Is Weight Loss After Discontinuing Antidepressants Common?
I’m a 35-year-old male who previously took Paroxetine at a dosage of 60mg and Mirtazapine at 30mg for more than a year, maintaining a weight of about 83kg. In February, my physician transitioned me to Sertraline at 200mg. During the tapering process, I experienced severe nausea for almost two months, which led to a loss of 5kg. It became so debilitating that my medical team advised me to cease all medications. As of July, I have been off any medication for two months, and I'm eating relatively normally—though not particularly healthily; I treat myself to junk food once or twice weekly. Despite this, I find it challenging to regain the weight I lost and have plateaued at 80kg, which feels unusually difficult. Could this be a result of not taking antidepressants anymore? I’ve read numerous accounts of individuals gaining weight while on them, so is it feasible to lose weight after stopping?
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 7:40:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about weight changes after stopping antidepressants, as medications like Paroxetine and Mirtazapine can influence weight gain for some people. It is indeed common for weight dynamics to change once you discontinue these medications.
Main Points:
- Weight loss after stopping certain antidepressants can occur.
- Factors beyond medication, like diet and physical activity, can affect weight.
- Regaining weight may take time and may require some dietary adjustments.
Explanation: Antidepressants can affect appetite and metabolism in various ways. While some people experience weight gain during treatment, others may find it challenging to manage their weight after they stop taking these medications. Your recent weight loss could be due to several contributors, such as:
- Prolonged nausea during the tapering phase, which likely impacted your appetite.
- Changes in your metabolism after discontinuing medications.
- Dietary factors, as junk food can lead to weight fluctuations but may not support healthy weight regain.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Diet: Although you mentioned eating relatively normally, consider incorporating more balanced meals, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to enhance energy intake.
- Hydration & Regular Meals: Stay well-hydrated and aim to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day to boost your calorie intake without relying solely on junk food.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can help stimulate appetite and promote healthy weight gain. Consider a mix of resistance training and cardiovascular activities.
- Be Patient with your Body: Weight changes can take time, and it's important to allow your body to adjust. Give yourself a few more weeks to see if your weight stabilizes or increases.
- Keep Track of Changes: Consider keeping a food and activity journal to track your eating habits and exercise. This can help you identify areas where you might improve.
If weight changes continue to concern you or if additional symptoms arise, it may be beneficial to discuss your nutrition and lifestyle choices with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist. You're doing well by being mindful of your health, so keep it up!
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