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Antidepressants & Weight Loss

Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Related Tags: weight | wellbutrin | paxil | antidepressants | prozac
 

Instructions

Prozac

  • Step 1:
    Prozac is one popular antidepressant. It is not recommended for people with unhealthily low weight. Weight gain is a common side effect of this drug, but it typically stops after a few weeks of taking the medication. Serious weight loss can happen in rare occasions. Psychiatrists do not recommend Prozac for people who are overweight or trying to lose weight, because it can make weight loss difficult. Prozac is a better choice for those who aren't too concerned about their weight.

Paxil

  • Step 1:
    Paxil is another antidepressant associated with weight gain. It is rarely prescribed to those who are overweight, because weight gain is not only a common side effect, but it can be worse with Paxil than with other antidepressants. Persons trying to lose weight that are on Paxil should speak to their prescribing doctor about either changing medications or lowering the dose, because it is very difficult to lose weight while on this drug.

Wellbutrin

  • Step 1:
    Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that may interest those who desire to lose weight. Dr. Jack M. Gorman explains in his book, "The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs," that 25 percent of patients taking Wellbutrin lose up to five pounds. Wellbutrin is also much less likely to cause weight gain than any of the other leading antidepressants. Although it does not cause any major weight loss, it is not recommended to those who are underweight or suffer from an eating disorder.

Celexa

  • Step 1:
    Celexa is a less known antidepressant that is not associated with any significant weight loss or weight gain. Although it does not cause the weight loss of Wellbutrin, it is a better alternative to Prozac or Paxil in terms of weight loss. Since it does not interfere with weight loss, it is another option for those who wish to lose weight and are concerned that their antidepressants may interfere.

Zoloft

  • Step 1:
    Zoloft is less likely than other antidepressants to cause weight gain initially. However, when taken over the course of several months, patients using this antidepressant may begin to notice a little weight gain. Since weight gain is still unlikely, it is still a viable option for those concerned with weight loss. It is also useful for those who are using antidepressants only for a short term as opposed to those with chronic conditions.

Antidepressants & Weight Loss Provided by eHow.com
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