Does Prozac® Cause Weight Gain?

Prozac®, which contains the active ingredient fluoxetine, is an antidepressant that’s prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mood disorders.

Used effectively, Prozac can help to improve your moods and reduce the severity of depression symptoms. However, many people prescribed Prozac have concerns about gaining weight while using this medication. 

Does Prozac cause weight gain? Like many other antidepressants, Prozac is often thought of as causing weight gain. However, research is mixed overall, and some studies suggest that Prozac may be more likely to cause weight loss than weight gain.

Below, we’ve covered what Prozac is, as well as how it works as a treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. We’ve also looked into the science on Prozac and weight gain to explain what you need to know if you’re considering using this medication.

Finally, we’ve shared some tips and techniques to help you maintain a healthy weight and eating habits while using Prozac.

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What Is Prozac?

Prozac is a brand name for fluoxetine, an antidepressant that’s part of a class of drugs referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It comes as a capsule and is available in standard and delayed-release formulations.

Prozac has been around since the mid-1980s. In fact, it was the first SSRI approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which allowed it to come onto the market in 1987. 

Fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, is currently approved by the FDA as a treatment for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder and bulimia nervosa.

Like other SSRIs, Prozac works by raising levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain and body.

Serotonin plays a major role in regulating your moods and feelings. Research suggests that low levels of serotonin are involved in the development of depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

By increasing serotonin levels, Prozac can help to reduce the severity of depressive symptoms, which may make it easier for you to maintain mental balance.

Does Prozac Make You Gain Weight?

Many antidepressants can cause side effects, and Prozac is no exception. Although Prozac has a lower risk of causing adverse effects than older medications, it’s not uncommon to experience mild, transient side effects while using Prozac to treat depression or other conditions.  

Common side effects of Prozac include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Asthenia (physical weakness)

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Feelings of nervousness and/or anxiety

• Somnolence (drowsiness)

• Dry mouth

• Sweating

• Tremor

Many of these potential side effects are similar to the general side effects of SSRIs, which also occur with other medications in this class.  

However, one side effect that’s much less common with Prozac than with other antidepressants is weight gain. 

If you’ve ever read about antidepressant side effects, you’ve likely seen increased appetite and weight gain near the top of the list. Many antidepressants are known for their effects on body weight, particularly older medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

This reputation is somewhat deserved, as many antidepressants can cause modest weight gain, but it’s not totally accurate when it comes to Prozac. 

Unlike other antidepressants, research largely suggests that Prozac is more likely to cause loss of appetite and a small decrease in weight than long-term weight gain. 

For example, a one-year clinical trial published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that people who used fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, showed a modest degree of weight loss during treatment.

On average, the people that participated in the study lost around 0. 9 pounds. None of the study participants withdrew from therapy because of weight loss caused by the treatment. 

Other research has produced similar findings. For example, a cross-sectional study published in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry in 2015 tracked more than 360 antidepressant users for six to 36 months to assess the effects of their medication on body weight.

The researchers found that the following antidepressants were associated with significant levels of weight gain:

• Citalopram (Celexa®)

• Escitalopram (Lexapro®)

• Sertraline (Zoloft®)

• Paroxetine (Paxil®)

• Venlafaxine (Effexor®)

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)

• Mirtazapine (Remeron®)

Fluoxetine — the active ingredient in Prozac — was the only antidepressant in the study that was not associated with significant weight gain.

Because of its minimal effect on body weight, fluoxetine is occasionally called a “weight neutral” antidepressant. In general, its effects on appetite and body weight are relatively small, and it’s not associated with large amounts of weight gain or weight loss.

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight While Using Prozac

Although Prozac doesn’t have a significant effect on weight for most people, it’s still important to maintain healthy eating habits if you’re prescribed this medication.

You can help maintain a healthy weight while using Prozac by following these steps:

• Checking your weight occasionally. If you’re worried about weight gain or weight loss while taking Prozac, try to check your weight on a weekly or monthly schedule. If you’ve lost or gained weight, it’s a good sign that it’s time to adjust your diet or activity level.

• Monitoring your total food intake. While using Prozac, your body will still store energy as excess weight in your fat cells. Similarly, it will also burn away excess fat as a source of energy if you don’t eat enough.
  If your weight is changing unexpectedly, try to monitor your food intake for a week, then compare it to your basal metabolic rate. You may find that you’re accidentally eating too much or too little. 

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet. The most effective way to maintain a stable weight is to eat a balanced diet. Try to prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and complex carbohydrates while minimizing your intake of salty or processed foods.

• Being physically active. Try to keep yourself physically active, as even mild exercise can burn calories and help you to maintain your weight. Try to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, even if it’s just a brisk walk or bike ride around your neighborhood.
  In addition to helping you maintain your weight, regular exercise can help to reduce the severity of depression by stimulating the release of natural, mood-enhancing chemicals called endorphins. 

The Final Word on Prozac and Weight Gain

Prozac is one of the most effective, widely-used antidepressant medications for the treatment of depression. It’s used by people of all ages and backgrounds, with side effects typically mild and easy to deal with.

Does Prozac cause weight gain? Overall, research suggests that Prozac only has a mild impact on weight and body composition, even when it’s used as a long-term treatment for depression.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the same rules of metabolic activity still apply when you’re using Prozac, meaning that if you get limited physical activity and eat above your normal food intake, you may start to gain weight.

If you’re prescribed Prozac and notice changes in your eating habits or body weight, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider.

They’ll be able to help you manage your weight and stay healthy while you’re using Prozac for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or any other condition.

Interested in treating depression? We offer fluoxetine (the active ingredient in Prozac) as part of our range of depression and anxiety treatments, following an online consultation with a licensed psychiatry provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.  

You can also learn more about depression with our mental health services, or by accessing our free online mental health resources and content. 

8 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.

1. PROZAC (fluoxetine capsules) for oral use. (2017, January). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018936s108lbl.pdf
2. Fluoxetine. (2022, January 15). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
3. Brain Hormones. (2022, January 23). Retrieved from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/brain-hormones
4. Michelson, D., et al. (1999, August). Changes in weight during a 1-year trial of fluoxetine. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 156 (8), 1170-1176. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10450256/
5. Uguz, F., et al. (2015). Weight gain and associated factors in patients using newer antidepressant drugs. General Hospital Psychiatry. 37 (1), 46-48. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25467076/
6. Wharton, S., et al. (2018). Medications that cause weight gain and alternatives in Canada: a narrative review. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy. 11, 427-438. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6109660/
7. How much physical activity do adults need? (2022, March 17). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
8. Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressants-and-weight-gain/faq-20058127

SSRI weight gain statistics 2023

38% of SSRI users report side effects with the most common being weight gain. Compare updated SSRI weight gain stats for Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Lexpro, and Celexa here.

Can SSRIs cause weight gain? | How common is SSRI weight gain? | Zoloft | Prozac | Paxil | Lexapro | Celexa | Other antidepressants | Weight management | FAQs | Research

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant drugs. “SSRIs work by inhibiting the body’s absorption of serotonin, thereby leaving higher levels of serotonin in the brain. The higher levels of serotonin can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety,” explained Dr. David Culpepper, M.D. and clinical director of LifeMD, a direct-to-patient telehealth company.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of adults used antidepressant medications from 2015 to 2018. Of those who took antidepressants, 17.7% were women and 8.4% were men. 

Can SSRIs cause weight gain?

While the use of SSRIs is popular, the side effects aren’t. “One of the most common reported side effects of SSRIs is a light to moderate amount of weight gain,” said Dr. Culpepper. For many SSRI users, this trade-off may be worth it if they can start feeling like their old selves again and decrease depressive symptoms. 

There are a few reasons that SSRIs may lead to tighter waistbands:

• Individuals with depression may gain weight because it is one of the symptoms of depression: eating more and moving around less.
• On the other hand, some people eat less when they’re depressed and have unintended weight loss. If they take an SSRI and begin feeling better, their appetite may return, thus gaining back the lost weight.
• Some theorize that SSRIs affect an individual’s metabolism or increase cravings, especially for carbohydrates and other heavy foods, but these theories have yet to be proved.
• There is a link between obesity and depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis in 2010 found that obesity increases the risk of depression, but also that depression can be predictive of individuals developing obesity.

How common is SSRI weight gain?

There is conflicting evidence in research about SSRI use and weight gain. However, most studies agree that there is a risk of long-term weight gain with SSRI use. Here are some other relevant findings:

• Within a timeframe of six to 36 months, 55% of patients on antidepressant therapy gained weight. Out of those who gained weight, 40% gained 7% or more of their initial weight. However, those on fluoxetine did not show significant weight gain. (General Hospital Psychiatry, 2015)
• A survey of 700 patients taking SSRIs found that 38% of users experienced side effects. The most common were weight gain, sexual functioning issues, and drowsiness. Out of the patients dealing with side effects, only 25% said the side effects were very or extremely bothersome. (Psychiatry, 2009)
• A follow-up study found that ​​4.6% of SSRI users had gained weight within a four-year time frame. (Diabetes Care, 2010)
• A systematic review of all SSRIs found that Paroxetine was most likely to be associated with weight gain, while Bupropion and Nefazodone were the least likely to cause weight gain. (Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2000)

RELATED: Sexual side effects of SSRIs

Zoloft weight gain statistics

According to Forbes, Zoloft (sertraline) is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant, with over 38 million prescriptions written for it in 2017 alone. In fact, it’s in the top 20 of all medications prescribed in the United States. It’s approved for adults and children over six years of age. Along with treating depression, it is commonly prescribed for anxiety and other mental health disorders. 

• A 24-week study showed that patients on sertraline (the generic form of Zoloft) between the ages of 6 and 17 years had a mean weight gain of 6.5 lbs, while those in the placebo group had a gain of 2. 7 lbs. (JAMA Network, 2003)
• Sertraline users gained an average of 5.9 lbs, compared to the reference group of fluoxetine users who gained 4.6 lbs in a two-year period. (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2016)
• Out of 281 pediatric patients, 2% reported negative adverse reactions, including decreased weight. However, weight gain was shown in children over a 34-week period. (Zoloft)

RELATED: Zoloft side effects

Prozac weight gain statistics

Prozac (fluoxetine) is used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia in adults. For children ages 10 to 19 years,  it may be prescribed for severe depression. 

• A study in 1999 found that  fluoxetine users initially had a short-term weight decrease, an average of 0.4 kg, in the first four weeks. Continuation of fluoxetine for 50 weeks showed a weight gain of around 3 kg on average. However, this weight gain was similar to that of the placebo group. (American Journal of Psychiatry, 1999)
• More recent studies have reported a slight amount of weight loss for fluoxetine users, around 1.3 kg total. (The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2015) 
• During the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials, Prozac was found to lead to slight weight loss in some patients due to decreased appetite. (FDA)

RELATED: Prozac side effects

Paxil weight gain statistics

“Among the commonly prescribed SSRIs, the one that is most associated with weight gain is paroxetine (Paxil), though most other SSRIs are fairly close to paroxetine in terms of that association,” Dr. Culpepper reported. 

Paxil is only approved for adults because it has been associated with suicidal thoughts in adolescents and children. It’s commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Patients taking paroxetine had a 25.5% increase in body weight compared to 6.8% for fluoxetine users and 4.2% for sertraline users. (Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2000)
• A double-blind study lasting 24 weeks found that there was a higher risk of weight gain for patients taking paroxetine compared to those taking fluoxetine. (Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2000)
• A more recent study found that paroxetine users had an average weight increase of 3.6%, compared to sertraline users with a 1% weight increase and fluoxetine users who lost 0.2% of their weight. (Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 2016)

RELATED: Paxil side effects

Lexapro weight gain statistics

Lexapro (escitalopram) is approved for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Escitalopram is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder. Compared to other SSRIs, weight gain is not as common with Lexapro.

• After six months of taking escitalopram, participants gained an average of 0.34 kg, increasing their body mass index (BMI) by 0.12. However, 7.6% of participants lost 2 kg or greater. (International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2011)
• In FDA clinical trials, those taking Lexapro had no significant weight changes compared to those on the placebo. (FDA, 2017)

RELATED: Lexapro side effects

Celexa weight gain statistics

Celexa (citalopram) is an SSRI that is approved to treat major depression in adults. It has not been approved for use in children. There is limited research about the specific effects of citalopram and weight gain at this time. 

• One study used citalopram as a reference compared to other antidepressants. There were three antidepressants that showed less weight gain than citalopram: nortriptyline hydrochloride, amitriptyline, and bupropion. (JAMA, 2014)

RELATED: Celexa side effects

Which antidepressants cause the most weight gain?

At this time, there has only been one study comparing weight gain in all types of antidepressants. This was a 10-year study using data from UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, one of the largest electronic healthcare record systems. With this data, they were able to look at antidepressant use and an individual’s weight changes over time. 

RELATED: What’s the best antidepressant for me? | SSRIs vs. SNRIs

How to manage antidepressant weight gain

“It’s important to note that fatigue, anxiety, and depression can also lead to overeating, and even binge-eating, in some instances – often worse at night. Following a healthy diet is often helpful, as well as limiting late-night eating,” recommended Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD.  

Eating a healthy diet can help combat the pesky side effect of weight gain, but research also indicates that specific healthy diets can improve depression and anxiety. To learn more, check out the depression fighting diet or the anti-anxiety diet.

In addition to healthy eating, Dr. Dimitriu also said two other factors can help manage weight while taking antidepressants: exercise and sleep. While exercise burns calories and aids in weight loss, adequate sleep is also important. Dr. Dimitriu explained, “Sleep-deprived people are more impulsive (harder to resist the ice cream, or to stop eating when you’ve had too much), and their bodies also tend to seek out high energy, carb-heavy foods.” 

If you’re eating a healthy diet and getting physical activity each day, but your weight won’t budge, make an appointment with your prescribing healthcare provider. They may be able to switch the type of antidepressant you’re taking to something like Wellbutrin (Bupropion). According to Dr. Dimitriu, “Bupropion, also an antidepressant, but one which works on dopamine and norepinephrine instead of serotonin, is associated with the least weight gain, and even possible weight loss.“

SSRI weight gain questions and answers

Why do people gain weight on antidepressants?

The reason that people gain weight as a side effect of antidepressants is still unclear. It’s theorized that people become happier and eat more or that antidepressants change body chemistry in a way that increases appetite. 

Do antidepressants slow metabolism?

It is possible antidepressants slow metabolism, but most research indicates that this is not the case. It’s more likely that antidepressants increase appetite rather than slow down metabolism.

Does serotonin slow metabolism?

Serotonin does not slow metabolism. In fact, serotonin aids in reducing cravings and decreasing appetite. 

Which SSRIs will not cause weight gain?

According to the research by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Prozac (fluoxetine) leads to a slight amount of weight loss.  

What causes more weight gain: Prozac or Zoloft?

Zoloft is associated with more weight gain when compared with Prozac. However, it’s not much of a difference. One two-year study by the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that sertraline (generic Zoloft) users gained an average of 5.9 lbs compared to fluoxetine (generic Prozac) users who gained 4.6 lbs. 

How do you lose weight on SSRIs?

The best way to lose weight on SSRIs is by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as getting adequate sleep.

Will I lose weight after stopping antidepressants?

It is possible to lose weight once stopping antidepressants, but you’ll need to eat a healthy diet and exercise to have the best chance at weight loss. Never stop antidepressants before talking with your prescribing doctor. 

SSRI weight gain research

• Antidepressant use among adults: United States, 2015-2018, CDC
• Overweight, obesity, and depression: a systematic review, Archives of General Psychiatry
• Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: population based cohort study, The British Medical Journal
• Weight gain and associated factors in patients using newer antidepressant drugs, General Hospital Psychiatry 
• Real-World Data on SSRI Antidepressant Side Effects, Psychiatry (Edgmont)
• Antidepressant Medication Use, Weight Gain, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes Care
• Weight gain and antidepressants, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
• The FDA added Zoloft to the drug shortage list: here’s why you don’t have to worry yet, Forbes
• Efficacy of Sertraline in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder, JAMA Network 
• Long-Term Weight Change after Initiating Second-Generation Antidepressants, Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Zoloft Prescribing Information, Zoloft
• Changes in Weight During a 1-Year Trial of Fluoxetine, The American Journal of Psychiatry
• Drugs Commonly Associated With Weight Change: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Prozac clinical trial findings, FDA
• Weight Gain and Antidepressants,  Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
• Sertraline versus paroxetine in major depression: clinical outcome after six months of continuous therapy, Journal of Psychopharmacology
• Paroxetine—The Antidepressant from Hell? Probably Not, But Caution Required, Psychopharmacology Bulletin
• Escitalopram patients gained 0. 34 kg on average, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
• No significant weight changes with Lexapro and placebo, FDA
• Antidepressant that showed less weight gain than citalopram, JAMA Psychiatry, 2014
• Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years, The BMJ

Medicines that make you fat | Mamaplus

Eating right, exercising regularly, but your weight doesn’t want to come down? Perhaps the reason for this is the medications that you take from time to time. American nutritionists believe that 10 to 15% of weight problems are associated with taking medications. There is even the term “iatrogenic obesity”, that is, obesity caused by medication. And it’s not just the notorious “hormones”. Even the most common and considered “harmless” drugs can make you fat. Some can increase appetite, others slow down the ability to burn calories, and others retain fluid, creating swelling.

However, drugs do not work the same way for different people. Thanks to the same medicine, one person can gain five extra pounds, and the other “will not.” Unfortunately, this can only be verified experimentally. Here is a list of just some of the drugs that threaten your waist size with disaster:

Medicines for depression

Containing:

• Citalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Fluvoxamine
• Mirtazapine
• Paroxetine
• Sertraline

They are also called serotonin inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. Their effectiveness lies in the fact that they cause the brain to produce substances that improve mood. Unfortunately, they also interfere with appetite and the body’s ability to break down calories. Emotions and appetite are generally closely related, and even more so in the case of taking antidepressants. That is, you eat, but the feeling of fullness does not come, or you start to get fat with the same diet. Especially if you have been taking these medicines for quite a long time. Many antidepressants can make you gain up to 10 kg in a year.

Corticosteroids

Containing:

• Methylprednisolone
• Prednisolone
• Prednisone

Corticosteroids have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, are used to treat a wide variety of disorders such as asthma and autoimmune disorders, and are available in a variety of forms: ointments, tablets, gels, sprays, injections. But, although they have the word “steroids” in their name, these are not the same steroids that bodybuilders use to gain muscle mass. “Our” steroids can, on the contrary, slow down the metabolism, causing the body to accumulate more fat, especially in the waist area, and also increase appetite and cause insomnia.

Medicines for migraine and stroke

Containing:

• Amitriptyline
• Nortriptyline
• Valproic acid

Some medications that prevent migraines and strokes interfere with the production of hormones that control hunger, thereby increasing appetite and leading to overeating. Other side effects include slow metabolism and fluid retention.

Beta blockers

• Containing:
• Acebutolol
• Atenolol
• Metopropol
• Propanolol

Beta-blockers slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. But they also lower your body’s ability to burn calories during exercise, so you may not get the benefits you expect from going to the gym or swimming pool. In addition, taking beta-blockers often makes you feel tired, which can also reduce your level of exercise, which means you need a much lower daily calorie intake in order not to gain excess weight.

Allergy medicines

Containing:

• Cetirizine
• Diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine)
• Fexofenadine
• Loratadine

Allergy relievers block the action of histamine, a substance the body produces in response to an allergen. Prolonged “quenching” of histamine with antihistamines often leads to weight gain, especially in women.

Medicines for diabetes

Containing:

• Insulin
• Glimepiride
• Glipizide
• Glyburide
• Nateglinide
• Pioglitazone
• Repaglinide

Medications for diabetes work in different ways: some increase insulin sensitivity, others stimulate insulin production before meals or after meals. Almost all of them lead to a small initial weight gain while the body adapts to the medication. But some outdated formulas literally pack calories into fat cells. Weight gain can be especially critical for people with type 2 diabetes who are already overweight.

Contraceptives

Oral and injectable contraceptives can lead to weight gain in many ways. Some, especially those containing progesterone, increase appetite and overeating, while others may contribute to fluid retention. Fortunately, when it comes to contraceptives, there is a vast selection of formulas and formulations, so that a competent specialist can easily select the right medicines or other means of protection for you.

I must say that children and people over the age of 40 are most at risk of iatrogenic obesity, when the metabolism begins to critically slow down. In children, weight gain is often triggered by antibiotics, possibly due to disruption of the intestinal microflora. And if uncontrolled medication can easily lead to obesity, then often a weight loss of only 10% can eliminate the need for medication altogether.

Just keep in mind that you should never refuse to take a medicine prescribed by your doctor, even if you think that because of it you are gaining excess weight. In the end, if life is on the scales, then you can sacrifice a figure. But you need to tell your doctor about this. He or she can either switch you to another medication or give you advice on how to avoid this unwanted side effect.

Source

Weight Loss Antidepressants

kazak777 | Views: 2420

Antidepressants that cause weight loss should be taken under proper guidance to minimize side effects. Warning! The use of antidepressants has been linked to decreased libido in both men and women. Therefore, long-term use of these drugs should be avoided.
Antidepressants are used primarily to treat depression, but may also be effective for other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and panic attacks. Some of these antidepressants promote weight loss. This may sound surprising, given that they are designed to treat mental illness. However, like any other drug, the antidepressant produces side effects, which sometimes manifest as weight loss.

Antidepressants and weight loss

Atypical antidepressants

Bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin, may help reduce weight. It is often prescribed to manage the symptoms of depression and ADHD. People who take this antidepressant experience a dramatic drop in their appetite. No one can feel hungry with bupropion. This lack of appetite associated with bupropion reduces calorie intake, which is important to lose weight. The effectiveness of bupriopion in reducing weight is much better than other antidepressants. Up to 28% of people have lost weight to a significant extent, as found in several studies. However, bupropion is notorious for causing convulsions, so taking it in the correct dosage is very important. Also, avoid taking generic bupropion as it can cause serious side effects.

SSRIs

SSRIs, another group of antidepressants, can reduce weight (albeit slightly), but again this happens as a side effect. Loss of appetite is a common complaint in people taking Sioses. This reduced the desire to eat food for an extended period of time which could eventually lead to weight loss. However, only a small proportion of people experience weight loss with Syoss. These antidepressants cause nausea, hence the person’s desire to eat food is sharply reduced. Apart from the nauseous feeling, SSRIs can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can aid in weight loss. The following are antidepressants in the SSRI family that can lead to weight loss.
Prozac (fluoxetine)
Zoloft (sertraline)
Celexa (citalopram)
Prozac helps to lose extra pounds, but when used for a long period of time, it can backfire on weight loss. In a study that lasted over a year, subjects put on Prozac began to lose weight, but after 6 months, participants began to regain the lost pounds. Thus, long-term use of Prozac may actually lead to weight gain. Therefore, short-term use of this drug under medical guidance may help with weight loss.

As far as weight loss is associated with Zoloft, only a small proportion of people have had success with this medication. People who had a habit of taking heavy meals were able to successfully control their appetite when put on Zoloft.

On the other hand, Celoxu keeps you from impulsive eating, which can help you lose weight. The drug has appetite-suppressing properties, as reported by people taking Celoxa. Some have lost up to 10 kg after taking Celox for 4 weeks. Others have lost 6-8 kilos in just 2 weeks. People who use Celox experience, boost energy and, in addition, to instill good eating habits. Of course, we must not forget that this effect of Celox is observed only by a small number of people.

SNRIs

SNRIs are another type of antidepressant that can cause side effects such as weight loss. Taking SNRIs like Cymbalta (duloxetine), which is also used to treat fibromyalgia, can kill your appetite and make you lose weight. Clinical trials have found that Cymbalta suppresses appetite in only 9% of patients. Therefore, ideally, the same number of patients should experience weight loss. However, weight loss was observed in only 2% of patients. In addition, many people initially had consistent weight loss in 3 weeks, but then not only the appetite, but the amount of pounds lost was also negligible.

Effexor (venlafaxine), also a member of the GCFR family, may also help you lose weight. This again has been linked to its side effects such as loss of appetite and nausea, which can eventually lead to weight loss. Initially, Effexor in low doses can result in a weight loss of one or two pounds, but as the dosage increases, you can lose as much as 10 pounds. However, the side effects associated with increasing Effexor dosages such as drowsiness and excessive fatigue can be quite bothersome.

Warning
There is no guarantee that the above antidepressants will help you lose weight. Some of these medications may actually lead to weight gain. Changes in weight are just a side effect of these antidepressants. So, one may experience weight loss or weight gain, depending on how the body reacts after taking these medications. Simply put, it all comes down to your body chemistry. Antidepressants tend to have a low metabolic rate, hence there is always an increased risk of gaining weight.
Antidepressants for weight loss: dangers

Antidepressants are often seen as an alternative form of treatment for weight loss. No wonder these drugs have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for such purposes due to their dire effects. Also, popping these pills without working on a diet and a regular workout regime will not give you the desired results. A recent study found that bupropion, a drug, was only useful for treating obesity when patients continued with their prescribed diet and exercise. Taking these drugs, but leading a sedentary lifestyle does not bring the desired changes in weight.

The point to note here is that antidepressants are generally useful in treating mood disorders, so using them as a weight loss tool does not seem like a good suggestion. Prolonged use of these antidepressants may alter the chemical balance of the brain, which is a factor responsible for the execution of suicidal behavior. Also, expecting significant weight loss from these antidepressants is pointless.