Managing Depression and Reaching Your Weight Loss Goals Simultaneously

Is Weight Loss an Antidepressant?

For many of us, depression and weight gain often go hand-in-hand. But for those of us who are curious about how antidepressants affect our weight, here’s a quick review of which ones may cause weight loss.

The truth is that some antidepressants can promote weight loss, while others can be associated with weight gain. And depending on the type of antidepressant medication you take, the degree to which it causes you to lose or gain weight can vary greatly.

But regardless of the kind of antidepressant you take, there's one thing all users should bear in mind: taking any kind of medication to control your mental health should never be seen as a "quick fix" for your physical health issues. At the same time, it's important to have a thorough understanding of how each antidepressant affects your body and brain—as this will help you make more informed decisions about what medications are right for you.

Types Of Antidepressants That Cause Weight Loss

There are several types of antidepressants that can potentially result in modest weight loss: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and SNRIs (serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).

1. SSRIs can lower levels of leptin (an appetite suppressant) and increase insulin sensitivity thus making it easier to regulate food intake and burn calories through exercise. One study found that SSRI users lost an average of 1 kg over a period of 6 weeks – though everyone's experience varies greatly. Common SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram) and Paxil (paroxetine).

2. MAOIs work by blocking an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) which helps break down certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain; this helps relieve symptoms like low mood and anxiety but also comes with weight-loss side effects such as decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Examples include Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) and Parnate(tranylcypromine).

3. Tricyclic antidepressants are usually prescribed when other treatments don't appear to be working; these drugs directly affect both neurotransmitter levels in the brain as well as hormones associated with appetite control like cortisol - resulting in reduced cravings for sugary foods – so they've been linked to modest short-term weight loss too; tricyclics include Elavil(amitriptyline) or Tofranil(imipramine).

4. SNRIs have been known to reduce hunger pangs and cravings during treatment which can help reduce your overall calorie intake - leading to modest long-term weight loss; common SNRIs include Cymbalta(duloxetine HCl) or Effexor(venlafaxine).

Warning Signs To Look Out For When Taking Antidepressants That Can Cause Weight Loss

Although certain types of antidepressant medications can result in mild or moderate weight loss; there are certain warning signs you should always look out for when starting new treatments:

• Abdominal pain: Many people report experiencing abdominal discomfort when taking certain antidepressants – particularly SSRIs – so if you experience any pain or significant swelling; contact your doctor immediately!

• Increased thirst/dehydration: Some people taking certain antidepressants may experience increased thirst due to dehydration caused by excess urination; if this happens it's important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty fluids throughout the day!

• Fatigue/drowsiness: People taking certain antidepressants may feel unusually tired during treatment – even after getting enough sleep at night! If this occurs, contact your prescribing doctor straight away!

• Nausea/vomiting: You may feel nauseous or vomit after taking certain antidepressants – particularly MAOI or TCAs – so if these symptoms persist; speak to your doctor ASAP!

Conclusion

At the end of the day every person is unique - so what works best for one individual might not work as well for another! Always consult with your doctor before starting any new treatment plan – especially when it comes to managing depression! That said; if you're considering using an antidepressant that could potentially cause modest weight loss then keep an eye out for potential warning signs and talk with your physician about appropriate options based on your individual needs!