In recent decades, science has made great strides in finding new types of medication for the treatment of clinical depression and other mood disorders. In particular, a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are very effective for many patients, alleviating mood symptoms with fewer negative side effects than older antidepressants. However, no medication is completely free of potential side effects, and for many individuals, SSRI medication causes weight gain.
Step 1
Discuss your SSRI-related weight gain with your physician, who might be able to make changes in your medication. Some SSRI medications are more likely to cause weight gain than others, says MayoClinic.com. Your physician might be able to switch you to a different SSRI with less risk of weight gain than the one you are currently taking, or lower your dosage of your current medicine to a level that does not affect your weight. These changes could help your body drop the excess weight automatically.
Step 2
Cut back on sweets and fast food and eat smaller meals, if SSRI weight gain remains a problem. These behavioral dietary changes might be necessary to cut calories and lose the extra pounds you've gained if medication changes aren't feasible or aren't effective at resolving your weight-gain issues.
Step 3
Get more exercise. The more physically active you are, the more calories you'll burn, helping you lose weight more quickly. For effective weight loss, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity, three to five times per week.
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