Fluoxetine Anti Depressants & Weight Loss

Approved in the United States in 1987, the anti-depressant fluoxetine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These inhibitors stop certain cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which regulates mood. Serotonin also controls our appetite. When sufficient serotonin is made by your brain, after eating a certain amount, you feel satiated and stop eating.

Diet

• Complex carbohydrates such as millet, corn, rice and whole grains can boost serotonin.

  Turkey is an excellent source of serotonin, producing a relaxed, euphoric feeling. This may explain why the family falls asleep after overindulging at the Thanksgiving table.

  Tryptophan-rich foods like salmon, chicken, beef, peanut butter and eggs not only increase serotonin, but are also good protein sources.

  Fruits such as bananas, kiwis and plums also have a high concentration of serotonin. Fun foods like pretzels, walnuts, candy and sweets make it a pleasure to get your dose of serotonin.

  The serotonin in fluoxetine acts as an appetite regulator, and by also eating foods that are rich sources of serotonin, your appetite is further decreased, and you may lose weight.

Exercise

• According to the American Medical Association, heavy exercise may increase serotonin levels and these levels may last up to one hour after the workout. Heavy exercise such as jogging, swimming laps and long gym workouts not only boost serotonin levels, but you're also burning calories.

  If you've changed jobs, or started at a new school, you may be walking more, or doing more manual labor, and the increase in your activity level burns more calories. Activities like bowling, golf, tennis, and any team sports, are so much fun; you'll hardly know you're exercising.

  With enhanced levels of serotonin from fluoxetine, increased levels of serotonin from exercise, plus more calories burned, you may weigh less on your scale.

Depression Relief

• People who are depressed, and have no way to release their negative emotions, can use the overindulgence of food as a way to comfort themselves. The resulting weight gain leaves them even more depressed.

  After taking the prescribed dosage of fluoxetine, things don't seem so bleak, and there's no longer a need to overeat, which results in weight loss.

Excessive Weight Loss

• Fluoxetine without dietary restrictions usually results in only a few pounds lost. Sometimes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can cause significant weight loss. Patients who have anorexia or malnutrition should be monitored while taking fluoxetine to prevent life threatening complications.