Drugs for Fighting Depression that Promote Weight Reduction: Weighing the Perks, Hazards, and More
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, but some individuals might experience weight gain as a side effect. However, certain antidepressants might lead to minor weight loss in certain people.
The serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) duloxetine (Cymbalta) can potentially reduce appetite and lead to slight weight loss during the early stages of treatment. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine, might also have this effect.
This article focuses on antidepressants that can result in weight loss. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of antidepressants in relation to weight loss, and it explores alternative options.
Do doctors prescribe antidepressants for weight loss?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse antidepressants for weight loss, so doctors do not prescribe them for this purpose. Nevertheless, they might take the potential weight change effects of medications into account when prescribing.
People should not use antidepressants for weight loss unless a doctor prescribes them for another condition.
Can bupropion (Wellbutrin) cause weight loss?
Bupropion, sold under the brand names Aplenzin and Wellbutrin, can induce weight loss in some people.
Bupropion is available as immediate-release and extended-release pills, which alter brain chemistry. It interferes with the enzymes that regulate norepinephrine and dopamine.
Bupropion is a unique type of antidepressant, distinct from other antidepressants such as SSRIs.
An older 2016 study revealed that individuals who took bupropion lost approximately 7 pounds (lb) more than those who took other antidepressants over a 2-year period. However, this effect was only observed in non-smokers.
A review of 27 studies involving children and adults who took antidepressants found that only those taking bupropion lost weight, while those taking other antidepressants gained weight.
A 2024 review of 25 studies concluded that bupropion causes a decrease in weight and waist circumference when used alone or in combination with naltrexone.
Learn about the cost of bupropion.
Can fluoxetine (Prozac) aid in weight loss?
Fluoxetine, also known by its brand name Prozac, is an SSRI that doctors prescribe for major depression and may potentially assist in weight loss.
SSRIs and SNRIs are second-generation antidepressants. They have severe side effects but are generally better tolerated than first-generation antidepressants, like tricyclic antidepressants.
A 2022 review discovered that in adults with obesity, taking 60 milligrams (mg) of fluoxetine daily can result in an average weight loss of 2.7 kilograms (kg) – almost 6 lb – during the first 6 months of treatment. There is no weight loss effect for those taking low dosages for an extended period.
According to a 2022 study, the way fluoxetine promotes weight loss is not fully understood, but it might suppress hunger signals and increase the amount of energy people burn while at rest.
Learn about the side effects of Prozac.
Can duloxetine (Cymbalta) aid in weight loss?
Duloxetine might promote weight loss, but the research supporting this is limited.
Duloxetine is an SNRI known by the brand names Cymbalta and Yentreve. Experts believe that SNRIs help people with anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, which can improve mood.
One older study found that individuals taking duloxetine for major depressive disorder lost weight in the short term but gained a small amount during longer-term treatment.
Learn more about Cymbalta’s effects on weight.
Risks of taking antidepressants
Antidepressants may have side effects for certain individuals. The type and severity can depend on age, sex, and other health conditions. The side effects may diminish as the body adjusts to the medication.
The most common side effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- weight gain
- diarrhea
- drowsiness
- sexual dysfunction
- headaches
- dry mouth
- sweating
- vision changes
- constipation
- sleeping problems
The following side effects are rare and require immediate medical attention:
- suicidal thoughts
- confusion, agitation, and muscle twitching
- seizure
- irregular heartbeat
- unconsciousness
When to contact a doctor
If someone experiences serious side effects, they should call 911 or visit the emergency room.
If other side effects worsen or cause concern, a person should make an appointment with a doctor.
People under the age of 25 years are most at risk of suicidal thoughts when they first begin taking antidepressants. It may be wise for an individual to inform a friend or family member that they are taking antidepressants so that this loved one can check in from time to time.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Reach out to the 988 Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for round-the-clock, complimentary, and confidential assistance from compassionate specialists.
- Send the word 'HOME' to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to get connected with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Need help outside the U.S.? Locate a helpline in your country via Befrienders Worldwide.
- If you feel secure, dial 911 or your local emergency services number.
If you're acting on behalf of someone else, remain with them until aid arrives. You can securely remove hazardous items or substances if it's safe to do so.
If you're not in the same residence, continue talking to them until help is on its way.
Maintaining weight in the face of antidepressants
Individuals with minimal or average body weight need not shed pounds, and overweight loss may be detrimental. Adhering to a balanced, nutritious diet can assist in maintaining a balanced weight.
This entails avoiding or restricting foods rich in fat, salt, and sugar, which can elevate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood sugar.
Shakes crafted with protein supplements can help boost calorie intake. Between meals, consider snacking on nuts, peanut butter toast, yogurt, or fruit.
Recap
While the majority of antidepressants can result in weight gain, bupropion, fluoxetine, and duloxetine may trigger weight loss in certain individuals. Although physicians do not prescribe these medications for weight loss, they may take this into account when prescribing them to address another condition.
People should not use antidepressants solely for weight loss, as they carry numerous side effects. An individual seeking to lose weight can consider modifying their diet and boosting physical activity instead.
The 2022 review found that taking 60 milligrams of fluoxetine daily can lead to an average weight loss of 2.7 kilograms in adults with obesity during the first 6 months of treatment. (contains: 'fluoxetine', 'weight loss')
Bupropion, particularly the extended-release version, has been shown in some studies to cause weight loss, while duloxetine's effect on weight is less consistent and often leads to minimal weight gain during long-term treatment. (contains: 'bupropion', 'weight gain', 'duloxetine')
Individuals taking antidepressants, such as bupropion, fluoxetine, or duloxetine, should still maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity to address weight concerns and manage other potential side effects. (contains: 'bupropion', 'fluoxetine', 'duloxetine', 'weight concerns', 'physical activity')
