Many people struggle with weight gain caused by medications. In many cases, people do not realize that the sudden increase in their waistline can be associated with their new medications. Patients who do suspect that their medications are causing weight gain should not suddenly stop taking medications, but should discuss the issue with physicians.
Antidepressants
Weight gain is a reported side effect in nearly all antidepressant medications, according to MayoClinic.com. Certain antidepressants cause weight gain more often than others do. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, known as MAOIs, are often more associated with weight gain than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, with the exception of the SSRI paroxetine. Weight gain does not affect all patients taking antidepressants. Patients suspecting weight gain due to antidepressants should speak to their doctors regarding changing or lowering medications.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid medications are used to help decrease the body's inflammatory response and may help lessen symptoms associated with allergic reactions such as swelling, redness and itching. Physicians also use corticosteroids in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, in which the body mistakenly starts attacking its own cells. Corticosteroids may be given by mouth, by injection or topically. Patients taking corticosteroids for long periods may experience sudden weight gain as well as changes in vision, eye pain, filling or rounding out of the face, headache, irregular heartbeat and bloody or tarry stools. Patients experiencing weight gain or any side effects while taking corticosteroids should discuss options with physicians. Often patients must weigh the benefits of the medication with the side effect of weight gain.
Cyproheptadine
Physicians often prescribe cyproheptadine to treat allergy symptoms such as red, irritated, itchy and watery eyes. In some cases, doctors use cyproheptadine to treat life-threatening allergic reactions in patients who have undergone a blood transfusion. Physicians prescribe cyproheptadine as a tablet or a solution that patients take two to three times a day every day. The National Institutes of Health warns that side effects of dry mouth, nose and throat, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, chest congestion and weight gain.
Antipsychotics
Physicians use antipsychotic medications to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Medications such as lithium and chlorpromazine are often associated with weight gain. According to the MayoClinic.com, other side effects of these medications include confusion, fainting, frequent urination, increased thirst, trouble breathing and unusual tiredness and weakness. Patients who feel the medications are causing the weight gain should discuss treatment with their physicians. While physicians may change or lower the medications, they must first decide whether the side effect of weight gain is more important than the mood-stabilizing effects of the medication.
Member Comments