Weight changes as a potential side effect
Weight changes are not uncommon while taking certain antidepressants.
Some cause weight gain, while others may cause weight loss.
Usually, antidepressants that cause weight loss may do so indirectly by decreasing appetite.
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Typically, this side effect is temporary.
Although antidepressants are more likely to increase weight than decrease it, a few can cause weight loss.
In many cases, the weight loss is temporary.
Antidepressants that cause weight loss typically do so because they decrease appetite as a side effect.
The manufacturer of Zoloft recommends monitoring children who take it for signs of weight loss and problems with growth.
Which Antidepressant Is Most Likely to Cause Weight Loss?
Antidepressants that have caused some weight loss in studies include Wellbutrin, Prozac, and Cymbalta.
Of the three, Wellbutrin was associated with the most significant weight loss.
Keep in mind that study results may differ from your individual results.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about weight loss brought on by antidepressants.
Antidepressants That Can Cause Weight Gain
Some antidepressants have been associated with weight gain.
The following antidepressants can cause some weight gain:
How Do Antidepressants Affect Weight?
Antidepressants may affect weight in several ways.
Sometimes, weight gain or loss is a result of a side effect of the medication.
Other times, antidepressants affect weight indirectly by improving the symptoms of your condition.
The following explanations may help you better understand the link between antidepressant therapy and weight changes.
Improves Depression Symptoms
One way antidepressants can affect weight is indirectly by improving yourdepression symptoms.
Changes in appetite can be a symptom of depression.
Depression can affect your weight in several ways.
Others may gain weight because of an increased appetite.
As your antidepressant starts to work, your appetite may return to normal.
In time, your weight may also return to what it was before your depression symptoms began.
Blocks Histamine Receptors
Some antidepressants may affect weight by increasing your appetite.
They do this by blocking histamine receptors in your brain.
Histamine is a chemical in your body typically associated with allergic reactions.
However, histamine in your brain is also responsible for regulating your appetite.
It’s released when you eat and plays a part in letting you know when you are full.
Increases Serotonin
Other antidepressants, such as SSRIs, may affect weight through their action on serotonin.
SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin available for your brain to use.
They do this by downregulating (decreasing the action of) serotonin receptors in your body.
Serotoninis a chemical found in your brain and throughout your body that helps regulate mood.
However, serotonin also has other functions, including regulating your appetite.
Researchers believe the downregulation of serotonin receptors by SSRIs over time may affect how serotonin affects appetite.
Other Side Effects Associated With Antidepressants
Commonly prescribed antidepressants can have other side effects besides weight changes.
These can include:
A lot of times, side effects with antidepressants are mild and resolve over time.
Seeing noticeable benefits from the medication can also take some time.
However, your provider can work with you to better optimize your treatment if side effects become too disruptive.
Finding the right drug can sometimes take some trial and error.
you could also speak to your provider about your concerns.
Exercising regularlycan have a positive impact on your physical as well as mental health.
And studies show that you might benefit from just a moderate amount of regular physical activity.
The good news is that many ways to increase your physical activity don’t require extra expenses or equipment.
you’re free to even incorporate some of these activities into your daily routine.
Most antidepressants are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss.
However, healthcare providers may use certain antidepressants off-label for weight management.
For example, fluoxetine and bupropion may sometimes be taken off-label for weight loss.
A different drug called Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) is approved for weight management in certain adults.
This medication contains a combination of the antidepressant bupropion and the opioid antagonist naltrexone.
If you are interested in losing weight, talk with your healthcare provider.
They can discuss the many options now available for weight management.
Together, it’s possible for you to decide which is best for you.
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.
Summary
Changes in weight can be a common side effect of antidepressants.
Although weight gain is more likely to happen with antidepressants, weight loss is also possible.
Examples of antidepressants that may cause some weight loss include Cymbalta, Prozac, and Wellbutrin.
Of the three, Wellbutrin is the most likely to cause weight loss.
Antidepressants more likely to cause weight gain include amitriptyline, Paxil, and Remeron.
Keep in mind that depression can also affect your weight.
This can greatly help you manage a healthy weight while improving your mental well-being.
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