Does Taking Prozac Cause Weight Gain

Does Taking Prozac Cause Weight Gain Depression Treatment Medication Print Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Weight Gain By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on March 16, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Paul S. Howell / Getty Images Antidepressants have long been associated with weight gain. When Prozac (fluoxetine) first arrived on the scene in 1988, many doctors and patients were hopeful that it might alleviate this problem. Unlike older antidepressants, such as the tricyclics (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Prozac affects mainly  serotonin receptors. Because of this, it was hoped that it wouldnt have the same adverse effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and weight gain. Weight Gain May Still Be a Problem Unfortunately, it didnt quite work out that way. While Prozac doesnt have side effects that are as severe as the older antidepressants, it did emerge over time that weight gain could still be a problem. Although many patients initially do maintain or even lose weight during the first few months on Prozac, a small percentage of people eventually gain weight, especially with long-term use, which means longer than six months. Prozac is not alone in causing this potential dreaded side effect; many antidepressants can potentially lead to weight gain, particularly with long-term use. ??In fact, Prozac is actually considered one of the weight-neutral antidepressants, meaning it doesnt typically cause weight gain. Why Prozac May Cause Weight Gain Its not known for certain why Prozac and other antidepressants may cause weight gain, although its possible that they may somehow affect your appetite or metabolism. Some people may gain weight while taking Prozac simply because they were not eating well while they were depressed and the antidepressant has caused their normal appetite to return. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for weight gain when youre taking an antidepressant.?? What You Can Do Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to help you lose weight you may have gained while taking Prozac. The same options for weight loss exist as for those who have gained weight for other reasons, including: Implementing a healthy dietEngaging in regular exercise, which has the added benefit of naturally boosting your moodWeight loss drugs Other Options for Dealing With Weight Gain on Prozac If none of the above work for you, another option is to ask your healthcare provider about changing to a different antidepressant. Certain antidepressants are less likely to cause weight gain than others. For example, the atypical antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion) is linked to weight loss. Keep in mind that different people often respond in different ways to the same medication, so another antidepressant may work better for you in treating your depression while not causing you to pack on the pounds.