Do anti-depressent pills make you gain weight?

Question

Just something i heard and was wondering.

Answer 1

Well, I would say this depends on who you ask.  I have been on anti depressants for years and only 1 made me gain weight.  I talked to my doctor about it and he said that this does not happen and he believes that people start eating more because they feel better taking the anti depressants and this is the cause of the weight gain.  I am not sure that is true because out of the 4 I have tried, only one made me gain weight.  Funny thing is, I was on WW at the time and watching every thing I ate!!!  GO FIGURE!

Answer 2

I found an article for you that talks about which anti depressants seem to cause weight gain and which don't.  All I can say is that I have been  on  efexor for a few years and it actually caused weight loss in my case, so I think it's all down to each person being different

Which Anti-Depressants Do People Say "DO" Make Them Heavier?

* Paxil

* Zoloft

* Prozac

* Effexor

* Basically all SSRI's

* Most Tricyclics

* All MAOI's

* (not an antidepressant, I know...but still...) Benzodiazapines which are used regularly.

Which Anti-Depressants Do People Say "Don't" Make Them Heavier?

* Nortriptyline(Brand names are Pamelor, Allegron, Nortilen, and Aventyl)

But Why the Weight Gain Anyway?

Generally, I don't think anyone knows why. There are alot of factors, and so it's hard to pinpoint any singular culprit. Here are a few ideas though.

An increase in caloric intake. (or eating more...because you're more relaxed, mellow, etc.)

A decrease in basal metabolic rate. (you lose your mojo, afterall!) This tends to be my belief - I feel as if my body is in hibernation mode.

Constipation causing more "stuff" to be absorbed into your system.