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Drugs for Depression & Weight Loss

If you are suffering from any of the variety of forms of depression and are in need of medication, there are many choices depending on your needs. Almost all of the depression medications available have some side effects that should be taken into consideration prior to prescription, among them the effect of weight loss.

  1. SSRIs

    • Antidepressant medications in the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) category help by balancing the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Among the side effects patients on SSRIs experience is suppression of their appetite, which usually contributes to weight loss.

    Prozac

    • A well-known SSRI to the general public is Prozac (Fluoxetine). Persons with depression as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder or anxiety are usually prescribed this drug. While drowsiness, nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Prozac, weight loss has often been reported by patients taking the drug as well, usually as a result of their nausea.

    Zoloft

    • Zoloft (Sertraline) is also an SSRI typically prescribed to persons afflicted with depression, social anxiety disorder, OCD and panic disorder, among other mental-health problems. Some persons taking this drug have experienced weight loss due to nausea and a loss of appetite.

    Wellbutrin

    • Wellbutrin (Bupropion) has similarities with SSRIs but is actually an NDRI, or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, aiding in the balancing of the brain's norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine levels. Appetite suppression is a side effect in almost all patients since Wellbutrin lessens desires of oral fixation. As a result of this effect, this drug is also prescribed to cigarette smokers who wish to quit smoking.

    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are another medication route for depression patients. Including such drugs as Remeron, MAOIs prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, in turn increasing stores of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs are known to increase appetites in some patients, leading to weight gain. This being the case, if you are looking to lose weight, MAOIs may not be for you.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    • A final antidepressant drug category that should be avoided if weight gain is an undesired side effect is the tricyclic antidepressant. Drugs in this category, such as Elavil, Adapin and Tofranil, block histamine and alpha 1 receptors in the brain, oftentimes causing appetite stimulation. Metabolic rate is slowed and carbohydrate cravings are increased on these drugs, causing weight gain.

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