Depression Medicine & Weight Loss

Depression is a mental health issue that can be treated by therapy and by medication prescribed by your doctor. There are different kinds of medication for depression, however the type linked most often to weight loss are SSRIs--selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Most likely this weight loss occurs due to changes in appetite and activity levels. Apart from these treatments, people suffering from depression are also encouraged to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to lessen the effects of depression.

Bupropion

• Bupropion is the generic term for Zyban and Wellbutrin and has been linked to weight loss in some individuals. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, studies have shown Bupropion was found to promote weight loss in women who were overweight or obese.

Fluoxetine

• Fluoxetine is the generic name for Prozac and has been linked to weight loss in studies involving short term treatment. The conclusion of the study was that patients using Fluoxetine for acute treatment experienced modest weight loss. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry Online, the weight loss which occurred due to the acute treatment with Fluoxetine usually occurred during the first four weeks of treatment with the medication.

Lifestyle

• A person suffering from depression is likely to have become inactive and less concerned about their dietary habits. For this reason a person suffering from depression is encouraged to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle along with their treatment. By staying active and eating well, individuals with depression may also find they experience weight loss due to their lifestyle changes.