Antidepressants, Weight Gain and Weight Loss Medication
Some antidepressants are associated with weight gain, and depression itself can affect appetite, sleep and activity. If you are worried about weight while taking an antidepressant, there are safe steps. The first is not to stop your medication without talking to your prescriber.
Important safety information. This page is general education, not medical advice. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether a medication is right for you. Do not start, stop or change a prescription without talking to your clinician. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek emergency care or call 988.
Medicines and Weight
Weight effects differ by medication and by person. Some antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, paroxetine and certain tricyclics, are more often linked with weight gain, while others, such as bupropion, are more often weight neutral. Many people gain nothing. Never stop an antidepressant suddenly; stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse. If weight is a concern, ask your prescriber whether a dose or medication change is appropriate.
Weight Loss Treatment and Mental Health
Prescription weight loss treatment can be an option for adults who qualify, and a clinician will review your medicines first. Some combinations need care. naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) contains bupropion, which should not be combined with certain other medicines, and it carries a warning about suicidal thoughts that applies to antidepressant-type drugs. Medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) carry labeling that asks clinicians to monitor for depression or suicidal thoughts. phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) and phentermine-type products can raise heart rate and are contraindicated with MAO inhibitors.
Staying Safe
Tell your TeleSlim Clinic physician about every medication you take, including supplements, and about your mental health history. Report any worsening mood, new anxiety or thoughts of self-harm right away to your clinician; if you are in crisis, call or text 988 or seek emergency care.
Talking to a TeleSlim Clinic Physician
A TeleSlim Clinic physician can review your history and medications by secure video visit from anywhere in Illinois and coordinate with your prescriber or therapist. See how to choose a medication and medication costs in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which antidepressants cause the most weight gain?
Effects vary, but mirtazapine, paroxetine and some tricyclics are more often associated with weight gain. Your prescriber can discuss alternatives.
Can I take weight loss medication with an antidepressant?
Often yes, but some combinations are not safe. Your clinician must review all of your medicines first.
Should I stop my antidepressant if I gain weight?
No. Talk to your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly can be harmful.
How TeleSlim Clinic Can Help
A TeleSlim Clinic physician can review your health history and goals by secure video visit and discuss whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. Prescribing is always at the clinician's discretion, and not every medication is right for every person. See our Cost & Insurance guides and Illinois locations.
Cost & Insurance guides
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay, and we do not bill insurance for our own services. We do handle prior authorization for your medication, provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, and send your medication and lab orders to the pharmacy or lab you choose, where your insurance can be used. We do not see patients with Medicare.
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Insurance and Weight Loss Medication in Illinois
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA and FSA for Weight Loss Treatment
- Cash-Pay vs. Insurance for Weight Loss Treatment
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Weight Loss Medication
- Illinois State Employee Plan and Weight Loss Medication
- When Your Employer Plan Excludes Weight Loss Drugs
- Prior Authorization and Appeals for Weight Loss Medication
- Self-Pay Weight Loss Medication and Compounded Drugs
- What to Ask Your Insurance About Weight Loss Medication
Medications & Decision Guides
Learn about the prescription options and how to choose:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
- Orlistat (Xenical, alli)
- Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
- Wegovy vs Zepbound
- Telehealth vs In-Person Care
- Medication vs Bariatric Surgery
- How to Choose a Medication
Weight Loss Guides by Health Condition
More in This Library
- Blood Pressure and Heart Health
- Fatty Liver and Weight Loss
- Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss
- Binge and Emotional Eating
- Weight Loss After 50
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Sources: FDA prescribing information for Contrave, Wegovy, Zepbound and Qsymia; published reviews of antidepressant-associated weight change.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Prescribing information changes; confirm current details with your clinician or pharmacist. Last updated: October 7, 2026.