If you are trying to lose weight, you probably know that you need to have a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and low in white flour, sugar to fat.
In addition, everyone who has tried to lose a few pounds knows that the best results are obtained by combining the right diet with a physical exercise routine that increases calorie expenditure.
However, we often forget one factor that can greatly influence our weight: the medicines we consume.
In addition to helping our bodies fight infections, pain, inflammation, and emotional illness, among other conditions, these substances have side effects, and weight gain can be one of them.
Enemy medicines in the balance
Often, in order to combat one health problem, we end up generating another because of the side effects of medications. However, before looking for the medicines you use from the list below, keep in mind that we should never stop a treatment without talking to the doctor.
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1. Antidepressants
While most selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) have no side effects on weight, Paxil® (paroxetine) is known to stimulate the accumulation of a few extra pounds.
Prozac® (fluoxetine), on the other hand, has a satiety effect in the first weeks of use, but some research shows that, after prolonged use for more than 6 months, patients get fat again.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Tryptanol® (amitriptyline), are even more associated with weight gain than the SSRI class. Another category to consider is tetracyclic antidepressants such as Remeron® (mirtazapine), which is sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant for elderly patients.
2. Corticosteroids
Oral or injected corticosteroids, such as Predicorten® (prednisone) and Predsin® (prednisolone), are famous for the side effect of weight gain when used in high doses or over long periods. In general, these medications are prescribed to treat inflammatory and autoimmune processes.
3. Mood stabilizers
Used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other disorders, mood stabilizers may have weight gain as a side effect.
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Two drugs in this class that are often related to weight gain are Carbolitium® (lithium) and Depakote® (valproic acid / valproate). Some drugs in this class may also be prescribed as anticonvulsants.
4. Antihistamines
Taking a few antihistamine tablets for two or three days to combat a simple allergy will not make you gain weight, but prolonged treatment with Zyrtec® (cetirizine), Allegra® (fexofenadine) and Claritin® (loratadine) may you accumulate a few extra pounds.
This is because by blocking the action of histamine in your brain, these drugs disrupt the regulation of food consumption, deregulating hunger and satiety.
5. Diabetes Drugs
The treatment of type 2 diabetes with Diabinese® (chlorpropamide), Starlix® (nateglinide) and Novonorm® (replaglinide) aims to regulate insulin levels in the body, which also affects the appetite. Thus, one of the consequences of using these medications may be weight gain. Insulin treatment itself can make the patient fat.
6. Contraceptives
While most birth control pills can cause weight gain by promoting fluid retention, Depo-Prova® (medroxyprogesterone acetate), which is an injectable contraceptive, can lead to real weight gain.
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7. Beta blockers
Beta blockers are the drugs of choice for the treatment of hypertension. The disadvantage is that some of them, especially older ones, may cause weight gain.
These include Inderal® (propranolol), Lopressor® (metropolol) and Angipress® (Atenolol), which can reduce calorie burn and lead to overweight.
8. Migraine Treatment
Drugs for the treatment of migraine, such as the above-mentioned SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants, Depakote (valproic acid / valproate) and Neurotin® (gabapentin) may also lead to weight gain.
9. Calcium Channel Blockers
Used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease such as tachyarrhythmia, angina and hypertension, calcium channel blockers such as Sibelium® (flunarizine) and Dilacoron® (verapamil) may contribute to the rise of the scale pointer.
10. Cancer Treatment
Cancer patients often use drugs such as Miantrex® (methotrexate), Genuxal® (cyclophosphamide), Nolvadex® (tamoxifen), Efurix® (5-fluoruracil) and aromatase inhibitors (Aromasin® or exemestane). which, among other side effects, still favor weight gain.
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The risks of discontinuing an unguided medication range from symptom recurrence to even stronger infections and withdrawal syndrome. So if you think any of your medications are contributing to your weight gain, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. There are other treatment options and he can guide you through this process.
Medications That Cause Weight Gain ???????????? (April 2024)
- Weight Loss, Prevention and Treatment
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