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Antidepressents & Weight Loss

Prescription antidepressants have various side effects on individuals who take them. There are several factors that influence these side effects, including metabolism, psychological changes during treatment and biological changes from the drug itself. Fluctuations in weight are another common side effect of antidepressant drug therapy, raising the question of whether using these drugs specifically for weight loss is viable.

  1. How Antidepressants Work

    • Antidepressant drugs are classed as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI). Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that is involved with appetite as much (or more) as it is with mood. A significant amount of serotonin in the human body is located in the cellular structure of the stomach area, where it regulates the functions of the intestines. The remainder of serotonin is created in the central nervous system, where it affects mood reactions and emotional status.

    Serotonin Levels and Weight Change

    • The American Journal of Psychiatry states that variations in weight can be a side effect of antidepressant drug therapy, considering the effect of serotonin on appetite fluctuations and digestive functions. These physical and psychological reactions can cause either increases or decreases in the desire for nutritional intake. Studies have been conducted using fluoxetine (Prozac) versus placebos in a double-blind method over a 50-week period that reflected some weight loss during initial stages of drug intake.

    Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants

    • According to Dr. Rob for MSN Health & Fitness, the SRI-class of drugs, as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), have a general tendency to cause weight gain. The underlying reason for this reflects the relative effect of serotonin on appetite and some SRI and SSRI drugs have a greater tendency toward weight gain than others. Celexa, Paxil and Zoloft are some of the more commonly prescribed antidepressants that show a tendency toward weight gain.

    Antidepressants and Weight Loss

    • There are some prescribed antidepressants that have been reported to reflect varying levels of weight loss. Adderall, a drug prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has shown some indication of subsequent weight loss during therapy. Wellbutrin has also had reported indications of weight loss by patients who were taking this antidepressant. The variations in patient metabolism as well as in their physical and mental status render these specific findings as insufficient vis-à-vis the weight loss characteristics of antidepressants.

    Warnings

    • Medical professionals prescribe antidepressants only after intensive examination of all relevant factors pertaining to the current problem, including physical condition, psychological status and any possible hereditary factors that may affect the metabolism of the patient. Using any drug, especially antidepressants, without the advice or supervision of a doctor or other medical professionals may result in negative and possibly life-threatening reactions.

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