Overweight is often associated with disorders of the nervous system. Compulsive overeating and bulimia belong to this group of ailments. Taking antidepressants for weight loss, some patients hope to get rid of the pathological condition. But is it really so? Can drugs aimed at treating neurosis and depression help cope with a constant desire to eat food?
Reasons for overeating
Eating disorders are more susceptible to the female half of the population. The first signs of deviation may appear even in the tender teenage period. Various problems characteristic of this age are often "stuck" in attempts to compensate for the feelings and emotions displayed. At some point, it begins to seem that overeating helps to overcome life's troubles.
Bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating (gluttony) is more common than anorexia. And if in the latter case the symptoms of the pathological condition quickly become noticeable to others, then in the case of excessive food intake, normal weight can remain for a long time.
The following factors can affect the development of an eating disorder:
- depressed state;
- depression;
- psychological trauma;
- low self-esteem;
- genetic predisposition;
- high standards.
Attacks of uncontrolled consumption of products often occur amid sharp mood swings.
It should be borne in mind that, in addition to disorders of the psychoemotional state, the disease can lead to obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular pathologies.
Treatment methods
Combined therapy usually helps to completely get rid of the reasons that led to weight gain, and extra pounds. When treating, it is important to influence the problem from different angles. First of all, special attention is paid to the normalization of the nervous system. Many begin to take antidepressants for weight loss. Without prescriptions in the pharmacy you can buy only the safest medicines from this group.
Indeed, some antidepressants, in addition to their main purpose, contribute to weight loss by increasing the production of the hormone serotonin. However, without strict indications - diseases of the nervous system - taking drugs with a toxic effect is highly not recommended. Only a specialist can prescribe such medicines, since some antidepressants containing a high concentration of psychotropic substances can cause a backlash and “turn off” the feeling of fullness.
What antidepressants can be purchased without prescriptions (names)?
For weight loss, you should choose such antidepressants that will positively affect tone and increase vitality. This will be of particular benefit when playing sports. In addition to drug exposure, it will also be necessary to normalize the mode of rest and work, to avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
Experts warn that any medications that can affect the psychoemotional state are intended solely to suppress a depressive state and eliminate strong nervous excitement. Therefore, only in the presence of similar deviations and weight gain against this background, antidepressants for weight loss can be prescribed.
The list of drugs that can be freely purchased at the pharmacy is small. To reduce weight and restore a normal psycho-emotional state, antidepressants belonging to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are suitable. The substance is necessary for the brain to transmit signals to neurons. The drugs are able to normalize the level of serotonin and at the same time do not cause serious side effects, unlike the drugs that were used before.
Popular and effective drugs
In medical practice, one antidepressant for weight loss is especially often used. The name of this drug is Fluoxetine. It is not intended specifically for weight loss, but the effect that it has on the nervous system allows you to cope with hunger.
The most common antidepressants that are used to reduce body weight also include the following drugs:
- "Bupropion";
- "Zoloft";
- "Venlafaxine";
- Prozac
- "Citalopram";
- "Paxil."
After making a diagnosis and establishing the causes of the pathological condition, the doctor may prescribe an antidepressant for weight loss. What is best for a particular case and what treatment regimen will help to cope with the problem depends on the severity of the patient's condition. It should be borne in mind that antidepressants are completely different drugs that can be taken without first consulting a specialist. Each remedy has certain indications and contraindications for use, and can also provoke the development of a number of negative consequences.
"Fluoxetine" for weight loss
This is one of the most commonly used antidepressants for eating disorders. Fluoxetine is prescribed for patients with bulimia and compulsive overeating. With the timely start of treatment with this drug, it is possible to prevent the development of obesity, metabolic disorders in the body.
The pharmacological effect of the drug, according to the instructions, is aimed at inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This helps to improve mental activity, raise mood, reduce feelings of helplessness and apathy, get rid of anxieties, fears and experiences. “Fluoxetine”, like other weight loss antidepressants from the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, should be taken for at least 2 weeks to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect.
Indications for appointment
Taking even the safest antidepressant in an attempt to lose weight is considered a rather dangerous experiment on its own. The manufacturer recommends taking "Fluoxetine" for obsessive conditions, depression of varying severity, neurosis, insomnia, and malfunctioning of the nervous system.
The desire to constantly absorb a large amount of food under the influence of a medication is significantly reduced. Therefore, an antidepressant is also prescribed for eating disorders.
Treatment regimen
Many experts believe that weight gain is associated with insufficient production of serotonin. A deficiency of this substance provokes the development of a depressed state, stress, and, as a consequence, the desire to "seize" your bad mood. In the future, such a reflex will work already at a subconscious level, which indicates addiction.
Gradually increasing body weight will again worsen the mood and cause a desire to have a tasty snack. It is far from always possible to independently get out of this vicious circle. As a result of treatment with “Fluoxetine”, hunger is suppressed, a surge of vigor is felt, sleep is normalized.
You should start taking the medicine with 20 mg (1 capsule) in the morning. In the absence of a clinical effect, the dose is increased to 40-60 mg and divided into several doses. According to the instructions, more than 4 capsules per day for weight loss is prohibited. Otherwise, the drug can provoke the development of side effects.
Contraindications
Antidepressants for weight loss can be taken only in the absence of contraindications in the patient's history. It is forbidden to use them with the following pathologies:
- glaucoma;
- epilepsy;
- pathology of the central nervous system;
- diabetes;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- pathology of the liver and kidneys;
- intolerance of the components in the composition of the drug.
Antidepressants for weight loss: reviews
To achieve a positive effect when getting rid of extra pounds with the help of antidepressants is possible only if the diet is followed. It does not hurt to do and improve the appearance.
Increased tone and a constant feeling of vigor, a surge of strength will allow you to spend a long time in the gym. According to reviews, such antidepressants as “Fluoxetine” (analogue “Prozac”) and “Venlafaxine” contribute to a noticeable weight loss within 2-3 months after the start of treatment. However, not all patients manage to lose weight.
Do not forget about the side effects of antidepressants. Most often, they cause headaches, manic syndrome, hallucinations, tremors, hyperhidrosis, tachycardia, dysphagia, impaired coordination, nausea. Loss of appetite and, as a consequence, weight loss also refers to the side effects of many antidepressants.