Does Zoloft increase appetite and cause weight gain. What are the mechanisms behind Zoloft-related weight changes. How can patients manage potential weight gain while taking Zoloft. What dietary and lifestyle strategies help prevent unwanted weight gain on antidepressants.

The Link Between Zoloft and Weight Gain: Separating Fact from Fiction

Zoloft (sertraline) is a widely prescribed antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. While it can be highly effective for treating depression and anxiety, some patients report weight gain as a side effect. But does Zoloft directly cause increased hunger and weight gain? The relationship is complex and varies between individuals.

Research indicates that up to 25% of people taking SSRIs like Zoloft experience some degree of weight gain. However, the extent and likelihood of gaining weight can depend on various factors, including dosage, duration of treatment, diet, exercise habits, and overall health status.

Key Statistics on Zoloft and Weight Changes

• A 6-month study published in JAMA found an average weight gain of 6.5 lbs in patients aged 6-17 taking Zoloft
• Approximately 25% of SSRI users report weight gain as a side effect
• Weight changes are more common with long-term use (6+ months) compared to short-term treatment

While weight gain is a documented potential side effect, it’s important to note that not everyone taking Zoloft will experience changes in appetite or body weight. Some individuals may even lose weight initially due to early side effects like nausea or reduced appetite.

Mechanisms Behind Zoloft-Related Weight Gain: Unraveling the Complexity

The exact mechanisms by which Zoloft and other SSRIs may contribute to weight gain are not fully understood. However, researchers have proposed several theories to explain this phenomenon:

Leptin Regulation

One hypothesis suggests that SSRIs like Zoloft may increase levels of leptin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure. Elevated leptin levels could potentially lead to increased appetite and reduced calorie burning.

Hunger and Satiety Hormones

Zoloft may affect hormones that control hunger and fullness signals in the body. This disruption could cause patients to feel hungrier more frequently or less satisfied after meals, potentially leading to increased food intake.

Metabolic Changes

Some research indicates that SSRIs may alter metabolism, potentially slowing the rate at which the body burns calories. This could contribute to weight gain even without significant changes in eating habits.

Improved Mood and Lifestyle Changes

As Zoloft effectively treats depression, some patients may experience improved mood and energy levels. This positive change could lead to increased appetite or social eating, indirectly contributing to weight gain.

Strategies to Manage Weight While Taking Zoloft: Proactive Approaches for Patients

While some degree of weight fluctuation may occur when taking Zoloft, there are several strategies patients can employ to minimize unwanted weight gain:

1. Monitor Your Weight Regularly

Establish a baseline weight before starting Zoloft and track changes regularly. This awareness allows for early intervention if significant weight gain occurs.

2. Maintain Consistent Eating Patterns

Zoloft may alter your perception of hunger. Stick to a regular meal schedule rather than relying solely on hunger cues. This can help prevent overeating due to medication-induced appetite changes.

3. Prioritize Physical Activity

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises.

4. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

Choose whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients and fiber. These foods promote satiety and provide essential vitamins and minerals without excess calories.

5. Practice Mindful Eating

Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly and without distractions to better recognize when you’re satisfied.

6. Ensure Adequate Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones and increase cravings for high-calorie foods.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.

Dietary Considerations for Zoloft Users: Nourishing Your Body and Mind

A balanced diet is essential for overall health and can help mitigate potential weight gain associated with Zoloft use. Consider incorporating these nutritional strategies:

Emphasize Protein-Rich Foods

Protein promotes satiety and helps maintain muscle mass. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and plant-based protein sources in your meals.

Incorporate Complex Carbohydrates

Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over refined carbohydrates. These foods provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.

Don’t Fear Healthy Fats

Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, such as fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and olive oil. These fats support brain health and can help with satiety.

Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars

Minimize intake of sugary snacks, sodas, and highly processed foods, which can contribute to weight gain and mood fluctuations.

The Role of Exercise in Managing Zoloft-Related Weight Changes: Finding Your Motivation

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and supporting overall mental health. For Zoloft users concerned about potential weight gain, exercise offers multiple benefits:

Metabolic Boost

Exercise helps increase metabolism, potentially offsetting any metabolic slowdown associated with Zoloft use.

Mood Enhancement

Physical activity releases endorphins, which can further improve mood and complement the effects of Zoloft.

Stress Reduction

Exercise is an effective stress-management tool, which may help reduce emotional eating tendencies.

Improved Sleep Quality

Regular exercise can enhance sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Tips for Incorporating Exercise

• Start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration
• Find activities you enjoy to increase adherence
• Consider working with a fitness professional to develop a personalized plan
• Incorporate both cardio and strength training exercises
• Use exercise as a social activity by joining classes or sports teams

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Addressing Concerns and Exploring Alternatives

While some weight fluctuation is normal when starting Zoloft, it’s important to know when to seek medical advice. Contact your healthcare provider if:

Rapid Weight Gain Occurs

If you experience significant weight gain (e.g., more than 5% of your body weight) within a short period, discuss this with your doctor.

Side Effects Interfere with Daily Life

If weight gain or other side effects are impacting your quality of life or medication adherence, your doctor may consider adjusting your dosage or exploring alternative treatments.

You’re Considering Stopping Medication

Never discontinue Zoloft without medical supervision. Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and mood instability.

You Have Pre-existing Health Conditions

Patients with conditions like diabetes or heart disease should closely monitor weight changes and discuss concerns with their healthcare team.

Balancing Mental Health and Physical Well-being: A Holistic Approach to Zoloft Treatment

Managing potential weight gain while taking Zoloft requires a balanced approach that prioritizes both mental and physical health. Consider these holistic strategies:

Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques

Incorporate stress-management tools like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to complement your medication and reduce stress-related eating.

Seek Support

Connect with support groups or a therapist to address any emotional aspects of weight changes and maintain a positive body image.

Focus on Non-Scale Victories

Celebrate improvements in mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life, rather than fixating solely on weight.

Consider Nutritional Counseling

Working with a registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized eating plan that supports your mental health while managing weight.

Explore Complementary Therapies

Discuss with your healthcare provider the potential benefits of complementary approaches like acupuncture or herbal supplements that may support weight management and mental health.

Remember, the goal of Zoloft treatment is to improve your overall well-being. While weight changes can be concerning, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of improved mental health against potential side effects. Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to finding the right balance and ensuring the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.

Zoloft Weight Gain – What You Need to Know

Weight gain is a common complaint among those taking Zoloft (sertraline). In fact, research suggests that as many as 25 percent of people who take SSRIs gain weight.

There’s no denying that when it comes to weight gain, Zoloft is a controversial subject. Some say that the antidepressant is to blame for their extra pounds, while others claim that it’s helped them lose weight.

But, what’s the truth? Is Zoloft really responsible for weight gain? And if so, what can you do about it?

Here are some scientific facts about Zoloft weight gain – What you need to know. Read on…

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Some people taking Zoloft do experience weight gain as a side effect, while others don’t.

And there are a variety of factors that can affect whether or not you’ll gain weight on Zoloft, including your dosage, how long you’re taking the drug, your diet and exercise habits, and your overall health.

That being said, weight gain is a possible side effect of taking Zoloft as some studies suggest. Although it is not considered a common one.

According to JAMA (Jornal by American Medical Association), a 6 months research and study on patients between 6-17 years of age have shown a drastic increase of 6.5 lbs of weight gain. 

Whatever the statistics, it is important to be aware that weight gain is a potential side effect of taking Zoloft.

If you are concerned about gaining weight, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

How Does Zoloft Boost Weight Gain?

It’s no secret that many people gain weight when they start taking antidepressants.

In fact, weight gain is one of the most commonly reported side effects of the popular antidepressant Zoloft.

While the exact mechanism behind this weight gain is not completely understood, there are a few possible explanations.

One theory is that SSRIs cause weight gain by increasing the level of a hormone called leptin in the body.

Leptin has a role in controlling food intake and energy expenditure. This can lead to an increase in appetite and/or a decrease in the ability to burn calories.

Another possibility is that Zoloft affects hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, causing patients to feel hungrier and/or less satiated after eating. This can lead them to eat more resulting in weight gain.

To sum up, researchers aren’t entirely clear why & how sertraline and other antidepressants cause weight gain, despite the fact that it is a documented side effect.

Tactics to Avoid Weight Gain When on Zoloft

It’s possible that sertraline (Zoloft) will cause some degree of weight gain, but there are things you can do to lessen the impact of this side effect.

Here are some tips –

Keeping Track of Your Weight

Weigh yourself before starting the medication. This will help you to keep track of your weight and also help you with taking the necessary steps before it’s too late.  

Maintaining Regular Eating Habits

Zoloft can cause you to feel empty stomached more often. That’s not because you’re actually in need of food but because the medicine alters your metabolism tricking you to feel empty. So, try to stick to your same daily meal plan as before. This will help you avoid excess weight gain.

Exercising Regularly

After you start taking Zoloft, you may feel more relaxed and stress-free all the time. This can boost your unwillingness to exercise and stay active. And that’s a huge reason to gain weight. So, try to focus on exercising every now and then.

Eating Healthier

You should stay away from junk food, soda, and fatty foods. Take in lots of fresh produce and healthful grains. You won’t put on any unnecessary weight.

Sleeping Adequately

Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain, so aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 

Talk to Your Doctor

If your body is showing signs of weight gain, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor about other potential side effects of the medication and explore other treatment options. This will be your best bet.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid Zoloft weight gain. But always remember to consult your doctor.

Final Thoughts

Weight gain can be a difficult side effect to deal with, both emotionally and physically.

If you are concerned about gaining weight while taking Zoloft, talk to your doctor. They may change your dosage or recommend an alternative drug.

Categories Men’s health, Women’s Health

Why you are constantly hungry

Simple carbs spike your blood sugar levels quickly, then leave them plunging soon after.

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Because booze dehydrates you, it can trick you into thinking you need food when your body is really calling for water.

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/Getty Images

When dehydration sets in, wires get crossed in the hypothalamus, leading you to grab a bag of chips when you really need a bottle of water.

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Too little sleep can lead to surging levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite.

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Stress reduces levels of the brain chemical serotonin, and that can make you feel hungry when you aren’t.

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Just looking at food\ cranks up levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone

ANA AREVALO/AFP/Getty Images

Antidepressants are known to affect appetite.

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Reasons you’re always hungry

Story highlights

Hunger is driven by diet, appetite hormones, and emotional factors, such as stress

Stress reduces levels of the brain chemical serotonin, and that can make you feel hungry when you aren’t

Eating at a moderate pace prompts the release of hormones that tell your brain “no more”

CNN
 — 

It’s one thing to notice an uptick in appetite if you’ve been training hard at the gym, or if you’re pregnant or PMS-ing. But when you always feel like a bottomless pit for no obvious reason, then something’s definitely up. “Hunger is the physiological need for calories, water, and salt, and it’s driven by a mix of factors, including your diet, appetite hormones, and emotional factors, such as stress,” says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating. Figuring out why you can’t stop shoveling it down is important, because excess hunger can tip you off to a physical or mental health issue—and giving in to that need to feed can send your BMI into dangerously unhealthy territory. These 11 things will help explain why your belly’s been growling.

“Mild dehydration is often masked as feelings of hunger, when really your body just needs fluids,” says Alissa Rumsey, RD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The confusion happens in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates both appetite and thirst. When dehydration sets in, wires get crossed in the hypothalamus, leading you to grab a bag of chips when you really need a bottle of water. “Prevent it by staying on top of your fluid intake, starting with a glass of water first thing in the morning,” advises Rumsey. “If you feel hungry, and you haven’t drank much that day, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 15 to 20 minutes to see if your hunger subsides.”

Related: 14 surprising reasons you’re dehydrated

By the time you wake after a night of poor sleep, two hormones linked to appetite have already begun conspiring against you. “Too little sleep can lead to surging levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, as well as decreased levels of leptin, a hormone that causes feelings of fullness,” says Rumsey. Lack of shuteye on a regular basis makes you ravenous for another reason. After poor sleep, you’re more likely to have serious fatigue and brain fog. Your system, desperate for a shot of energy, triggers cravings for sugar carbs, even if you’re not actually hungry. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, and you’ll get your energy level and hunger hormones back on track.

Ever notice how one doughnut or cookie leaves you unable to resist eating another…until the whole box is just crumbs? That’s your brain on starchy carbs. “Simple carbs, the kind found in sugary, white flour foods like pastries, crackers, and cookies, spike your blood sugar levels quickly, then leave them plunging soon after,” says Moon. That blood sugar plunge causes intense hunger for more sugary carbs, and the cycle continues.” Keep fluctuating blood sugar levels from sending you on a cravings roller coaster by avoiding simple-carb foods as much as possible. Get your carb fix with the complex, filling kind that contains lots of fiber. Almonds, apples, chia seeds, and pistachios are healthy options that ward off hunger pangs, suggests Moon.

Who hasn’t dealt with a high-pressure workday or relationship rough spot by giving into cravings for a pint of Rocky Road? But stress has a sneakier way of making you voracious. When you’re tense, your system ramps up production of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, says Rumsey. Elevated levels of these hormones trick your system into thinking it’s under attack and needs energy, so your appetite starts raging. Stress also reduces levels of the brain chemical serotonin, and that can make you feel hungry when you aren’t, says Moon. Consider it a case for making it to yoga class more often, or cranking up a soothing playlist on your commute home.

Related: 13 fast ways to beat stress

That pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine meant to whet your appetite before dinner actually does just that, stimulating a feeling of hunger even if your stomach is full, says Moon. A small study published in the journal Appetite backs this up, finding that people were more likely to consume foods higher in calories after drinking alcohol. And because booze dehydrates you, it can trick you into thinking you need food when your body is really calling for water. Offset the effect by eating before you drink, and make sure to alternate your cocktails with water so you stay hydrated, says Rumsey.

It sounds counterintuitive, but piling your plate with more food—lean protein and healthy fat, specifically—keeps hunger pangs at bay. “Not only does protein stay in your stomach and promote feelings of fullness, it’s been shown to have an appetite-suppressing effect,” says Rumsey. Aim for at least 46 grams of protein per day (best sources: Greek yogurt, eggs, lean meat, and whole grains), which is the RDA for women between 19 and 70. For men, it’s 56 grams per day.

Related: 17 high-protein snacks you can eat on the go

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Just like protein, unsaturated fat is also linked to feelings of satiety. “When you’re satisfied after a meal, you are more likely to listen to your hunger cues and not eat again until you are truly hungry,” says Rumsey. Add this heart-healthy, brain-boosting kind of fat to your meals in the form of oils, nuts and seeds, and avocados. Experts recommend that adults limit their fat intake to 20 to 35% of their total daily calories.

Yet another reason why ghosting on breakfast or forgoing other meals throughout the day backfires on you. When you skip a meal and your stomach is empty for too long, it produces an uptick in the hunger hormone ghrelin, which ramps your appetite, says Rumsey. “Ghrelin also prompts the GI tract to expect food to come. Your ghrelin levels are in overdrive, and so is your lust for food.” When you finally give in, you’re prone to a binge. As a general rule, try not to let more than 4 to 5 hours go by between meals. And even if you hate breakfast, eat something in the a.m. within an hour of waking, like yogurt, peanut butter and apple slices, or a soymilk smoothie.

Pinterest recipe boards. Facebook photos of your friends’ lunches. Late-night TV ads for takeout pizza. With images of food saturating our lives 24-7, it’s no wonder so many of us are constantly craving the real thing. The connection between what we see and what we desire has been documented by science: a 2012 study from the journal Obesity found that just looking at food cranked up levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Getting a whiff of food has a similar effect, says Moon. “Pleasant food aromas stimulate an involuntary physiological reaction: the mouth will salivate and the stomach will contract, mimicking hunger pangs,” she says. Of course, you can’t totally eliminate the possibility of seeing or smelling food. But try limiting your exposure, say by skipping TV commercials and un-following food brands on Instagram.

Related: 12 mental tricks to beat cravings and lose weight

When you wolf down your meal, your stomach might be full, but you haven’t allowed your brain enough time to register that fullness. When your brain is still in the dark, it keeps your appetite high … and you continue eating. A study published in 2013 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism supports this, finding that eating at a moderate pace prompts the release of hormones that tell your brain “no more.” Try eating your food slowly, savoring each bite and enjoying the ritual of a good meal. Then wait at least 20 minutes before deciding if you really do need another helping. That’s about how long it takes for that fullness signal to reach your brain, says Rumsey.

The same drugs you might be taking regularly to treat a health condition can also drive you to raid the refrigerator. Antidepressants such as Zoloft and Paxil, as well as corticosteroids such as prednisone (prescribed to treat potentially dangerous flareups of the immune system due to allergies, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease, and some cancers), are known to affect appetite, says Rumsey. If you’re on one of these prescription and feel hungry after a normal-sized meal, talk to your doctor to see if it’s possible to switch to another drug.

Why it is dangerous to use antidepressants on your own, and how to do it right / Sudo Null IT News

There are no drugs without side effects. More precisely, there is, but doctors do not classify extracts from the liver of the Barbary duck, diluted to the state of interstellar vacuum, as medicines. Antidepressants, for all their long history, are still serious drugs that require an individual approach and careful collaboration between the doctor and the patient.

The key question most often worries patients is “Will I become addicted to the drug?”.

After reading the forums for a long time, which in itself is not always a good idea, two more are often added:

1. Will I have problems in my sex life during and after taking the drug?
2. Will I gain weight?

That’s what we’ll talk about today. Antidepressants are more likely to have unwanted side effects on libido and may cause weight gain. Fortunately, if the clinical situation permits, these effects can be tried to be used correctly.

In particular, I will tell you why one of the atypical antidepressants was previously used instead of Viagra, whether it is possible to run in circles with benefit, and why fluvoxamine accidentally reduced the risks of hospitalization for covid.

Risks of addiction

Here, fortunately, everything is quite simple. There is none of them. Numerous studies show that antidepressants are not addictive drugs.

In the past century, two drugs were synthesized that carried certain risks of abuse, and these drugs are not currently in use:

1. Tranylcypromine
2. Amineptine

But there the situation was a little different. I told you earlier that we have a key triad of neurotransmitters that we act on – serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine is the key biogenic amine that regulates our motivation system. If the intake of a substance causes an increase in its concentration, a person receives a positive reinforcement, a kind of praise from his own brain.

It is because of their specific effects on the dopamine pathways that these drugs have an amphetamine-like effect. A person experiences a surge of strength, he does not want to sleep. All this leads to the risks of abuse. Therefore, drugs are prohibited for use.

You can try comparing antidepressants and addictive drugs.

Narcotic: after a single dose, it causes a pleasant state. For example, cheerfulness and euphoria. And this is exactly what makes a person accept it a second and subsequent times.

Antidepressant: after taking the pill, is it supposed to be cool? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Without dosage titration, a person will be very lucky if side effects do not appear. The most frequent – nausea – somehow does not pull on a pleasant state.

Narcotic: as a result of the development of tolerance, narcotic substances are characterized by a continuous increase in dose. That is, the addict is forced to receive ever larger doses to achieve the effect, hence the phenomenon of overdose.

Antidepressant: the drug works in a therapeutic window – from one number of mg to another. Therefore, the increase in dosage does not occur immediately, individually and within this window. Does it make sense to use a pack of antidepressants every day to get pleasure? Not the slightest. The number of side effects will increase, but the effect will not, because it is extremely cumulative.

Drug: if you do not get a dose, then there is a “withdrawal”. And so strong that it is unrealistic to survive this breakdown at home. That is why drug treatment clinics are like prisons in Europe: clean, comfortable, but under supervision.

Antidepressant: Here one can say that when an antidepressant is withdrawn, a withdrawal syndrome occurs. And this is absolutely true if the withdrawal is abrupt at the therapeutic dosage. Getting out of the drug takes time, usually about 2-4 weeks – the body needs to get used to the fact that now it will have to work on its own, without a magic pendel. And there is a big difference between the unpleasant side effects that occur when you stop taking it and the painful craving for another dose. There is no sudden desire to go and throw a handful of pills with the abolition of antidepressants.

The bottom line is that antidepressants are not addictive and are completely useless for recreational use.

Difficulties with libido

The brain is an extremely complex system with a huge number of feedbacks. It is almost impossible to act on some aspect of a mental state in isolation and not get side effects. Serotonin in the main triad of neurotransmitters plays a key role in terms of both positive and undesirable side effects.
Serotonin exerts its regulatory effect by binding to numerous types of receptors from the 5-HT family. We are primarily interested in those responsible for key functions in the central nervous system – these are 5-HT ₁ and 5-HT ₂ .

It is these receptors that are targeted by SSRI drugs – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. More often, antidepressants of this type are key drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In the normal version, the neuron tries to transmit excitation to its neighbor by throwing a neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. There, serotonin must bind to the receptors of another neuron and cause its excitation. Under the influence of SSRIs, the picture changes, the first neuron can no longer capture the excess neurotransmitter back, and the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft gradually increases. It is much easier for the second neuron to get into an excited state, since its receptors now capture signal substances much more often. As a result of such therapy, the patient’s emotional background gradually normalizes and levels out, and habitual activity returns to him.

Everything is great. But the main problem is that the same 5-HT serotonin receptors are also responsible for regulating libido and orgasms. A meta-analysis shows that up to 70% of patients complain of sexual dysfunction during therapy. This effect is primarily due to an increase in serotonin levels and stimulation of the corresponding receptors. These receptors regulate several important things related to each other:

1. Libido is the very desire for sexual contact and the feeling of attraction.
2. Sensitivity of erogenous zones.
3. Orgasm intensity.

In fact, while the broken serotonin system is being restored, the brain is simply not up to sex. Most patients want less, and the sexual intercourse itself becomes longer due to a decrease in the sensitivity of the receptors.

Not everything is as scary as it seems, in fact. The effect of reducing libido is highly dependent on the drug chosen.

If small doses of an antidepressant are enough for the patient to treat the main problem, then often there are no special difficulties in sexual life. Although this is not a strict rule. Moreover, there is often a pronounced decrease in libido even with small dosages, so there is no point in “halving” the dosage.

It happens that patients say that they cannot get an orgasm during sexual intercourse, but pay attention to the fact “it is time to change the chandelier, as it does not fit the wallpaper”.

In men, on the other hand, there is good news: an increased level of serotonin increases the threshold of arousal, which is required to achieve orgasm. And this means that the time before ejaculation increases.

What can calm a person at an appointment? After completion of the course of treatment, the side effects completely disappear and libido is restored.

Interestingly, there are antidepressants with the opposite effect. Although this is not of great clinical importance, it would be interesting to mention their atypical properties.

One such drug once on the market is bupropion. In 2016, the manufacturer left the Russian market and revoked the license. This atypical antidepressant selectively inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. In parallel, it works as an antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Due to the absence of a serotonin component, it does not cause sexual dysfunction. What’s more, research has shown that it can actually increase libido even in non-depressed people. In a gender-matched, double-blind study that lasted 12 weeks, 63% of patients taking the drug experienced an improvement in sex drive, compared with 3% in the placebo group. Nevertheless, one must understand that this is not a silver bullet, but a drug with a bunch of side effects. Therefore, trying to find it in some way is definitely not worth it.

Of the antidepressants approved in Russia with a positive effect on libido, trazodone is available. It was created back in the late 1960s in Italy at the Angelini Research laboratory. The drug has an atypical effect. It stimulates 5-HT ₁ and simultaneously blocks 5-HT ₂ A, 5-HT ₂ C receptors. Conventional SSRIs and other antidepressants stimulate all serotonin receptors simultaneously. At the same time, it is the stimulation of type 1 receptors that gives a pronounced antidepressant and anti-anxiety effect, and the stimulation of type 2 receptors brings mainly those very undesirable side effects.

Trazodone may be given alone or in combination with SSRIs to counteract libido effects. But it is worth remembering that the drug itself has a very weak effectiveness for the treatment of depression and anxiety, but very effectively solves the problem of insomnia. Because of this, it cannot be used to treat depression. Dosages at which the patient begins to sleep on the go come earlier than the antidepressant effect.

In rare cases, it can cause painful erections that last for several hours. This condition is called priapism. In women, too, only the erection will be clitoral. Usually, patients simply increase libido, which even led to attempts to use it in this niche before the invention of Viagra. Only now this erection will be combined with a constant desire to sleep.

Excess weight

Effect of antidepressants on key mechanisms of regulation of eating behavior

Many antidepressants have an undesirable side effect in the form of weight gain. A person has a rather complex system of regulation of eating behavior, tied to a variety of receptors both in the gastrointestinal tract and in the central nervous system. Exposure to antidepressants can significantly interfere with the regulation of these mechanisms.

The most pronounced weight gain from those drugs that interact with several types of receptors that regulate eating behavior. This effect is especially pronounced in amitriptyline, mirtazapine and paroxetine. If you look at the illustration above, you can see that amitriptyline and mirtazapine put together an almost perfect combo, which leads to a sharp increase in appetite and the desire to eat something sweet. Amitriptyline is a very cool drug, considered the gold standard drug. It is the first and, therefore, the most studied drug in this group. But it has significant side effects. It is used if you need to get good pain therapy for chronic pain. For example, with headaches and back pain. But at the same time, the patient will have to count calories very carefully and, perhaps, fight the nausea that often comes from this drug. In principle, at high dosages (which are needed to treat depression and anxiety), there are often situations where the side effect in the form of nausea is so pronounced that body weight may even decrease in the short term.

The “improved” formula of this drug, Nortriptyline, has long been used abroad. It also (logically) belongs to the group of tricyclic antidepressants and is similar in its chemical structure to amitriptyline. However, compared to the latter, Nortriptyline has a moderate stimulating as well as mood-enhancing effect. Gives the most minimal sedative effect. Successfully struggles with hypochondriacal conditions. The antidepressant effect of the drug occurs quickly, already in the first two weeks of admission.

In fact, the risks of gaining weight are not always a bad thing. There is a group of patients who, on the contrary, suffer from insufficient body weight and at the same time have indications for the appointment of antidepressants. In this case, the doctor can use the usually undesirable effect to the benefit of the patient.

Most often, of course, appetite stimulation is considered a negative side effect, especially in patients who have to take drugs for a long time. Therefore, in the case of overweight, the doctor tries to select drugs that either slightly affect appetite, or can even reduce it. A meta-analysis shows that some antidepressants can work effectively even in the complex therapy of obesity. One such drug is fluoxetine. This drug does not have a stable effect in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, but either almost does not cause weight gain, or even reduces it and moderately improves mood.

That is why the choice of the drug should be discussed with the doctor. He can find the most suitable and safe option.

On the forums, I often come across a discussion of fluoxetine as a drug for rapid weight loss. In the recent past, when prescriptions were not so strictly asked in pharmacies, teenage girls who suffered from eating disorders literally bought it, because the drug did not give a feeling of hunger. Still, first of all, the problem of excess weight should be solved comprehensively and always with an endocrinologist. Fellow endocrinologists, for example, have been using a relatively new group of drugs for several years now – a synthetic analogue of GLP-1. Semaglutide from this group has a high safety and efficacy profile in the treatment of obesity, which is extremely interesting. The problem so far is that it is in Russia that such an application will be considered off-label, despite numerous studies and the expansion of its indications in other countries.

What else is interesting

If an antidepressant regulates not only the level of serotonin, but also other neurotransmitters, then the number of possible side effects increases significantly. This is especially common in patients who take SSRIs (serotonin + norepinephrine) and tricyclic antidepressants (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). Stimulation of norepinephrine receptors strongly influences wakefulness levels, sleep, and fatigue build-up profile. I very often observe an interesting pattern in patients taking venlafaxine. If before the start of therapy during a depressive episode, they often complained of depression and unwillingness to get up in the morning, then after raising the level of norepinephrine, the picture changes dramatically. This neurotransmitter plays a key role in determining the activity of the reticular formation of the brain, which regulates the background level of wakefulness and excitability.

As a result, many patients begin to notice an altered wakefulness pattern. In the morning, awakening occurs almost instantly without any coffee, there is a feeling that you had enough sleep. Throughout the day, the patient is full of energy and often does not know what to do with excess energy. In the evening he does not feel like sleeping at all, and then suddenly it is as if the light is turned off, and the patient quickly falls asleep without an intermediate phase of sluggish activity and fatigue. In addition, the dream itself is changing. Many patients complain that they have intense vivid dreams. It’s even interesting once, but when you watch a dramatic story every night with a full taste-tactile presence, it can be exhausting.

If the side effect of norepinephrine becomes too severe, the patient may complain of being unable to sit still. He wants to dangle his legs, walk, run, jump or do at least some physical work, his feet and palms are wet from the stimulation of norepinephrine receptors, and the body asks for exercise. One of my patients during the adjustment period came to the point that he ran up the stairs in the office to the eighth floor and back every few hours. Sitting still was simply unbearable for him. In this case, dosage adjustments had to be made as mediator levels increased too rapidly. That is why constant feedback between the attending physician and the patient is very important. Normally, such pronounced effects can and should be avoided.

Balancing side effects

I would like to end this post with a very important thought. Neurologists and psychiatrists often face the side effects of their key drugs in the first weeks of use, patients’ fears, and common myths about these drugs. And the main task of the doctor is not only to be able to help the patient with his main complaints and disorders, but to be able to explain to the patient the need for admission, calm down and individually take into account all the additional effects of the drug. Now the neurologist has a very large selection of drugs in his arsenal, which allows him to effectively combine them and select the optimal combinations and regimens for each individual patient.

It is very good if the unwanted side effect can be made positive. To do this, you need to carefully interview the patient and spend a lot of time collecting an anamnesis:

• Does SSRI make it difficult to achieve orgasm? This can be a plus for premature ejaculation.
• Patient unable to gain weight? Consider mirtazapine.

In most applications, we cannot avoid all the negative effects of antidepressants, but constant monitoring and feedback from the attending physician will help to level them.

I always offer the patient two options:

1. The ability to quickly enter the drug. In this case, we will see a fairly quick effect that is needed in the treatment of a particular disease or disorder, but the side effects can be extremely difficult to survive and endure.
2. Or we slowly titrate the dosage and, accordingly, we do not immediately get the effect. Most often, this effect will be visible on the 4-6th week of admission. But due to small dosages, the body easily adapts and there will be no pronounced side effects.

In any case, each patient is individual. Everyone needs to be talked to and everyone needs to be heard. And choose a plan of action together. In an ideal situation, this will allow the patient to achieve a stable remission, normalize their lifestyle and do without pharmacological support in the future.

P.S. If you get to the clinic where I accept – “Our Time”, then say that you are from Habr: there will be a 5% discount on services.

Fluoxetine Helps Lose Weight – Telegraph

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Fluoxetine Helps Lose Weight
serotonin re-entry into the neuron. It is often used for weight loss for medical and non-medical purposes. Among the indications for the appointment of fluoxetine is bulimia nervosa – a pathological addiction to food. The properties of this drug allow you to treat this eating disorder, and at the same time, to lose weight for everyone who wants to get rid of extra pounds for an aesthetic purpose. However, not everyone is able to achieve the desired results.
Fluoxetine really helps to lose weight – this is a long-proven fact. This drug was tried to treat bulimia nervosa and the attempt was successful. It has been scientifically proven that fluoxetine reduces the craving for food, analogues of this remedy with another active substance do not have this property. However, contrary to popular belief, the drug does not affect the weight itself. Fluoxetine does not burn fat or reduce body weight. If you keep your old eating habits, fluoxetine will not help you lose weight.
The secret of the drug is that it reduces appetite. For example, in the event that a girl is on a diet, but constantly breaks down due to hunger. In this case, fluoxetine muffles the feeling of hunger and promotes weight loss. It works the same way for bulimia nervosa.
The mechanism of development of this disease is that a person constantly wants to eat. He feels hungry even immediately after eating. Fluoxetine helps to suppress hunger and return to normal food intake. And this applies to all who suffer from gluttony.
The mechanism of action of fluoxetine is based on an increase in the concentration of serotonin in the cells of the central nervous system. Serotonin is the main neurotransmitter responsible for mood. The more it is in neurons and between them, the better a person’s mood and the more emotionally stable he is. This is one of the factors influencing weight loss. The fact is that very often people do not eat when they are really hungry, but out of boredom or because of a bad mood. Fluoxetine improves mood and thus helps prevent emotional overeating.
In addition, fluoxetine acts on the nuclei of the hypothalamus, which are responsible for the feeling of hunger. The hypothalamus is part of the subcortical structures of the brain. It is responsible for many functions of the body. Including hunger and satiety. Here are the nuclei – groups of cells – one of which controls the feeling of hunger, and the other – the feeling of satiety. By altering the activity of these nuclei, fluoxetine suppresses hunger. Thus, a person does not feel the desire to eat, which helps in losing weight.
In addition, when taking fluoxetine, it is easier to burn the gained calories. The fact is that this antidepressant has a tonic effect. It excites the central nervous system, which makes it easier to start any kind of activity. It is easier for a person taking fluoxetine to start exercising or simply increase their activity. When taking the drug, apathy and laziness disappear, which prevent you from burning extra pounds.
It is impossible to lose weight on fluoxetine alone. To do this, you need to change your eating habits. Fluoxetine is needed to help do this. It’s much easier to go on a diet when you don’t feel hungry at all. It is for this purpose that they drink fluoxetine.
It is recommended to choose a diet in advance before taking the drug. It can be a strict mono-diet or just a balanced diet. It should be remembered that you can’t sit on a mono-diet for a long time, no more than one week. It is quite difficult to tolerate by the body and can have the opposite effect from the desired effect. A balanced diet will not lead to rapid weight loss, but it is safer for health. When taking fluoxetine, you can safely eat in small portions, since the feeling of hunger is significantly dulled.
After choosing a diet, you can try to follow it without the drug. Sufficient willpower allows you to lose weight without resorting to aids. The ideal option is to lose weight through proper nutrition and exercise without drugs. However, not everyone succeeds. In the event that it is impossible to stay on the chosen nutrition system, you can start taking the drug.
Drinking fluoxetine lannacher follows the scheme. Start with the minimum dosages, gradually coming to therapeutic. At the same time, the chosen power system is followed. Only a combination of taking the drug and reducing the portions eaten can lead to a result.
Fluoxetine should be taken on a specific schedule. No matter what brand the drug is.
Fluoxetine-Lannacher and Fluoxetine Canon have exactly the same dosages. One tablet contains 20 mg of the active ingredient. For weight loss, the recommended dosage is 60 mg of fluoxetine, that is, three tablets. However, it is not recommended to drink all three tablets at once. Moreover, it is better to start with one tablet, gradually increasing the dosage.
Fluoxetine has a number of side effects. In fact, weight loss is one of them, but not the only one. In order to avoid unwanted manifestations, you should start with one morning tablet. For weight loss, this dose is not enough, so after a few days you should add another pill – evening. After that, after a few days, you can add a third – daily – tablet. Taking more than three tablets is not recommended.
The course of therapy is not regulated. The main thing is to watch your weight in order to know when to stop. It should be remembered that the drug has an anorexigenic effect and it is possible to turn excess weight into a lack of body weight, which is dangerous for health. It is recommended to calculate the BMI and determine the ideal weight for your height. When the desired result is achieved, it is impossible to abruptly stop taking the drug. It is better to gradually reduce the dosage according to the same scheme that was at the beginning, but vice versa.
It should also be remembered that if, after reaching the ideal weight, you start eating in the same volumes, the extra pounds will return. Therefore, it is recommended to optimize your diet as much as possible and eat balanced.
Before you start taking fluoxetine, you should pay attention to a number of contraindications. These include chronic diseases of internal organs in the stage of decompensation, epilepsy, manic states and individual intolerance to the drug. Also, the remedy is not recommended for those who are already suffering from insufficient weight. This medicine causes heartburn in some people. Then you need to take care of protecting your digestive system.
Side effects may occur while taking fluoxetine. Most often it is tremor, sleep disturbance and decreased libido. This side effect goes away on its own within a month. However, if more serious health problems occur while taking the drug, it is better to refuse fluoxetine.
It is worth remembering that too long treatment increases the chance of side effects. Fluoxetine should not be taken continuously. In addition, there is a high probability of not noticing the border between weight normalization and anorexia. Many people, starting to lose weight, can not stop. Even at the beginning of the reception, it is necessary to determine the desired weight and not to lower this bar in the process of losing weight.
Another important feature is the stimulating effect of the drug. It is best to always take it in the morning. For those who do not have enough morning dose to suppress appetite in the evening, it is recommended to drink fluoxetine in the afternoon. It is better to refuse night reception, otherwise problems with falling asleep are provided. At the same time, the next day there will definitely be drowsiness and a feeling of weakness.
Before using any drug, including fluoxetine, it is best to consult your doctor.
Karina H.: “After the age of 18 I gained a lot of weight, at the age of 20 my weight was almost 90 kg. I didn’t fit in my own things and I was very worried about my appearance. Against this background, depression began in me, in fact, I treated it with fluoxetine. From the first day of taking it, I realized that my appetite had almost disappeared. I ate little, I was able to go on a diet. By the end of the treatment, which was a few months after the start of the treatment, I already weighed 70 kg and continued to lose weight. Fluoxetine helped me cope with two problems – depression and excess weight.”
Polina L.: “I started taking fluoxetine on my own. At that time, my weight was 70 kg and it was a lot. I bought fluoxetine without a prescription and drank. Appetite decreased within about a week, but trembling appeared in the whole body. Nothing could be done about her. Then my sleep worsened, I had to stop taking the pills in the evening. Because of this, an appetite appeared at night. I stopped drinking fluoxetine two weeks after I started, during which time I lost about 3-4 kg.”
Psychiatrist: “Fluoxetine is intended for the treatment of depression. We do not recommend using it for aesthetic purposes. The fact is that any drug, especially psychotropic, has a number of side effects. Their use by healthy people can have the most unexpected consequences. In order to avoid them, you should take only those funds that the doctor has prescribed. For many people, the problem of excess weight is not connected with its real presence, but with the belief in their unattractiveness. With this problem, it is better to consult a specialist.”
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