Does Pristiq cause weight gain? 

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may or may not cause weight gain. When it comes to the effects of this antidepressant on body weight, a huge number of variations are seen. Some people have reported weight loss while being treated with Pristiq. 

However, some people have gained weight on this antidepressant. There are mixed reviews regarding the weight-related side effects of Pristiq, which is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and can be used for the management of depression, anxiety, and several other mental health conditions. 

What do experts have to say about Pristiq-induced weight gain? 

As we have just discussed, there are a number of mixed theories related to weight loss and gain caused by Pristiq. Some experts suggest that Pristiq may cause a number of different weight-related side effects because of its mechanism of action. 

When this antidepressant increases the amount of two excitatory monoamine neurotransmitters, people respond to this change differently. Some feel satiated and satisfied and they may begin to lose their appetite. 

Such people usually end up losing weight. Some people, on the other hand, may respond to the drug in an opposite way and may begin to eat more than they used to. 

Such people usually end up gaining weight. A few experts explained the incidence of weight-related side effects from a different perspective. 

They concluded that these side effects may not be side effects at all and they actually are the opposite version of the symptoms associated with depression or other mental health illnesses. 

Some people tend to eat more when they are depressed or anxious and they gain a significant amount of weight because of that. When such people take Pristiq and the med starts to work, they may begin to eat less because of the reduction in their depression and end up losing weight. 

Similarly, some people may stop eating at all when they’re depressed and anxious. The treatment with Pristiq can help such people regulate their normal eating patterns which can make them gain the weight they had lost. 

If we look at it closely, I think we can conclude that the experts have tried to explain that the weight-related side effects of Pristiq depend on the symptoms associated with your mental health condition and the way your body responds to this antidepressant. 

Make sure you consult your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained weight loss or gain in a short span of time. 

If you have gained weight on Pristiq, how can you lose it? 

Pristiq-associated weight gain, if that happens, is not a stubborn one. This weight gain can be controlled by the normal weight loss methods that have been followed for centuries now. Let’s discuss some of them here. 

Create a calorie deficit 

In order to lose Pristiq-induced weight gain, you should create a calorie deficit. If the med has caused an increase in your appetite, make sure you choose healthier foods to make yourself feel full. 

It’s not a good option to stay hungry and torture yourself with a rumbling stomach and hunger-induced nausea. You can eat and fill up your stomach but if you wish to lose weight, you just have to choose good and healthy foods. 

Exercise 

Exercise, as we all already know, is an important part of a weight loss regimen. It may take a week or two to make your body accept the entire concept of working out, but once it does, your body will crave that feeling. If you’re a beginner, start from beginner-friendly workouts that are literally all over the internet. 

Then you can gradually increase the intensity of your workout sessions as per your endurance. You don’t have to work out for hours, just a good half-hour workout can do wonders for you. 

Stay hydrated 

Remember to drink plenty of water, especially after a good workout session. Water can help increase your energy levels and it is a calorie-free drink that can fulfil a whole lot of your body’s requirements. Good hydration can also help boost your appetite. 

Try Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is a safe and effective way of losing some stubborn pounds. In the eating technique, you don’t even have to change your diet. Intermittent fasting can help you eat pretty much whatever you want but in a specific eating time duration. 

References 

• Desvenlafaxine and Weight Change in Major Depressive Disorder (NCBI, 2010) 
• Effects of Antidepressants on weight gain (Pubmed, 2019)
• Antidepressants and body weight (Pubmed, 2010) 
• Pristiq- Desvenlafaxine (National Library of Medicine, NIH)