Which Prescription Drugs Cause Weight Gain?
Regardless of the amount of exercise and calorie restriction you endure, there are many prescription drugs that make losing stubborn pounds more difficult. Common drugs that cause weight gain include corticosteroids, antidepressants, most diabetes medications containing sulfonylureas, heartburn drugs such as Prevacid and Nexium, and the seizure drug Depakote. Find out how these drugs can be thwarting your weight-loss goals.
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Corticosteroids
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Corticosteroids are used to treat many illnesses such as skin rashes, asthma and lupus. Hydrocortisone, prednisone and cortisone are chemically similar to the hormones made in the adrenal glands. The side effects of these drugs are weight distribution to the back of the neck, face and abdomen. Also, fluid retention and general weight gain pose additional problems.
Antidepressants
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Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of almost all antidepressants, except Prozac and Wellbutrin. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants cause more weight gain than serotonin reuptake inhibitors. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who gain weight at the beginning of their antidepressant treatment are more likely to continue to gain weight through the course of treatment. The positive results of antidepressants may be a factor in weight gain. Mood improvement tends to cause people to eat more. Some people may have been misdiagnosed and actually have thyroid problems. Get your thyroid hormones checked out before going on an antidepressant.
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Diabetes Medications
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Diabetes medications are prescribed to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Insulin, sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones all lead to weight gain. This can pose a serious problem for those who need to lose weight to control their diabetes. Weight gain from insulin occurs when the medicine promotes a hypoglycemic reaction in the body, which stimulates appetite. Likewise, sulfonylurea drugs such as Glynase, Diabeta and Micronase cause hunger. Drugs that contain thiazolidinedione, such as Actos and Avandia, make fat cells store excess fatty acids, which enlarges the cells. You can also experience fluid retention by being on thiazolidinediones.
Depakote
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Depakote is prescribed to people with frequent migraines and epilepsy. It is also used as a mood stabilizer for individuals with bipolar disorder. Weight gain is the most common side effect of the medication. People can gain anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. It is important to have a weight loss plan ready before taking this medication.
Prevacid and Nexium
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Prevacid and Nexium are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. Both drugs react differently in people. Some people find themselves gaining weight, while others lose weight while on the medication. The best course of action is to try out these drugs and see how your body responds. Talk to your doctor about changing medication if you experience weight gain.
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