There are certain antidepressants which have a higher propensity towards weightgain than others. These include some tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil and Silenor, certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors like Nardil and Parnate, Paxil, and Remeron. There could also be other factors which lead to weight gain while you are on the pills.
Serotonin reduces your appetite and makes your cravings go away, thus making you feel content as well. This is present in sweet or starchy food items like rice crackers, popcorn, or breakfast cereal. However, it is not produced after consumption of fruits.
When we are depressed, we tend to eat more because eating stimulates the part of our brain which gives pleasure. Make sure your diet is balanced and you are not binge-eating. Secondly, many a times when the antidepressants work the patient has greater appetite and this could also lead to weight gain. Exercise daily up to 45 minutes. This does not have to be robust, but moderate aerobic activities like walking. If you are sure that you are physically active and are eating a balanced diet and you experience weight gain while on the antidepressants, then you should ask your doctor about the link between them.
If you find out that the benefits of the medicine are greater than the cons of it then adopt a healthier diet and an exercise regimen which would control your weight. Do not stop taking your medication simply because you have gained weight. This will only worsen the situation since the pill-induced weight gain could lead you greater into depression. Thus, make sure you consult your doctor and talk about it before making a decision.
Do you know the difference between being hungry and having appetite? When you are hungry, you are content with eating any food to simply satisfy the hunger. On the other hand, when you have an appetite, you want to eat a particular food even though you are not hungry. The antidepressants often increase your appetite.
Before you start gobbling food thinking that it is hunger, test yourself. Ask yourself if you are craving any particular food, if you are really hungry. Keep a journal of your eating pattern. This will let you know the points at which you are overeating and if there is any particular food you are craving. It is also possible that the medication you are taking is causing your stomach to generate higher amount of acid. This will cause you to feel like you are hungry. You could control this by taking an over-the-counter pill like Tums. You must also consult your doctor about the side effects of taking the antidepressant along with the OTC pill. If you really crave carbs, then choose those foods which have little fat. Avoid having ice-cream, pie crust, French fries, or chocolate.
