Being concerned about gaining weight as a side effect of taking certain medications is not trivial, but it is often something that people can feel shy about asking about.

Here, we speak to Consultant Pharmacist Dr Siobhan Gee about the impact anti-depressants can have on weight, and how she advises people consider the issue.

Can antidepressants cause weight gain?

If you’re thinking about starting an antidepressant, or you’ve noticed a change in your weight since starting one, it’s understandable to have questions. Weight gain is a possible side effect of some antidepressants, and people respond differently to the same medication.

In this video, we look at why weight can change during treatment and how your previous experiences with medication can help you and your prescriber decide what’s right for you.

How depression and treatment can affect your weight

Depression itself can affect your appetite and weight. Some people eat more when they’re feeling low, while others lose their appetite. As your symptoms improve, you may find it easier to get back to routines that support your wellbeing, such as eating regularly or being more active. Your appetite may change as you start to feel better, too.

Some antidepressants are more often associated with weight gain than others. Research can tell us how often this happens across groups of people, while your own response may be different. If you notice a change, your prescriber can help you consider when it started and what else might be contributing.

Why your experience with medication matters

If you’ve taken antidepressants before, tell your prescriber which ones helped and which side effects you experienced. If your appetite or weight changed, it can be helpful to mention when you first noticed it and how it affected you. That information can guide the choice of medication and help you agree what to look out for at a follow-up appointment.

You can also bring up concerns about weight before starting treatment. For some people, the improvement in their mental health makes a side effect feel manageable. For others, the same side effect may be a reason to discuss a different option. How you feel about that balance is part of the decision.

If you’re concerned about a change in weight

Speak to your prescriber if you’ve noticed a change that’s bothering you. You can review how well the medication is helping and talk through your options together. If you’re thinking about stopping, speak to your prescriber first. Antidepressants usually need to be reduced gradually to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms.