Which Antidepressants Are Less Likely to Cause Weight Gain?

Antidepressants and weight gain: Which antidepressant causes the least weight gain?

Weight gain is a common side effect of anti-depressants. However, researchers have found some antidepressants cause more significant weight changes than others. Among eight common first-line antidepressants, the researchers found that bupropion causes the least weight gain in patients.

The antidepressant bupropion is 15-20% less likely to cause significant weight gain than sertraline, the most common antidepressant. In comparison, escitalopram and paroxetine each have a 15% higher risk of weight gain than sertraline.

This makes escitalopram and paroxetine some of the most weight-impacting antidepressants. And bupropion causes the least weight gain.

The eight anti-depressants studied include:

Sertraline
Citalopram
Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Bupropion
Duloxetine

There are several anti-depressant drugs on the market. But many patients worry about the potential weight gain, which can put their physical and mental health at risk.

This research shows that the specific anti-depressant you choose can significantly reduce your risks of weight gain.

Why does this matter?

This is good news because your clinician will typically discuss with you the several treatment options available at the beginning of your therapy.

Also, the new depression care guidelines encourage a more patient-centered approach, allowing patients to be more actively involved in their treatment.

What's more, researchers have found that a new coating can help prevent weight gain from antipsychotic drugs and anti-depressants. While they're busy advancing and implementing their findings, we can use this study on anti-depressants and weight gain to help patients make better choices.

Antidepressants that don't cause weight gain?

Antidepressants are associated with weight gain. However, bupropion may not cause as much weight gain as other common anti-depressants.

Antidepressants and weight gain: a big concern

We want you to know your concerns about the potential weight gain from anti-depressants are justified. At Hope Mental Health, we understand the potential health risks associated with excess weight.

So, we do our best to customize a treatment plan that works best for you with minimal risks.

Plus, using the drug metformin can help prevent the potential weight gain from antidepressants.

If you suffer from major depression, you might do yourself more harm by avoiding anti-depressants due to the weight gain. So, quitting your meds or avoiding treatment is not the best way to go.

At Hope Mental Health, we can help you manage your depression while keeping your weight in mind.

Author

Satu H. Woodland, PMHCNS-BC, APRN Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults. Ms. Woodland with her background in nursing, prefers a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that addresses the mind and body together. While Ms. Woodland provides medication management services in all her patients, she believes in long-lasting solutions that include a number of psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, attention to lifestyle, evidenced based alternative psychiatric care and spirituality. If you’d like to gain control over your mental health issues, call Hope Mental Health at 208-918-0958, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an initial consultation.