Antidepressant for Weight Loss

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat the symptoms of clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses. They include commonly prescribed drugs like Prozac, Zoloft and the older tricyclic antidepressants. Treatment with antidepressants can cause weight loss in some people with depression-related obesity, but is not an effective weight loss strategy for most people.

Antidepressants and Weight Loss

• Antidepressant medications include tricyclics and the newer SSRIs. SSRIs work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin, leading to higher available levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for mood, sleep patterns, appetite and other mental states. People suffering from atypical depression, whose symptoms include overeating, oversleeping and weight gain, may experience weight loss when taking SSRIs as their serotonin levels even out.

  The atypical antidepressant Wellbutrin shows the greatest potential for causing weight loss. According to EMedTV.com, up to 28 percent of patients taking Wellbutrin will lose a minimum of five pounds. Wellbutrin is thought to cause weight loss by affecting levels of dopamine---a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, energy and appetite regulation. Other side effects include vomiting, nausea and similar symptoms that can contribute to weight loss.

Side Effects and Risks

• Taking antidepressants for any reason is not without risks that should be weighed carefully before beginning treatment. Some of these include suicidal thoughts and behaviors, sexual dysfunction and---paradoxically---weight gain. According to WebMD.com, some 25 percent of SSRI users experience weight gain of 10 pounds or more after 12 weeks of treatment. Tricyclics are notorious for causing unwanted weight gain, and MAO-inhibiting antidepressants like Nardil and Parnate also list weight gain as a possible side effect.

Verdict

• While they may help those diagnosed with certain types of depression, antidepressants are not a reliable means of weight loss for the general population due to their unpredictable effects on weight and high incidence of side effects. To date, the best and only method for maintaining a healthy weight is through a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.

  In some cases, overeating and weight gain may be signs of depression. If you're experiencing other depression symptoms, such as loss of interest in hobbies, decreased libido or persistent feelings of sadness, seek medical help. A mental health professional can help determine whether antidepressant therapy is right for you.