How to Handle Antidepressants and Weight Gain
The Struggle with Depression and Drug Therapy
Jul 12, 2009
Using antidepressants for depression and mood disorders is a responsible way to get hold of the problem. However, the use of antidepressants and weight gain is a large part of patient hesitation to start the drug therapy. It’s reported that up to 25% of people who use these drugs struggle with antidepressants and weight gain. The most common weight gain drugs are Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro which are in a family of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Using antidepressants doesn’t mean you need to gain an exorbitant amount of weight.
The Causes of Antidepressants and Weight Gain
Not all antidepressants are associated with weight gain. Drugs called MAO inhibitors like Elavil and Tofranil are less likely to cause weight gain. Even though they are less likely to increase the patient’s weight, some doctors don’t agree to switching medications. SSRI drugs have the most common association with antidepressants and weight gain side effects. However, the drugs only seem to cause prominent weight gain when used for at least six months or longer.
Patients feel frustrated on antidepressants since their dieting habits are usually the same, but metabolism seems to slow. Some therapists suggest that it’s not the change in diet, but patients may find a happier point in life and enjoy subtle pleasures like food. Psychotherapists believe that patients maintain a happier lifestyle, which means they eat more and take pleasure in good food.
Currently, the biggest perpetrator of weight gain is Paxil. Effexor and Wellbutrin have been reported to be the least associated antidepressants with weight gain. Switching to these drugs is an option if the patient’s therapist agrees that it will still keep mental stability. The problem with other drugs as opposed to SSRI antidepressants is that these drugs aren’t as statistically effective.
Dealing with Antidepressants and Weight Gain
It’s no surprise that controlling weight gain during antidepressant use is maintained through a healthy diet and exercise. This is actually a more beneficial practice for more than just weight management. Exercise and healthy dieting also improves mood. Exercise increases endorphins and serotonin, which improve mood and create a sense of well-being. The healthier dieting the patient practices, the more positive experience and dedication to exercise the patient will follow. These two aspects need to be incorporated in the patient’s lifestyle using antidepressants and controlling weight gain.
Antidepressant and weight gain don’t need to go hand-in-hand. It’s important not to overly restrict caloric intake, or the opposite can happen from loss of energy. However, exercise and diet while using antidepressants greatly improve the recovery process for patients. For any patient that is afraid of antidepressants because of weight gain, a healthy diet and exercise program will improve health and mood to create a better quality of life.
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