Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWeight-Related Side EffectsAntidepressants and Weight GainWhy Antidepressants Affect WeightChoosing an AntidepressantWeight Management TipsAntidepressants for Weight LossFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Weight-Related Side Effects
Antidepressants and Weight Gain
Why Antidepressants Affect Weight
Choosing an Antidepressant
Weight Management Tips
Antidepressants for Weight Loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Close
While some antidepressants are linked to weight gain, others are associated with weight loss. Because depression can negatively impact your energy levels and motivation, taking antidepressants may also have the effect of giving you more energy once your depression starts to improve.
If you havedepression, there’s a solid chance your doctor or therapist will recommend therapy and/orantidepressant medications. Antidepressants can help you feel better, but they can also have side effects—which may includegainingor losing weight.
Like with most medications, individual results may vary. Any side effect—including weight-related side effects—depends entirely on how your body reacts to a medication. It is possible that you will notice no change in weight or that you will swing in the opposite direction of what’s typical, no matter which medication you take. For some people, the fluctuation in weight is only temporary.
At a GlanceDepression and depression treatments can cause the numbers on the scale to vary, and some antidepressants have been linked to weight loss in some people. How you react to your treatment depends on many factors, including the symptoms of your condition, your body’s response to the treatment, and any lifestyle changes you may make. Keep reading to learn more about antidepressants that cause weight loss and steps you can take to manage your weight while you are taking antidepressants.
At a Glance
Depression and depression treatments can cause the numbers on the scale to vary, and some antidepressants have been linked to weight loss in some people. How you react to your treatment depends on many factors, including the symptoms of your condition, your body’s response to the treatment, and any lifestyle changes you may make. Keep reading to learn more about antidepressants that cause weight loss and steps you can take to manage your weight while you are taking antidepressants.
Which Antidepressants Cause Weight Loss?
Weight changes are among the reportedside effects of antidepressant drugs. It’s natural to get really frustrated with this side effect. While everyone’s response is different, there are some antidepressants that cause weight loss, while a few others have been linked to weight gain.
Antidepressants linked to weight loss include:
A link implies a statistical association, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be affected similarly. Put another way, these antidepressants are associated with weight loss, but they are not antidepressants that cause weight loss every time. You might lose weight, or you might not. For some people, these weight-loss effects fade after a few months of antidepressant use.
The specific type of medication you’re taking (and how it affects your body) can play a part in determining the kind of weight-related changes you might experience.
Prozac is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI). Effexor is aserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor(SNRI). Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant that doesn’t change serotonin levels in the brain. Rather, it uniquely alters other brain chemicals like noradrenaline and dopamine. This is associated not only with weight loss but also improved sexual functioning.
However, Wellbutrin may not be appropriate for everyone. This is especially true of people with a history of seizures or aneating disorderlike anorexia or bulimia.
Like all antidepressants, Wellbutrin, Prozac, andEffexorcarry a black box warning. This states their potential for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children, teens, and young adults during the early stages of treatment.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
While there are some antidepressants that cause weight loss, others are associated with weight gain. The hows and whys of this aren’t quite clear. That’s because weight gain while taking an antidepressant is complicated. Each person’s situation is difference, and their response may vary.
There is some research investigating the interaction of brain chemicals, antidepressants, and hormones that might result in weight gain, but more study is needed.
One study found that about 65% of people taking antidepressants experienced weight gain.Another noted that weight gain can be a “significant cause” of discontinuing treatment in the first two months.
While the statistics suggest it’s pretty common, it’s important to remember that not all antidepressant medications have this side effect. If you are concerned about gaining weight, work with your doctor to determine which treatment options is the least likely to have weight-related side effects.
Research shows weight gain is mostly linked to a few antidepressants:
Weight gain associated with other antidepressants, if it does occur, is usually short-lived. In addition, individual factors seem to play a role. In other words, it’s hard to predict who will gain weight on certain antidepressants because so many variables are at play.
Antidepressants That Don’t Cause Weight Loss or GainSome antidepressants appear to be weight-neutral (they are not associated with weight gain or weight loss). These include Trintellix (vortioxetine), Manerix (moclobemide),Pristiq(desvenlafaxine), andtrazodone.
Antidepressants That Don’t Cause Weight Loss or Gain
Some antidepressants appear to be weight-neutral (they are not associated with weight gain or weight loss). These include Trintellix (vortioxetine), Manerix (moclobemide),Pristiq(desvenlafaxine), andtrazodone.
So what’s the link between antidepressants and your weight? One reason there are antidepressants that cause weight loss or gain is that some of these medicines impact appetite pathways.
Remember, depression itself can also affect your activity levels, food choices, and sleep habits—all of which affect weight. It’s hard to feel motivated to work out when your mood and energy levels are low. And when you’re feeling sad, you might be more tempted to reach for sugary, high-fat, and processed snacks to get a quick dopamine hit.
So, as the medication begins to reduce feelings of depression, these behaviors can also change. As these behaviors change, you may find that you gain or lose weight.
Your family history may even impact whether your weight will change while taking an antidepressant. For instance, one study found that a family history ofobesityhelps predict weight gain when taking this type of drug.
What to Do If You Gain Weight While Taking Antidepressants
Treating your depression is paramount to your mental health and well-being. Your physical appearance and health are also important. Have a candid discussion with your doctor about depression treatment, as there are a lot of options. In general, it is best to avoid making a decision based on weight-related side effects, as these can be unpredictable and also temporary.
Often, it is difficult to know which antidepressant will work best for you. It may take some trial and error to find amedication that is effectiveand also does not cause unmanageable side effects. Always discuss your treatment with your doctor (never stop taking your antidepressant without your doctor’s go-ahead).
How to Know Which Antidepressant Is Best for You
Tips When Taking Antidepressants That Cause Weight Loss
If you are worried about potential weight-related side effects, talk to your doctor about diet and exercise changes you can make as well. While there are antidepressants that cause weight loss, you can take steps and make lifestyle changes to help manage these side effects.
The strategies to manage your weight can also improve your emotional and mental health. Often, a combination of medication and a healthy lifestyle is the best treatment plan for depression.
Exercise
Whether you are hoping to lose weight, mitigate weight-related side effects from your antidepressant, maintain your weight, or gain weight, exercise can help.And you can start small. Walking, stretching, and moderate-intensity resistance training can all be helpful.
What’s most important is consistency. Small but consistent changes can add up to big changes in your health.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise for health benefits. That’s 30 to 60 minutes, five days a week, of any exercise you enjoy, from bicycling to swimming to tennis to yoga.
The Mental Health Benefits of Physical Exercise
Diet
If you are taking one of the antidepressants that cause weight loss, focus on eating a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Eating a well-balanced diet can help with weight management. It’s also a great way to boost your mood, since there is a connection betweendiet and depression.
Foods to Help Fight Depression
Antidepressants As Weight Loss Aids
If you do not have depression, antidepressants are not recommended for weight loss. Taking these medications for that purpose has negligible results. There’s no proof that it helps any more with losing weight than diet and exercise alone.
Some researchers suggest that doctors may want to take a weight-centric approach when choosing antidepressants. This may involve prescribing antidepressants that cause weight loss or that are weight-neutral rather than those associated with weight gain.
If weight loss is your main concern, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to work toward a weight-loss goal. There are some prescription medications approved for the treatment of obesity, including Contrave.
Contrave is a combination of bupropion (the active ingredient in the antidepressant Wellbutrin) andnaltrexone(which is also used to treat some substance use disorders). Research has shown it to be fairly effective, well-tolerated, and safe.As with many medications used for weight loss, it’s typically used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and an exercise program.
Takeaway
Treating depression takes patience and resilience as you find the right plan, but it can be done. While antidepressants can cause weight loss or gain, you can take steps to optimize both your physical and mental health. Your efforts in one area will support the other.
Do I Have to Take Antidepressants Forever?
Frequently Asked QuestionsWellbutrin (buproprion) is a stimulating antidepressant and it is also sometimes associated with weight loss. However, there is no guarantee that taking Wellbutrin will give you energy or cause weight loss.One research review found that medications includingProvigil(modafinil), flupenthixol, andStrattera(atomoxetine) helped improve symptoms of fatigue and low energy in people with depression. However, these are not antidepressant drugs.Some antidepressants may be associated with weight loss, perhaps due to an effect on appetite or improved energy. But scientists are still working to understand why some people lose weight while taking antidepressants.It is more important for your antidepressant to treat symptoms of depression than to promote weight loss. If you are trying to lose weight and you also need to take an antidepressant, talk to your healthcare provider about the best antidepressant for you. You may be able to avoid antidepressants associated with weight gain in favor of one associated with weight loss, if it is appropriate for your specific needs.Prozac (fluoxetine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Wellbutrin (buproprion) may affect appetite levels, particularly during the early months of use. However, every person’s experience is different.Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety. Other medications that are sometimes prescribed include SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and benzodiazepines. There is no specific anti-anxiety medication that causes weight loss.Three antidepressants that are less likely to cause weight gain are Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Effexor (venlafaxine).
Wellbutrin (buproprion) is a stimulating antidepressant and it is also sometimes associated with weight loss. However, there is no guarantee that taking Wellbutrin will give you energy or cause weight loss.One research review found that medications includingProvigil(modafinil), flupenthixol, andStrattera(atomoxetine) helped improve symptoms of fatigue and low energy in people with depression. However, these are not antidepressant drugs.
Wellbutrin (buproprion) is a stimulating antidepressant and it is also sometimes associated with weight loss. However, there is no guarantee that taking Wellbutrin will give you energy or cause weight loss.
One research review found that medications includingProvigil(modafinil), flupenthixol, andStrattera(atomoxetine) helped improve symptoms of fatigue and low energy in people with depression. However, these are not antidepressant drugs.
Some antidepressants may be associated with weight loss, perhaps due to an effect on appetite or improved energy. But scientists are still working to understand why some people lose weight while taking antidepressants.
It is more important for your antidepressant to treat symptoms of depression than to promote weight loss. If you are trying to lose weight and you also need to take an antidepressant, talk to your healthcare provider about the best antidepressant for you. You may be able to avoid antidepressants associated with weight gain in favor of one associated with weight loss, if it is appropriate for your specific needs.
Prozac (fluoxetine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Wellbutrin (buproprion) may affect appetite levels, particularly during the early months of use. However, every person’s experience is different.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety. Other medications that are sometimes prescribed include SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and benzodiazepines. There is no specific anti-anxiety medication that causes weight loss.
Three antidepressants that are less likely to cause weight gain are Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Effexor (venlafaxine).
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