|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

What Anti-Depression Drugs Cause Weight Gain?

There are a variety of medications available for people with depression. When discussing antidepressants with your doctor, inquire about side effects. If you're concerned about changes in your weight, you should be aware of some drugs used to treat depression that can cause weight gain.

  1. Mirtazapine

    • Mirtazapine, which comes in the brand name Remeron, is a tetracyclic antidepressant with side effects that include increases in appetite, which in turn can result in weight gain. Drowsiness is another side effect, which can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, slowing your metabolism to cause even more weight gain.

    Amitriptyline

    • A tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline (brand name Elavil) blocks the brain's alpha 1 and histamine receptors, which target and activate the stress hormon norepinephrine. This in turn leads to appetite stimulation, since norepinephrine releases energy from glucose stores. The less energy, the slower your metabolism and the more likely you are to gain weight.

    Doxepin

    • In the same drug group as amitriptyline, doxepin (Adapin) is prescribed to patients with depression, anxiety associated with alcoholism, psychiatric conditions and manic-depressive disorder. Its side effects include constipation, drowsiness, insomnia and changes in weight, including weight gain.

    Imipramine

    • Another tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine (Tofranil) is the drug in this group with the highest possibility of weight gain in many patients. It can come on rapidly and be accompanied by swelling and weakness. If you are taking this medication and experience either of these side effects, see your doctor.

    Amoxapine

    • A cyclic antidepressant, amoxapine (Asendin), has many common side effects, including erectile dysfunction, dry mouth, dizziness and headaches. Most patients on amoxapine also experience increased hunger, leading to weight gain.

    Desipramine

    • Desipramine (Norpramin) is a cyclic antidepressant that causes headaches, fatigue, insomnia and constipation in many people. Similar to amoxapine, desipramine usually causes increases in appetite as well, contributing to weight gain.

    Nortriptyline

    • Nortriptyline (Aventyl) is a cyclic antidepressant with many of the same side effects as the other drugs in this group: drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, trouble urinating and weight gain.

Depression - Related Articles