Popular antidepressants that cause most weight gain: study

July 2, 2024

Lexapro, Paxil and Cymbalta carry a better threat of packing on kilos than Zoloft, whereas Wellbutrin customers are much less prone to achieve weight, according to a new study of eight in style antidepressants.

Harvard Pilgrim Well being Care Institute (HPHCI) researchers analyzed the weights of greater than 183,000 grownup antidepressant customers six months, a 12 months and two years after they began taking the medication.

At six months of usage, Lexapro, Paxil and Cymbalta users were 10% to 15% more likely to gain at least 5% of their starting weight than Zoloft consumers, the study found. — At six months of utilization, Lexapro, Paxil and Cymbalta customers had been 10% to fifteen% extra prone to achieve at the least 5% of their beginning weight than Zoloft customers, the research discovered. PRN

Information from taking Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) was in comparison with Zoloft (sertraline), which is the most prescribed antidepressant within the US.

At six months, Lexapro, Paxil and Cymbalta customers had been 10% to fifteen% extra prone to achieve at the least 5% of their beginning weight than Zoloft customers.

Prozac was not related to a six-month weight change, whereas Wellbutrin customers had been 15% much less prone to expertise a 5% weight achieve. Wellbutrin continued to be related to the least weight achieve on the one- and two-year marks.

Wellbutrin was associated with the least weight gain at the six-month, one- and two-year marks. — Wellbutrin was related to the least weight achieve on the six-month, one- and two-year marks. Getty Pictures

The findings had been printed this week in the Annals of Inside Drugs.

The researchers credited Wellbutrin’s skill to extend ranges of dopamine and norepinephrine within the mind, which enhance wakefulness and application.

The drug — used to deal with melancholy and seasonal affective disorder and assist individuals give up smoking — has additionally been proven to stimulate the central melanocortin system, which regulates urge for food, vitality steadiness and physique weight.

The research outcomes come amid growing antidepressant use, particularly amongst younger adults and youths.

One study found that about 14% of US adults take an antidepressant. The HPHCI researchers famous that folks usually cease utilizing the drug in the event that they expertise weight achieve.

“This research supplies vital real-world proof concerning the quantity of weight achieve that needs to be anticipated after beginning a number of the most typical antidepressants,” mentioned lead creator Joshua Petimar, a Harvard Medical Faculty assistant professor of inhabitants medication.

“Clinicians and sufferers can use this data, amongst different elements, to assist determine on the proper alternative for them,” he added.