Why does Zoloft make you gain weight?

Antidepressants may cause weight gain by interfering with serotonin or histamine neurotransmitters in the brain that control appetite. Some antidepressants may cause drowsiness or fatigue that lower levels of activity, leading to weight gain.

How can I avoid gaining weight on Zoloft?

Can Zoloft cause rapid weight gain?

Experts say that for up to 25% of people, most antidepressant medications -- including the popular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft -- can cause a weight gain of 10 pounds or more.

Do you always gain weight on Zoloft?

Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants , and mood stabilizers are common drugs that have the most potential to increase weight gain. All 12 of the leading antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro), make gaining weight more likely.

Why do antidepressants make you gain weight?

Antidepressants interfere with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood while also controlling appetite. In particular, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts. When people are depressed, their appetites are affected.

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How can I avoid gaining weight on antidepressants?

As simple as it may sound, the best chance of avoiding, or lessening further, undesirable weight gain when taking a prescribed antidepressant or antipsychotic medication, is to simultaneously participate in a formal weight management program.

How can I lose SSRI weight gain?

Does 50mg Zoloft cause weight gain?

Like any medication, antidepressants in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have potential side effects. For some people who take an SSRI such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline), one of these possible side effects is weight gain.

Do you lose weight after coming off sertraline?

If you decrease your daily calorie intake as a result, you could potentially lose weight by stopping your antidepressants. On the other hand, if you experience loss of appetite with depression, and your depression comes back after stopping antidepressants, you may also lose weight.

Which causes more weight gain Prozac or Zoloft?

That being said, one study published in 2016 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that Zoloft can lead to an overall greater weight gain than Prozac when taken long-term. The study found that people taking Prozac for two years gained an average of 4.6 pounds.

Is Zoloft an appetite suppressant?

As with all medications, Zoloft may cause certain unwanted side effects. 1 The most commonly experienced in those taking Zoloft include: Decreased appetite.

How can I lose weight while on antidepressants?

Increasing both aerobic exercise and strength training, ideally four times a week for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes, can increase muscle tone and metabolism and reduce fat stores. Regular exercise has also been shown to reduce risk for depression relapse when combined with a stable medication regimen.

How can I lose weight after antidepressants?

Is 50mg of Zoloft a lot?

Most studies suggest that the most effective dose of Zoloft is 50 mg per day. This dose is proven to be the most effective and tolerable dose for most patients.

Which antidepressant causes the most weight gain?

Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and tetracyclic antidepressants such as mirtazapine are linked to the most weight gain.

Should I take Zoloft in the morning or at night?

When is the best time to take sertraline (Zoloft)? Typically, your doctor will recommend that you take your prescribed dose of sertraline once a day, either in the morning or evening. If sertraline makes you drowsy, your doctor may suggest that you take it at bedtime.

Why have I been gaining weight so fast?

Poor sleep, sedentary activities, and eating too many processed or sugary foods are just some of the habits that may increase your risk of weight gain. Yet, a few simple steps — such as mindful eating, exercise, and focusing on whole foods — can help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

Why is it hard to lose weight on antidepressants?

Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs seem to alter appetite by inhibiting serotonin-based regulation of the appetite function. A persistent need to eat remains after the stomach is full of food, along with cravings for carbohydrate snacks.

Is antidepressant weight gain permanent?

The research also raises concerns about the duration of risk that patients are exposed to. Previous studies correlating antidepressants with weight gain have been short-term, typically less than a year.

What is the best antidepressant for weight loss?

Of these three medications, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most consistently associated with weight loss. Several studies, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies, found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) was the only commonly used antidepressant associated with weight loss.

Why can't I seem to lose weight?

At the most basic level, not reaching your weight loss goal can occur when calorie intake is equal to or higher than calorie use. Try strategies such as mindful eating, keeping a food diary, eating more protein, and doing strength exercises.

How can I boost up my metabolism?

Does sertraline make you hungry?

If you've been prescribed this medication or its generic version, sertraline, you may have experienced an improvement in your mood, sleep, and energy levels. Your appetite might also have increased. Along with these changes, you may begin to notice you have put on a little weight.

Can you drink on Zoloft?

Avoid alcohol completely while you take Zoloft. Even a single drink can interact with your medication and cause unwanted side effects. The combination of alcohol and Zoloft can cause side effects, and drinking alcohol can make your depression worse.

Does Zoloft make you tired?

Zoloft (sertraline) can cause some insomnia or difficulty sleeping for some people, but tired or drowsiness for others. If you experience difficulty sleeping, it might help to take the medication in the morning.