Three antidepressants that are less likely to cause weight gain are Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Effexor (venlafaxine).
Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an atypical antidepressant, works by altering the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. In addition to being the only antidepressant consistently associated with weight loss, it's also associated with fewer rates of sexual side effects and sexual dysfunction than SSRIs and SNRIs.
Best anxiety meds that cause weight loss
Bupropion (Wellbutrin; see Important Safety Information) Fluoxetine (Prozac; see Important Safety Information) Duloxetine (Cymbalta; see Important Safety Information)
“When comparing all antidepressants, bupropion [Wellbutrin] is the least likely to cause weight gain and, in most cases, will be weight neutral or cause weight loss over time. Alternatively, mirtazapine [Remeron] is most widely implicated in weight gain as a side effect.”
Bupropion was associated with the least amount of weight gain, close to none. Two others that also appeared to have less weight gain were amitriptyline and nortriptyline. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline are older drugs.
While some individuals may experience weight loss as a side effect of taking Zoloft, it's not the case for everyone. In fact, weight changes associated with Zoloft tend to vary from person to person. Some individuals may notice slight weight fluctuations, while others may experience no significant changes at all.
Weight changes can occur when taking Lexapro, but they are not usually dramatic. In some cases, weight loss may occur. A doctor may monitor a child taking this drug for reduced growth rates and insufficient weight gain.
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
Some popular examples of weight loss pills are Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER), and phentermine (Adipex-P). Some clinical studies suggest that Qsymia is the most effective weight loss pill.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft and Lustral) are two antidepressants often less likely to cause weight gain.
Increasing both aerobic exercise and strength training, ideally four times a week for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes, can increase muscle tone and metabolism and reduce fat stores. Regular exercise has also been shown to reduce risk for depression relapse when combined with a stable medication regimen.
Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs seem to alter appetite by inhibiting serotonin-based regulation of the appetite function. A persistent need to eat remains after the stomach is full of food, along with cravings for carbohydrate snacks.
Introduction: Using fluoxetine is one of many weight loss strategies. A serotonin reuptake inhibitor indicated for depression believed to impact weight control by changing an individual's appetite; however, its benefit-risk ratio is unclear.
Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac) is least likely to cause weight gain.
Medications associated with weight loss include antibiotics, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, sedatives, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antiretrovirals, anticonvulsants, antifungals, antidiabetics, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and alkylating agents.
SSRIs are the most widely prescribed type of antidepressants. They're usually preferred over other antidepressants, as they cause fewer side effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Examples of commonly used SSRI antidepressants are paroxetine (Seroxat), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Cipramil). They help increase the level of a natural chemical in your brain called serotonin, which is thought to be a "good mood" chemical.
Ritalin in the brain
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of dopamine released in the striatum, a key region in the brain related to motivation, action and cognition.
According to research, approximately half of the people who take Lexapro may experience weight gain of 7% or more while taking this medication [2]. Gaining weight unexpectedly and struggling to lose it can worsen self-esteem, anxiety, and depression [3], which ultimately defeats the purpose of taking Lexapro.
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Lexapro may cause weight gain because it blocks the serotonin transporter, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain, but also increases appetite and decreases metabolism.
Lexapro weight gain can be a common side effect, but it doesn't impact everyone who takes this medication. Multiple studies conclude that SSRIs like Lexapro can result in weight gain. However, it varies from person to person depending on individual factors such as age, lifestyle habits, diet, and activity level.
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In children, weight loss has been reported with Zoloft possibly due to side effects like nausea or loss of appetite. In 281 children treated with Zoloft, at least 2% reported decreased weight, at a rate that was twice that of placebo (an inactive pill).
That being said, a 2015 study published in General Hospital Psychiatry found that both Lexapro and Zoloft—as well as other antidepressant medications—could lead to weight gain. While head-to-head comparisons for Zoloft vs Lexapro are not available, studies suggest that both can cause weight gain when taken long-term.
Energy levels. Another possibility for Zoloft weight gain is that certain types of depression medications interfere with energy balance. For some people, antidepressant treatment may cause them to become less active and burn fewer calories than they usually would.