Antidepressants for Weight Loss
Antidepressants are used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any antidepressants for weight loss. The best way to lose weight is by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. If you are about to begin taking an antidepressant to treat depression or if you are already taking one, you may want to ask your doctor to take into account weight issues when deciding which medication to prescribe.
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Types
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Antidepressants are divided into several categories, based on their method of action in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the neurotransmitter serotonin. Drugs in this category include Prozac (fluxoetine hydrochloride), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Remeron (mirtazapine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Serzone (nefazodone).
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. They include Effexor (venlafaxine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). Tricyclic antidepressants also increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels and include Elavil (amitriptyline) and Tofranil (imipramine).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) prevent serotonin and norepinephrine from breaking down in the brain, meaning that their levels become higher. This category includes Parnate (tranylcypromine) and Nardil (phenelzine).
Other antidepressants are also available, such as Welbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine), which is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Weight Loss
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A small number of antidepressants, including Prozac and Wellbutrin, may cause weight loss. Prozac's side effects include appetite loss, diarrhea and nausea, which may be the reason for the weight loss. The weight loss is usually small, temporary and seen in few patients. Prozac also has been reported to cause weight gain.
Weight loss on Wellbutrin may stem from this drug's effects on levels of dopamine, which controls energy, appetite and motivation. Its side effects also include nausea and vomiting, which may be the cause of weight loss.
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Weight Gain
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Most antidepressants cause weight gain. About 25 percent of people taking SSRIs will see a weight gain of at least 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), according to Web MD. Mostly, this occurs in people who take the drugs for six months or more. Tricyclics and MAO inhibitors also can lead to weight gain. MAO inhibitors are not often prescribed because of their potential side effects.
Weight Neutral
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Some antidepressants, such as Celexa, Luvox and Zoloft, are considered to be weight neutral for most people, meaning they don't cause weight loss or gain.
Warning
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Take all medications only under a doctor's supervision. Each person is different and a doctor must tailor the plan for treating your depression to meet your needs.
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