The amount of weight people gain when they take Prozac can vary from person to person. Some people see no weight change, some only see a slight increase in their body mass index (BMI), and others may experience more significant weight gain and changes in their overall size or shape.
There is no secret to preventing weight gain while taking Prozac or other antidepressants. Managing your weight on these medications is the same as any other time: Eat a balanced diet. Get regular physical activity.
Most frequently, these medications are associated with weight gain, but on occasion, weight loss may also occur. Prozac is linked to weight loss, especially early in treatment. Studies show that when people begin treatment with Prozac, they could experience a modest weight loss of about one pound.
The antidepressants with the highest risk of causing weight gain are amitriptyline, citalopram, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, paroxetine, and phenelzine.
We use a combination of Phentermine and a low dose (10-20 mgs) of Prozac. The second medicine is necessary because Phentermine used alone starts to lose effectiveness after a few months.
If you gain weight after starting an antidepressant, discuss the medication's benefits and side effects with your doctor. If the benefits outweigh the side effect of weight gain, consider managing your weight by eating healthier and getting more physical activity while enjoying an improved mood due to the medication.
It has been observed that some antidepressants can affect estrogen levels in women. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) have been shown to decrease estrogen levels in women.
Antidepressants that have been linked to weight loss include: bupropion (Wellbutrin) fluoxetine (Prozac) duolexetine (Cymbalta)
Bottom Line. Within the first one to two weeks, most people feel lower levels of anxiety, restlessness or tiredness with Prozac treatment. Your sleep, energy and appetite may improve over the first month and you may have a better focus on daily tasks. A depressed mood can take up to 8 weeks to fully respond.
You can take fluoxetine at any time, but it's best to stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, try taking it in the morning.
Very common side effects when taking fluoxetine (affecting more than one in ten people) include: insomnia (sleep problems) headache and feeling tired.
The most widely prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs. Unfortunately, mild to modest (average 4.5lbs) weight gain has been associated with the use of SSRIs. You can limit the weight gain side-effect of SSRIs by following a healthy diet high in unprocessed foods, keeping active, and getting a good night's sleep.
Prozac is good for anxiety and depression because it is an SSRI antidepressant medication that works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin by your brain's neurotransmitter receptors. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain responsible for sleep, appetite, and mood regulation.
Which antidepressants are less likely to cause weight gain? Fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft and Lustral) are two antidepressants often less likely to cause weight gain.
What is certain is that some people experience weight gain while taking antidepressants. The increase in pounds can interfere with efforts to lose weight, and for some people, weight loss becomes more difficult after starting on antidepressants.
“When comparing all antidepressants, bupropion [Wellbutrin] is the least likely to cause weight gain and, in most cases, will be weight neutral or cause weight loss over time.
Although some people may experience some negative fluoxetine side effects such anxiety, agitation, nausea and drowsiness, most people who take it don't experience serious side effects.
The majority of patients who take SSRI medication do not experience significant side effects. Nonetheless, some patients who take this medication for prolonged periods will experience adverse effects (such as weight gain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction).
One of the widely-reported side effects of SSRIs is 'blunting', where patients report feeling emotionally dull and no longer finding things as pleasurable as they used to.
by Drugs.com
In Prozac studies, weight loss has been reported in about 2% of patients (2 out of every 100), but patient self-reports of weight gain have been much higher, up to 37% in one survey. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) available in the U.S. include: Celexa (citalopram) Lexapro (escitalopram)
Share on Pinterest Antidepressants may lead to weight gain as a person regains their appetite. Experts do not fully understand why antidepressants lead to weight gain in some people. One theory is that both metabolism and hunger levels may be affected.
Most antidepressants list weight gain as a potential side effect of use, however not everyone gains weight when taking antidepressants. “Based on my clinical experience, about a third of people typically gain weight when taking an antidepressant,” says Dr. Andrew Morson, a New Orleans-based psychiatrist.”