What to Do If You Gain Weight While Taking Antidepressants

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses of Weight GainAntidepressants That Can Cause Weight GainAntidepressants Less Likely to Cause Weight GainWhat to DoWeight Gain PreventionFAQ

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Table of Contents

Causes of Weight Gain

Antidepressants That Can Cause Weight Gain

Antidepressants Less Likely to Cause Weight Gain

What to Do

Weight Gain Prevention

FAQ

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Antidepressants can be highly effective in the treatment of depression, but they can also cause unwanted side effects like weight gain.

Read ahead to learn which antidepressants cause weight gain (and which do not), why weight gain happens when you take antidepressants, and how to prevent antidepressant-related weight gain.

What Causes People to Gain Weight While Taking Antidepressants?

Here are a couple of reasons why you might experience antidepressant-related weight gain.

Your Appetite Might Increase

Because antidepressants lessen feelings of depression, people may regain the appetite they lost when they were depressed. So, you might simply be eating a bit more than you typically did prior to taking medication.

Some medications, such as Remeron, appear to cause an increase in appetite, which contributes to weight gain.

Your Activity Levels May Have Changed

Additionally, appetite and activity changes as a result of depression itself can contribute to weight gain independent of antidepressant use.

Your antidepressant medication may not be the cause of your weight gain. Never stop taking your antidepressant without talking to your prescribing physician.

Your Weight Gain Might Be Related to an Underlying Medical Issue

If you’re experiencing weight gain while on antidepressant therapy, it may be worth getting a complete physical.

Underlying Medical Conditions and Weight GainSometimes weight gain after antidepressant therapy is presumed to be a side effect, but it may be related to an underlying medical condition.For example, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), is a common medical condition that can cause weight gain among other symptoms

Underlying Medical Conditions and Weight Gain

Sometimes weight gain after antidepressant therapy is presumed to be a side effect, but it may be related to an underlying medical condition.For example, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), is a common medical condition that can cause weight gain among other symptoms

Weight gain is one common side effect of certainclasses of antidepressantsincluding selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Weight gain is also associated with the atypical antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine).

Research suggests that around 10% of people who take SSRIs longer than six months experience some weight gain.

Types of Antidepressants That Can Cause Weight GainWhile each person responds differently to antidepressant medications, the following are some of the ones that may be associated with weight gain in some people:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. Long-term use of these medications may lead to weight gain. SSRIs includeProzac (fluoxetine),Celexa (citalopram),Paxil (paroxetine), andZoloft (sertraline).Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)are an older class of antidepressants that are used less frequently today because newer medications are less likely to cause side effects. Some of these TCAs include Elavil (amitriptyline), Adapin (doxepin), Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine).Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)may also cause weight gain, including Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and Parnate (tranylcypromine).Atypical antidepressantsare a group of antidepressants that work differently from other antidepressant medications and as a result, don’t fit neatly into one of the other classes. Remeron (mirtazapine) is an atypical antidepressant that has been linked to weight gain in research.

Types of Antidepressants That Can Cause Weight Gain

While each person responds differently to antidepressant medications, the following are some of the ones that may be associated with weight gain in some people:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. Long-term use of these medications may lead to weight gain. SSRIs includeProzac (fluoxetine),Celexa (citalopram),Paxil (paroxetine), andZoloft (sertraline).Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)are an older class of antidepressants that are used less frequently today because newer medications are less likely to cause side effects. Some of these TCAs include Elavil (amitriptyline), Adapin (doxepin), Vivactil (protriptyline), and Surmontil (trimipramine).Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)may also cause weight gain, including Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and Parnate (tranylcypromine).Atypical antidepressantsare a group of antidepressants that work differently from other antidepressant medications and as a result, don’t fit neatly into one of the other classes. Remeron (mirtazapine) is an atypical antidepressant that has been linked to weight gain in research.

While each person responds differently to antidepressant medications, the following are some of the ones that may be associated with weight gain in some people:

Long-Term Effects of Antidepressants

If you’re concerned about weight gain, you can talk to your doctor about an antidepressant treatment plan that may be less likely to cause weight gain.

Types of Antidepressants Less Likely to Cause Weight GainCelexa, Prozac, and Zoloft are not likely to cause weight gain if they are used for six months or less.Other antidepressants that appear less likely to have weight gain as a side effect include:Cymbalta (duloxetine)Effexor (venlafaxine)Lexapro (escitalopram)Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)Trintellix (vortioxetine)

Types of Antidepressants Less Likely to Cause Weight Gain

Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft are not likely to cause weight gain if they are used for six months or less.Other antidepressants that appear less likely to have weight gain as a side effect include:Cymbalta (duloxetine)Effexor (venlafaxine)Lexapro (escitalopram)Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)Trintellix (vortioxetine)

Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft are not likely to cause weight gain if they are used for six months or less.

Other antidepressants that appear less likely to have weight gain as a side effect include:

An antidepressant that works well for one person may not be as effective for another. The same can be said for side effects.

Switching from one antidepressant to another may provide adequate symptom control for you without weight gain.

What to Do If You Notice Weight Gain While Taking Antidepressants

If you experience weight gain while on antidepressants, it is important to have a candid conversation with your prescriber. Equally important is that you feel your prescriber understands your concerns and is willing to work with you to develop a plan.

Healthcare providers are not all equal when it comes to dealing with antidepressant side effects. Many healthcare professionals will be more focused on treating depressive symptoms than on minimizing weight-related side effects.

What to Ask Your PrescriberQuestions you might ask your doctor include:Are these side effects normal for this medication?Is there anything you can do to help minimize the side effects?Are there other medications that might be as effective?Would changing the dose help reduce side effects?

What to Ask Your Prescriber

Questions you might ask your doctor include:Are these side effects normal for this medication?Is there anything you can do to help minimize the side effects?Are there other medications that might be as effective?Would changing the dose help reduce side effects?

Questions you might ask your doctor include:

Talking to your doctor about your concerns can help you better understand your situation and come up with a plan to help address weight gain.

ReminderIf you don’t believe your doctor is taking your concerns about weight gain seriously, it may be time to get a second opinion.

Reminder

If you don’t believe your doctor is taking your concerns about weight gain seriously, it may be time to get a second opinion.

Antidepressants That Cause Weight Loss

How to Prevent Antidepressant Weight Gain

Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes may help you manage your weight effectively as you continue to treat your symptoms of depression.

Change Your Diet

Fueling your body with nutrient-dense whole foods can not only support healthy weight management but also your mental health.

Eating a healthy diet that includes adequate protein (e.g., lean meat, fish), carbohydrates (e.g., fruits, beans, whole grains, and vegetables), and fat (e.g., olive oil, and canola oil) may help with food cravings and hasten weight loss.

How Diet Impacts Depression

Exercise Regularly

From better heart function to improved mood, exercise has vast benefits for both the mind and body. Regular physical exercise doesn’t have to be intensive to be beneficial. Studies show even a little exercise offers benefits.

Summary

Some antidepressants have been associated with weight gain. Depression itself can also be associated with weight gain. It’s important to recognize that there are many factors that can affect weight including age, diet, and activity levels.

But if you are concerned about weight gain while taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor. Weight gain alone may not be a good reason to change your antidepressant medication if it is working effectively, but making a switch or working with your doctor on other lifestyle changes can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked QuestionsBuproprion (sold under the brand names Aplenzin and Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication associated with weight loss in some people.While people should not take buproprion for weight loss alone, it can be an effective treatment for depression that does not contribute to weight gain.Side effects can vary from one individual to another. However, the antidepressants Remeron (mirtazapine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) are a few that may cause weight gain and loss of libido.Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat symptoms of anxiety, so people who are taking those medications may experience weight gain as a side effect. Xanax (alprazolam), a medication that may be prescribed for anxiety, can also cause weight gain or weight loss in some people.

Buproprion (sold under the brand names Aplenzin and Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication associated with weight loss in some people.While people should not take buproprion for weight loss alone, it can be an effective treatment for depression that does not contribute to weight gain.

Side effects can vary from one individual to another. However, the antidepressants Remeron (mirtazapine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) are a few that may cause weight gain and loss of libido.

Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat symptoms of anxiety, so people who are taking those medications may experience weight gain as a side effect. Xanax (alprazolam), a medication that may be prescribed for anxiety, can also cause weight gain or weight loss in some people.

How to Know Which Antidepressant Is Best for You

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gartlehner G, Hansen RA, Morgan LC, Thaler K, Lux L, Van Noord M, Mager U, Thieda P, Gaynes BN, Wilkins T, Strobelberger M, Lloyd S, Reichenpfader U, Lohr KN.Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis.Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(11):772-85. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00009National Alliance on Mental Illness.Medication frequently asked questions.Wise TN, Perahia DG, Pangallo BA, Losin WG, Wiltse CG.Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: Analyses of 10 clinical studies.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(5):269-278. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0503Moon J, Koh G.Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss.J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. doi:10.7570/jomes20028Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS.The role of exercise and physical activity in weight loss and maintenance.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014;56(4):441-447. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012Alonso‐Pedrero L, Bes‐Rastrollo M, Marti A.Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review.Obesity Reviews. 2019;20(12):1680-1690. doi:10.1111/obr.12934George TT, Tripp J.Alprazolam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gartlehner G, Hansen RA, Morgan LC, Thaler K, Lux L, Van Noord M, Mager U, Thieda P, Gaynes BN, Wilkins T, Strobelberger M, Lloyd S, Reichenpfader U, Lohr KN.Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis.Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(11):772-85. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00009National Alliance on Mental Illness.Medication frequently asked questions.Wise TN, Perahia DG, Pangallo BA, Losin WG, Wiltse CG.Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: Analyses of 10 clinical studies.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(5):269-278. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0503Moon J, Koh G.Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss.J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. doi:10.7570/jomes20028Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS.The role of exercise and physical activity in weight loss and maintenance.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014;56(4):441-447. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012Alonso‐Pedrero L, Bes‐Rastrollo M, Marti A.Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review.Obesity Reviews. 2019;20(12):1680-1690. doi:10.1111/obr.12934George TT, Tripp J.Alprazolam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Gartlehner G, Hansen RA, Morgan LC, Thaler K, Lux L, Van Noord M, Mager U, Thieda P, Gaynes BN, Wilkins T, Strobelberger M, Lloyd S, Reichenpfader U, Lohr KN.Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis.Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(11):772-85. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00009National Alliance on Mental Illness.Medication frequently asked questions.Wise TN, Perahia DG, Pangallo BA, Losin WG, Wiltse CG.Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: Analyses of 10 clinical studies.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(5):269-278. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0503Moon J, Koh G.Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss.J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. doi:10.7570/jomes20028Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS.The role of exercise and physical activity in weight loss and maintenance.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014;56(4):441-447. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012Alonso‐Pedrero L, Bes‐Rastrollo M, Marti A.Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review.Obesity Reviews. 2019;20(12):1680-1690. doi:10.1111/obr.12934George TT, Tripp J.Alprazolam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

Gartlehner G, Hansen RA, Morgan LC, Thaler K, Lux L, Van Noord M, Mager U, Thieda P, Gaynes BN, Wilkins T, Strobelberger M, Lloyd S, Reichenpfader U, Lohr KN.Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis.Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(11):772-85. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00009

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Medication frequently asked questions.

Wise TN, Perahia DG, Pangallo BA, Losin WG, Wiltse CG.Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: Analyses of 10 clinical studies.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(5):269-278. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0503

Moon J, Koh G.Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss.J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. doi:10.7570/jomes20028

Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS.The role of exercise and physical activity in weight loss and maintenance.Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014;56(4):441-447. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012

Alonso‐Pedrero L, Bes‐Rastrollo M, Marti A.Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review.Obesity Reviews. 2019;20(12):1680-1690. doi:10.1111/obr.12934

George TT, Tripp J.Alprazolam. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

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