How You Can Stop Weight Gain From Antidepressants

How You Can Stop Weight Gain From Antidepressants Panic Disorder Treatment Print How to Avoid Antidepressant-Related Weight Gain By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 19, 2020 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on January 19, 2020 How Stress Impacts Your Health Overview Signs of Burnout Stress and Weight Gain Benefits of Exercise Stress Reduction Tips Self-Care Practices Mindful Living Rolfo/Moment / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Causes Talk to Your Doctor and Make Sure He or She Is Listening Ask Your Doctor About Switching Medications Get a Complete Medical Checkup Consider Diet and Exercise as Part of Your Treatment View All In his book, The Antidepressant Survival Program, Dr. Robert Hedaya discusses the mixed blessings of antidepressant therapy.?? While effective and even life-saving for so many, the unwanted side effects can be extremely troubling. One common and often upsetting side effect with use is weight gain from antidepressants. This includes treatment with classes of antidepressants known as SSRIs  (like Prozac (fluoxetine), TCAs, and MAOIs. Causes There are a few theories about why weight gain occurs with antidepressant use, but no concrete conclusions. Some theories blame the antidepressant’s effect on metabolism or appetite.?? Many people taking antidepressants report feeling increased hunger and intense cravings for sugar-rich foods. Some deny eating more  but still experience weight gain. So, what can you do? Talk to Your Doctor and Make Sure He or She Is Listening With safety and effectiveness so well-established, psychiatrists and primary care physicians have become comfortable prescribing antidepressants to their patients. Unfortunately, not all are as comfortable in treating the unwanted side effects. If you experience weight gain while on antidepressants, it is important that you have a candid conversation with your prescriber. Equally important is that you feel your prescriber understands your concerns and is willing to work with you to develop a plan of action. Healthcare providers are not all equal when it comes to dealing with antidepressant side effects. For example, you might voice your concerns about gaining thirty pounds to your psychiatrist. Youve been on three antidepressants previously to treat your panic disorder, but the current one works best to control your panic symptoms. Your doctor asks this question: What do you want to beâ€"panic free or in shape? This, of course, is probably not what you expect to hear, and you might leave the office feeling humiliated. If you don’t believe your doctor is taking your concerns about weight gain seriously, it may be time to get a second opinion. Ask Your Doctor About Switching Medications Some antidepressants appear to encourage more weight gain than others. For example, Paxil (paroxetine) is believed to be the SSRI most likely to cause weight gain.?? We are all wired differently. An antidepressant that works well for one person may not be as effective for another. The same can be said for side effects. Switching from one antidepressant to another may provide adequate symptom control without the weight gain. How Antidepressants Can Affect Weight Loss Get a Complete Medical Checkup Sometimes weight gain after antidepressant therapy is presumed to be a side effect, but it may be related to an underlying medical condition. For example, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), is a common medical condition that can cause weight gain among other symptoms. If you’re experiencing weight gain while on antidepressant therapy, it may be worth getting a complete physical. Consider Diet and Exercise as Part of Your Treatment Many professionals believe that giving into sugar cravings only leads to increased appetite and weight gain. There is some research that shows proper proportions of proteins (i.e., lean meat, fish), carbohydrates (i.e., fruits, beans, whole grains, and vegetables) and good fats (i.e., olive oil, canola oil) can reduce food cravings and hasten weight loss.?? Dr. Hedaya proposes that eliminating sugars, refined flour, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol from your diet will not only help your energy level and mood  but will also allow your antidepressants to work better.?? From better heart function to improved mood, exercise has vast benefits for both mind and body. And, it doesn’t have to be intensive to be beneficial. Studies show even a little exercise can produce good benefits.?? Your dietary needs or ability to participate in an exercise program  may be affected by your physical fitness or by certain medical conditions. Before beginning any diet or exercise plan, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Why SSRIs Cause Weight Gain and What You Can Do About It