ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY: ANTIDEPRESSANT-INDUCED WEIGHT GAIN

Medicine and Health Rhode Island, Oct 2005 by Kachur, Sarah Grace, Hannan, Christine L, Ward, Kristina E

Several factors predict the development of weight gain with antidepressants. Combination therapy with multiple antidepressants or an antidepressant and concomitant antipsychotic may increase the risk of weight gain, but the adverse effects may counter each other (e.g., bupropion and an SSRI).2 Patients with appetite suppression or altered eating habits caused by depression are more likely to experience weight change upon treatment. The relationship between higher daily dose and risk of weight gain has not been evaluated.

When selecting an antidepressant, the clinician must balance the risk of weight change with the potential benefits of treatment. Slight increases in weight upon initial treatment may resolve with continued therapy, but significant weight change may decrease medication compliance.

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