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Depression Medication That Wont Cause Weight Gain

Track Medication And Diet

Medications That Cause Weight Gain: Antidepressants

The majority of people who gain weight on anti-anxiety medications change their exercise patterns and track their caloric intake. If an individual isnt tracking calories, its difficult to know whether or not the weight gain is a byproduct of the medication. The weight gain or weight loss that individuals that take anxiety medications experience can be a result of physical activity or calorie intake. By adjusting those two factors, weight gain should be counteracted.

Why Do Antidepressants Affect Weight

There are different theories as to why antidepressants affect weight.

Some believe that the medications 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.

What Are Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a familiar group of psychiatric disorders distinguished by fear and anxiety that does not decrease over some time. Anxiety contains nervousness, restlessness, and stress. An anxiety disorder creates emotional and physical distress, therefore, intruding on an individuals daily life.

When an anxiety disorder is left untreated, the symptoms could prevent social engagement, participation in daily activities, and harm the persons career. More than 18% of Americans are affected by a particular anxiety disorder.

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What Other Drugs Treat Insomnia Like Seroquel But Without The Weight Gain

Asked
4 Sep 2011 by Caryn Brown
seroquel, tofranil, depression, obesity, insomnia, sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, sleep, weight

I’ve been on Seroquel and it has put 40 lbs. on me. Does Tofranil also cause weight gain? How can you find other drugs that treat insomnia in place of Seroquel. Seroquel works great with sleep problems but the weight gain is terrible. What is out there that I can replace it with. I am also on Ativan and Sonota. How can I find out more information?

Hello Caryn Brown. I was once on tofranil and had no weight gain. But, its known as drug that people do gain weight on it. I replaced my seroquel with the generic of Remeron . I’m gaining weight on it. There is trazodone. I was on it for a time and had no weight gain. A lot of people seem to be happy on it. Its an anti-depressant, but also prescribed as an aid to sleep. You might try mellaril. IIt will help fight your depression and it will certainly help you sleep. There are the benzodiazepine sleeping pills such as restoril, dalmane and doral. I know that you’re on ativan. Well, I understand about the weight gain. And also put on weight while on it.Meaning seroquel. Again, The remeron might just do the trick. You might try it and find you’re doing well on it, without any weight gain. Best to you.

+2Caryn Browncaringsonbjcaringsonbj

Is There A Similar Med To Abilify That Weight Gain May Not Be An Issue I Take For Depression

Why Do Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?
Asked
24 Jul 2014 by teacup2929

kaismama

Any medication like it will cause weight gain. What are you taking for the depression besides abilify?

+0Mishlee115

I am so psyched to be almost off Abilify! That drug put 25 lbs on me. Really I was on 5 mg went down to .25 mg and felt the same. If you can get away with taking a tiny dose you will not have any weight gain. I’m down 2 sizes I went from a size 6 to a 10 now I’m back to a size 6 🙂

I have switched from Pristiq to Zoloft which I took years ago.

FrenchiemammaX3

My Dr put me on Abilfy for depression. It along with Cymbalta. Once taking Abilfy for 6 months I gained 30 lbs. have not been so more depressed because of the huge weight gain. I have stopped taking but can’t lose any weight.

+0Mishlee115

It took about 2 months for me for the weight to come off once I was down to a baby dose of abilify.

Abilify4toolong

I second the previous answer. All these antipsychotics also marketed to help difficult depression cause weight gain. Some more than others, such as Seroquel or Zyprexa I have found to immediately affect my weight. I was on Seroquil for 2 months and gain 8 or 9 pounds by February. Only able to take off 4 pounds since discontinuation. Same applies to Abilify – it’s not that I don’t think psychiatrists and medicine providers are knowledgeable. They just are influenced by the pharmaceutical companies and their own medical school biases.

+0

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Are My Antidepressants Making Me Gain Weight

For millions of Americans suffering from certain types of mood disorders, such as depression, antidepressant medications can be helpfuleven lifesaving. But for roughly 25% of people who take these medications, it could also mean some unexpected pounds, which isnt so helpful for those watching their weight.

We asked Gagandeep Singh, MD, a psychiatrist at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, to explain why certain antidepressants can cause weight gain.

While we dont fully understand why antidepressants lead to weight gain, there are confounding factors, Dr. Singh said. The first is that not all antidepressants are alike. Some can trigger changes in the brain that affect appetite and metabolism. The second is that weight gain can be impacted by a persons lifestyle and diet.

For example, when people are depressed, their appetites change. Some people will forgo food in a state of depression, while others overeat. When placed on an antidepressant, their usual appetites could change, for better or worse, and impact their waistline.

Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service

The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.

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Depression Medications That Will Make You Lose Weight

According to the Mayo Clinic, clinical depression can be treated by psychotherapy as well as medication 1. Antidepressants affect the release and reuptake of some common neurotransmitters that send messages between neurons 2. Some of these include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Common antidepressant groups include selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors , monoamine oxidase inhibitors , and tricyclic antidepressants 2.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Besides effecting mood, some antidepressants can also help a person to lose weight 2. They may cause this by reducing the appetite, and increasing patient’s energy levels. Frequently, patients also lose weight due to some antidepressant side-effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Prominent Anxiety Medications That Do Not Cause Weight Gain

Weight Gain? Taking Depression Meds?

Anxiety medication that does not cause weight gain can include Effexor, Paxil and BuSpar. To know more about these antianxiety medicines, read on…

Anxiety medication that does not cause weight gain can include Effexor, Paxil and BuSpar. To know more about these antianxiety medicines, read on

Did You Know?By visualizing happy thoughts, our brain gets flooded with positive signals, thereby making us feel better. So, focus on positive thinking to lead a healthier life.

Becoming anxious beyond normal limits for no obvious reasons, is an anxiety disorder. It is estimated that around 40 million people residing in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders in a year. An effective form of treatment, recommended by doctors, involves use of anxiety medications. These medications relieve stress and give a feeling of relaxation. There are few side effects associated with the intake of anxiety medications, and one of them is weight gain.However, not all drugs prescribed for anxiety disorders cause significant weight gain.Some of them are given below:

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Antidepressants That Cause Weight Loss

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, Ill describe what antidepressants are, their effect on weight, and which antidepressants are known to cause weight gain or weight loss.

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

Are There Antidepressants That Dont Cause Weight Gain

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Although they are generally well tolerated by most people, antidepressants do often come with a long list of side effects, including weight gain.

Gaining weight at a time when you are experiencing feelings of low self esteem can be very troubling for some patients, so much so that some people avoid taking antidepressants altogether for fear of gaining weight.

Many people wonder if there are antidepressants that dont cause weight gain.

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How Can I Lose Weight While On Antidepressants

Losing weight is often a struggle, especially when a person is also living with a mood disorder. The causes are multiple. Increased appetite and carbohydrate craving, along with reduced activity level, are common symptoms of depression. And yes, certain antidepressants and other medications may increase appetite. However, most medications do not alter metabolism, per se. Thus, weight loss can still occur when attention is given to other factors, including the composition and timing of dietary intake.

Eating more frequently and smaller amounts, increasing the relative amount of protein eaten , reducing breads and starches, eating a healthful breakfast, and avoiding large meals or snacks late in the evening can provide a more balanced diet throughout the entire day.

If one believes their current efforts to lose weight should be more productive, a consultation with a nutritionist may be helpful. If that isnt possible, keeping a written log of ones consumption may provide clues to problem areas and reinforce better dietary habits. In particular, check out the nutritional content of commonly eaten foods and foods believed to be healthy.

Chronic, low-grade sleep deprivation is another contributor to obesity. Skipping sleep leads to persistently elevated levels of the bodys stress hormone, which can cause elevated blood sugar levels and increased fat stores. Staying up late may also make one more prone to late night snacking.

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Weight Gain And Antidepressants: Switching Drugs Can Help

The Depressing Consequences Of Antidepressants

While experts may not be certain about why antidepressants cause weight gain, they do know that switching drugs may make a difference.

Some antidepressants may be less likely to affect weight. Effexor and Serzone generally do not cause weight gain, while Wellbutrin can cause weight loss.

Sometimes switching within the same class of drugs can make a huge difference.

“Right now, the SSRI Paxil is the worst offender — the antidepressant most likely to cause weight gain, while another SSRI, Zoloft, is the least likely, so that’s a switch that can sometimes make a big difference for some people,” says Sussman.

The downside to switching drugs: Sussman says not every drug works equally well to control symptoms in all people.

“The neurochemistry involved in depression is extremely complex and slightly different for everybody, so while switching drugs may help with the weight gain, you might forfeit some control over depression symptoms,” says Sussman.

So far, no drugs have been sufficiently tested to be approved for use in managing weight gain from psychiatric medications. The authors of the Cleveland Clinic review report that using regular doses of antidepressants with low doses of certain stimulant drugs or seizure medications may help mitigate some weight gain, while adding low doses of Wellbutrin or naltrexone to an antidepressant regimen might also help.

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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors–SSRIs–are the most commonly prescribed medications for major depressive disorder, according to the Merck Manual. These medications, including fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram, are safe and effective in relieving depression and tend not to cause weight gain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Paroxetine is the only SSRI that may cause an increase in weight. Side effects of SSRIs may include sexual dysfunction, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and agitation, but in most cases these effects are mild and manageable. Suicidal tendencies may occur, especially in children and adolescents, according to the Merck Manual.

Do I Need This Treatment

If you are distressed for more than two weeks by feelings of sadness, despair and hopelessness, or by excessive worry that is hard to control, see a doctor for an assessment of your symptoms and situation and to discuss treatment and support options. Early treatment can help to ensure treatment success.

Be sure your doctor knows if you have had times where you felt a reduced need for sleep in combination with an unusual amount of energy, or where your mood changed from feeling depressed to feeling unusually happy or irritable. Mood stabilizer medications may be more suited to your needs, either on their own or in combination with antidepressants. Antidepressants alone can cause some people to switch from depression into mania.

Medications are only one way of treating depression and anxiety. Talk therapies, such as interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy, can be just as effective. Peer support, school and job counselling, and housing and employment supports can also help to deal with problems that may trigger or worsen depression or anxiety.

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How Should I Take Bupropion Sr

You can take bupropion SR with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, split, or chewed.

You should take bupropion SR exactly as prescribed, and continue to take bupropion SR as prescribed even after your symptoms improve. You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking bupropion SR without discussing with your provider first. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abruptly stopping is recommended whenever possible.

If your symptoms are not improving or you have any questions about changing or stopping medication, reach out to your Ro-affiliated provider for guidance.

What Antidepressants Are Likely To Cause Weight Gain

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Some antidepressants are more likely to cause weight gain than others. Weight gain is most commonly caused by tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and SSRIs, as well as some atypical antidepressants.

A study conducted in 1984 found that the most common reason why people stopped using tricyclic antidepressants was weight gain.

The following tricyclic antidepressants have been linked to weight gain:

  • Amitriptyline
  • Trimipramine

MAO inhibitors were the first type of medication developed for the treatment of depression. They are associated with many serious side effects, so they are usually only prescribed when treatment with other types of antidepressants has not been successful.

MAO inhibitors most commonly associated with weight gain include:

  • Phenelzine
  • Tranylcypromine

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. Developed after MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs are associated with fewer side effects in general than other antidepressant medications. Some SSRIs may even cause patients to lose weight initially, but long term use of the medication is linked to weight gain.

SSRIs associated with weight gain include:

  • Paroxetine
  • Selegine – MAOI applied via the skin

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What Causes Depression Medications To Stop Working

Multiple factors can change the way your body responds to an antidepressant, including:

  • Drug or alcohol use. Illicit drug use and alcohol can cause strong mood changes, which can make antidepressants ineffective.
  • Pregnancy. Your body’s weight and blood volume increase when you’re pregnant. Talk to your doctor about taking antidepressants while pregnant, and about potentially adjusting your dosage to continue relieving symptoms.
  • New stressors. A new stressful situation at home or work can result in a mood response for which the antidepressant can’t compensate.
  • Other medications. Interactions between antidepressants and medications for other health conditions can affect how well an antidepressant works.

Most often, though, antidepressants stop working for what seems to be no reason. “There’s no good research that shows why a medication may stop working for someone,” says Nestadt. “I think it’s less an issue of building up tolerance and more likely constantly changing stressors and factors in the brain.”

Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs

Misusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can have both immediate and long-term health effects.

The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.

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Seek The Help You Need

If you are feeling anxious or depressed, its important to seek out the help you need. Speak with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional to figure out whether antidepressants, therapy, or a combination thereof are right for you. If you are concerned about weight gain or weight loss on antidepressants, be sure to discuss that with your healthcare provider as well. Together, you can determine a treatment approach thats best for you.

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