{"id":628933,"date":"2024-07-10T16:34:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T20:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628933"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:51:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:51:15","slug":"does-prozac-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-prozac-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Prozac cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prozac<\/a> (fluoxetine) is a prescription medication used for major depressive disorder (also known as depression) and other mental health conditions. It was approved by the FDA in 1987 and belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). People who take Prozac or who are considering starting Prozac may ask, “Will this medicine make me gain weight?” The short answer is that some weight gain is possible with Prozac; however, it tends to be less than the weight gain experienced with certain other antidepressants. Continue reading to learn more about Prozac and weight changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What is Prozac?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Can Prozac cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some people will lose weight while taking Prozac. The <\/span>prescribing information<\/span><\/a> notes that significant weight loss may occur, especially in people who are underweight and have <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>bulimia<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

In clinical trials for <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a>, 11% of people who took Prozac reported a loss of appetite, compared to 2% of people who took a placebo (inactive medication). About 1.4% of patients who took Prozac reported weight loss, compared to 0.5% who took placebo. <\/span><\/p>\n

In clinical trials for <\/span>obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/span><\/a> (OCD), 17% of people who took Prozac reported decreased appetite, compared to 10% of people who took placebo.<\/span><\/p>\n

In clinical trials for bulimia, 8% of people who took Prozac reported decreased appetite, compared to 4% of people who took placebo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children and adolescents who take Prozac have their height and weight monitored, as the medication can affect growth rate and weight. <\/span><\/p>\n

Does Prozac cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although some people lose weight on Prozac, others will gain weight. The good news is that weight gain is rare; the prescribing information does not list weight gain as a side effect, and another data reference notes that weight gain occurs in only <\/span>one percent<\/span><\/a> of patients. For those who gain weight on Prozac, how does this happen? There may be several explanations. <\/span><\/p>\n

A common symptom of depression is a <\/span>change in appetite<\/span><\/a>. Some people may eat more, while others eat less. If you are eating less due to depression, you may lose some weight. Then, once you start treatment with methods such as therapy and <\/span>Prozac<\/span><\/a>, you will begin to notice an improvement in symptoms after a few weeks. Your appetite may gradually return to normal, and you may start eating more, which may contribute to weight gain. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some people experience other side effects from Prozac, such as fatigue, drowsiness, or dizziness, especially in the first month or two while adjusting to the medicine. This may make you less likely to exercise, making you gain a small amount of weight. These side effects are often temporary and subside as you get used to the medication, and you can resume your normal exercise routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

While different individuals have different results, some <\/span>researchers note<\/span><\/a> that Prozac may cause a small weight loss at first, but then, over time, some weight gain may occur. However, the weight gain may be attributed to recovery from depression (which may be associated with feeling more hungry, eating more, and gaining weight)—rather than a side effect of the medication. <\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important to note that the results of studies are varied, and many factors can contribute to body weight changes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Other antidepressant drugs and weight gain<\/span><\/h2>\n

Besides Prozac, some other examples of drugs in the <\/span>SSRI class<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n