Antidepressants and their potential impact on weight loss, plus a look at various medications' side effects.
In the treatment of conditions such as depression and anxiety, antidepressants are commonly prescribed. However, some of these medications can have an impact on a person's weight.
Some antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline (Pamelor), trazodone (Desyrel), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), are more likely to cause weight gain. This can be a concern in clinical use, as weight gain is a side effect experienced by about 10-20% of people on antidepressants, usually ranging from 2 to 7 pounds on average.
By contrast, fluoxetine (Prozac), duloxetine, and bupropion (Wellbutrin) tend to have less risk of weight gain compared to others. Fluoxetine is an SSRI known for having a relatively lower association with weight gain; in fact, it may cause less weight gain than some SSRIs like paroxetine. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is generally considered to have a moderate effect on weight, not strongly linked to significant weight gain. Bupropion, classified as an atypical antidepressant and often used as Wellbutrin, is unique in that it is more likely to be associated with weight loss or minimal weight gain, making it less likely to cause weight gain than traditional SSRIs or tricyclics.
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall health. People who are of low or moderate weight should maintain a nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily, whole grain starches and carbohydrates with every meal, full-fat dairy, fish, eggs, poultry, meat, or other protein sources. Snacks can include nuts, peanut butter toast, yogurt, or fruit. For those who need to increase their calorie intake, milkshakes with protein powder can be a good option.
If weight gain becomes a concern while on antidepressants, it is important to contact the prescribing doctor. In some cases, adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication may help. It is also crucial to remember that the potential weight change effects are considered when prescribing antidepressants, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve antidepressants for weight loss.
Anti-obesity medications, such as phentermine, lorcaserin, topiramate, naltrexone, and liraglutide (Saxenda), can be prescribed to help people with obesity lose weight. If other side effects worsen or cause concern, a person should make an appointment with a doctor. In the case of serious side effects, immediate medical attention should be sought by calling 911 or visiting the emergency room.
It is important to note that rare side effects that require immediate medical attention include suicidal thoughts, confusion, agitation, muscle twitching, seizure, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness. If someone under the age of 25 years is taking antidepressants, they may be at risk of suicidal thoughts.
In conclusion, fluoxetine, duloxetine, and especially bupropion tend to have less impact on increasing weight than other antidepressants such as paroxetine, mirtazapine, and amitriptyline. This may influence clinician choice depending on the patient's concerns around weight. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day, but not directly before a meal, is also recommended for overall health.
Antidepressants like mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline, trazodone, and MAOIs can potentially lead to weight gain, affecting about 10-20% of people, usually between 2 to 7 pounds. In contrast, fluoxetine, duloxetine, and bupropion have fewer weight gain risks. Fluoxetine is known for a reduced association with weight gain, while bupropion is more likely to cause weight loss or minimal weight gain.
Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition is vital for overall health. This involves consuming 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily, whole grain starches and carbohydrates with every meal, full-fat dairy, fish, eggs, poultry, meat, or other protein sources, as well as snacks such as nuts, peanut butter toast, yogurt, or fruit.
If weight gain becomes a significant concern while on antidepressants, it's crucial to consult the prescribing doctor for possible dosage adjustments or medication changes. It should be noted that FDA does not approve antidepressants for weight loss.
Anti-obesity medications like phentermine, lorcaserin, topiramate, naltrexone, and liraglutide can assist people with obesity in losing weight. However, anyone experiencing worsening side effects should consult a doctor.
Weight change effects are considered during antidepressant prescription, but it's essential to remember that rare side effects such as suicidal thoughts, confusion, agitation, muscle twitching, seizure, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness may occur. Individuals under the age of 25 may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts when taking antidepressants.
Bupropion is unique among antidepressants for its minimal weight gain risks, which can be a significant factor in clinical use. The choice of antidepressant may depend on a person's concerns about weight.
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day, not directly before a meal, is important for overall health. This recommendation can be applied in the context of health-and-wellness, mental-health, nutrition, and weight-management.
There are various diseases associated with weight gain, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis. Meanwhile, diseases like multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease may have weight loss as a symptom.
While antidepressants and anti-obesity medications play essential roles in disease management, science continues to research better treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, and several chronic diseases. These advancements in science aim to improve our understanding of these diseases, harness the potential of personalized medicine, and develop predictive models for future studies.
In the case of rare but potentially life-threatening side effects, immediate medical attention is necessary by calling 911 or visiting the emergency room. This decision should be made based on the contextual understanding of the situation and the individual's health condition.
Lastly, it's crucial to retarget and reevaluate the treatment approach if a medication's side effects become intolerable or the condition does not improve, working closely with healthcare professionals to find the most suitable options for overall health and well-being.
