Antidepressant weight gain is more common then you might think. You are not alone with this side effect. Though not every person taking antidepressants will experience weight gain, it happens enough for antidepressant weight gain to hold a firm standing in the list of side effects.

In the weight gain arena, all antidepressants without exception have the potential to cause weight gain. Many people are not even aware that antidepressant weight gain is one of the most common side effects of antidepressants until it is too late. Ironically, antidepressant weight gain is counterproductive to depression since unexpected weight gain can further aggravating mood instability and low self-esteem.

Antidepressant weight gain is a major reason for people stopping drug treatment. Even Wellbutrin, which is touted as the antidepressant lest likely to cause weight gain, causes weight gain in some people.

Antidepressants slow the metabolism and inhibit specific enzymes in the liver that allow the metabolism to function correctly. Many antidepressants also also increase appetite and carbohydrate cravings. Antidepressant medications are also shown to cause hormonal changes, which can further add to weight gain.

Deprex is a complex of natural "antidepressants" that supplies the precursors to key mood-controlling neurotransmitters. Deprex raises circulating serotonin levels, restores the appropriate production of serotonin and norepinephrine and regulates cortisol release - without weight gain side effects or other side effects commonly associated with antidepressants.

Studies showed an average antidepressant weight gain of 15 to 20 pounds with Zoloft, Prozac and Celexa. Paxil appears to have the most significant impact on weight gain of all of the SSRIs and causes weight gains in excess of 20 pounds for the average person taking this antidepressant. Effexor weight gain is not as severe as the weight gain reported with Paxil, Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft. Lexapro appears to have the least weight gain problems of all SSRIs.

With antidepressant weight gain, it is not the amount of food eaten, but the body's crippled metabolism. If you have already cut your food intake, have eliminated fatty foods, exercise on a regular basis and you still are gaining weight, your metabolism is to blame. If you are taking an antidepressant, chances are the antidepressant is contributing to the sluggish metabolism. The only true solution to antidepressant weight gain is to avoid taking an antidepressant.

Most people slowly return to their pre-antidepressant weight after discontinuing use, but the emphasis is on the word "slowly."

Antidepressant weight gain is tricky because antidepressants give an appetite suppressant feeling and some weight lose in the beginning. It isn't until after a few months that the weight gain appears.

Many people will experience weight loss in the first months of taking antidepressants but that side effect is short-lived. It is now known that long-term use of antidepressants are associated with weight gain. It is common for people to report weight gains of 20, 30 and even 60 pounds several months into treatment.

Antidepressants outside the SSRI family have also been shown to cause weight gain to varying degrees. The greatest tricyclic antidepressant weight gain has been observed with those using Elavil, Tofranil and Remeron. Wellbutrin causes the least amount of weight gain but is not shown to be as effective at reducing anxiety as other antidepressants. Desyrel appears to cause less weight gain than Elavil but more than Wellbutrin. Again, the only substantial means of combating weight gain from these types of antidepressants are to discontinue use.

It is important to note that you should not stop taking your prescribed antidepressant without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping completely. Suddenly stopping antidepressant use may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects.