Anxiety Medication & Weight Loss
There are a variety of medications available for the treatment of anxiety, the majority of which have side effects that range from headaches to increases in appetite. There are several medications, however, that promote weight loss as well.
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Fluoxetine
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Commonly known as Prozac, Fluoxetine is used by patients who suffer from depression, panic disorder, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Prozac is an SSRI, or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Among the side effects people using Prozac have experienced are insomnia and nausea as well as significant weight loss.
Venlafaxine
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Called Effexor when prescribed, Venlafaxine is prescribed to people who have major depressive disorders, anxiety and panic disorders. It works by restoring the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, improving mood problems. While some patients being treated with Effexor have reported increases in their cholesterol levels, it has also caused decreased appetite and, as a result, weight loss in many people.
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Sertraline
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Similar to Venlafaxine, the SSRI Sertraline, or Zoloft, is used for the treatment of depression and panic disorders as well as social anxiety disorder, OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder. It restores the serotonin balance in the brain. No weight gain has been reported by taking Zoloft; some patients have lost weight through a loss of appetite and nausea.
Paroxetine
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The SSRI Paroxetine, or Paxil, is an antidepressant used to not only treat depression, but also OCD, anxiety disorders, PTSD and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD). While balancing the brain's serotonin levels, Paxil can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and changes in weight, most notably weight loss.
Alprazolam
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In a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, Alprazolam, or Xanax, slows down the movement of brain chemicals that have become unbalanced in persons with anxiety disorders, panic disorders and anxiety caused by depression. Some of the milder side effects of taking Xanax are irritability, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting and appetite changes that may lead to weight loss.
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