Anti Depressants and Weight Loss

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a class of antidepressant that work by increasing available levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Atypical depression, which causes overeating and oversleeping, can be treated with SSRIs and may result in weight loss as serotonin levels even out.

Paradoxically, some people experience weight gain while taking SSRIs, making them an ineffective and unreliable weight-loss aid in those without depression. Side effects of SSRIs may include decreased libido, akathisia (a movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness) and increased suicidal tendencies in certain populations.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of medication and are known for causing more severe side effects than SSRIs. They are generally viewed as a second line of treatment when SSRIs have failed. TCAs are notorious for causing weight gain, which can often be severe enough to stop treatment. For this reason, they are a poor choice for weight loss in the absence of depression. Other side effects of TCAs may include dry mouth, constipation and severe drowsiness.

Atypical antidepressants are medications that affect various neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Wellbutrin, Remeron and Desyrel fall under this category.

According to emedtv.com, approximately 28 percent of people experience weight loss of more than 5 lbs.while taking Wellbutrin. While the connection isn't entirely clear, Wellbutrin appears to cause weight loss by alleviating the depression that contributes to weight gain, as well as inducing nausea and loss of appetite in some users.

While effective weight loss aids in a minority of instances, antidepressants are not generally viewed as a reliable weight-loss solution for those not suffering from depression. In many cases, they may have the opposite effect, causing unwanted weight gain and other side effects. When they do cause weight loss, the amount lost isn't usually enough to justify their use for this purpose alone. The safest and most effective means of losing weight is proper diet and daily exercise.

Some antidepressants can cause dangerous side effects. If you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact a medical professional immediately. Never stop taking antidepressants abruptly or without a doctor's supervision.