Which Antidepressants Cause Weight Loss? All About It!

Gone are those days when mental health was taboo. Nowadays, people are really serious about taking care of one’s psychological well-being more than ever. It is no longer brushed off as trivial. However, medications can cause several fluctuations in our bodies. Some can be beneficial for us others not so much.

You would be surprised to know some can even cause significant weight loss in people who consume it. This blog aims to name some of the antidepressants that can cause weight loss and what could be the implications of their long time use.

What Are Antidepressants?

Antidepressants can be put into a category of medicines that are usually used for psychological or psychiatric disorders. It could range from anxiety to schizophrenia. Most of them help the brain produce hormones that are crucial to maintaining a happy temperament.

Not just that, it can help us socialize better and get a grip on our unaddressed feelings. Usually prescribed by a psychiatrist, it can create miracles if coupled with therapy and guided sessions.

Types Of Anti-depressants

There are over five kinds of anti-depressants that are prescribed to enhance the function of our neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They are-

1. Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRI)-Being true to their name, SSRIs usually help improve the secretion of Serotonin and its activity.

2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors(SNRI)- This one works by stopping the brain cells from regulating the flow of Serotonin and Norepinephrine.

3. Tricyclic Antidepressants(TCA)-These are used to treat some peculiar symptoms that are usually untreatable by the above two.

4. Atypical Antidepressants-Usually prescribed to treat schizophrenia, it can be used to block certain chemicals that can otherwise cause a lot of mood fluctuations.

5. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors(MAOI)-Similar to Tricyclic antidepressants, these are also used to alleviate particular symptoms since they can cause many side effects.

Which Antidepressants Cause Weight Loss?

Though many Antidepressants cause short-term weight loss including Venlafaxine, there are three main ones that can cause significant weight loss in patients. They are Bupropion, Fluoxetine, and Duloxetine.

➡ Bupropion

It includes medicines namely Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo, and Aplenzin. These are used to treat conditions like-Major depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD).

It can be categorized into the section of SNRIs and usually works by regulating the flow of happy chemicals into the brain. Since most of these chemicals deal with hunger, fullness, and other determinants of eating habits, it is possible to lose weight when taking this medication by watching your diet and exercising regularly.

Its major side effects include⚠️

Vomiting sensation

Sleeplessness

Headaches

Loss of hydration from your mouth

One can start feeling the difference within 4-6 weeks. However, do not stop or alter the dosage of the medicine without consulting your doctor.

➡Fluoxetine

It can include medicines such as Prozac and belongs to the section of SSRIs. These usually work by elevating your mood by increasing Serotonin release. It is used to treat conditions like-Major depression, Bulimia (an eating disorder), Panic attacks, Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD).

Its major side effects include⚠️

Insomnia

Shaking

Nightmares

Nausea

You can start feeling the difference within 2-3 weeks. It can be stopped abruptly in case your doctor agrees. Making an informed decision is important anyway.

➡Duloxetine

Also known in the market as Cymbalta it is an SNRI. It is prescribed for the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Fibromyalgia, Diabetic Neuropathy, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Its major side effects include⚠️

No hunger

Diarrhea

Vomiting episodes

High blood pressure

Since the withdrawal can be quite difficult, it should not be stopped at once. Take your time, communicate with your doctor, and make a decision.

All of these medications should be taken under the guidance of doctors and before taking these one must discuss all their previous medical history, allergic reactions, and age. Also make sure to let them know about your smoking, alcohol, or drug habits.

Is It Healthy To Take These Medications To Lose Weight?

The medications have serious side effects and can mess up your body’s functioning if you are not undergoing any of the conditions it is prescribed for. Dietitians or doctors never prescribe this as a method to lose weight and you shouldn’t take any on your own recognizance.

There are a number of healthy ways to lose weight. Eating antidepressants with the sole motive of losing weight can be quite harmful and should never be attempted. A healthy combination of supplements, a regulated diet, and timely workouts is always the right way to shed those extra kilos. Never take a drug without a prescription.

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