Depression medicine that helps lose weight
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Depression Medicine That Helps Lose Weight
Introduction to Antidepressants and Weight Change
Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe major depressive disorder. However, many of these medications are associated with weight gain, which is a significant public health concern. The weight effects of antidepressants vary widely, with some causing weight gain and others promoting weight loss1.
Bupropion: An Antidepressant Promoting Weight Loss
Among the various antidepressants, bupropion stands out for its weight-loss effects. Unlike other antidepressants that often lead to weight gain, bupropion has been shown to help patients lose weight. This is particularly beneficial for patients who are concerned about weight gain as a side effect of their depression treatment1 3.
Naltrexone/Bupropion Combination for Weight Management
The combination of naltrexone and bupropion (NB) has been studied for its efficacy in weight loss among patients who are also on antidepressant therapy. Research indicates that NB is effective in promoting weight loss in patients with obesity or overweight, regardless of their use of antidepressants. This combination therapy is generally well-tolerated and offers a viable option for managing weight in patients undergoing antidepressant treatment3.
Fluoxetine and Protriptyline: Weight Loss Effects
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and protriptyline, which affects norepinephrine reuptake, have also been reported to facilitate weight loss in patients. Studies have shown that patients on these medications can lose weight during their treatment, making them suitable options for those looking to manage their weight while treating depression6.
Zimelidine: A Weight-Neutral Antidepressant
Zimelidine, another antidepressant, has been noted for not causing weight gain in patients. In some cases, it has even been associated with weight loss. This characteristic makes zimelidine a potential option for patients who are particularly concerned about weight gain as a side effect of their antidepressant medication4.
Rimonabant: Weight Loss with Psychiatric Risks
Rimonabant, an anti-obesity agent, has shown significant weight loss effects. However, it is associated with severe psychiatric adverse events, including depressive mood disorders and anxiety. Due to these risks, its use is not recommended for patients with a history of depression5.
Conclusion
For patients with depression who are concerned about weight gain, certain antidepressants like bupropion, fluoxetine, and protriptyline offer promising weight loss benefits. The combination of naltrexone and bupropion also provides an effective weight management option. However, it is crucial to consider the individual patient's health profile and potential side effects when selecting an antidepressant. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Antidepressant Medications and Weight Change: A Narrative Review
Antidepressant medications can cause weight gain or weight loss, with histamine and serotonin off-target appetite-promoting pathways playing a role in these effects.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedIntentional weight loss and changes in symptoms of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Weight loss interventions, particularly lifestyle modification and exercise-alone programs, generally reduce symptoms of depression in obese individuals.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPsychiatric Safety and Weight Loss Efficacy of Naltrexone/bupropion as Add-on to Antidepressant Therapy in Patients with Obesity or Overweight.
Naltrexone/bupropion is generally well-tolerated and effective in promoting weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity, regardless of antidepressant use.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous JournalInfluence of depression and antidepressants on weight
Zimelidine, an antidepressive drug, causes no weight gain in patients, potentially avoiding the embarrassing side effect of weight gain in antidepressive treatment.
Efficacy and safety of the weight-loss drug rimonabant: a meta-analysis of randomised trials
Rimonabant is an effective weight-loss drug, but it increases the risk of psychiatric adverse events like depressed mood disorders and anxiety.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedAntidepressant treatment and weight loss
Both fluoxetine and protriptyline can help depressed patients lose weight during treatment, with no significant difference between their weight loss rates.
Non-RCTEmotional problems during weight reduction: advantages of a combined behavior therapy and antidepressive drug therapy for obesity.
Combined behavior therapy and antidepressive medication can improve depressive symptoms and positively impact weight loss rates in obese individuals.
Non-RCTExcess body weight as a predictor of response to treatment with antidepressants in patients with depressive disorder.
Excess weight patients may have poorer response to antidepressant medications, highlighting the need for physicians to consider obesity when choosing antidepressant treatments.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalDiet, Obesity, and Depression: A Systematic Review
Caloric-restricted diets may be a promising personalized treatment approach for people with obesity and depression, potentially due to immunoendocrine and psychosocial mechanisms.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedMajor depressive disorder, antidepressant use, and subsequent 2-year weight change patterns in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety.
Current major depressive disorder (cMDD) is associated with greater odds of both weight gain and weight loss over a 2-year period, regardless of antidepressant use.
Observational Study