When you start taking antidepressants, medications used to treat depression and some anxiety disorders by balancing brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. Also known as antidepressant drugs, they help millions feel like themselves again—but for many, they come with an unexpected side effect: weight gain. It’s not just in your head. Studies show that certain types, especially SSRIs, a common class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, these drugs are often first-line treatments for depression, can lead to noticeable weight changes over time. Not everyone gains weight, but enough do that it’s one of the top reasons people stop taking their meds—or feel guilty for not losing weight despite eating right and exercising.
Why does this happen? It’s not just about eating more (though some people do). Antidepressants can slow your metabolism, make you hungrier, or leave you too tired to move. Some, like amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant often prescribed for depression and chronic pain. Also known as Elavil, it’s known for strong sedative effects and higher risk of weight gain, are more likely to cause this than others. Even Celexa, a widely used SSRI brand name for citalopram, commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. Also known as citalopram, it’s one of the most prescribed antidepressants in the U.S., can trigger cravings for carbs and sugar, especially in the first few months. The problem? Many doctors don’t warn you about this. They focus on mood improvement—and if you’re feeling better, they assume everything’s fine. But if your weight keeps creeping up, it can hurt your confidence, make you feel like you’re failing, or even make you quit your treatment.
You don’t have to choose between feeling better and staying healthy. The good news? Not all antidepressants cause weight gain. Some, like wellbutrin, are actually linked to weight loss or neutral effects. And even if you’re on a med that tends to cause weight gain, there are ways to fight it—adjusting your diet, adding movement you actually enjoy, or talking to your doctor about switching. People have managed this successfully, even on long-term treatment. What works for one person might not work for another, which is why the best advice comes from real experiences—not just medical textbooks. Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons, personal stories, and science-backed tips on how to handle weight changes while staying on the antidepressant that helps you the most.
Many medications cause unexpected weight gain or loss. Learn which drugs are most likely to affect your weight, why it happens, and how to manage it with practical steps and alternatives.