Yet some of the common drugs for these issues — like prednisone and other corticosteroids, and bupropion Wellbutrin and other antidepressants — have less-than-desirable side effects. One major side effect of these drugs is weight gain. Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers are common drugs that have the most potential to increase weight gain. All 12 of the leading antidepressants, including fluoxetine Prozac, sertraline Zoloft, and escitalopram Lexapro, make gaining weight more likely. Steroids like prednisone may also have similar effects.
Fluoxetine does give me a sort of ‘high’ or state of euphoria, but it prevents me from getting so down. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. My main focus was to gain body mass and get cognitive behavioural therapy CBT to help me deal with the vast lifestyle changes I needed to make for my own wellbeing. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Hedaya, M. This is to help prevent any extra side effects you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine.
Robert Hedaya discusses the mixed blessings of antidepressant therapy. One common and often upsetting side effect with use is weight gain from antidepressants. There are a few theories about why weight gain occurs with antidepressant use, but no concrete conclusions. So, what can you do? 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.