Taking A Fat Burner On Antidepressants

Many over-the-counter drugs claim to burn or block fat in your body, but the Food and Drug Administration has only approved the use of orlistat for fat-blocking purposes. You can buy orlistat over-the-counter as Alli or as a prescription called Xenical. If you take other medications such as antidepressants talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking orlistat or any other weight-loss aid.

Orlistat Basics

Orlistat causes your body to not digest fat from the food you eat and instead pass it out through bowel movements. You take the drug before meals and should not ingest it more than three times daily. If you are under the age of 18 or not willing to regularly exercise and eat a reasonably healthy diet, you should not take any type of orlistat.

Orlistat and Antidepressants

Antidepressants such as fluoxetine and nortriptyline do not interact with Alli or Xenical, according to the University of Maryland drug checker. Fluoxetine, commonly marketed as Prozac, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and can help recovery from eating disorders. Nortriptyline, or Pamelor, is a tricyclic antidepressant that also improves the balance of chemicals in the brain to help increase mood and decrease urges for self-destructive behavior.

Orlistat Success Tips

To avoid problems absorbing your antidepressants, take your medication two hours before or after taking orlistat, advises PubMed Health. The same rule applies to any other medications or supplements you take. While using Alli or Xenical, you should take a daily multivitamin that includes vitamins A, D, E, K and beta carotene. Consider not taking orlistat before a very low-fat or very high-fat meal to avoid unnecessary effects on your digestive system.

Weight Loss Potential

Over-the-counter Alli used in conjunction with a low-fat diet and regular exercise program might help you lose an extra 3 to 5 lbs. per year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Xenical might help you shed 5 to 7 lbs. more annually than you would with just diet and exercise. Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, may cause side effects that include weight loss or decreased appetite.

Orlistat Side Effects

Some people taking fat-blockers suffer from frequent or uncontrollable bowel movements, gas with oily discharge, rectal or stomach pain and fatty or loose stools, notes PubMed Health. You can decrease your risk of such side effects by eating less than 15 g of fat per meal while taking orlistat. If you experience jaundice, light-colored stools or dark-colored urine, you may have suffered a liver injury and should seek immediate medical assistance.