Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain? Get To Know It Here
The question is, does zoloft cause weight gain, mainly if you are prescribed the medicine? For that, you need to know about the medication and its benefits and risks. Read the article to learn about the reasons why Zoloft is prescribed.
Zoloft comes in three forms: tablets, capsules, and oral solutions. The tablets are 25gm, 50 gm, and 100 gm, while the capsules are 150 mg and 200 mg. The oral solution is 20mg/mL. The general dosage of Zoloft is initially prescribed as 50 mg PO qDay.
This means, does 25mg of zoloft cause weight gain? It can be increased at weekly gaps by 25mg. You must stay within the dosage by 200 mg quay. The prescribed dosage varies based on conditions as it varies based on the requirement.
Contents
Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain? Get To Know It Here!
The generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline, which is used to treat many conditions related to people’s behavior and mood. With the increasing stress and pressure regarding personal and professional responsibilities, you might need help sleeping and eating.
Zoloft is prescribed to improve your energy level, appetite, sleep, and mood. It helps in restoring the energy level required to function effectively daily. You might also be prescribed this medicine to treat anxiety, panic attacks, fear, and unwanted thoughts.
You might also be prescribed Zoloft if you have compulsive behaviors such as repeated checking, hand-washing, counting, opening or closing doors or objects, etc. It would be best to read the patient information leaflet the pharmacist gave before you start the dosage.
What Is Zoloft?
Zoloft belongs to the group of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It is an antidepressant that balances the serotonin levels in the individual’s nerves and brain.
Conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are treated by prescribing Zoloft. At times, young people might suffer from thoughts of suicide, and Zoloft is defined then.
You should always take this medicine only when the doctor prescribes it. Doctors only prescribe when there is a sudden change in the mood or behavior of their patients with a mental illness or depression.
Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain?
If you have the question, does zoloft cause weight gain? According to the medical reviewed report by Leigh Ann Anderson, Zoloft does lead to weight gain, which ranges from 1% to 1.6% of the initial body weight of the individual. The weight gain starts after 6 months to a year of usage.
If taken for a shorter period, adults usually do not gain weight Zoloft; however, it is a medicine that is only prescribed if the conditions are severe. Based on the requirements, Zoloft is taken for a more extended period.
Does zoloft cause weight loss? Yes, in children, the effect is reversed as they lose weight due to loss of appetite or nausea. There are specific reasons why Zoloft causes weight gain in adults, even though they are not entirely proven. The probable reasons are as follows:
Serotonin Levels Increase
With the intake of the medication, the serotonin level increases, leading to a higher chance of an increase in appetite and metabolism. It leads to cravings and consumption of unhealthy food resulting in weight gain.
Appetite Is Affected
Zoloft, as an antidepressant, causes weight gain because it interferes with histamine or serotonin neurotransmitters, leptin, and ghrelin, controlling brain appetite. loss of appetite on zoloft is a common experience. This issue requires more evaluation.
Energy Levels
As an antidepressant, can zoloft cause weight gain? It does impact some people by negatively impacting their energy levels. This further increases fatigue or drowsiness, leading to the body gaining weight. It acts as a sedative to many users, increasing their chances of gaining weight.
What Can You Do To Control Weight Gain?
If you have been prescribed zoloft, it is a long-term medication; hence, you need to be prepared for any issue regarding zoloft weight gain. If you have noticed a weight gain, you must follow the following strategies to minimize the impact.
Keep Active
You must regularly exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular walks and physical activities to maintain your body weight. With exercise, you will burn calories.
Exercise will boost your metabolism to maintain your desirable or efficient weight. It is not necessary that you have to do heavy exercise. Instead, light stretching and movement work wonders.
Sleep Is A Priority
Sleep is essential to an individual’s life, mainly because it helps establish healthy mental health. Lack of sleep can be dangerous for the body because it imbalances the hormones. Your appetite is the first thing to get impacted by the antidepressant medication.
Sleeping early at night helps you maintain a routine and cover 7 to 8 hours of sleep to prevent further weight gain. It ensures that your brain rests enough to be at its best the whole day.
Healthy Diet
You should eat healthy daily; however, if you are on Zoloft medication, you must eat healthy, which will help you maintain your weight. You have to remember that certain food items will help you maintain a healthy weight, such as vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and fruits.
The items will help you stay full and maintain your body with healthy nutrition and vitamins. Try To avoid food items that are high in sugar and have saturated fats because they can lead to weight gain. Portion size is also essential as you can only eat a little food in one go.
Switching Medication
If nothing works and you constantly gain weight, you must approach your doctor to switch medications.
Reviews
According to the reviews on Drugs.com about Zoloft, the score is 7.2 out of 10 based on 1787 reviews. Of all these reviews, 63% of users reported a positive experience, while 19% of reviewers were not satisfied with the medication.
One business owner has informed us about the positive impact Zoloft had on him as he has effectively managed his business, home, and children for 2 years once he started with the medication. Another review has confirmed the experience of nausea and weight gain.
Conclusion
Please read the article to learn more about does zoloft cause weight gain. You will also find ways that will help you control weight gain.
Comment down below regarding your perspective on weight gain from Zoloft.
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