Tricyclic antidepressants are a prescription medication used to treat depression. However, they have been associated with weight gain. It is not very clear how or why these antidepressants can cause weight gain but there are several viable explanations:
- Firstly, antidepressants may augment or reduce the basal rate of metabolism without altering caloric intake thereby leading to weight gain or loss.
- Secondly, antidepressants may bring about hormonal changes thereby causing weight gain.
- Thirdly, the weight gain may be as a result of other non- physiological factors. As the medication begins to work, the mood is elevated and this comes with an increased appetite. Thus patients who are taking antidepressants may begin to eat more and this may cause them to gain weight. This is especially noticeable in those who have lost weight as a result of their depression.
- Fourthly, some people tend to overeat when they are depressed and this may result in weight gain which is then wrongly attributed to the antidepressant medication.
- The fifth point is that it is possible that one may be suffering from another medical condition such as hyperthyroidism which mimics depression and may lead to weight gain.
It is possible for tricyclic antidepressants to cause weight gain but they have are not always the cause for weight gain in depressive people. If a patient notes an increase in weight after beginning treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, they should share their concerns with their doctor who will be in a position to determine the exact cause of gaining weight. If the medication is found to cause unhealthy weight gain then the doctor may recommend a different dosage or suggest a different medication.