Does Prozac Cause Weight Gain?

Studies have shown that Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) can cause weight gain as a side effect for some patients, while weight loss has also been reported in certain cases. When Prozac and other antidepressants such as Zoloft or Paxil enter the body, they slow down the metabolism without altering caloric intake, causing the body to absorb food at a slower rate than usual. This causes weight to build up faster and with greater ease. Rapid weight gain may then cause heart problems and metabolic syndromes such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, with potentially serious consequences. Additionally, Prozac may cause hormonal changes that lead to increased appetite and a loss of sexual libido. Ways of combating these side effects include careful diet and exercise, or switching to antidepressants with a lesser track record for weight gain, such as Trileptal or Lamotrigine. However, these are weaker and may not create the same effects as Prozac.