Which antidepressants are less likely to cause weight gain?

If you take antidepressant medications, you may notice some changes in your weight. But some people will not experience any changes at all.

If you notice any sudden change in your body weight after starting antidepressants, you should contact your doctor, as they can advise whether switching to a different medication would benefit you. They can also investigate any underlying causes of weight changes.

—————-

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Antidepressants with fewer side effects

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. This is because they usually have fewer side effects, including weight gain, than other medications. These include:

• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral)
• citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)
• paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat)
• escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)

Your doctor can recommend the most effective antidepressant therapy, which can mean introducing new lifestyle strategies. Lifestyle measures and medications prescribed by your healthcare team may also help you manage difficult mental health symptoms.

A 2018 review stated that other antidepressants that are less likely to cause weight gain include:

• bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• trazodone (Molipaxin)

How can antidepressants affect your weight?

Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressants. People typically experience a 5% increase in weight after starting antidepressant therapy.

Antidepressants interact with certain chemicals in your brain that may change your appetite. This may mean that you crave specific food types more frequently, which can cause weight gain.

SSRIs

SSRIs are often the first antidepressant a doctor will prescribe for depression or anxiety. They affect the amount of serotonin in your body. (Serotonin is a brain chemical that may affect mood.) Common SSRIs include:

• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat)
• escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)
• citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs work by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your body. (Like serotonin, norepinephrine is a brain chemical that may affect mood.) Examples include:

• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Doctors will typically prescribe TCAs if you have treatment-resistant depression. Some of these include:

• amitriptyline
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• doxepin
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs are prescribed for anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. These include:

• phenelzine (Nardil)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate)

A less common antidepressant medication is mirtazapine (Remeron). Doctors typically prescribe this medication for major depressive disorder, commonly known as depression.

If you feel uncomfortable starting antidepressant medication because of the effect it can have on your weight, your doctor may be able to recommend alternative options.

Once you’ve started taking antidepressants, it’s best not to stop taking them without talking with your doctor first. See the next section for more information.

You can learn more about antidepressant drugs here.

————-

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

When antidepressants affect your weight

A 2020 study reported that increased appetite is a direct side effect of antidepressant medications. If your new medication affects your weight, you may consider contacting your doctor for further advice.

If you experience significant weight gain, your doctor can prescribe a different antidepressant and investigate whether an underlying condition is causing weight changes.

You may also consider talking with a mental health professional. They can teach you to introduce thought and behavioral patterns that may help you manage these feelings.

If you experience weight gain, it is important not to suddenly stop taking your medication, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can occur when a person suddenly stops taking a medication they are dependent on. (With dependence, a person’s body becomes used to a drug and needs it to function as usual.)

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• dizziness
• confusion
• an increase in depression or anxiety
• nausea
• stomach cramps
• vertigo
• balance difficulties

Your doctor can advise you on weight management, but some ways you might try to manage this at home include:

• ensuring you get enough exercise
• getting enough sleep
• eating a balanced diet
• stopping smoking, if applicable

Sometimes the side effect of an increased appetite may be positive. As the medications start to work and you notice your mental health improving, you may regain enjoyment in certain activities, including consuming foods and drinks.

Summary

Weight gain is a common side effect of many antidepressant medications. However, you may not experience any weight changes. Your doctor and healthcare team know the side effects of the medications they prescribe, and they will recommend the most effective drug for your needs.

If you experience any sudden weight changes, you should contact your doctor. They can recommend a different treatment for your condition.

You should not suddenly stop taking antidepressants without contacting your doctor, as you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

—————

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.