The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given fluoxetine (Prozac), an antidepressant, approval for the treatment of depression and a few other mood disorders.
Similar to Paxil, Celexa, and other SSRIs, it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Serotonin availability is increased by Prozac, which reduces the absorption of serotonin.
A chemical called serotonin helps people feel peaceful and balanced, which improves their mood, sense of well-being, and positivity.
SSRIs like Prozac can assist to balance out the symptoms of depression that can result from serotonin being cleared too quickly.
You might be wondering if weight gain is one of the adverse effects of Prozac if you are currently taking it or if your doctor has recommended it to you.
When it comes to Prozac, there are a few crucial safety measures.
- Suicidal thoughts and actions: Prozac or other antidepressants should be constantly monitored for any behavioral changes, symptoms that get worse, or suicidal thoughts in anyone taking them.
- In case of a mental health emergency, dial 911 or visit the closest emergency room. Additionally, you can reach a suicide and crisis expert for free, round-the-clock support by dialing or texting 988. Visit the Lifeline Chat to speak with a suicide and crisis expert if you’d rather do it over the internet.
- Agitation, hallucinations, coma, or changes in mental status are just a few of the potentially fatal side effects known as serotonin syndrome. Additionally, it could cause twitching, racing heartbeat, abrupt changes in blood pressure, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms co-occur.
- Reaction to Prozac: If you develop a rash, hives, swelling, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop taking the medication and get medical attention.
- Seizures: Prozac may make seizures more likely in patients with lower seizure thresholds.
- Changes in appetite: In certain circumstances, Prozac may decrease appetite and cause considerable weight loss. This is not a beneficial side effect of the medicine, though. Health care professionals should be informed of any sudden changes in weight or an absence of appetite.
- Prozac may make bleeding more likely, especially in those who also use NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
- Driving or operating heavy machinery is not advised unless you are sure that Prozac won’t damage your cognitive or motor abilities. It has been demonstrated to affect reasoning, motor, and judgmental abilities.
- Long half-life: After changing doses, plasma levels don’t change for several weeks. Prozac must be gradually weaned off of; nonetheless, unless an adverse reaction occurs, it’s crucial not to abruptly stop taking it or any other antidepressant.
- We shall examine the functions of Prozac, its adverse effects, and why it might lead to weight gain in some people in this article.
- Along with how to recognize when to see a doctor, we will also go over proactive methods for controlling your weight while on Prozac.
What Causes Weight Gain when Taking Prozac?
Some antidepressants, some more so than others, can cause weight gain, while Prozac typically causes very slight weight gain.
Researchers are coming closer to understanding the precise mechanism underlying its link with weight gain.
The hormone leptin, which is produced by fat cells, aids in regulating appetite.
Research indicates that Prozac’s medication effects may have a comparable response in the brain to environmental stimuli that may signal the urge to eat. Certain types of stimulation can boost how the body responds to leptin, and this is why some types of stimulation are known to stimulate appetite.
Leptin, Prozac, and body weight are not entirely connected, although there may be some explanations for why those taking the antidepressant for a longer period of time may acquire weight.
The ability of Prozac to regulate brain chemicals and improve emotions of well-being is a different theory.
If a patient’s appetite was poor due to depression or they had lost the drive to prepare or enjoy food, Prozac’s mood-balancing impact could cause weight gain by assisting in the restoration of a healthier appetite and desire for eating.
Prozac generally does not result in substantial weight gain.
After receiving long-term medication, the majority of patients experience a modest weight increase, but this is not a given.
Prozac Adverse Reactions
Prozac frequently causes the following adverse effects:
- Changes in blood sugar: Prozac may make it difficult to control blood sugar, particularly in those who have diabetes. While the body adjusts to the new dosage, it may result in higher levels. Your physician might suggest a different prescription if you have diabetes.
- Mood changes: As they get used to the drug, Prozac users may notice a minor rise in sensations of anxiety.
- Changes in sleep patterns and problems falling or staying asleep are potential side effects of Prozac. Unusual dreams may also result from it.
- Prozac and other antidepressants can occasionally cause sexual issues, such as ejaculation abnormalities in men with penises or sexual dysfunction in women with vaginas.
- Changes in appetite and digestion are among the most frequent side effects of Prozac. These include symptoms like appetite loss, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Infections: Prozac has been known to cause sore throat, sinus infections, and flu-like symptoms.
- Energy changes: Common Prozac side effects may include tremors, trembling, yawning, weakness, and exhaustion. As the body adapts to the drug, these may lessen. Tell your doctor if you have worsening shaking or tremors.
- Controlling body temperature: Prozac may produce sweating or hot flashes.
Read more:
Weight Control While Taking Prozac
While using Prozac or other antidepressants, there is no trick to staying slim.
When using these drugs, you should maintain your normal weight:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Participate in regular exercise
- Remain hydrated.
- Use portion control.
- Exercise mindful eating
If you try to control your weight while taking Prozac and still gain weight, speak to your doctor.
If the weight gain bothers you, your doctor might advise switching to a different antidepressant, checking you for additional weight gain causes, or offering some other solutions.
Read more: Does Paxil Make You Gain Weight? A Complete Guide In 2022!
The Best Ways to Get Your Weight Back to Normal
If you’ve been taking Prozac for more than six months and have noticed persistent weight gain, your doctor might advise dialing back your dosage before eventually switching you to a different antidepressant.
You must weigh the advantages over the drawbacks with your healthcare professional.
Although some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, may not cause weight gain and even be connected to weight loss, not all antidepressants function in the same way.
Changing drugs for weight-related reasons may result in unintended mood changes if Prozac makes you feel as though your mood is balanced.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a strategy that focuses on both your physical and mental wellness.
Read more:
Whenever to Visit a Doctor
Speak with your doctor if you use Prozac and are worried about weight gain.
They can explain to you whether it is typical or whether it is a side effect that justifies changing your medicine. Never discontinue taking Prozac abruptly without first consulting your doctor.