Medications such as Serzone, Effexor, and Cymbalta are less likely to cause weight gain but are not prescribed as often as they are not as effective in treating anxiety symptoms as the SSRI medications.

What You Can Do

The same things that can help you maintain your weight when you are not taking antidepressants can help you maintain your weight while you are on these medications.

Include exercise in your daily routine. Exercise has been found to lift mood, improve symptoms of depression and anxiety and may ultimately decrease your need for medication. Beginning an exercise regimen when you start on antidepressants can help to reduce the amount of weight gain you might experience.

Eat healthy. Eating healthy and decreasing your daily caloric intake can help to maintain your weight. It is important however, to talk with your doctor before significantly reducing your calorie consumption. Some experts suggest working with a dietician while taking antidepressants to make sure you are receiving proper nutrition as well as working to maintain your weight or lose weight you may have gained since beginning antidepressant medications.

You also may need to accept some weight gain in exchange for treating your depression or anxiety symptoms. Symptoms of depression and anxiety should be considered a priority during treatment. Some people may gain some weight, but the majority of people will either not gain weight or be able to maintain their weight through dietary changes and exercise programs. For others, no matter what they do, weight gain may be a side effect of treatment they must learn to live with.

Sources:

"Will Antidepressants make Me Gain Weight?", Merely Me, MyDepressionConnection.com

"Antidepressants and Weight Gain", Date Unknown, Dr. Rob Danoff, MSN Health and Fitness

"Can Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?, 2008, July 23 , Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., MayoClinic.com

"Antidepressants and Weight Gain", 2008, Dec 5, Coulette Bouchez, WebMD