Like any medication, antidepressants in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have potential side effects. For some people who take an SSRI such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline), one of these possible side effects is weight gain.
Why does sertraline cause weight gain?
It's also possible that sertraline and other SSRIs may block the effects of hormones that control sodium and fluid in your body, resulting in fluid retention. In short, while weight gain is a known side effect of sertraline and several other antidepressants, experts aren't yet completely sure why.
How much weight do you gain on sertraline?
by Drugs.com
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.
Can you lose weight while taking sertraline?
Weight gain is a common complaint of patients receiving antidepressant drug treatment. The antidepressant sertraline, a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor, has been reported to promote weight loss.
Which antidepressants cause the most weight gain?
The antidepressants most likely to cause weight gain include amitriptyline (Brand name: Elavil), mirtazapine (Remeron), paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle, Pexeva), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and citalopram (Celexa).
40 related questions foundHow can I avoid gaining weight on antidepressants?
As simple as it may sound, the best chance of avoiding, or lessening further, undesirable weight gain when taking a prescribed antidepressant or antipsychotic medication, is to simultaneously participate in a formal weight management program.
Does weight come off after stopping antidepressants?
If you decrease your daily calorie intake as a result, you could potentially lose weight by stopping your antidepressants. On the other hand, if you experience loss of appetite with depression, and your depression comes back after stopping antidepressants, you may also lose weight.
How long should you be on sertraline?
Your doctor will advise you how long to take sertraline for, as it depends on why you are taking it. For depression it might be six months, for OCD it might be 12 months and for other anxiety related conditions such as PTSD and panic disorder it might be up to 18 months.
Can you exercise on sertraline?
SSRIs, such as Zoloft (sertraline), may cause weight gain and can make exercise more difficult. Additionally, weight loss specialist and cardiologist Dr. Luiza Petre, MD, says you may also experience drowsiness, which could affect your energy levels when it comes to hitting the mat.
What happens if you drink alcohol with sertraline?
Alcohol can make the side effects of Zoloft happen more quickly and/or intensely, causing excess sedation, dizziness, headaches, suicidal thoughts, stomach problems, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and general impairment. Combining alcohol and Zoloft can also lead to difficulty sleeping.
What is best antidepressant for weight loss?
Of these three medications, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most consistently associated with weight loss. Several studies, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies, found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) was the only commonly used antidepressant associated with weight loss.
Is sertraline a strong antidepressant?
Abstract. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with well established antidepressant and anxiolytic activity. Results from several well designed trials show that sertraline (50-200 mg/day) is effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in elderly patients (> or =60 years of age).
What are the effects of coming off sertraline?
Stopping sertraline abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, feeling dizzy, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin). Depression is also a part of bipolar illness.
Will 25 mg of Zoloft cause weight gain?
Experts say that for up to 25% of people, most antidepressant medications -- including the popular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft -- can cause a weight gain of 10 pounds or more.
What to avoid while on antidepressants?
Avoid driving or operating machinery. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids. Take your antidepressant at bedtime if your doctor approves.
Why do antidepressants cause weight gain?
Antidepressants interfere with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood while also controlling appetite. In particular, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts. When people are depressed, their appetites are affected.
Does sertraline affect athletic performance?
Getting too much sertraline, Ruderman says, can have adverse effects – potentially even contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression. “Too much of the drug affects your motivation and your energy levels, which can be especially difficult to cope with for a high performance athlete in training,” he explains.
What should you avoid when taking sertraline?
Generally, individuals taking sertraline will need to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen; blood thinners; and other medications that increase serotonin levels. Too much serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome.
What are the most common side effects of sertraline?
Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Is it better to take sertraline at night or in the morning?
But, thankfully, sertraline tends to cause less drowsiness than other antidepressants. If sertraline makes you feel tired or sleepy, try taking it in the evening before bed. If sertraline makes it harder for you to fall asleep, try taking it in the morning after waking up.
Why am I gaining weight so fast?
Poor sleep, sedentary activities, and eating too many processed or sugary foods are just some of the habits that may increase your risk of weight gain. Yet, a few simple steps — such as mindful eating, exercise, and focusing on whole foods — can help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.
Is antidepressant weight gain permanent?
The research also raises concerns about the duration of risk that patients are exposed to. Previous studies correlating antidepressants with weight gain have been short-term, typically less than a year.
Why can't I lose the weight?
At the most basic level, not reaching your weight loss goal can occur when calorie intake is equal to or higher than calorie use. Try strategies such as mindful eating, keeping a food diary, eating more protein, and doing strength exercises.
When is the best time to take sertraline?
When is the best time to take sertraline (Zoloft)? Typically, your doctor will recommend that you take your prescribed dose of sertraline once a day, either in the morning or evening. If sertraline makes you drowsy, your doctor may suggest that you take it at bedtime.
Does sertraline help with anxiety?
It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
