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Depression Medications & Weight Loss

Medications used to treat depression have been a source of symptom relief for many struggling individuals. However, there are often side effects from these powerful drugs. For many, the most uncomfortable effect is a change in weight.

  1. Medications That May Lead to Weight Loss

    • Antidepressants are not generally used for weight loss, though some individuals have lost or maintained weight while taking the medication. Some of the medications more likely to have loss of weight as a side effect are those that affect both norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These include Serzone, Cymbalta and Effexor. Wellbutrin is another antidepressant that usually does not cause weight gain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac are also considered to be less likely to encourage weight gain. However, one in that category that may actually cause weight gain is Paxil. Remember that every body responds differently, so while some may lose weight on a medication, others may gain weight. These are just general guidelines.

    Weight Loss Considerations

    • If you are attempting to lose weight and need to take antidepressants, you may need to undergo a trial and error period to find one that relieves your depression but does not cause you to gain weight. If you continue to attempt to lose weight by eating a balanced diet and working out, your progress in that area will normally be minimally affected by antidepressants. However, if you gain weight the first week of an antidepressant regimen, you are more likely to continue to gain weight on that specific medication in spite of healthy lifestyle decisions.

    Medications That May Lead to Weight Gain

    • Medications that do cause weight gain in a significant portion of those taking them include tricyclic antidepressants and monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you are seeking weight loss, these medications may need to be avoided.

    Maintain Communication

    • Depression is a serious mental health issue. Medications are an important part of treatment. However, weight changes may affect self-esteem, which can adversely affect depression. Therefore, it is important to be informed of possible side effects and maintain communication with your medical provider.

    Warning

    • Do not change or discontinue medications without a doctor's direction. Stopping medications suddenly can exacerbate depression symptoms. If there is a weight change, consult a physician before deciding a course of action. Remember that depression itself, separate from the drugs prescribed to treat it, can cause appetite changes that affect weight.

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