Antidepressant medication use is common worldwide, but recent studies have shown that certain antidepressants are associated with a greater likelihood of weight gain than others.
The new study provides insight for people who want to take antidepressants but are concerned about controlling their weight because of a medical condition such as diabetes.
The analysis included the health records of more than 180,000 people between the ages of 18 and 80. These people were first-time users of antidepressants, and the researchers analyzed weight changes after 6, 12 and 24 months of using the medication.
Eight drugs were evaluated, known by the brand names of Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin and Zoloft. Those taking Wellbutrin were least likely to gain weight. Wellbutrin users were about 15 percent less likely to gain weight than those who used Zoloft, the most commonly prescribed antidepressant.
On the other hand, people who took Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, or Paxil gained more weight, on average, than those who took Zoloft. Taking Cymbalta, Lexapro, or Paxil had a 10% to 15% higher risk of weight gain.
