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.
Do anxiety meds cause weight loss?
Anxiety medications are not known for causing weight loss. In fact, tricyclic antidepressants used in some people for anxiety can cause weight gain. Anxiety disorders are a common type of psychiatric disorder characterized by anxiety or fear that does not diminish over time.
Can you lose weight while taking antidepressants?
Many antidepressants have been reported to cause weight gain rather than weight loss. You may initially lose weight with an SSRI medication, but that changes the longer you take it. Also, as the medicine works to improve your symptoms, your appetite might increase and return to normal levels.
Which anxiety medication does not cause weight gain?
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. Because newer drugs tend to have fewer side effects, those two aren’t prescribed as frequently.
What medications cause rapid weight loss?
Four weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for long-term use:
- Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Orlistat (Xenical)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Can anti depression pills cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a possible side effect of nearly all antidepressants. However, each person responds to antidepressants differently.
Why do anxiety meds cause weight gain?
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. When people are depressed, their appetites are affected.
Do anti anxiety meds cause weight gain?
The majority of patients that take anti-anxiety medications will experience weight gain partially and fully due to side effects. An individual administering this medication could encounter constipation, bloating, fatigue, and as a result, weight gain.
Why is it hard to lose weight on antidepressants?
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.
How can I lose weight on depression medication?
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.
Will I lose weight after stopping antidepressants?
If you decrease your daily calorie intake as a result, you could potentially lose weight by stopping your antidepressants. On the other hand, if you experience loss of appetite with depression, and your depression comes back after stopping antidepressants, you may also lose weight.
Does anti anxiety meds work?
Anti-anxiety medicine is not an instant cure for anxiety. If you do not treat the underlying issues contributing to the anxiety, you may still experience panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms. If you are prescribed long-term medication, you may not feel the effects right away.
Does Xanax cause weight gain?
Weight Fluctuations
Consistent Xanax abuse can cause both weight gain and weight loss. Sometimes, people who abuse Xanax reduce their energy output and sleep more, which can cause weight gain. Conversely, some people lose their appetite entirely. This can cause drastic weight loss instead.