Prozac (Fluoxetine)
A 60 week study has found that Prozac which is taken in order to lose weight can in fact have an opposite effect on you. The result showed that although patients on Prozac shed more than 5 kilos it was interestingly found that they started to regain the weight lost about halfway through the study.
Remeron (Mirtazapine)
An antidepressant, this enhances serotonin and norepinephrine, which are also linked to weight loss. It has been, however found that the antihistamine activity of this drug may tip the scales toward weight gain.
Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
These drugs prescribed to people suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have potent antihistamine activity and inhibit serotonin. These may trigger weight gain. A study conducted in 2005 found that 30 per cent of the people were on Zyprexa gained 7 per cent or more of their body weight within 18 months.
Deltasone (Prednisone)
Deltasone which is oral corticosteroids is more potent than ones which are inhaled. These in fact carry a higher risk of weight gain, particularly when used on a long term basis.
Thorazine (Chlorpromazine)
Holding antihistamine activity in them, these drugs have the potential to increase your appetite and is often sedating. These drugs however may cause less weight gain in comparison to Zyprexa and Clozaril. Even then, this drug isn’t that effective in treating schizophrenia.
Diabinese, Insulase (Chlorpropamide)
Drugs taken for type 2 diabetes often have the ability to lose weight, while others may do the exact opposite. These drugs stimulate insulin production or activity, and this then lowers blood sugar thus increasing the person’s appetite.
Insulin
A study found that people during the first three years of using insulin gained nearly 5 kg on an average. It is believed that over half of that weight occurs in the first three months. However, certain types of insulin such as the long-acting insulin Levemir, has been found to have less extreme effects.
Tenormin (Atenolol)
On one hand there are beta-blockers, which are considered to be among the top drugs for high blood pressure, while on the other hand there are older ones on the other such as Tenormin, Lopressor (metoprolol), and Inderal (propranolol), which helps you to gain weight. It is said that newer beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors are less likely to cause weight gain.
Birth Control
While birth control pills have always been in the spotlight for being a weight increasing menace, a study showed that the progestin-only injectable called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is the only kind which can be linked with weight gain.
Depakote (Valproic Acid)
Used to treat bipolar disorders and migraines, Depakote affects proteins involved in appetite and metabolism. The surprising fact is that it affects women more than men; the reason for is however not clear yet.
