Weight gain can be a side effect of various medications. Here are some commonly prescribed drugs in various categories that can cause weight gain:
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, especially older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can contribute to weight gain. Examples include:
- Amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron, Avanza)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Aropax)
- Antipsychotic Medications: Many antipsychotics are known for their potential to increase weight. These include:
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Mood Stabilizers: Certain drugs used to treat bipolar disorder can cause weight gain, such as:
- Lithium (Lithicarb, Quilonum)
- Valproate (Depakote, Epilim)
- Anticonvulsants: Some drugs used for epilepsy and other conditions can cause weight gain:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Valproate (Depakote, Epilim)
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs can cause an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain. Examples are:
- Prednisolone (Sone, Panafcortelone)
- Insulin and Certain Diabetes Medications: Some drugs used to lower blood sugar in diabetes can result in weight gain. These include:
- Insulin (various brands)
- Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glibenclamide, Glimepiride)
- Beta-Blockers: Used for heart disease and hypertension, some of these can slow metabolism or cause fatigue, lessening physical activity:
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Antihistamines: These medications, often used for allergies, can increase appetite, for example Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Hormonal Contraception: Some hormonal birth control pills can contribute to weight gain in some women.
- Hormone Replacement Therapies: Certain hormone treatments can lead to weight gain.
It’s important to remember that not everyone will gain weight with these medications, and the effects can vary widely from person to person.