A common side effect is Zoloft weight gain. Not everyone experiences sertraline weight gain. Much of the time, research shows that body weight gain is modest or temporary. That said, it's still important to understand the potential side effect and discuss it with your doctor before starting treatment.
One theory is that antidepressants such as sertraline may stimulate your appetite and make you feel hungrier than normal by affecting your ability to suppress the urge to eat.
“In general, weight gain is a possible side effect of most antidepressants, such as Zoloft, Prozac or Celexa, but each person will react to antidepressants differently,” Naidoo says. How much weight gain is typical? A quarter of those who take antidepressants gain 10 pounds or more, Naidoo estimates.
The antidepressants with the highest risk of causing weight gain are amitriptyline, citalopram, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, paroxetine, and phenelzine.
Official answer. Zoloft (sertraline) may lead to a small weight gain ranging from 1% to 1.6% of initial body weight when used over 6 months to 1 year. For example, in a 150 lb (68 kg) person, this would equal an added 1.5 to 2.4 lbs (0.7 to 1.1 kg) of weight.
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.
In some patients, this can include weight gain. Zoloft is a popular antidepressant prescribed for depression. If you've been prescribed this medication or its generic version, sertraline, you may have experienced an improvement in your mood, sleep, and energy levels. Your appetite might also have increased.
Common side effects of Zoloft include: diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspepsia, fatigue, insomnia, loose stools, nausea, tremor, headache, paresthesia, anorexia, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, ejaculation failure, and xerostomia.
At least 25% of Zoloft users gain at least 10 pounds after taking the drug. According to a study, this is more likely to happen with long-term use of the drug (6 months or more). So, the answer to the question of whether Zoloft can make you gain weight is YES. It's possible to gain weight while on Zoloft.
Physical activity and diet
Arguably the best natural method to prevent weight gain from antidepressants is to exercise. You already know how 1p physical and mental health benefits you stand to gain from exercising. But if you've never had any reason to prioritize it, it's so worth considering at this point.
The prescribing information for Zoloft says not to drink alcohol while taking it. This is also true for other SSRIs. As mentioned above, drinking alcohol may make Zoloft's side effects worse. Drinking alcohol can also make the side effects appear more quickly.
Antidepressants that have been linked to weight loss include: bupropion (Wellbutrin) fluoxetine (Prozac) duolexetine (Cymbalta)
Both drugs might cause weight changes. However, the main difference between Zoloft and Prozac is that research suggests weight gain might be more pronounced with Prozac than Zoloft weight gain.
Your doctor will most likely recommend a once-a-day dosage of sertraline (Zoloft). You can take it either in the morning or evening, depending on your lifestyle and any side effects you experience. For example, if sertraline makes you drowsy, taking it at night might be your best choice.
The starting Zoloft dosage for depression in adults is 50 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your healthcare provider may raise your dose by 25 mg to 50 mg per day once a week until you find the dose that works best for you. The maximum recommended dosage is 200 mg once daily.
Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you stay full longer and keep your energy levels up. In addition, you should avoid processed foods high in sugar and saturated fats, as these can lead to weight gain.
Zoloft (sertraline) is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. It belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These antidepressants work by raising levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is believed to play a role in mood and anxiety.
Fatigue and drowsiness are two of the most common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft), as well as several other SSRIs. If you're using sertraline to treat depression, fatigue and tiredness from the medication can also be compounded by the effects of depression on your mood.
And yes, certain antidepressants and other medications may increase appetite. However, most medications do not alter metabolism, per se. Thus, weight loss can still occur when attention is given to other factors, including the composition and timing of dietary intake.
Generally speaking, these medications act on signaling pathways in our brain that influence mood and appetite. As a result, people taking antidepressants may consume more calories, leading to weight gain. It's also important to keep in mind how common symptoms of mood disorders impact our weight.