The rate of prescriptions for antidepressants in the United States almost doubled between the years of 1996 and 2005, from 13.3 million to 27.7 million persons receiving prescriptions, according to a study by Mark Olfson, MD, MpH and Steven C. Marcus, PhD published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. There are several classes of antidepressants, achieving their effects through various mechanisms. Many share common side effects including weight loss, although the weight loss may not be dramatic. Patients should consult with their physicians to determine if these drugs are right for them.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, brand name Prozac. It was developed by Eli Lily and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1986. A typical initial dose is 20mg. Fluoxetine works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. One side effect of this drug is decreased appetite, which can result in weight loss.
Bupropion
Bupropion, brand name Wellbutrin, is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It works as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Bupropion comes in sustained and extended release forms; sustained release is taken twice per day, while extended release is only taken once per day. A typical daily dose is between 150 mg and 300 mg. Studies associated with developing the drug showed that between 14 and 19 percent of people taking between 300 and 400 mg of sustained release Wellbutrin lost greater than 5 lbs.
Sertraline
Sertraline hydrochloride, brand name Zoloft, is made by the company Pfizer. It works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. It also has very weak effects on dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake. The dosing range is 50 to 200 mg per day. Although some experience a significant amount of weight loss while taking sertraline, the majority of those taking this drug will experience modest effects on weight loss, an average of 1 to 2 lbs.
References
- "Archives of General Psychiatry"; National patterns in antidepressant medication treatment; Mark Olfson, MD, MpH and Steven C. Marcus, PhD.; August 4, 2010
- Prozac: Medication Guide
- Wellbutrin XL: Safety Information
- GlaxoSmithKline: Wellbutrin SR Medication Guide
- Pfizer: Zoloft Medication Guide
Member Comments