Weight gain and paxil
Does Paxil Cause Weight Gain?
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Written by Our Editorial Team
Last updated 7/15/2022
If you are taking medication to help with a mental health or physical health issue, you want it to address that issue without causing many side effects, right?
So, it may be a real bummer to hear rumors that Paxil (also known as paroxetine) can lead to weight gain. But before you decide whether or not you’re going to take this medication based on this risk of weight gain, you should at least find out if it’s even true.
Read on to learn about paroxetine and what psychiatric disorders it treats, and find out if it actually does lead to weight gain.
Learning More About Paxil
Paxil — commonly called by its generic name paroxetine — is an antidepressant medication. Specifically, it is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This type of antidepressant increases your levels of serotonin.
Paroxetine comes as tablets, liquid, and extended-release tablets. In all its forms, this prescription medication is prescribed mostly for major depressive disorder (also called major depression), bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and more. It is also sometimes used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and symptoms of menopause (like hot flashes).
If you take paroxetine and decide to stop, you will need to work with a healthcare professional to lower your dosage slowly until you can stop completely. This will help you avoid withdrawal symptoms and other unwanted side effects.
Side Effects of Paroxetine
Almost all medications — including paroxetine — come with at least some potential side effects. Some common side effects associated with paroxetine are:
Dizziness
Headaches
Confusion
Forgetfulness
Weakness
Vomiting
Constipation
Sexual side effects, like low libido
Joint pain or muscle aches
Heartburn
Weight changes, like weight loss or gain
For most people, these should go away after weeks of treatment.
But if any symptoms last longer than that, consult with a medical professional. They can help you figure out if there are any other types of psychiatric medication worth considering.
Along with the above, paroxetine can sometimes cause serious adverse effects, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, an irregular heart rhythm, fainting and more. These are rare, but if you do experience any of them, call a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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The Connection Between Paxil and Weight Gain
Some people who take an antidepressant medication experience weight gain. That said, SSRIs (like paroxetine) are less associated with weight gain than some other antidepressants, like tricyclic antidepressants. Approximately 10 percent of people who take SSRIs for an extended period of time notice some weight gain.
There is some thinking that weight gain may not be a direct result of paroxetine.
Some people don’t eat much when they are depressed. Then, if they start taking a medication like paroxetine to treat depression, they may eat more and put on weight as their depression symptoms go away.
As for studies, there aren’t many that directly associate weight gain with paroxetine. One that did test this association focused on people who took paroxetine for vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. It found no evidence that the medication led to weight gain. But it’s worth noting that the people in this study were taking a very low-dose of paroxetine.
So, what’s the final answer? It’s not so clear cut. Taking paroxetine likely will not cause weight gain — but it cannot be completely ruled out either.
Preventing Weight Gain From Antidepressants
If you are nervous about weight gain from taking paroxetine or are taking it and are noticing an expanding waistline, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.
There are also some lifestyle tweaks you can make to make sure you manage your weight in the healthiest way possible while taking an antidepressant.
Stick to a Healthy Diet
No matter what medications you may or may not be taking, sticking to a diet full of healthy foods is a good idea. One that includes a good amount of protein (lean meats and fishes), along with some healthy carbohydrates (fruits, veggies, beans and whole grains) and good-for-you fats (olive oil, avocado, etc.) can help with weight loss.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise can help you mitigate an increase in body weight — or lose weight, if that’s what you are looking to do. But it also has benefits that go beyond a lower number on the scale.
Whether you head out for a run or go to a barre class, exercise also lowers stress hormones and activates endorphins that make you feel good. Even five minutes of getting your heart rate up has been shown to lower anxiety.
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Navigating Paxil and Weight Gain
Paroxetine can be an effective medication used to treat a variety of conditions, like major depressive disorder or major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder) and certain symptoms of menopause (like hot flashes).
Adverse effects associated with paroxetine include headaches, confusion, sexual side effects like low libido and more. But these side effects tend to go away after a few weeks and despite any potential side effects, paroxetine is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.
There is some evidence that antidepressants can cause weight gain for some people. However, paroxetine and other SSRIs are generally thought not to cause weight gain — though they can in a small number of people.
If you are worried about an increase in weight while using paroxetine or want to speak to a professional about psychiatric disorders in general, you should schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider for medical advice.
9 Sources
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.
- https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Paroxetine-(Paxil)
- Chu, A., Wadhwa, R., (2021, May 10). Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Stat Pearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
- Paroextine. Medline Plus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698032.html
- Medication Frequently Asked Questions. National Alliance of Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/FAQ/Mental-Health-Medication-FAQ/My-doctor-recently-started-me-on-an-antidepressant
- Portman, D., Kaunitz, A., Kazempour, K., et al., (2014). Effects of low-dose paroxetine 7.5 mg on weight and sexual function during treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause. Retrived from https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/2014/10000/effects_of_low_dose_paroxetine_7_5_mg_on_weight.9.aspx
- Moon, J.
, Gwanpyo, K., (2020). Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndrom. Retrieved from https://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes20028 - Swift, D., Johannsen, N., Lavie, C., et al., (2014). The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033062013001655?via%3Dihub
- Exercising to Relax. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
- Exercise for Stress and Anxiety. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice.
Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Weight Gain and Antidepressants (Including SSRIs)
More than 1 in 10 Americans take antidepressants to treat depression. For the most part, these medications get the job done. Your health care provider may need to tweak your dosage or switch you to a different kind to find the best fit, but most people notice an improvement in 6 weeks or so.
Like every other medication, antidepressants have side effects that affect some, but not all people. One of the most notable is weight gain.
To be fair, weight gain or loss can be a part of any mood disorder, whether you’re taking an antidepressant or not. Some people lose their appetite and lose weight; others crave carbs, eat more, exercise less, and gain weight.
So what can you expect and what are your options?
Effects on Weight Can Vary
If depression dimmed your appetite, weight gain may actually be a good thing.
“I’ve had some individuals feel so much better on medication that they are willing to work toward ways to lose weight and eat healthier since they are feeling better,” says Uma Naidoo, MD, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, professional chef, nutritional biologist, and author of This Is Your Brain on Food. “If they had been losing weight due to a loss of appetite, it may be a relief to be eating better.”
If depression revved up your appetite, the extra pounds may put your physical health at risk. But depression is a serious medical condition that needs treatment.
“Ultimately the goal of antidepressant treatment for most is to achieve remission of troubling depressive symptoms and recover to a life that feels more connected and hopeful,” says Kelly N. Gable, PharmD, BCPP, professor and director of Well-being and Resilience at SIUE School of Pharmacy and Psychiatric Pharmacist at Family Care Health Centers in St. Louis, MO. “If antidepressant treatment is part of that journey, we must always ensure that the side effects do not overshadow the benefits along the way.
”
Does Weight Gain Happen With All Antidepressants?
No. And it doesn’t happen to everyone.
“In general, weight gain is a possible side effect of most antidepressants, such as Zoloft, Prozac or Celexa, but each person will react to antidepressants differently,” Naidoo says.
How much weight gain is typical? A quarter of those who take antidepressants gain 10 pounds or more, Naidoo estimates.
Is Weight Gain More Likely With Some Types of Antidepressants Than Others?
Yes. Antidepressants are grouped based on how they interact with certain chemical receptors in your brain. The most often prescribed types are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), paroxetine mesylate (Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft). They increase the levels of serotonin in your brain.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) change the way the neurotransmitters in your brain talk to your brain cells.
Examples include desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). - Tricyclic antidepressants increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain and include desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
- Atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron), don’t fit into the groups above, but, like the others, they alter your brain chemistry to treat depression.
“SSRIs as a class are all fairly comparable with regard to weight gain risk, with paroxetine [Paxil] being the most likely in this group,” Gable says. “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.”
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Weight Gain From Antidepressants?
Five pounds or less won’t have a big effect on your overall health.
But 10 pounds or more can change your cholesterol and blood pressure, and raise your risk for diabetes.
That said, it’s important to keep your goals in mind. Depression is a serious condition. It’s the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting work, relationships, and even heart health, Gable notes.
“Any weight gain must be weighed against the negative possible outcomes of untreated depression,” Gable says.
If I Gain Weight, How Should I Manage It?
If you notice weight gain, or any side effects from antidepressants that concern you, talk to your health care provider first. It could be the antidepressants, increased appetite as depression lifts, or something else.
“It’s important when taking any medication, and in particular antidepressants, to be closely followed by your mental health provider, as well as a primary care provider,” Naidoo says. “They will have the ability and knowledge to identify risk factors and screen for any conditions for which one may be at risk.
”
If there are other drawbacks to your current medication, you might be better suited to a different antidepressant.
“For some individuals who experience significant weight gain, or find weight gain to be troublesome, switching antidepressants may be an option,” Gable says.
For instance, she says that if you’re taking an SSRI, “switching to fluoxetine [Prozac] could be helpful. Considering a trial of bupropion [Wellbutrin] may also be an option. But this must always be balanced with the positive side effects that may have occurred with the antidepressant in question, as not all antidepressants will have the same positive impact on each individual person. If you find an antidepressant that works well for you, sticking with that treatment and trying some weight loss strategies may be the best path to take.”
Can I Prevent Weight Gain While on Antidepressants?
Yes, the same way you prevent weight gain in general: With healthy food, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
“Optimizing your nutritional intake with plant-predominant whole foods that are nutrient-dense and rich in fiber and adding in a physical activity routine that brings joy can be very helpful in maintaining a healthy weight while taking an antidepressant,” Naidoo says.
Remember to rule out other factors, like thyroid hormone changes, menstrual cycle changes, digestive issues, or drinking more alcohol.
Weight gain with antidepressants
Weight gain with …
25 responses
Last — Remove
#1
#2
#3
Guest
what exactly?
#4
#5
Go to a psychiatrist and consult.
The psychiatrist prescribed seropram for me and nothing, no weight gain, everything is calm and good, as he promised me, saying - The comfort of your life will improve significantly.
#6
Guest
Paxil
#7
#8
#9,0003
#10
#11
#12
Blonde
from tablets do not gain weight, if they do not gain weight if they are not eaten by the kilo.
You will most likely increase your appetite and start eating more. So control it somehow consciously. I want to eat - eat cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, not pies and potatoes
#13
#15
#18
#19
#20
#18
#18
#19
Ekaterina
Try Phenibut.
It will help with depression, panic attacks and will not affect your weight, sleep and mood in any way. You will notice the effect immediately.
#20
Blonde
Pills don't make you gain weight if you don't eat them in kilos. You will most likely increase your appetite and start eating more. So control it somehow consciously. I want to eat - eat cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, not pies and potatoes
#21
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Guest
I have the same problem that you don’t do the weight stands still, there is no strength already !!! Can someone tell me what to do, except for diet pills
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Antidepressants.
Has anyone dropped them halfway through and healed without their help in severe depression? 122 answers
How to lose weight while taking antidepressants?
#1
#2
#3
#5
#6
Good for depression, guest
#7
Olga
Good afternoon.
I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain. I asked my psychotherapist.
#8
Diana
The author, I'm sorry for the question. What is the name of the drug?
#9,0003
#10
AMITIRIPTILIN
# 11
#12
Guest
You need to switch to another drug. Some drugs promote weight gain such as remeron, amitriptyline, paxil.
And some for weight loss such as Fluoxetine, Ixel, Cymbalta.
Talk to your doctor about switching to another antidepressant.
#13
Guest .
True, it costs somewhere around 3900 for a month of admission.
#14
Guest
What is your dosage of amitriptyline? How much per day do you take? November 16, 2020 He (the doctor) really does not like amateur performances terribly. His opinion is the only true one)
#16
#17
Guest
50 mg, tablet in the morning and evening.
#18
#19
Guest
Then change the doctor, this is unacceptable for a serious increase in the weight on the amitrptiline and does nothing. If you take it, you will definitely earn type 2 diabetes for yourself. Then you will take metformin all your life and go on a diet. November 16, 2020 Are they not accepted by the course?
#21
Guest
We have the only psychiatrist on campus. I must go to Nizhny Novgorod. My mom is diabetic and it's scary.
#22
Guest
This is a very small dose of amitriptyline.
Its full antidepressant effect starts from 150 mg.
At such dosages, it has a very weak effect.
If it helps you in such ultra-low dosages, then you have mild depression.
Normal doctors prescribe amitriptyline only for severe depression. The dosages there are appropriate.
In your case, you need to change this drug, any antidepressant in therapeutic dosages will be stronger than 50 mg of amitriptyline.
But I would change the same doctor, because 50 mg of amitriptyline and without first trying drugs of the SSRI class could only be prescribed by a not very competent doctor
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#23
#24
Guest
In general, when taking amitriptyline, a patient prone to weight gain should adhere to a strict diet.
You need to count calories and not exceed your daily requirement. And it is better to have a small deficit (200-400 kilo calories). It is necessary to completely exclude foods with a high glycemic index and limit foods with an average one.
Preference should be given to lean meat, fish - you need more protein less carbohydrates. From carbohydrates - buckwheat, cabbage, brown rice (normal should be severely limited).
No sweets, bread, potatoes, sweet fruits, sugar, sweet drinks, honey, etc.
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Interesting, and the weight gain from the tricyclics is due to what appetite is not like appetite as not in yourself? or some other reason, don't you think?
#33
Yuliya
The therapist told me that the weight gain is not from the drugs themselves, but from food, and when taking certain antidepressants, appetite increases. It seems to me that in addition to appetite, the metabolism also slows down and it is more difficult to lose weight, so it is important to monitor nutrition. And regular physical loads never interfere, they also help to cope with depression, if it is not too strong.
#34
Olga
Good afternoon. I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain. I asked my psychotherapist.
#35
Olga
Good afternoon. I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain. I asked my psychotherapist.
#36
Guest
Hello. This is an excerpt from the annotation - "On the part of the digestive system: nausea, heartburn, vomiting, gastralgia, increased or decreased appetite (increase or decrease in body weight), stomatitis, change in taste, diarrhea, darkening of the tongue; rarely - impaired liver function, cholestatic jaundice, hepatitis.
" You just got lucky apparently)
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#37
Olga
Good afternoon. I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain. I asked my psychotherapist.
#38
Olga
Good afternoon.
I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain. I asked my psychotherapist.
#39
Olga
Good afternoon. I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain. I asked my psychotherapist.
#40
Guest
What is your dosage of amitriptyline? How much per day do you take?
#41
Olga
Good afternoon. I have been taking antidepressants for three years now. On the contrary, I lost 20 kg. Antidepressants do not have the side effect of weight gain.
