Antidepression Meds & Weight Loss

The use of antidepression medications is on the rise, and it is important to know whether or not you really need to take them. Your doctor can help you decide if your depression is merely situational or if it is chronic and interfering with your everyday life. The types of antidepression medications vary, and so does the length of time that it takes for them to work. But your physician is the best person to decide which medication will be best for you. Side effects depend on the individual and for some weight loss is an issue.

What Are Antidepression Meds?

• Antidepression meds are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. antidepression medications (antidepressants) are medications prescribed by a doctor that can relieve the symptoms associated with depression, according to the U.S. Library of Medicine. These symptoms may include insomnia, changes in appetite and mood swings.

Decreased Appetite

• If you have been taking antidepressants for several weeks or longer, you may have noticed that you have gained a few extra pounds. Antidepressants can cause loss of appetite and nausea that can sometimes lead to weight loss, according to Family Doctor.org. Although these side effects may only last during the early stages of use and then dissipate, they can linger on indefinitely.

Diarrhea

• Gastrointestinal upset is another side effect of antidepressants that can lead to weight loss. Loose stools and diarrhea are associated with antidepressants, according to author Richard Balon in the book "Practical Management of the Side Effects of Psychotropic Drugs." This develops in approximately 18 percent of patients and often resolves when dosages are decreased. If tolerance to the antidepressant does not occur and the drug is continued, weight loss can be the result.

Nervousness

• Sometimes the very medications intended to calm and promote mood enhancement, instead cause nervousness and anxiety. Antidepressants may also cause heart palpitations, tachycardia and other cardiovascular problems, reports Drugs.com. Sometimes the side effects can be so overwhelming that the patient begins to feel fatigue and may even forget to eat. In such a scenario, the physician will often lower the dosage to relieve the fatigue or try a different medication.

The Weight Chart

• After the Diet.com has followed the results of double blind studies associated with 15 antidepressants. Several have been shown to invoke a weight loss effect. Patients who took citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine and buproprion either showed no significant signs of weight gain, or actually lost weight. Patients gained the most weight while taking mirtazapine and amitryptyline.