Renuka Reddy Renuka Reddy Asked 7 months ago

Can anti depression pills cause weight gain?

I've been advised to start anti-depression pills, but I'm really concerned about the side effects. Many people I know gained weight after starting these medications. Is it true that anti-depression pills commonly cause weight gain?

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6 answers

Suresh Nair Suresh Nair Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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Yes, many antidepressants are notorious for slow metabolism and increasing cravings, which can also spike your blood pressure if you aren't careful. I had to monitor my weight and BP very closely when my doctor adjusted my doses. Regular walks and routine health checkups are a must to stay on track.

Arvinder Singh Arvinder Singh Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Weight gain is a documented side effect of several psychiatric medications, but it could also be due to an underlying thyroid issue triggered during the same period. You should get a thyroid profile and fasting glucose test done to be absolutely sure. Please discuss these parameters with your doctor.

Pooja Malhotra Pooja Malhotra Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Hey, please don't stress too much about the weight gain right now, okay? Your mental health and healing your mind is so much more important than a number on the scale. Once you feel emotionally stronger, you can easily work on your fitness, so just take it easy on yourself!

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Harish Joshi Harish Joshi Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I tried all kinds of herbal teas and lemon water to stop the weight gain when I was on antidepressants, but the metabolic change is chemical, so simple home remedies don't easily reverse it. What actually helped was keeping a food diary and doing light daily exercise. Be patient with your body.

Rajeshwari Iyer Rajeshwari Iyer Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I once ignored rapid weight gain while on pills, thinking it was just a normal side effect, but it turned out to be severe fluid retention and thyroid imbalance that landed me in the hospital later. Please don't sit on this. Go get a proper blood checkup done by your doctor right away.

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Meera Sen Meera Sen Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I really struggled emotionally when I put on almost 8 kgs after starting my treatment, as it felt like I was trading my mental peace for my physical appearance. It is a very real side effect, and your feelings about it are completely valid. Please talk to your therapist openly; sometimes they can switch you to a different class of medication.

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