* 2016;6(3):e759. Antidepressants can be divided into separate classes: All of these medications increase serotonin levels in the brain. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Switching from one antidepressant to another may provide adequate symptom control for you without weight gain. Weight gain is one common side effect of certain classes of antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include: Bupropion: In a 2016 study, participants who did not smoke lost an average of 7.1 pounds (lb) after 2 years of . How to Know Which Antidepressant Is Best for You, Losing Weight Gained From Psychotropic Medications, Medications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. article. Using electronic health records, the researchers identified men and women who took an antidepressant for at least three months. Ann Intern Med. Other sleep aids such as zolpidem (Ambien) or eszopiclone (Lunesta) have not been linked to weight gain. ), They need an exercise program that may be able to increase their metabolism by increasing muscle mass. When comparing all antidepressants, bupropion [Wellbutrin] is the least likely to cause weight gain and, in most cases, will be weight neutral or cause weight loss over time. Other medications prescribed for weight loss may also be appropriate to help counteract the weight gain experienced by psychotropic medications. Many others try these medications but stop taking them, often because of side effects such as weight gain. Damiana may have an estrogen lowering effect. Play helps children practice key skills and build their strengths, Harvard Health Ad Watch: An IV treatment for thyroid eye disease, Cutting and self-harm: Why it happens and what to do, Discrimination at work is linked to high blood pressure, Pouring from an empty cup? Women's Gymnastics Brings High Risk for Concussion, Going Solo: Masturbation May Give Humans an Evolutionary Edge. Its important to be aware of any unusual or major changes in your body after beginning antidepressant therapy. fluoxetine ( Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, Prozac Weekly) fluvoxamine ( Luvox) paroxetine ( Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva) sertraline ( Zoloft) vortioxetine (Trintellix, formerly known as Brintellix) vilazodone (Viibryd) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) An antidepressant isn't always a direct cause of weight gain. Other types of antidepressants may have different effects on appetite and metabolism. Sometimes cyclic antidepressants are used to treat conditions other than depression, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders or nerve-related (neuropathic) pain. In addition to causing weight gain, antipsychotics can also impair glucose metabolism, increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and cause hypertension, all of which can lead to metabolic syndrome and worsen obesity-related diseases. What is the likelihood that I will gain weight if I take the most effective antidepressant for my condition? 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. The poor diet, limited exercise, social isolation, and mood-induced overeating of those with mental illness may contribute to the weight gain. On top of that, if you've been struggling to get out of bed, antidepressants may well give you the boost you need to start exercising and eating more healthily. Alternatively, mirtazapine [Remeron] is most widely implicated in weight gain as a side effect.. These medications will not be discussed in this post. Serretti A, Mandelli L. Antidepressants and body weight: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. Accessed September 26, 2022. Some people may put on weight while on treatment, while others may not. * Obesity (Silver Spring). Does Weight Gain Occur With All Antidepressants? Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: Analyses of 10 clinical studies. It can be helpful to share any concerns you may have about weight gain with them. Some antidepressants are more likely to cause weight gain than others: According to current scientific research, antidepressants that are least likely to cause weight gain are: If youre experiencing unwanted weight gain because of antidepressants: According to a 2015 study, weight gain that occurs with psychiatric drugs are caused by changes at the cellular level, including hormonal changes and changes in the metabolism of glucose (sugar) and lipids (fats). Stimulation of appetite (tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs]) with elevated mood, Interference with central nervous system functions that regulate energy balance, Changes in the resting metabolic rate (TCAs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and, Counteracting the action of 5-HT2 receptors (serotonin receptors), which then increase appetite, Interference with the production of noradrenaline, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common, effective, and evidence-based option to treating, Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is another great option to treat your. Read our editorial policy. If I begin to have difficulty managing my weight, are there additional medications available to help me control weight gain? If you notice weight gain, or any side effects from antidepressants that concern you, talk to your health care provider first. Early weight gain predicts later metabolic syndrome in depressed patients treated with antidepressants: findings from the METADAP cohort. The same can be said for side effects. Can We Compare Well-Being Across Species? A few antidepressants cause no weight gain or lead to weight loss. Many people regard Paxil as being the easiest to gain weight on, but there are cases of individuals gaining weight on all of these . Researchers arent sure why one person might be more sensitive than others. Remember to rule out other factors, like thyroid hormone changes, menstrual cycle changes, digestive issues, or drinking more alcohol. being able to get an erection sometimes, but not every time you want to have sex. being unable to get an erection at any time. Unlike antipsychotics, which do carry a substantial risk of weight gain, antidepressants typically only have a modest impact. If you gain excess weight, it can put you at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome during the treatment period. Gill H, Gill B, El-Halabi S, et al. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. If depression dimmed your appetite, weight gain may actually be a good thing. Why we need non-chemical treatments for depression. CBT can help people with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder. Trazodone, a medication used for depression as well as insomnia, reduces excess serotonin at some sites, while increasing serotonin levels at other sites, thus affecting appetite as previously discussed. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, increase serotonin levels in the brain. Earlier studies linking antidepressant use to weight gain were usually small and short. I would like to be as informed as possible about my situation. But this must always be balanced with the positive side effects that may have occurred with the antidepressant in question, as not all antidepressants will have the same positive impact on each individual person. What the research does make clear is that after your first year of taking antidepressants, your risk for weight gain begins to change over time. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. 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. For those who are already feeling less than stellar, this can be demoralising, fuelling anxieties about their health or appearance. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding. Participants in the program are helped to participate in community activities to decrease social isolation. Himmerich H, Minkwitz J, Kirkby KC. All rights reserved. An 18-month-long weight-loss intervention study with similar personalized support also found positive results among those with severe mental illness. Antidepressants have helped millions of people cut through the dark fog of depression. Weight gain is likely in the short term (less than 6 months) and long term (1 year or more). If you find an antidepressant that works well for you, sticking with that treatment and trying some weight loss strategies may be the best path to take.. bupropion (Wellbutrin) fluoxetine (Prozac) duolexetine (Cymbalta) Research published in 2014 suggests that bupropion (Wellbutrin) can lead to weight loss. 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. An Internet Brands company. The most common side effects of mirtazapine include drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, increased appetite, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, dizziness, constipation, confusion, and abnormal dreams. Take this quiz to learn more about recovery from depression. There are five main types of psychiatric prescription medications: antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics (also known as anti-anxiety medications, which can include medications for sleep), mood stabilizers, and stimulants. But if you are concerned about weight gain while taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor. 2016; 50:145-53. *2020;28(11):2064-2072. doi: 10.1002/oby.22969. Get information on depression symptoms, signs, tests, and treatments for many types of depression chronic depression and postpartum depression. Optimizing your nutritional intake with plant-predominant whole foods that are nutrient-dense and rich in fiber and adding in a physical activity routine that brings joy can be very helpful in maintaining a healthy weight while taking an antidepressant, Naidoo says. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Here are a couple of reasons why you might experience antidepressant-related weight gain. Five pounds or less wont have a big effect on your overall health. However, there are several theories as to why it might occur. Instead of the more usual problems of decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping, their depression causes an increased appetite and sleeping too much. Antidepressants linked to weight loss include Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion). Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The type of antidepressant that you take can affect whether you are more likely to gain weight. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different antidepressant if necessary. There have been case studies of certain people who are more sensitive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressant. Both classes can cause weight gain, but they differ in that atypical antipsychotics cause fewer movement disorder side effects. So what can you expect and what are your options? Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Longer Breastfeeding in Infancy, Better School Grades for Kids? Symptoms of ED include. Primum non nocere-Hippocratic Oath Antidepressants are among the most widely prescribed drugs. Uma Naidoo, MD, psychiatrist, professional chef, nutritional biologist, author, This Is Your Brain on Food, Boston. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). McGee is also the chief medical officer at the Haven Treatment Center in California and the author of The Joy of Recovery. The older types of antidepressants (tricyclics) and the medication mirtazapine appear more likely to cause weight gain for this reason. Weight gain and antidepressants: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10926053/. Dont forget mind-body exercises, like yoga, tai chi, and meditation, that help reduce any stress that may be contributing to overeating and weight gain. "Some weight gain can actually be an indirect sign of some recovery, if their mood is lifting and their appetite is returning to previous levels," says Tracy. Many healthcare professionals will be more focused on treating depressive symptoms than on minimizing weight-related side effects. Know when you or someone else is depressed. Like every other medication, antidepressants have side effects that affect some, but not all people. Medications that may be associated with weight gain include antidepressants, steroids, diabetes medications, mood stabilizers, blood pressure medications, seizure medications, migraine medications, antiretroviral medications, contraceptives and others. What is the best antidepressant to take if you're trying to lose weight? Studies show even a little exercise offers benefits. Weight gain is also associated with the atypical antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine) . Would changing the dose help reduce side effects. Trying a different one may do the trick. In this post we will explore how these medications cause weight gain, and what you can do to lessen the impact of this unwanted effect of many psychiatric medications. This depression quiz is based on the Depression Screening Test developed by Ivan K. Goldberg, MD, the founder of Psycom who was also a renowned psychiatrist. Dr. McGee also recommends spending time in nature, becoming involved in a spiritual community and connecting with others through volunteer work or by socializing with friends. Fortunately, a few weight-loss programs for mentally ill individuals have been developed and tested for their efficacy. In addition to talking to your physician, there are other steps that you can take to lessen weight gain that might be caused by antidepressants. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Serotonin regulates mood and affects appetite, yet this can have varying results depending on length of treatment. Food Insecurity Makes Disordered Eating More Likely, The Power of Plants to Help Children Focus, The Intersection of Trauma and Eating Disorders, How Machiavellianism Sways College Major Selection. Three ways to refill emotionally, Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel, Sneezy and dopey? But you can turn bad news into good by working with your health care provider to monitor both your mood and medication on a regular basis and stop weight gain before it gets out of hand. Last revised September 2020. Don't miss your FREE gift. Your Weight Gain Might Be Related to an Underlying Medical Issue, What to Do If You Notice Weight Gain While Taking Antidepressants, How to Prevent Antidepressant Weight Gain. Like antidepressants, antipsychotics affect the chemical messengers in the brain associated with appetite control and energy metabolism, namely serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and muscarinic receptors. Antidepressants still overwhelmingly cause weight gain as a side effect. Lee SH, Paz-Filho G, Mastronardi C, Licinio J, Wong ML. People who do not respond to the first antidepressant can often do as well with talk therapy as they would with another drug. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. This includes eating a healthy diet with whole foods and limiting processed foods and added sugars; staying physically active; minimizing stress; and ensuring adequate restful sleep. BMJ. Asmar KE, Feve B, Colle R, et al. Are you ready? Unfortunately, these drugs can sometimes have an undesirable side effect: weight gain. "Few people will refuse to take medication because of this, but it will sometimes influence conversations about which particular medication to take," he says. Learn to identify the cause of your sudden weight gain. (Serotonin is the neurotransmitter in the brain that increases a sense of satisfaction after eating. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. 2018;361:k1951. Some actually lost a few pounds. Ask your prescribing doctor if there is more than one option and if they can recommend an antidepressant that isnt associated with weight gain. Examples of MAOIs include Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), and Parnate (tranylcypromine). As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Find out some possible causes and how best to manage them. 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