Side Effects of Citalopram
Verywell / Andrea Hickey
Nearly allantidepressantscan causeweight gainas a side effectincludingCelexa(citalopram).
However, a few commonsense strategies can help you deal with weight gain while taking Celexa.
What Is Celexa (Citalopram)?
Verywell / Andrea Hickey
Celexa belongs to a class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Other commonly prescribed SSRIs includeProzac(fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline).
This keeps more serotonin available for the brain to use.
One theory is that the drugs somehow slow the metabolism.
Another is that SSRIs trigger an upsurge in appetite, causing overeating.
Another reason might come from the drug’s success itself.
Don’t stop taking your medication without a doctor’s supervision.
In any case, it’s extremely important not to stop taking the drug on your own.
Here are other, less drastic measures you might take to lose weight while on an antidepressant.
Exercise as Depression Therapy
Research consistently indicates that physical exercise is effective in treating symptoms of depression.
You might be able to switch to a different medication with fewer weight-related side effects.
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