In most cases antidepressants are known to cause weight gain rather than weight loss. Several factors contribute to this, such as the tendency of antidepressants to increase appetite, as well as its effects on metabolism which causes the body to reduce the amount and speed at which calories are burnt.
However, there are several examples in recent generations of antidepressants that have been linked to weight loss, as a side effect rather than its true purpose. The use of antidepressants for the sole purpose of weight loss is not actually approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is definitely a factor considered by doctors while prescribing them to patients.
Understanding Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications prescribed to individuals with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) etc.
Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that can improve mood and emotion, and also disrupt pain signals. Antidepressants are effective against symptoms of mental illnesses but not the cause, which is why they are usually prescribed along with various forms of therapy.
Antidepressants are prescribed to people who may suffer from mental health issues or disorders such as depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder etc. In certain cases they may also be prescribed to patients suffering from chronic pain.
There is an evident link between antidepressants and weight fluctuation. Most antidepressants tend to cause weight gain due to its effects on increasing appetite and slowing metabolism. However, there are other forms of antidepressants that have been linked to weight loss in the initial stages, due to certain components in them that can cause loss of appetite and control hunger or cravings.
Do antidepressants cause weight loss?
Certain types of antidepressants are known to cause weight loss as a side effect from some key active ingredients such as bupropion, fluoxetine and duloxetine. As the body adjusts to the medication with continuous use, these side effects tend to stabilise, which slows down the process of weight loss. Moreover, use of antidepressant for long durations tends to cause weight gain rather than loss, due to increased appetite and slower metabolism.
Antidepressants that cause weight loss
Some of the antidepressants that are known to cause weight loss include:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that is also found in the weight loss medication Contrave. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, affecting the hypothalamus and thereby reducing appetite and controlling hunger and cravings.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety and OCD. It is known to have short-term weight loss effects due to reduced appetite and increased energy. These effects are usually most seen in the initial stages of treatment, and they are not usually seen in people who take them in low doses for longer periods of time.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta): It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can cause nausea and loss of appetite in patients especially in the early stages of treatment, which in turn leads to modest weight loss. The weight loss only lasts for a short time, and most patients report weight gain in the later stages of treatment. Other than for mental health issues, it can also be prescribed for chronic pain conditions.
- Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is often prescribed for depression, anxiety, PTSD and OCD. Initial stages of treatment may show some weight loss due to appetite suppression and increased activity, but with long-term use weight gain is usually noted in most patients.
How to prevent weight loss while on antidepressants?
Those who require antidepressants but may be of normal weight or below, do not need to lose weight as it can be harmful for them. Therefore it is recommended that they combine medication with a nutritious and balanced diet.
Such a diet should have lesser fat, salt and sugar content as these can increase cholesterol and blood sugar. Diets including fruits, vegetables, whole grain starches and carbohydrates, full-fat dairy, protein-rich nuts and meats are most effective to maintain a healthy body weight. Alternatively, protein shakes are a good way to increase calorie intake.
Are antidepressants ever prescribed for weight loss?
Antidepressants are not typically prescribed for the sole purpose of weight loss. Usually weight loss is a side effect of certain types of antidepressants and lasts only in the initial stages of treatment.
In the long run, most antidepressants tend to cause weight gain rather than weight loss. Antidepressants also may have other side effects that can be severe and harmful. There are other medications which can be specifically prescribed to those who struggle with obesity or weight loss.
Conclusion
Antidepressants are mainly prescribed to those who suffer from depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health issues, along with various types of therapy. Certain antidepressant medications have shown the possibility of causing weight loss, especially in the initial stages of treatment.
This weight loss is usually caused by nausea-induced vomiting, suppression or loss of appetite, hunger control, and impulse or craving control. These side effects tend to last only for a short time; if and when taken for long durations antidepressants can actually lead to gradual weight gain.
A healthy body weight can be maintained with the help of a well-balanced diet including healthy fats, carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, and vegetables, along with regular physical movement. It is not recommended for antidepressants to be used for weight loss alone.
FAQs
Antidepressants can cause weight gain when used for a long period of time, due to increased appetite, lesser physical activity and slower metabolism.
Weight loss is noted to be one of the side effects of taking antidepressants, especially in the early stages of treatment. However, this side effect does not last long and usually subsides later in the treatment process.
The most common antidepressant medications that can cause weight loss are bupropion, fluoxetine and duloxetine. Among these, bupropion tends to cause the most weight loss and is also prescribed for weight management in other forms.
Wellbutrin, Prozac and Cymbalta are common antidepressants that are known to cause weight loss. Additionally, a drug named Effexor (venlafaxine) is also known to cause quick weight loss.
The medication Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, and can cause significant weight loss due to its bupropion component which is typically found in weight management medication as well.
It is not recommended to take antidepressants for long durations for the sole purpose of weight loss. It is best to consult a doctor to receive prescriptions for weight management medications, as antidepressants can cause weight gain in the long run.
