Could you gain weight using anti depressants?
Americans are believed to be fatter than people of any other nationality. In other words America can be referred to as the fattest nation on this globe. Many causes have been identified to their weight gain and among these prominently figure anti depressants. Usage of anti depressants is so widespread that they are the top ten revenue producing medications in the US. These medications increase weight to the extent of a pound a week.
A fact to be remembered here is that anti depressants and weight gain are associated. Association does not mean causation. Anti depressants elevate the mood. People in a good mood often have an increase in appetite resulting in weight gain. At times the weight gain might have been due to over eating during depression prior to medications. The point to be stressed here is that weight gain and antidepressants are associated but how exactly this relation works is a subject under research and given below are possible explanations.
Antidepressants and weight gain
Weight gain by anti depressants might work in a two fold pattern.
- It increases or decreases basal metabolic rate without affecting caloric intake.
- It brings about certain changes in the hormone level which increase appetite.
SSRI and weight gain:
SSRI increases the levels of serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin were thought to bring about a reduction in hunger. But this is not the case. SSRIs have also induced craving for sweets in certain cases. The only redeeming factor is that SSRIs bring about less weight gain when compared to other anti depressants. Initially doctors were under the impression that SSRIs reduce weight. So they were prescribed for people wanting to lose weight. But SSRIs seem to bring about an initial dip in weight to be followed by weight gain.
Tricyclic antidepressants and weight gain
TCAs were prescribed before the introduction of SSRIs. But TCAs bring about excessive weight gain. Weight gain with TCA is directly related to the dosage and the duration of treatment.
MAOIs and weight gain
MAOIs are of two kinds: reversible and irreversible. Irreversible MAOI increase weight like the TCAs but the irreversible MAOIs are not bringing about any change in the weight.
Anticonvulsants
Seizure disorder studies have shown that patients who were under weight had the most rapid weight gain after taking medications for seizures.
Effects of weight gain
Weight gain exposes people to plenty of health problems. It increases the risk for heart attack.
Weight gain is the prime reason as to why people have given up treatment for depression half way through. The very side effect of weight gain leads to lowered self esteem and adds to depression.
Managing weight gain associated with anti depressants
Weight gain must be discussed with the doctor. If weight gain is brought about by antidepressants then the doctor might bring about a reduction in the dosage.
Depression changes the diet patterns. Bringing about a change in the diet to include fresh healthy low calorie food should also be tried.
Exercise is a must for it works two ways. It reduces depression and also helps manage weight gain.