once the diagnosis is made and the cause of the condition is established, the doctor may prescribe an antidepressant for weight loss. What is best for a particular case and which treatment regimen will help to cope with the problem depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. It should be borne in mind that antidepressants are completely different drugs that can be taken without prior consultation with a specialist. Each remedy has certain indications and contraindications for use, and can also provoke the development of a number of negative consequences.

Fluoxetine Slimming

This is one of the most commonly used antidepressants for eating disorders. “Fluoxetine” is prescribed for patients suffering from bulimia and compulsive overeating. With the timely start of treatment with this drug, it is possible to prevent the development of obesity, metabolic disorders in the body.

The pharmacological action of the drug, according to the instructions, is aimed at inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This helps to improve mental activity, raise mood, reduce feelings of helplessness and apathy, get rid of anxieties, fears and worries. Fluoxetine, like other antidepressants for weight loss from the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, should be taken for at least 2 weeks to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect.

Indications for prescription

Self-administration of even the safest antidepressant in an attempt to lose weight is considered a rather dangerous experiment. The manufacturer recommends taking “Fluoxetine” for obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression of varying severity, neuroses, insomnia, malfunctions of the nervous system.

The desire to constantly consume a large amount of food under the influence of the drug is significantly reduced. Therefore, an antidepressant is also prescribed for eating disorders.

Treatment regimen

Many experts believe that weight gain is associated with insufficient production of serotonin. A deficiency of this substance provokes the development of a depressed state, stress, and as a result, a desire to “eat” your bad mood. In the future, such a reflex will work already at a subconscious level, which indicates dependence.

Gradually increasing body weight will again worsen mood and cause a desire to have a tasty snack. It is not always possible to get out of this vicious circle on your own. As a result of treatment with Fluoxetine, the feeling of hunger is suppressed, a surge of vigor is felt, and sleep is normalized.

Start taking the medicine with 20 mg (1 capsule) in the morning. In the absence of a clinical effect, the dose is increased to 40-60 mg and divided into several doses. According to the instructions, it is forbidden to take more than 4 capsules per day when losing weight. Otherwise, the drug may provoke the development of side effects.

Contraindications

Antidepressants for weight loss should only be taken if there are no contraindications in the patient’s history. It is forbidden to use them in the following pathologies:

glaucoma;
epilepsy;
pathologies of the central nervous system;
diabetes mellitus;
pregnancy, lactation;
pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
intolerance to the components of the medicine.

Antidepressants for weight loss: reviews

It is possible to achieve a positive effect when getting rid of extra pounds with the help of antidepressants only if the diet is followed. It does not hurt to do and improve the appearance.

Increased tone and a constant feeling of cheerfulness, a surge of strength will allow you to spend a long time in the gym. According to reviews, antidepressants such as Fluoxetine (analogous to Prozac) and Venlafaxine contribute to a noticeable weight loss as early as 2-3 months after the start of treatment. However, not all patients manage to lose weight.

Do not forget about the side effects of antidepressants. Most often they cause headaches, manic syndrome, hallucinations, tremors, hyperhidrosis, tachycardia, dysphagia, incoordination, nausea. Loss of appetite and consequent weight loss is also a side effect of many antidepressants.

Use of antidepressants for weight loss – Medical Portal

Contraindications to antidepressants
Use of antidepressants for weight loss
Antidepressants that can be used for weight loss

Antidepressants for weight loss are an opportunity to quickly and easily lose weight. Most of the nervous disorders of women are in some way related to their appearance. Excess weight, a large amount of fat in the body, insufficiently tightened forms – this can lead to depression.

Antidepressants are psychotropic medications used to treat depression in women and men. They reduce lethargy, apathy, remove anxiety, increase psychological activity and normalize the patient’s mood. At the same time, antidepressants cannot be used for a one-time uplifting and calming. For a person who is not in a depressed state, these drugs do not have their effect.

Scientists have identified the anatomical and chemical pattern of depression. A person is “not in the mood” due to a lack of dopamine and serotonin. Antidepressants are very strong drugs that have many contraindications. Each type of medication has its own set of side effects. The appointment of antidepressants occurs only in extreme cases, when a person suffers from alcohol, nicotine or other addiction, when various psychosomatic diseases are detected, with depression caused by pregnancy and childbirth, the loss of a loved one, during severe and chronic diseases (AIDS, cancer, diabetes mellitus). etc.).

Contraindications to antidepressants

Antidepressants may have the following contraindications:

epilepsy, frequent seizures with convulsions;
pregnancy;
diseases of the kidneys and liver;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
New mothers should not take antidepressants while breastfeeding;
children under 12 should not take antidepressants;
in some cases: diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Side effects that may occur with prolonged or improper use of antidepressants:

disruption of the intestines and stomach: vomiting, diarrhea or, conversely, stool retention, constipation;
loss of appetite, feeling of dry mouth, disruption of the salivary glands;
disruption of the nervous system: insomnia or, conversely, a desire to sleep for a long time (often combined with lethargy and constant fatigue syndrome), nervousness, frequent headaches and dizziness.

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Use of antidepressants for weight loss

One of the most common side effects of antidepressants is a decrease in appetite, which results in weight loss. Most often this is observed when taking drugs for nicotine addiction. The use of antidepressants as a means of weight loss can be very dangerous, because all drugs of this direction contain a number of psychotropic substances and are very toxic. In no case should you take antidepressants only for weight loss, without other medical indications.

The main task of the remedy for a nervous breakdown is to normalize the metabolism of hormones and increase the production of the “hormone of joy” – serotonin. As a special remedy, an antidepressant for weight loss can be prescribed by a psychiatrist only if a person has depression associated with overweight.

Drugs reduce appetite, and a person stops eating his bad mood. Psychologists have been saying for several decades that overweight problems often begin when a person with psychological problems begins to use food as a source of joy and pleasure. But in some cases, with severe nervous disorders, the patient is prescribed certain types of drugs with a high content of psychotropic substances. They can not only not restrain their appetite, but also “let it off the leash.” A person simply does not feel full enough and forgets that he has already taken food.

Taking any antidepressants is a great stress for human health. This must be remembered by people who choose it as a means of losing weight. Not sedative components are responsible for weight loss, but complex chemicals that can cause hallucinations, anxiety, and if a large dose of the drug is taken, a suicidal syndrome may develop. At the slightest ingestion of alcohol into the body of a person taking antidepressants, acute liver poisoning occurs, with constant alcohol use – to cirrhosis and destruction of the organ.

Antidepressants can also affect the water balance in the human body. Their components can retain water, which leads to swelling and lack of weight loss. When using antidepressants for weight loss, you must combine them with your diet. Even if the desired weight is reached, it should be remembered that he may return after the end of the drug, so it is recommended to continue to monitor nutrition and, if possible, exercise.

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Antidepressants that can be used for weight loss

The most popular drug of this type is fluoxetine. It is prescribed for bulimia – a psychological disease in which the slightest nervous strain provokes a person to absorb huge amounts of food. Most people with this disease are obese and related diseases. Since bulimia is primarily a psychological disorder, appetite control, diet, healthy eating and exercise do not bring sufficient results due to constant breakdowns.

Many people with bulimia induce vomiting after uncontrolled eating. This is also a mental disorder and can lead to anorexia. It is with this disease that fluoxetine is used.

Actions of fluoxetine:

relieves insomnia and apathy;
stabilizes mood and reduces the number of nervous breakdowns;
controls the feeling of hunger, dulls the appetite.

Pluses of fluoxetine:

restores the correct functioning of nerve impulses;
does not affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract, does not violate the intestinal microflora;
does not carry out weight loss by interfering with the metabolic processes of the body, does not correct metabolism, weight loss solely by dulling appetite;
low cost and the ability to buy the drug in almost any pharmacy;
improves mood, increases efficiency, a person feels active, a “thirst for action” appears in him.

The drug can also be used in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, headaches, schizophrenia and other disorders of the nervous system.

However, fluoxetine has a number of contraindications, including pregnancy and lactation, diseases of the urinary system, chronic and acute diseases of the kidneys and liver. In addition, the drug must be replaced with another if a patient develops a manic state and a strong suicidal syndrome. With caution, fluoxetine should be used in people with a disease of the metabolic system, with severe exhaustion of the body and progressive anorexia, adolescents and the elderly.

There are also a number of other antidepressants that can affect a person’s weight to some extent.

Citalopram, Paroxetine and Escitalopram may also reduce weight.

But the pounds can come back when you stop taking the drugs. One of their few side effects is the desire to eat more sweets, especially cravings increase after the end of the drug.

Duloxetine and Venlafaxine also control appetite by influencing serotonin production. But their main feature is to increase the physical activity of the patient.