Ssri that causes weight loss

Can antidepressants cause weight loss? Types and side effects

Antidepressants are effective for treating mental health conditions, but they can affect body weight. Although most antidepressants can cause weight gain, a few may lead to weight loss.

Doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are second-generation antidepressants. They generally have fewer serious side effects and better tolerability than first-generation antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

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.

This article explores the link between antidepressants and weight change. It also outlines other side effects and explains how to prevent weight loss.

Weight gain is a more common side effect of antidepressants than weight loss. A 2019 review of 27 studies found that, on average, individuals experience a 5% increase in weight after starting antidepressant therapy.

Various factors could cause a person to gain weight. The possible causes include:

Some antidepressants increase appetite, so a person may consume more calories than their body needs.
When a person feels depressed, they may become less active and burn fewer calories than they consume.
Antidepressants may affect metabolism, causing the body to burn calories more slowly.

Some antidepressants may contribute to weight loss by decreasing a person’s appetite, leading them to consume fewer calories than they burn. In addition, mental health symptoms can affect a person’s eating habits and activity levels, and treating the underlying condition may lessen or stop these effects.

Learn about how many calories a person needs.

A few antidepressants cause no weight gain or lead to weight loss. These include:

Bupropion: In a 2016 study, participants who did not smoke lost an average of 7.1 pounds (lb) after 2 years of treatment with bupropion compared with those taking fluoxetine. However, those who smoked gained 2.2 lb on average.
Fluoxetine: A 2022 review found that in adults with overweight or obesity, taking 60 milligrams (mg) of fluoxetine daily can lead to an average weight loss of 2.7 kilograms (kg) — equivalent to almost 6 lb — during the first 6 months of treatment. There is no weight loss effect for people taking low dosages for a longer duration.
Duloxetine: An older 2006 study found that people taking duloxetine for major depressive disorder lost weight in the short term but gained a small amount during longer-term treatment.

It is common for side effects such as weight loss to stabilize as the body adjusts to the medication.

A 2018 study found that the use of antidepressants was associated with weight gain over at least 5 years.

The noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) mirtazapine (Remeron) is most likely to cause weight gain. It is an atypical antidepressant. A 2016 study involving 36 people taking mirtazapine found that these participants gained an average of 11.6 pounds after 2 years.

The following SSRIs may cause weight gain:

paroxetine (Paxil)
sertraline (Zoloft)
citalopram (Celexa)

Although it may result in weight loss for some people, fluoxetine (Prozac) can also cause weight gain in others. The effect of this drug on body weight may be dependent on the dosage a person receives and the duration of their treatment.

These older antidepressants may also cause weight gain:

amitriptyline
imipramine
nortriptyline (Pamelor)
trazodone (Desyrel)
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Learn more about antidepressants that can cause weight gain.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve antidepressants for weight loss, so doctors do not prescribe them for this use. However, doctors do consider the potential weight change effects of medications when prescribing them.

Doctors can prescribe anti-obesity medications to help people with obesity lose weight. The options include:

phentermine (Adipex-P)
lorcaserin (Belviq)
topiramate (Topamax)
naltrexone (Revia)
liraglutide (Saxenda)

People with a low or moderate weight do not need to lose weight, and excessive weight loss can be harmful. To maintain a weight within the healthy range, a person should eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

This involves avoiding or limiting foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, as they can increase the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood glucose.

Instead, a person should try to eat meals and snacks consisting of:

5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily
whole grain starches and carbohydrates with every meal, including oatmeal, potatoes, cereals, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and whole grain bread
full-fat dairy
fish, eggs, poultry, meat, or other protein sources

6–8 glasses of water per day, but not directly before a meal, as this may limit how much a person feels able to eat

Milkshakes with protein powder are a good way to boost calorie intake. People can also snack on nuts, peanut butter toast, yogurt, or fruit between meals.

Antidepressants may cause side effects for some people. The type and severity can depend on factors such as age, gender, and other health conditions. The side effects may lessen as the body adjusts to the medication.

The most common side effects include:

nausea
vomiting
weight gain
diarrhea
sleepiness
sexual dysfunction
headaches
dry mouth
sweating
vision changes
constipation
sleeping problems

The following side effects are rare and require immediate medical attention:

suicidal thoughts
confusion, agitation, and muscle twitching
seizure
irregular heartbeat
unconsciousness

If someone experiences serious side effects, they should call 911 or visit the emergency room.

If other side effects worsen or cause concern, a person should make an appointment with a doctor.

People under the age of 25 years are most at risk of suicidal thoughts when they first begin taking antidepressants. It may be wise for an individual to tell a friend or family member that they are on antidepressants so that this loved one can check in from time to time.

If antidepressants are causing concerning weight loss, it is important to contact the prescribing doctor.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

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Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressants, but a few medications may cause weight loss instead. These medications include bupropion, fluoxetine, and duloxetine.

Some antidepressants may affect appetite, leading to weight changes. A person may also change their activity levels and eating habits due to mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

Weight changes often happen in the initial months of treatment, with a person’s weight stabilizing as their body adjusts.

Doctors do not prescribe antidepressants specifically for weight loss, but they will consider an individual’s health needs when selecting a medication.

Antidepressants may cause various side effects. If a person experiences worrying or serious side effects, they should seek medical attention.

Antidepressants that Cause Weight Loss: What You Need To Know

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed, FDA-approved medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and other related mental health disorders.

Though antidepressants can be effective at treating these conditions, they can also cause a range of side effects, including weight loss.

In this article, I’ll describe what antidepressants are, their effect on weight, and which antidepressants are known to cause weight gain or weight loss.

Finally, I’ll explain whether antidepressants have ever been prescribed specifically for weight loss and whether you can safely prevent weight loss due to antidepressants.

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What are Antidepressants?

Over 264 million people worldwide live with depression and an estimated 40 million people in the U.S. experience an anxiety disorder in any given year.

Thankfully, both anxiety and depression can be treated with antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, or a combination of treatment modalities.

Antidepressants are a popular prescription treatment for several mental health conditions, including:

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Most antidepressants work by affecting chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

There are five main classes of antidepressants which affect these neurotransmitters in different ways:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are often the first-line treatment prescribed by doctors for depression and anxiety. SSRI medications generally cause fewer side effects and are less likely to cause problems at higher therapeutic doses than other types of antidepressants. As suggested by their name, SSRIs work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Examples of SSRI medications include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and vilazodone (Viibryd).
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples of SNRI medications are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
Tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants can cause more side effects than SSRIs or SNRIs. For this reason, doctors will generally prescribe tricyclic antidepressants only if previous prescriptions of SSRIs or SNRIs failed to improve symptoms, or for specific symptoms for which they are known to be more effective. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline, doxepin, and desipramine (Norpramin).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Like tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs are generally prescribed only if other medications have failed to work. MAOI use can have serious side effects and must be supported by a strict diet, as interactions with some foods—including certain cheeses, pickles and wines—can be dangerous or even fatal. MAOIs cannot be combined with SSRIs. Examples of MAOIs include tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), and isocarboxazid (Marplan).
Atypical antidepressants: Antidepressants that don’t fit into the other four classes of medication are grouped into this category. Some common examples of atypical antidepressants include trazodone, mirtazapine (Remeron), vortioxetine (Trintellix), and bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL).

If you’re prescribed an antidepressant medication, be sure to take it only as directed by your doctor.

Don’t take a different dose than what was prescribed and don’t take it for a longer or shorter period of time than recommended by your doctor.

Once you’ve been prescribed an antidepressant, keep in mind that it may take two to eight weeks for the medication to start taking effect.

Some mild side effects can occur within the first two weeks of starting the medication, but many will resolve after that.

Can Antidepressants Cause Weight Loss?

Most antidepressant medications are more commonly associated with weight gain, but there are three that have been connected to weight loss:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Studies on the effect of fluoxetine (Prozac) on weight are varied, with only some people experiencing weight loss. And while it may cause weight loss in the short-term, but after six months or longer can lead to an increase in weight.

Similarly, the research on the impact of duloxetine (Cymbalta) on weight loss is unclear. Duloxetine can decrease appetite, which can lead to weight loss in some people. However, research has yet to show a compelling and consistent connection between duloxetine (Cymbalta) and weight loss.

Of these three medications, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most consistently associated with weight loss.

Several studies, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies, found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) was the only commonly used antidepressant associated with weight loss.

In the analysis, all of the antidepressants caused an average increase in body weight of 5%, except for bupropion (Wellbutrin).

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.

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Which Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

Though most antidepressants can cause weight gain as side effect, some antidepressants seem more likely to cause weight gain than others, including:

Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Pareva)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)

The effect of SSRIs on weight is mixed.

Despite the fact that many SSRIs cause weight loss during short-term treatment, other studies show that these drugs may cause long-term weight gain. The effects of these drugs will need continued study before we know more.

Why Do Antidepressants Affect Weight?

There are different theories as to why antidepressants affect weight.

Some believe that the medication’s impact on neurotransmitters in the brain have an indirect impact on metabolism.

Others believe that weight gain or weight loss is an indirect side effect of the medications’ efficacy or inefficacy of treating the condition.

For example, some people use food and overeating to cope with anxiety and depression.

In this case, when they start antidepressant medication, they no longer feel the need to eat emotionally, which can lead to weight loss.

The opposite reaction is possible, too. For people who lose their appetite as a result of their depression, effective treatment for their symptoms may help their appetite return, causing a modest weight gain.

Have Antidepressants Ever Been Prescribed for Weight Loss?

Neither weight loss nor weight gain is a guarantee when taking antidepressants.

Like many medications, side effects can vary depending on the patient. Additionally, antidepressant medications have not been approved for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Finally, antidepressants can cause rare but serious side effects, including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Agitation
Confusion
Fever
Fainting
Hallucinations
Changes in blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Tremors
Seizures

With these potential serious side effects in mind, antidepressants are not prescribed for weight loss.

If you’re looking for antidepressants that cause weight loss, perhaps you should consider K Health’s online weight management program instead, with medications designed specifically to support weight loss.

How to Prevent Weight Loss Due to Antidepressants

When taken as directed, antidepressants can be effective in treating both depression and anxiety.

If you lose an excessive amount of weight after starting an antidepressant, talk to your doctor about the medication’s benefits and side effects.

If the benefits don’t outweigh the weight loss side effects, you can also ask if adjusting the dose—or switching medications—might be helpful. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before making such a decision.

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K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Anxiety Facts and Statistics. (2020).
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
Antidepressant utilisation and incidence of weight gain during 10 years’ follow-up: population based cohort study. (2018).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964332/
Is increased antidepressant exposure a contributory factor to the obesity pandemic? (2016).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4872449/
Bupropion: A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant. (2016).
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2045125316629071
Depression. (2020).
https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review. (2019).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524318/
What is Anxiety and Depression? (n.d.).
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety

Sudden weight loss

Sudden weight loss may be a sign of a serious illness.

Weight fluctuations of 1-2 kilograms are normal. But if you have lost more than 5% of your original weight, and this is in no way explained by changes in your diet and lifestyle, you should be wary and undergo a medical examination.

A person loses weight when the organs of our body - the brain, heart, muscles - no longer have enough nutrients for normal work, and they send a signal to the adipose tissue that it is time to use additional resources. In response to this signal, fat cells begin lipolysis - the breakdown of fat - and provide the body with the necessary energy.

Reason for weight loss: DEPRESSION

One of the most common causes of sudden weight loss is depression. Depressed people have impaired taste perception. Any food seems tasteless, appetite decreases. In addition, neurosis and depression are often accompanied by an exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis. Discomfort after eating aggravates the symptoms.

What to do? If, in addition to losing weight, you notice that you have a constant bad mood, apathy, lethargy and lethargy, contact a psychotherapist. Only a qualified specialist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Signs of anorexia in a woman. The disease usually begins on the background of normal nutrition, but every day the patient eats less and less. The reason for this, in her opinion, is the excessive fullness of her arms and legs. The less she eats, the less she wants to eat, and even becoming like a skeleton, she still sees herself as fat and is horrified at the seeming weight gain. She will be reluctant to undress in front of anyone to hide her weight loss. In order to escape the pressure of loved ones and normal nutrition, she will hide and throw away food or make herself vomit after eating. Such patients often take large amounts of laxatives, mistakenly believing that this will help them maintain their reduced weight.

With increasing weight loss, most women with anorexia stop menstruating. The skin becomes yellowish, a gentle fluff appears on the body. Without proper treatment, many sufferers develop severe depression and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.

Reason for weight loss: HORMONAL DISORDERS

Thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and pancreatic hormones are responsible for the intensity of metabolism in the body, so problems with these endocrine organs are immediately reflected in weight. In patients with hyperthyroidism and type 1 diabetes, body weight decreases despite increased appetite. Such diseases are accompanied by weakness, dry skin, increased heart rate and mood disorders.

What to do? Be sure to visit an endocrinologist and get tested for thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4). Blood tests are also needed: general and glucose.

Reason for weight loss: Gastrointestinal DISEASES

Some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract cause weight loss. In the "list of suspects" enterocolitis, atrophic gastritis and celiac disease. These diseases lead to atrophy of the lining of the stomach and intestines, resulting in impaired absorption of nutrients, and this leads to weight loss. Symptoms can vary: pain, bloating, a feeling of heaviness, diarrhea or constipation. The lack of vitamins and microelements can manifest itself in the form of anemia, dry skin, brittle nails, bleeding gums.

What to do? Address to the gastroenterologist. Most likely, he will prescribe a gastroscopy and fecal analysis in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Cause of weight loss: Diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder

Weight loss in chronic pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. Due to these diseases, digestion is disturbed and the body loses the ability to absorb certain nutrients. Patients feel discomfort after eating, nausea, diarrhea appear, with cholecystitis - pain in the right hypochondrium. The stool changes consistency and acquires a greasy sheen.

What to do? Consult with a gastroenterologist. It is necessary to do an ultrasound of the abdominal organs and pass a stool test. Follow a diet: exclude fatty and spicy foods from the diet, eat little and often.

Reason for weight loss: INFECTIONS AND PARASITES

Weight loss can be a sign of serious viral diseases. Hepatitis C or HIV can develop for a long time without significant symptoms, and often it is weight loss that is the first sign of the disease.

Tuberculosis can be another reason for weight loss. Patients lose their appetite, in addition, the body spends a lot of energy to fight the infectious agent. In addition to weight loss, the classic signs of pulmonary tuberculosis are a prolonged cough with sputum production, as well as a prolonged rise in temperature above 37 ° C, general weakness and night sweats.

A person can lose weight dramatically if helminths or parasitic protozoa, such as Giardia, have settled in the intestines. Infection may be accompanied by nausea, bloating, stool disorders, and skin rashes or fever.

What to do? Self-diagnosis is useless, you need to contact a therapist or infectious disease specialist. Depending on your symptoms, you may be prescribed a chest x-ray, stool test, and various blood tests.

Cause of weight loss: oncology and blood diseases

Oncological diseases are often accompanied by significant weight loss and worsening of the general condition of patients - cancer cachexia. Patients lose their appetite, the perception of taste is disturbed. There are metabolic pathologies - muscle mass and the volume of adipose tissue decrease even with good nutrition. In addition, psychological factors can cause weight loss: patients with a recently confirmed diagnosis lose weight due to developing depression. Chemotherapy also leads to temporary weight loss.

Weight loss is one of the main symptoms of lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. In addition to weight loss, these diseases are evidenced by painless enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin. With leukemia, weight loss is also observed.

What to do? Constant weakness, fatigue, prolonged fever are symptoms that should alert you. You need to visit a general practitioner who can refer you to the right specialist - an oncologist or a hematologist. It will be necessary to pass a general and biochemical blood tests, make an x-ray. If lymphoma or lymphogranulomatosis is suspected, computed tomography of the chest and abdominal cavity, a biopsy of the lymph nodes are prescribed, and a puncture of the pelvic bone is performed to exclude leukemia.

Which doctors to contact if weight loss occurs :

Changes that occur in the body during weight loss cause serious disorders of the digestive system, metabolism, weaken the immune defense, cause dysfunction of the endocrine glands, therefore, when the first signs of a symptom appear urgently need to contact a general practitioner (therapist, pediatrician, family doctor).

You may also need medical advice:

Endocrinologist
oncologist
Gastroenterologist
Psychologist
Infectious disease specialist
Rheumatologist
Phthisian

with the exclusion of organic pathology and confirmation of the diagnosis of “Neurogenic anorexia”, which is required to examine a psychiatrist.

N.A. Semashko Clinical Hospital

Reception department

Weight loss antidepressants - Weight Management

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please contact your doctor. Articles in the Health Guide are based on peer-reviewed research and information from medical societies and government agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

If you have been prescribed an antidepressant, you may be curious about its potential effect on weight, especially if it causes weight gain or loss. Here's what the study says about how antidepressant use can affect what you see on the scale.

Do some antidepressants cause weight loss?

There are over a dozen antidepressants commonly prescribed. But only one has been consistently linked to weight loss in studies: bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin).

K A 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies looking at antidepressants and weight gain found that antidepressant use can increase body weight by an average of 5%, excluding bupropion, which was associated with weight loss (Alonso-Pedrero, 2019).

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Another 2016 study looked at the long-term weight loss effects of various antidepressants and found that non-smokers taking bupropion lost 7.1 pounds in two years. (This effect was not observed in smokers.) Users of other antidepressants in the study gained weight (Arterburn, 2016).

Bupropion also helps support weight loss. A 2012 study found that obese adults who took bupropion SR (standard release) at doses of 300 or 400 mg lost 7.2% and 10% of their body weight, respectively, at 24 weeks and retained most of that weight loss at 48 weeks. (Anderson, 2012).

In fact, bupropion is part of the popular weight loss drug naltrexone-bupropion (brand name Contrave), approved by the FDA to treat overweight or obesity.

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Why do antidepressants affect weight?

Experts are not exactly sure. The effect of antidepressants on weight, according to one study, is only partially understood and poorly described (Gafoor, 2018).

In a very broad sense, antidepressants act on various chemicals, neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain. This changes the level of exposure of these neurotransmitters to the brain. Ideally, this improves mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In some cases, not ideally, these effects seem to cause metabolic changes that lead to weight gain.

For example: Bupropion is a drug known as an NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor). It prevents the brain from absorbing free-floating norepinephrine (aka adrenaline) and dopamine (also known as the feel-good hormone). When they are not reabsorbed quickly, adrenaline and dopamine stay and act on the brain for longer. This can affect metabolism and appetite, leading to weight loss.

Some antidepressants affect histamine and serotonin, which regulate appetite (Gill, 2020). Others act on neurotransmitters and receptors that are associated with weight gain (David, 2016). Some of these drugs, mostly first-generation tricyclic antidepressants, can change the way the body metabolizes lipids (fats) and glucose (blood sugar) (Hasnain, 2012; David, 2016).

However, weight gain or loss is far from guaranteed with antidepressants.

Fear of gaining weight should not prevent you from taking antidepressants if you need them. If you are concerned about weight gain, check with your doctor. Effective solutions may include adjusting diet, increasing exercise, or, in some cases, changing medications.

Weight loss diets: what are the most effective?

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Symptoms of depression

Latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) defines major depressive disorder (MDD) as two or more weeks of five of the following symptoms that cause problems with social, occupational, or other activities:

Depressed
Decreased interest or pleasure in activities
Weight loss or weight gain or increased or decreased appetite
Insomnia or too much sleep
Slow movement, fidgetiness or restlessness
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness
Problems concentrating or making decisions
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (DSM, 2013) 9003

Treating depression

In some cases, depression may have a medical cause, such as hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, low testosterone, or drug side effects. The health care provider can diagnose and treat them.

Unfortunately, most depression is not caused by a medical problem. For depression without a medical cause, medications and psychotherapy are the main treatments.

Antidepressants

The most common antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include fluoxetine (brand name Prozac), sertraline (brand name Zoloft), paroxetine (brand name Paxil), and escitalopram (brand name Lexapro).

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are also commonly prescribed, including venlafaxine (brand name Effexor), duloxetine (brand name Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (brand name Pristiq).

Talk to your doctor to find the right medicine for you.

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Therapy

Studies show that antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are about equally effective in treating depression. However, CBT may have longer lasting effects and prevent relapse (Hollon, 2005). During CBT, therapists encourage patients to replace negative, unhelpful thoughts with more positive ones.

Diet and exercise

Both aerobic and resistance exercise have been found to be effective in relieving depression (Craft, 2004). Some studies indicate that the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower levels of depression (Sánchez-Villegas, 2009).

Other things that can improve depression include better sleep, increased social interaction, and avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco use.

Seek help for the depression you need

If you feel overwhelmed, it is important to seek help. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist to find out if antidepressants, therapy, or a combination is right for you. If you are concerned about weight gain on antidepressants, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Recommendations

Alonso-Pedrero, L. , Bes-Rastrollo, M., and Marty, A. (2019). Effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics on weight gain: a systematic review. Obesity Reviews: Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity , twenty (12), 1680–1690. DOI: 10.1111 / fig.12934. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31524318/
Craft, L. L. and Pern, F. M. (2004). Benefits of exercise for patients with clinical depression. Primary Health Care Assistant to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 06 (03), 104–111. DOI: 10.4088 / pcc.v06n0301. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15361924/
David, D. J., & Gurion, D. (2016). Antidepressants and tolerance: determinants and treatment of major side effects. L'Encephale, 42 (6), 553–561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2016.05.006. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27423475/
DSM-5 (2013). depressive disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DOI: 10. 1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm04. https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Gafur R., Booth H. P. & Gulliford M. K. (2018). Antidepressant use and incidence of weight gain over 10 years of follow-up: a population-based cohort study. BMJ (Clinical Investigation Edition), 361 , 1951. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1951. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29793997/
Gill, H., Gill, B., El-Halabi, S., Chen-Li, D., Lipsitz, O., Rosenblat , J.D., et al. (2020). Antidepressants and weight change: an overview review. Obesity, 28 (11), 2064–2072. DOI: 10.1002 / oby.22969. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/oby.22969
Hasnain, M., Veueg, V. V., & Hallett, B. (2012). Weight gain and glucose dysregulation with antipsychotics and second-generation antidepressants: a review for primary care physicians. Postgraduate, 124 (4), 154–167. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2012.
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