Yucaipa, CA
A 20-year-old male asked:
I was wondering about ssris. why do some cause weight gain and others don't? they both affect serotonin. does it affect metabolism? thyroid?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pouya Shafipouranswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
It depends : Different ssris have different chemical structures can affect not only the serotonin reuptake but other hormonal patterns including the thyroid function norepinephrine uptake Dopamine uptake or other hormones in the body. Hence different ssris effect weight differently. Zoloft and Effexor (venlafaxine) are usually weight neutral and Paxil and prozac's cause some weight gain.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pamela Pappas commented
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Lexapro is weight-neutral also.
Apr 15, 2013
Last updated Aug 9, 2018
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