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)
Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac) is least likely to cause weight gain.
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.
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.
According to research, Lexapro treatment may cause your body to burn less calories by slowing down your metabolism or affect your appetite by causing you to crave certain foods (e.g., carbohydrates) and overeat [5].
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.
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.
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The weight gain experienced with Lexapro is a lot less than that reported with other antidepressants such as paroxetine, mirtazapine, or doxepin but more than fluoxetine. This equated to an average weight gain of approximately 0.65kg (less than 1/3 of a pound) over 12 weeks in one study.
The antidepressants linked to the most weight gain include: tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (brand name Elavil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
A second therapeutic candidate, LYT-310 (oral cannabidiol), is expected to enter the clinic in Q4 of 2023. A second therapeutic candidate, LYT-310 (oral cannabidiol), is expected to enter the clinic in Q4 of 2023.
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 interfere with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood while also controlling appetite. In particular, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts.”
The antidepressants with the highest risk of causing weight gain are amitriptyline, citalopram, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, paroxetine, and phenelzine.
The SSRI fluoxetine (Prozac) and the SNRI duloxetine (Cymbalta) can lead to a decrease in appetite and slight weight loss during the first months of treatment. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which works by blocking norepinephrine and dopamine, may also have this effect.
Weight gain is a possible side effect of nearly all antidepressants. However, each person responds to antidepressants differently. Some people gain weight when taking a certain antidepressant, while others don't.
Share on Pinterest Doctors advise against drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro. Doctors usually do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro or any other antidepressant. This guidance is because alcohol can make depression worse and can counteract the benefits of a person taking antidepressants.
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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).
Physical activity and diet
Arguably the best natural method to prevent weight gain from antidepressants is to exercise. You already know how 1p physical and mental health benefits you stand to gain from exercising. But if you've never had any reason to prioritize it, it's so worth considering at this point.
The table below lists prescription drugs approved by the FDA for weight loss. The FDA has approved five of these drugs—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), and semaglutide (Wegovy)—for long-term use.