What Prescription Drugs Affect Metabolism & Increase Weight Gain?

A variety of prescription medications can cause weight gain. Some of these medicines are used to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, mood disorders, seizures and migraines. While the weight gain that is caused by medication is bothersome, do not stop your medication without first consulting your doctor.

Antidepressants

• Antidepressants tend to cause weight gain in the people that take them. Bupropion, doxepin and nefazodone are some examples of this type of medication. Doctors are unsure if the medication alone causes weight gain or if the patients feel so much better that their appetites increase.

Seizure Medicines

• Valproic acid is an anti-convulsant medication that is used to treat seizures and migraine headaches. This medication has been associated with weight gain and may be a cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which has been found to cause weight gain. Women that suffer from PCOS are more likely to suffer from obesity and insulin resistance than women who do not have PCOS.

Blood Pressure Medicines

• Beta-adrenergic blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol often cause weight gain due to a lower metabolic rate in the body. Many patients also quit taking diuretic medications when they begin taking blood pressure medication, and this may cause weight gain due to excess fluid not being excreted.

Corticosteroids

• Patients that are taking corticosteroids may experience significant weight gain. Some corticosteroids make the body less able to absorb blood sugar, which can lead to fat deposits. Water retention is another common cause of weight gain with corticosteroids and NSAIDs.

Considerations

• Weight gain can cause other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis. People who begin to gain weight may stop taking their medications. It is important to take your medication as prescribed, until you can consult with your doctor about your weight gain. There may be newer medications that have fewer side effects than the one you are taking.