Anti-Anxiety Medications & Weight Loss

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. For those requiring medication, maintaining a healthy weight or continuing a weight loss plan while undergoing treatment is complicated by side effects of their medication.

Function

• According to the Mayo Clinic, medications used in treating depression also treat generalized anxiety disorders and panic attacks. There are 5 types of antidepressants used to manage anxiety and panic attacks. Each type addresses a different chemical reaction associated with anxiety. Each type also has an affect on weight loss.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• According to the Mayo Clinic , SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) prevent the resorption of serotonin, a brain chemical, by specific brain cells leaving more serotonin available for brain function. Mood is improved through better brain function.

  SSRIs also tend to suppress appetite or alter the taste of food. You might experience nausea during the first few weeks of treatment, which can lead to weight loss. However, according to Gay Riley of NetNutritionist.com, the weight loss experienced stops with long-term use and replaced with weight gain.

Tricyclic Antidepressants and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

• Both tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) change serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Constipation, drowsiness, weakness, increased appetite and weight gain are side effects associated with TCAs and MAOIs, making weight loss difficult.

  Constipation can be alleviated with over-the-counter products, making physical activity a bit easier. Contacting a dietitian or nutritionist can help with meal plans that are balanced and easy to prepare.

Benzodiazepines and Beta Blockers

• Benzodiazepines work quickly but can be habit forming. They are also sedating, which can interfere with physical activity. Using benzodiazepines infrequently will not interfere with a well-planned weight loss program.

  Beta blockers address the physical affects of anxiety by blocking adrenaline. Beta blockers are effective when used for specific situations. Fatigue, insomnia and depression are side effects associated with beta blockers and can trigger weight gain in some people. Adjustments to your exercise routine will preserve weight loss and protect your sense of accomplishment.

Time Frame

• The anxiety reduction effects of SSRIs and TCAs might not be noticed for several days because it takes time for the medications to reach a therapeutic level in the blood stream. Annoying side effects are usually seen within a few days, though.

  You may notice that your rate of weight loss may slow or stop, and it is not unusual to gain weight. Keeping track of your weight with a journal is important.

Solution

• Changing your diet can keep your weight loss goals on track. Eat fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables, avoid fast food, and cut back on sweets, or eliminate them altogether, to stay on track. Adding 30 minutes of exercise each day will help burn calories.

  In some cases a change of medication is necessary, especially if weight loss will correct a life-threatening condition.