Antidepressants and Weight Loss

Antidepressants, as the name clearly suggests, are meant for treating depression in some people. The market is flooded with innumerable kinds of antidepressants for weight loss. Such medicines that can serve to relieve anxiety and depression and at the same time help in losing weight, can be difficult to choose. In any case, a doctor's advice is essential and a prime necessity before you go for any kind of antidepressants for weight loss. Here are few helpful tips for antidepressants and weight loss.

Which One to Choose?
Bupropion is a typical antidepressant and it has shown positive weight loss results in some people. Certain studies have shown that people consuming this drug lost around 4.4 kg in a period of 6 to 12 months. However, there are doubts that the drug may not be as effective for treating depression. Adderall for weight loss has also been known to be in use before. However, now the drug is prescribed mainly for attention deficit disorder (ADD). Attention deficit disorder in children is a common medical disorder. It is a biological, brain-related condition. This drug has the side effects of making the user addicted to it. So proper caution has to be taken before administering it.

Increased Metabolism for Weight Loss
Antidepressants that can increase the metabolism rate of the body are also helpful in losing weight. This is directly related to the thyroid gland in the body. This gland is responsible for losing and gaining weight. So if the thyroid gland secretes hormones in a faster rate than normal, it will increase the metabolism and thus burn more calories. Pramipexole and selegiline are dopaminergic antidepressants that decrease a hormone called prolactin. When prolactin decreases, the output of the thyroid glands increases. This eventually boosts the metabolism rate of the body and the person loses weight even while eating more and more.

Antidepressants to Decrease Hunger
To curtail hunger, antidepressants like reboxetine are helpful. Intake of this drug decreases food cravings and eventually the user eats less and thus no 'extra calories'. The use of these antidepressants increases levels of the neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is responsible for decreasing appetite. Using such drugs also reduces desire for foods like ice creams, cookies, pastries and other carbohydrate-rich foods. Avoid intake of common SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) antidepressants like fluoxetine (prozac), paroxetine, and lexapro. Their use has resulted in weight gain in many people.

Antidepressants for Energy
Increase in levels of energy signifies more physical workouts of the body. This helps in burning more calories throughout the day. Such antidepressants increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the body. As discussed above, these two activities in the body help in effective weight loss.

Weight loss achieved by utilizing antidepressants is considered as an 'off-label' use. This is because antidepressants are specifically approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for treating depressions and in no way to be used for losing weight. Although the antidepressants that have been described above have showed positive results for weight loss in some cases, it is mandatory to follow a qualified doctor's advice before going for any such kinds of drugs.

Side Effects of Using Antidepressants
Side effects are normal with antidepressants. Almost all kinds of antidepressants are known to cause some side effect or the other. Common side effects are sleepiness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea and sexual health problems. People having an overdose of these drugs are at a high risk of heart failure.

Especially for expecting mothers, antidepressants have to be taken with utmost care, lest the baby might be harmed. If antidepressants are consumed at a later stage of pregnancy, the baby might get withdrawal symptoms post birth. Some studies revealed that, mothers who were using fluoxetine had smaller babies.

Antidepressants and weight loss have always been a controversial topic in medical science. These drugs are not primarily meant for losing or gaining weight. Regular workouts and a healthy diet are always considered as the safest and most effective means for fighting obesity. Taking antidepressants in order to avoid dieting and exercise is not at all advisable. Using such drugs without consulting a doctor may result in serious consequences due to self-medication. Why not stay fit by inculcating a healthy and safe lifestyle? Why not exercise for a healthy weight loss rather than getting anxious about 'antidepressants and weight loss'? Better be safe than sorry!