About Depression Medications & Weight Loss

by Alison J. Walkley

Overview

A variety of depression medications are available, many of which have side effects that range from insomnia to nausea. Several medications, however, affect patients' weight, some of which actually aid in weight loss.
Effexor

The prescription drug Effexor, or Venlafaxine, is given to people who have major depressive disorders, anxiety and panic disorders. It restores the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, resulting in the improvement of mood disorders. Although some patients on Effexor have reported increases in their cholesterol levels, it has also caused decreased appetite and, as a result, weight loss in many people.

Prozac

Fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, is used to treat depression, as well as panic disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Prozac is an SSRI, or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Among the side effects of Prozac are drowsiness and vomiting, as well as significant weight loss.
Zoloft

Another SSRI, Zoloft, or Sertraline, is used to treat depression, panic disorders, social anxiety disorder, OCD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Like all SSRIs, Zoloft restores serotonin balance in the brain. Similar to Effexor some patients on Zoloft have lost weight through a loss of appetite and nausea.
Paxil

Paxil, or Paroxetine, is an SSRI antidepressant used to not only treat depression, but also OCD, anxiety disorders, PTSD and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD). On top of balancing the brain's serotonin levels, Paxil also has the potential to cause insomnia, dizziness, vomiting, and changes in weight, most notably weight loss.
Xanax

One of the few non-SSRIs in the group is Xanax, or Alprazolam, which is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax works by slowing the movement of unbalanced brain chemicals in patients suffering from anxiety caused by depression and panic disorders. Some of the side effects Xanax can produce include irritability, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and appetite changes that may lead to weight loss.

Overview