Can depression medicine cause weight gain?

Depression is a terrible disease that can take hold of you and drag you down to the depths of despair. It’s like being stuck in quicksand; the harder you try to get out, the deeper you sink. Medication can be an effective tool for managing depression, but it comes with its own set of potential side effects. One such side effect is weight gain. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not depression medication can cause weight gain and what you can do if it does.

What is Depression?

Before we delve into whether or not depression medication causes weight gain, let’s first talk about what depression actually is. Depression is a mental illness characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities once enjoyed.

Types of Antidepressants

There are several types of antidepressants on the market today, each with their own unique mechanism for combating depression.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are one type of antidepressant commonly prescribed today. They work by increasing levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation) in the brain. Some common SSRIs include:

  • Prozac
  • Zoloft
  • Celexa
  • Lexapro

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants were some of the earliest types developed to combat depression. The main function they offer patients who use them includes targeting a range neurotransmitters in your brain including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine However they tend to come along severe side effects

Some common TCAs include:

  • Elavil
  • Tofranil

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors work differently than any other class treatment , which means they have a different mechanism for addressing depression.

Because MAOIs are not selective in which neurotransmitters. these types of drugs inhibit, and can be especially dangerous when taken with foods that contain high levels of tyramine. Foods to avoid include aged cheese, cured meats, wine, and beer.

Some common MAO inhibitors include:

  • Nardil
  • Parnate

Does Depression Medication Cause Weight Gain?

In short: Yes. Unfortunately , many people who take antidepressants experience weight gain as a side effect. In fact SSRIS tend often known to make patients struggle putting on some extra pounds of flesh while trying to manage their depressive symptoms

There are several factors that contribute to this phenomenon impact result from the way SRRIs interacts with your body’s natural systems .

Changes in Appetite

One reason why many people experience medication-related weight gain is due to changes in appetite caused by certain types of medicationMany drugs used patients diagnosed with depression happens cause increase cravings + unusual hunger pangs making them eat even more because they usually make you feel like eating much more tha n you should Conversely , sudden loss or decrease occurrences appetite could lead too unexplained significant loss yet again it always depends on one’s current mood 🙂

Metabolic Changes

Another reason why some people may experience weight gain upon taking medications formulated address depression has everything do push an individual ‘s basal metabolic state . A slow metabolism means less calories burned without including the excess calorie intakehence leading accumunlating fat supply within your body.

What Can You Do About It?

If you’re experiencing concerning weigh t effects related antidepressant medications here’s what experts recommend :

1)Switching Up Your Medication
The worst thing anyone suffering from depression can do would refusing changing up his meds if he/she starts gaining undesirable unnecessary kilos after all there ar e other effective brands available specifically for the condition which may not have a side effect of weight gain or reduced metabolism

2)Stay Active

Exercise is an essential part of achieving balanced health. It can help offset some of the negative effects that antidepressants and as well improve mood hence reducing depressive symptoms

3)Eating Right
It’s of utmost importance to maintain proper nutrition when taking depression medication often results extreme reduction in appetite yet again proper food intake will definitely assist against unhealthy snacking on junk/fast foods which are natural to crave especially with people diagnosed with depression.

For overall healthy eating options it is best you seek professional advice inclusive with your medical adviser .

So what exactly could work for this diet options ?

Type Foods
Fruits Bananas, grapes, oranges.
Vegetables Broccoli ,carrots, beans,eat spinach ;
Carbs Brown rice,natural oats whole grain bread ;
Proteins Lentils , white meat(chicken),fish

4) Keep Track Of Your Progress
Maintaining mental wellness should always be at the forefront Besides just maintaining health by consistently checking yourself medically; keeping trackof your physical fitness journey mentally can go a long way ensuring further progress.Knowing all these helps one realize if there needs changedup strategies or consistence maybe having altered routine exercises would be beneficial over time

5 ) Seek Help

If none of those good tips are helping out converse possibilities exist for then seeking additional assistance exists.

That being said everyone goes through different experiences and although we’ve tried relaying enough information requiring possible ways managing excessive weight gain why undergoing treatment bear in mind contacting professionals would come handy leading you find quick easy solutions.

Conclusion

To sum up while tons drugs taken during therapy contribute towards unusual body mass increments experienced,it’s important as patient living with depression concern oneself more on ways tackling its cause than developing much stress from unwanted physiologic changes which prevention measures (mindful dieting and physical activity) could work for; integrating the above tips into your daily lifestyle routine ,relationship with food by following a sound balanced nutrition plan inclusive of whole foods, plenty of fruit vegetables and protein can lead optimal health hence mental wellness.

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