Does Anxiety Medication Cause Weight Gain?

Yes, some anxiety medications, especially older categories of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants and certain uncommon mood stabilisers, can cause weight gain. At the same time, other depression medicines like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) might lead to a temporary loss of appetite and initial nausea. Sometimes, they cause weight loss, but long-term use could induce weight gain.

Weight gain is a possible outcome of certain anxiety medications, but it does not affect everyone. You should not stop seeking treatment due to putting on a few pounds. Instead, arrange an open communication with your healthcare professional to find a risk-free treatment plan. If you are on anxiety meds and experience weight gain, this blog will walk you through the factors that increase weight and ways to prevent those extra pounds.

Factors Affecting Weight Gain while on Anxiety Meds

The extent and likelihood of weight gain vary considerably from person to person. It depends on the effects of antidepressants, lifestyle factors, genetics, individual body chemistry, and the mechanisms that influence appetite and metabolism.

Here’s an overview of the crucial factors that result in weight gain:

Behavioural Factors

Anxiety meds can affect metabolism and may increase appetite, or some people might eat more food for comfort when facing difficult emotions, leading to weight gain. 

Medication Type

Different medicine families have different effects on weight. Tricyclic antidepressants and mirtazapine (an atypical antidepressant) are more strongly linked with weight gain than SSRIs and SNRIs. 

Duration of Use

Some medications may lead to weight gain after long-term use, while others might cause initial weight loss due to side effects like nausea. 

Individual Differences

Your body chemistry, genetics, and lifestyle (diet, activity levels) all may contribute to weight gain on a particular medication. 

Anxiety Medications That Cause Weight Gain

Not all antidepressants and antipsychotics add to pounds. But some increase body mass by combining with other factors.

The following are some of the medicines that bring about weight gain and those that are less risky:

Antidepressant medications that have the highest risk of causing weight gain are:

• Desipramine
• Paroxetine
• Imipramine
• Mirtazapine
• Amitryptiline
• Meds for depression that have the lowest risk of weight gain are:

• Fluoxetine
• Bupropion

Atypical antipsychotics that have the highest risk of causing weight gain are:

• Clozapine
• Olanzapine
• Quetiapine

Atypical antipsychotics that have the lowest risk of weight gain are:

• Abilify

• Ziprasidone
• Lurasidone
• Brexiprazole

Mood stabilisers that have the highest risk of causing weight gain are:

• Valproate
• Lithium

Medicines used to treat anxiety and with the lowest weight gain risk, are:

• Topiramate
• Oxcarbazepine
• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine

How to Prevent Weight Gain while Using Anti-Anxiety Medications?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses that affect millions across the globe. Depression, stress, anxiety, personality disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder all leave a lasting impact on a person’s mind, body, and well-being. It indicates that people might have to take depression medicines to deal with different nerve disorders in their lives.

So, people need to be mindful of the reactions, no matter if it is weight gain or other side effects.

Here are some useful ways to avoid weight gain while you are on antidepressants:

Speak with your doctor.

Do not stop taking your medication without talking to a healthcare provider first. They can help you assess if the weight gain is a side effect and find out alternatives. 

Consider other options.

Your doctor might advise a different medicine or help you take precautions to prevent weight gain. 

Focus on lifestyle changes.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help reduce weight and improve overall well-being. 

FAQs about Anxiety Pills

Does anxiety itself cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, anxiety can cause both. Some people lose weight from stress and poor appetite, while others gain weight from stress eating or hormonal changes.

How fast can weight change happen after starting depression medicine?

Weight changes can show up within a few weeks, but for many, it happens slowly over months. Everyone’s body reacts differently.

Can switching medications stop weight gain?

Sometimes, yes. A mood medicine may cause weight gain. Your doctor may recommend another option that is more weight-neutral.

Are there anxiety meds that don’t affect weight?

Yes, some medicines have little or no impact on weight. Your doctor can guide you to options that fit your needs.

Should I stop my medication if I gain weight?

No, never stop on your own. Talk to your doctor first. They can adjust your dose, suggest lifestyle changes, or change your medication safely.

Conclusion

Some meds can trigger your hunger. Others mitigate your body’s capability to burn calories or cause you to hold onto extra fluids.The effects aren’t the same for everybody, however. For example, one person might gain 15 pounds with one medicine. Another might not gain anything.

In short, depression and anxiety medications are likely to cause weight gain, but help is out there. Starting a medication that has a risk of weight gain is fine. Even if you are at higher risk, like if you have extra body weight already and health issues related to it. The key is to stay in touch with your doctor and notice side effects closely so you can choose what is best for your physical and mental health.