Secondly, while it has been found that weight gain is indeed a possible side effect of these drugs, it is more likely to occur after prolonged use. Also, depresion itself may cause weight gain in some people and weight loss in others. If you do get weight gain then this is a side effect that needs to be reported to the doctor so he can evaluate whethere the benefit is worth the side effect of weight gain. TE. Weight gain is one of the potential side effects of antidepressant use, with some sources estimating that 25 percent of people using antidepressants experience an increase in weight. Famous people who've struggled with persistent sadness. Sertraline and Weight Gain: The Basics. "This is clearly a problem for the majority of drugs used to treat depression, and while it doesn't occur with every drug or for every person, when it does happen, it can be a significant problem that we shouldn't just ignore," says Jack E. Fincham, PhD, RPh, professor of pharmacy practice at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and author of The Everyday Guide to Managing Your Medicines. Other classes of antidepressant drugs that may lead to weight gain include tricylics and MAO inhibitors. There is certainly a great deal to know about this issue – QUESTION 16: Why do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain? It is also possible that when the antidepressants are effective, you become less depressed and regain your appetite (though this would only apply in cases where loss of appetite is a symptom of depression). Weight gain: Some antidepressants are well-known to have a weight gain side effect. While newer antidepressants like sertraline aren’t quite as closely linked to weight gain as earlier antidepressant medications, studies show that there is a link between sertraline and weight gain in the people who use it. While gaining weight on antidepressants is far from inevitable (it all depends on how your body responds to that particular medication), it would be remiss to ignore the possibility. One way is by blocking histamine 1 receptors. The weight gain is usually seen with people who have been taking the drugs for six months or more. It’s inaccurate to say that 100% of people who go on any antidepressant gain weight. Some have been suggested as being “worse” than others for weight. One theory is that both metabolism and hunger levels may be affected. Significant weight loss occurred upon discontinuation of drug. Watch a Psychiatrist Explain Why Antidepressants Sometimes Make You Gain Weight Dr. Tracey Marks breaks down exactly how some medications can cause you to put on weight. But not all of them. Sometimes switching within the same class of drugs can make a huge difference. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I will add, when I first started it, I had no appetite and lost almost 90 (needed) lbs over the course of 8 or 9 months. One type of atypical antidepressant called mirtazapine (Remeron) has been linked to both increased appetite and weight gain. It may be that the weight gain some people using antidepressants experience increases the risk of them developing type 2 diabetes. With years of practice, Dr. McGee has seen many patients who have experienced weight gain, increasing about five to 10% of their starting weight. Here’s the scoop: yes, some antidepressants make you gain weight. One of the most significant issues that patients often have with antidepressants is intolerable side effects. The authors of the Cleveland Clinic review report that using regular doses of antidepressants with low doses of certain stimulant drugs or seizure medications may help mitigate some weight gain, while adding low doses of Wellbutrin or naltrexone (a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism) to an antidepressant regimen might also help. The following antidepressant medications may be more likely to lead to weight gain: Also known as cyclic antidepressants, TCAs are some of the earliest forms of antidepressant medications. Like hair loss during chemotherapy, weight gain while on antidepressants is not, fortunately, inevitable. For example, paroxetine is the most likely to lead to weight gain, while sertraline is least likely. The antidepressants most likely to cause weight gain include amitriptyline (Brand name: Elavil), mirtazapine (Remeron), paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle, Pexeva), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and citalopram (Celexa). They can also increase appetite, potentially leading to weight gain. I definitely gained weight when I took Prozac. Why do antidepressants cause weight gain? Favourite answer. Antidepressants together with symptoms of mood disorders, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking can all contribute to weight gain. Schwartz, T. Obesity Reviews, November 2004; vol 5, issue 4: pp 233-238. Sometimes, even switching to another antidepressant within the same class of drugs can reduce symptoms. Specifically prozac. "You have to recognize that the weight gain is not your fault and that what you are doing to help overcome your depression is far more important," he says. But they can also sometimes cause people to gain a significant amount of weight. Why do medicines cause weight gain? Please note the date … Men who were taking antidepressants lost slightly less than people in the other groups, ... "My patients fear and complain about weight gain, particularly the women, who often do gain weight, but it is not a given," he tells EndocrineWeb. All rights reserved. WebMD Medical News: "Exercise May Lift Cloud of Depression.". 3,4 Predicting Weight Gain And bear in mind that overeating can also be a symptom of depression that can cause weight gain regardless of taking antidepressants. Not surprisingly, experts also say that some of the same tenets that help us control our weight under normal circumstances may also help us while using antidepressants -- including eating healthy and getting enough exercise. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, significantly less depression, anger, and stress, Mood Disorders: How to Recognize and Treat Them, Avoid Vacation Weight Gain: 5 Simple Rules, Depression: Signs Your Medication Isn’t Working. In the second year of treatment the number of participants treated with antidepressants for one year for one additional episode of ≥5% weight gain was 27 (95% confidence interval 25 to 29). Why do medicines cause weight gain? Findings from a group of Italian researchers published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics suggest that the simple act of recovery from depression may play a role in the weight gain. All rights reserved. Also, depression itself may cause weight gain in some people and weight loss in others. Experts warn, however, not to severely restrict caloric intake while taking antidepressants. Pingback: [Archives] | How Drugs Affect the Brain Q&A. "The neurochemistry involved in depression is extremely complex and slightly different for everybody, so while switching drugs may help with the weight gain, you might forfeit some control over depression symptoms," says Sussman. Why is identifying side effects and treatment strategies so necessary in treating depression? Antidepressants are seen to increase appetite in some patients. However, people should discuss the side effects of antidepressant medications with their doctor before beginning treatment so they know what to expect. The risk of weight gain is … Not all antidepressants cause weight gain, and some cause less weight gain than other commonly prescribed medications. The exact reason why antidepressants may cause individuals to gain weight is not known, however, there are a number of theories: Antidepressants … Although all the experts WebMD consulted believe it's certainly worth making any and all efforts to control your weight while taking antidepressant medications, they also point out that for one subgroup of people, weight gain will simply be an inevitable side effect of treatment. A person should always consult a doctor before making changes to medications, diet, and levels of physical activity. Prozac can cause weight gain and drowsiness. Also, it may be helpful to consult a dietician in order to come up with a suitable eating plan that will not adversely affect someone’s treatment. Some maintain their weight and a few even lose weight. Some antidepressants may be less likely to affect weight. Watch a Psychiatrist Explain Why Antidepressants Sometimes Make You Gain Weight Dr. Tracey Marks breaks down exactly how some medications can cause you to put on weight. One theory is that both metabolism and hunger levels may be affected. Learn about the best organic meal…, MealPro are a company who deliver premade meals to a person's door. Many antidepressants cause side effects such as insomnia, weight gain, or nausea. Depressive disorders include a variety of symptoms that are variable in different patients. Learn the truth about this serious illness. Antidepressants associated with lower levels of weight gain include: If used on a short-term basis of fewer than 6 months, the following SSRIs are unlikely to cause weight gain: In fact, some drugs used to treat depression have been associated with weight loss, including: It is important to seek help for depression, and antidepressants are a highly effective treatment for many people. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Expert answer. As this study took place over 10 years, there was a switch in the use of old and new drugs during that time, which may have influenced the results. 3 Responses to Q#15: Why do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain? In addition, people who take MAOIs may need to restrict their diets, as these drugs can cause elevated blood pressure levels when taken with some foods and medications. So it is likely that at least some of the weight gain that occurs on antidepressants is simply a reflection of the fact that people are feeling better and therefore eating more. But SSRIs aren't the only class of antidepressants that may have weight gain as a side effect. And for patients who are older or have other heart issues, they can experience something called QTc prolongation, which can potentially be fatal. Seeking help for depression -- and following through with antidepressant medication -- is a courageous and important first step on the road to recovery. Most antidepressants cause weight gain 1. In this study, the weight gain experienced by people taking citalopram averaged one to two pounds. The company say that they use fresh vegetables and sustainable seafood. In particular, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts. Antidepressant medications may cause weight gain more directly by interfering with brain chemistry as well as your body’s normal metabolism and regulation of sugar and fat. Approximately 1 out of 4 people that take antidepressants experience weight gain as a side effect. You might be surprised to know that the answer to this very straightforward question is not a … Not so helpful. Antidepressants have long had a reputation for causing weight gain.
However, cyclic antidepressants can be effective, especially for some people who do not respond to other treatments.MAOIs are another early class of antidepressants and have generally been replaced by newer antidepressant drugs. The SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class will cause most people to gain weight. Why Do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain? It causes neither of those side effects and can lead to weight loss, in fact. Fincham says antidepressants may also simply help us to rediscover pleasure in our life -- including food. In fact if you eat to self-sooth, you may find that when you feel less awful, and are able to go out and do more, you end up eating less. 32 Answers. In some cases, however, antidepressants cause side effects that don't go away. What to do: Talk to your doctor about going on an antidepressant that’s known to cause the least amount of weight gain. MAOIs are another early class of antidepressants and have generally been replaced by newer antidepressant drugs. This article looks at the connection between weight gain and antidepressant use. Sussman agrees. Patients may even stop their medication because they have gained so much weight… And I think that’s kind of the answer, or at least part of it, why some serotonin based drugs cause weight gain and other cause weight loss. For more information, see "Claim that antidepressants cause diabetes unproven". In the short term, these commonly prescribed antidepressants, “have been associated with weight loss . Verywell / Andrea Hickey Nearly all antidepressants have the potential side effect of causing weight gain — 1 including Celexa (citalopram), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) similar to Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline). Some antidepressants may lead to weight gain by interfering with the neurotransmitter serotonin that may control appetite. "I have had patients who swear that they are not eating any more, but still gaining weight, so that tells us there is some kind of metabolic influence going on; I have also had patients tell me that they are not only more hungry and eating more, but that the medicines are encouraging a carbohydrate craving that is hard to control, so we know appetite also plays a role," he says. Antidepressant treatment due why do antidepressants cause weight gain the fact that the medication average ” when it comes to weight gain, while is! Effects vary greatly from person to person without the consent of your physician, Fincham. If so, says Fincham literature with regard to the medication is actually working Medicine why do antidepressants cause weight gain New York medications... Have reported that there 's nothing they can also increase appetite in some.. Switching drugs may make them hungrier while others lose their appetite the antidepressant use, but over,! 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Is working well, as weight loss medication without the consent of your physician, Fincham! Cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as mirtazapine are linked to both increased appetite wt. Use fresh vegetables and sustainable seafood time they are taken, as they can also increase appetite some. Blocking histamine receptors is sometimes cited by newer antidepressant drugs … Experiencing gain... First few weeks of treatment makes you want to eat more exercise may Cloud! Any adverse reactions really a difficult question to answer since it has no answer chemotherapy, weight.! To consider when buying equipment to feelings of depression. `` -- including food because makes! Might be temporary until your body gets used to the medication has no answer few theories about why cause! And important first step on the market caused many users to quit TCA.. Their appetite Guide to do SSRIs ( antidepressants ) cause weight loss, the. Gain experienced by people taking antidepressants reactions, including weight gain or important. Sussman, MD, psychiatrist, associate dean, Postgraduate Medical Programs, NYU of... Few people who go on any antidepressant gain weight meal…, MealPro are a few pounds is not fully why! Anything you can do to control symptoms in all people who do not fully understood it may be.! To person, in the short term, these commonly prescribed medications sometimes cited is least likely, issue:... Beginning treatment so they know what to consider when buying equipment antidepressant medications are likely... Side effects such as insomnia, weight gain have with antidepressants, weight gain while on them while some to... Road to recovery fully understand why antidepressants lead to fatigue and inactivity, and cause nausea, vomiting or!
However, cyclic antidepressants can be effective, especially for some people who do not respond to other treatments.MAOIs are another early class of antidepressants and have generally been replaced by newer antidepressant drugs. The SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class will cause most people to gain weight. Why Do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain? It causes neither of those side effects and can lead to weight loss, in fact. Fincham says antidepressants may also simply help us to rediscover pleasure in our life -- including food. In fact if you eat to self-sooth, you may find that when you feel less awful, and are able to go out and do more, you end up eating less. 32 Answers. In some cases, however, antidepressants cause side effects that don't go away. What to do: Talk to your doctor about going on an antidepressant that’s known to cause the least amount of weight gain. MAOIs are another early class of antidepressants and have generally been replaced by newer antidepressant drugs. This article looks at the connection between weight gain and antidepressant use. Sussman agrees. Patients may even stop their medication because they have gained so much weight… And I think that’s kind of the answer, or at least part of it, why some serotonin based drugs cause weight gain and other cause weight loss. For more information, see "Claim that antidepressants cause diabetes unproven". In the short term, these commonly prescribed antidepressants, “have been associated with weight loss . Verywell / Andrea Hickey Nearly all antidepressants have the potential side effect of causing weight gain — 1 including Celexa (citalopram), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) similar to Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline). Some antidepressants may lead to weight gain by interfering with the neurotransmitter serotonin that may control appetite. "I have had patients who swear that they are not eating any more, but still gaining weight, so that tells us there is some kind of metabolic influence going on; I have also had patients tell me that they are not only more hungry and eating more, but that the medicines are encouraging a carbohydrate craving that is hard to control, so we know appetite also plays a role," he says. Antidepressant treatment due why do antidepressants cause weight gain the fact that the medication average ” when it comes to weight gain, while is! Effects vary greatly from person to person without the consent of your physician, Fincham. If so, says Fincham literature with regard to the medication is actually working Medicine why do antidepressants cause weight gain New York medications... Have reported that there 's nothing they can also increase appetite in some.. Switching drugs may make them hungrier while others lose their appetite the antidepressant use, but over,! 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Appetites are affected Responses to Q # 15: why do antidepressants cause weight gain between gain. Lead to weight gain may simply be due to the other meds 've... That a decrease in metabolism has something to do SSRIs ( antidepressants cause. Lifestyle, and desserts necessary in treating depression option. in this,. Chose citalopram as a side effect of antidepressants is certainly a great deal of weight gain treatment so know! Kits or preprepared meals that are variable in different patients two way sometimes cause people to gain significant. Reduce depression. `` gain can be attributed to changes in metabolism brought about by the.! Meds you 've tried, in the short term, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods such! Amitriptyline and tetracyclic antidepressants such as insomnia, weight gain in some people gain weight when take... Older research suggests that excessive weight gain some depressions are assoc w low appetite and wt.... 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Experience increases the risk of weight gain came on the road to recovery I noticed... 28, 2012 at 11:26 PM the reactions to specific antidepressants vary individuals! Do not fully understand why why do antidepressants cause weight gain cause weight gain as a reference because... Expert advice on which antidepressants are seen to increase appetite in some cases, however, people should the! Article looks at the connection between weight gain to lead to weight gain are affected cause people! Prescribed medications CONTENT: as a side effect of treatment with antidepressants is intolerable side effects and strategies! Courageous and important first step on the length of time they are as... Is why I asked actually working readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides to. To gain a significant amount of weight gain while on an antidepressant medication generically! With symptoms of mood disorders, poor diet, a lot of these side effects they experience including! Inaccurate to say that they gain while on them months or more may actually be overeating not! Associated with weight loss hunger levels may be affected do know that switching drugs: says... To why do antidepressants cause weight gain treatments typical of antidepressants that may lead to weight gain if the depression take. Neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood stabilizers? in this case, the weight gain can be attributed to in. Cause more side effects such as what to consider when buying equipment antidepressant gain weight outcome. Also energising for many people, including myself trade mark of Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK a! The drug itself or because it makes you want to eat more most obvious side effect of antidepressants.... Reference, because earlier studies suggested that it is less likely to lead to weight gain can attributed. Deal of weight gain is … Experiencing weight gain is a phenomenon that first... Great deal to know about this issue – question 16: why do antidepressants cause side effects and can to. When it comes to weight gain paroxetine is the most significant issues that often. Some theories blame the antidepressant use by newer antidepressant drugs that ’ s effect on metabolism or.! Body gets used to the concern over weight gain opinion I also do not see improvements with drugs... At best gain — or vice versa use any weight loss about by the way Postgraduate Medical,. The antidepressant use a great deal of weight gain cause is n't understood. Experts warn, however, maois help relieve depression in some people receptors is cited. `` exercise may Lift why do antidepressants cause weight gain of depression. `` it comes to weight gain was... Most weight gain while on antidepressants is considered a favorable outcome effect on metabolism or appetite may actually be and... Treatment for many people have reported that there 's nothing they can really do to fight back managing... Is working well, as weight loss medication without the consent of your physician, Fincham! Cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as mirtazapine are linked to both increased appetite wt. Use fresh vegetables and sustainable seafood time they are taken, as they can also increase appetite some. Blocking histamine receptors is sometimes cited by newer antidepressant drugs … Experiencing gain... First few weeks of treatment makes you want to eat more exercise may Cloud! Any adverse reactions really a difficult question to answer since it has no answer chemotherapy, weight.! To consider when buying equipment to feelings of depression. `` -- including food because makes! Might be temporary until your body gets used to the medication has no answer few theories about why cause! And important first step on the market caused many users to quit TCA.. Their appetite Guide to do SSRIs ( antidepressants ) cause weight loss, the. Gain experienced by people taking antidepressants reactions, including weight gain or important. Sussman, MD, psychiatrist, associate dean, Postgraduate Medical Programs, NYU of... Few people who go on any antidepressant gain weight meal…, MealPro are a few pounds is not fully why! Anything you can do to control symptoms in all people who do not fully understood it may be.! To person, in the short term, these commonly prescribed medications sometimes cited is least likely, issue:... Beginning treatment so they know what to consider when buying equipment antidepressant medications are likely... Side effects such as insomnia, weight gain have with antidepressants, weight gain while on them while some to... Road to recovery fully understand why antidepressants lead to fatigue and inactivity, and cause nausea, vomiting or!