Antidepressants and Weight Gain

Weight gain is reported as a side-effect of almost all antidepressants. It is relatively a common problem during acute as well as long-term treatment with antidepressants and it is considered to be an important contributing factor to non-compliance. However, it is not known clearly that how antidepressants medications lead to weight gain.

There are many ways by which antidepressants can cause weight gain.
Due to antidepressants, your metabolism slows down and by reducing your calorie intake or by exercising will not start it again.

Antidepressants can lead to hormonal changes which increases the appetite. Some antidepressants can sedate an individual and can make them more sedentary; they are cheery but are less aggravated to do anything.

Antidepressants can also cause mood swings which make it difficult for an individual to stick on to a discipline schedule. Some antidepressants such as Amytripyline and Celexa look like causing unexplained food cravings.
Side effects such as low blood pressure and dizziness can make difficult for a person to plan a disciplined exercise schedule.

Unexpected weight gain is capable of increasing the difficulties related with seizure disorders and psychiatric by further leading to low self-esteem and aggravating mood instability.

Perhaps the most usually prescribed antidepressants all over the world are the SSRIs i.e. the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. This includes Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft and Luvox. Primarily these drugs were marketed as aids to weight loss but later on it was realized that after a week or so of early weight loss, the body would start gaining weight. The normal weight gain that is assumed after taking these drugs is 15-16 pounds. Amongst all, Paxil is thought to cause most inexplicable weight gain.

If you take any of the drugs, prescribed for sleep and disorders including depression your physician will generally warn you that you can gain at least 20 pounds throughout a course of treatment.

Another antidepressant that can lead to weight gain but is not categorized in either of the group is Mitrazapine. This drug is also been related with considerable weight gain. Nova Trazadone, Wellbutrin and Effexor which are not categorized as SSRIs are amongst the antidepressants that can cause both extreme weight gain as well as weight loss.

To avoid weight gain, these types of antidepressants should never be taken altogether. If this is not possible for you then you may find the whole weight loss process to be very frustrating and uphill climb.

However, you should never stop taking any medication which your health care provider has prescribed you. If you feel that you are gaining weight, talk about it with your doctor and he or she may find a suitable alternative for you.