How can I avoid gaining weight on antidepressants?

In addition to talking to your physician, there are other steps that you can take to lessen weight gain that might be caused by antidepressants. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes may help you manage your weight effectively as you continue to treat your symptoms of depression.


Does everyone gain weight on antidepressants?

Weight gain is a possible side effect of nearly all antidepressants. However, each person responds to antidepressants differently. Some people gain weight when taking a certain antidepressant, while others don't.

Which antidepressants cause the most weight gain?

The antidepressants linked to the most weight gain include:
  • tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (brand name Elavil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil)
  • tetracyclic antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • SSRI paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)


How to lose weight while on antidepressants?

Switching to a Mediterranean diet - one which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish - may not only reverse the weight gain caused by your antidepressant but also help to treat the symptoms of your depression.

Why am I gaining so much weight on antidepressants?

Antidepressants interfere with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood while also controlling appetite. In particular, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts.”


Why do you gain weight with antidepressants and mood stabilizers?



How much weight gain is normal on antidepressants?

How much weight gain is typical? A quarter of those who take antidepressants gain 10 pounds or more, Naidoo estimates.

What percentage of people gain weight on antidepressants?

Weight gain is one of the potential side effects of antidepressant use, with some sources estimating that 25 percent of people using antidepressants experience an increase in weight.

Do people ever lose weight on antidepressants?

Weight changes can be a concern with antidepressants. While more antidepressants typically cause weight gain, a few can reduce appetite, and cause nausea, vomiting, or weight loss. This might be temporary until your body gets used to the medication.


Will I lose weight if I stop taking my antidepressants?

If you decrease your daily calorie intake as a result, you could potentially lose weight by stopping your antidepressants. On the other hand, if you experience loss of appetite with depression, and your depression comes back after stopping antidepressants, you may also lose weight.

Which antidepressant has the least weight gain?

A follow-up study found that ​​4.6% of SSRI users had gained weight within a four-year time frame. (Diabetes Care, 2010) A systematic review of all SSRIs found that Paroxetine was most likely to be associated with weight gain, while Bupropion and Nefazodone were the least likely to cause weight gain.

Which antidepressant is most likely to cause weight loss?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an atypical antidepressant, works by altering the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition to being the only antidepressant consistently associated with weight loss, it's also associated with fewer rates of sexual side effects and sexual dysfunction than SSRIs and SNRIs.


Do antidepressants cause permanent weight gain?

Researchers at King's College London found that all twelve of the leading antidepressants — including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro) — increased risk for weight gain for up to six years after starting treatment.

What is the best anxiety medication for weight loss?

Best anxiety meds that cause weight loss

These include: Bupropion (Wellbutrin; see Important Safety Information) Fluoxetine (Prozac; see Important Safety Information) Duloxetine (Cymbalta; see Important Safety Information)

Which SSRI doesn't cause weight gain?

The hoped-for weight-neutral side effect of Prozac was not realized. And unfortunately, most antidepressants that entered the market subsequently also had weight gain as a potential side effect although one, bupropion, (Wellbutrin) seems to cause less weight gain than other SSRI medications.


How do I stop taking Zoloft weight gain?

Maintain your normal eating habits.

Sertraline may affect your appetite, causing you to feel less satisfied by food than normal. To minimize weight gain, try to maintain your previous eating habits, such as food choices, portion sizes and meal timing.

How to lose weight on Lexapro?

What Can You Do About Weight Gain Caused By Lexapro?
  1. Modify Your Diet And Exercise Routine.
  2. Practice Mindful Eating.
  3. Consider Switching Medications And Alternative Treatment Options.


How do you reset your metabolism after antidepressants?

Some people may struggle with returning to pre-treatment weight after they stop taking antidepressants. Reasons for consideration include sleep pattern changes, food intake, and decreased muscle mass. Starting a new type of physical activity may help accelerate weight loss.


Does your body go back to normal after antidepressants?

In time, the brain readjusts and people should experience a return to their normal state. If depressive symptoms do arise and gradually worsen, it's best to consult a psychiatrist or doctor, if they don't improve within a few weeks or if they become severe.

What anxiety medication does not cause weight gain?

If used on a short-term basis of fewer than 6 months, the following SSRIs are unlikely to cause weight gain:
  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • sertraline (Zoloft)


Do antidepressants slow your metabolism?

Antidepressants commonly affect the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which is responsible for helping your digestive system. This interference with your levels of serotonin could potentially slow down the rate that your body processes fat and sugar and/or increase your desire for foods high in carbohydrates.


Does SSRI weight gain go away?

Once they start taking an antidepressant, however, they begin to feel better and as a result, their appetite may come back, they may eat more, and eventually return to their previous weight.

Does everyone gain weight on anxiety meds?

The majority of patients that take anti-anxiety medications will experience weight gain partially and fully due to side effects. An individual administering this medication could encounter constipation, bloating, fatigue, and as a result, weight gain.

How fast is weight loss on Wellbutrin?

How long does it take for Wellbutrin to work for weight loss? In people who lose weight as a side effect of Wellbutrin, it is possible to notice weight changes within eight weeks.


How common is weight loss with Wellbutrin?

Bupropion seems to be effective for weight-loss maintenance as well. A 2012 study found that obese adults who took bupropion SR (standard release) in 300mg or 400mg doses lost 7.2% and 10% of their body weight, respectively, over 24 weeks and maintained that weight loss at 48 weeks (Anderson, 2012).

How to not gain weight on Lexapro?

How can I avoid gaining weight on Lexapro?
  1. following a varied diet with plenty of fresh ingredients.
  2. avoiding high fat, high sugar foods.
  3. eating regular meals and healthy snacks.
  4. getting regular exercise.
  5. receiving counseling to help manage both depression and weight issues.
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