What Mirtazapine alternatives do not cause weight gain?

In this article, we will discuss some Mirtazapine alternatives that do not cause weight gain. We will also talk about the relationship between antidepressants and weight gain in general.

What Mirtazapine alternatives do not cause weight gain?

Mirtazapine alternatives that do not cause weight gain include:

• Bupropion
• Vortioxetine
• Fluoxetine
• Desvenlafaxine
• Trazodone

Bupropion – (Common brand name: Wellbutrin)

Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat depression and related symptoms. used to treat depression and some other mental health conditions. 

Bupropion can be a good alternative to Mirtazapine, as it is not known to cause weight gain in most cases. Bupropion works on dopamine and norepinephrine, two monoamine excitatory chemicals in your brain. These are related to mood and appetite (1). 

By adjusting them, Bupropion can help improve your mood without boosting your appetite or making you crave sugary foods – which can lead to weight gain over time (1).

This can be really helpful for people with depression who are worried about gaining weight. Plus, for those with obesity and an eating disorder, it can be a good option because it doesn’t typically lead to weight gain. 

However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you, as every individual is unique and can respond differently to medications. Bupropion, although it does not cause weight gain like Mirtazapine, is associated with some side effects. 

Common side effects of Bupropion include: (2)

• vomiting
• drowsiness
• ringing in the ears
• weight loss
• dry mouth
• changes in your sense of taste
• excessive sweating
• constipation
• excitement
• nausea
• dizziness
• tingling 
• frequent urination
• loss of appetite
• insomnia
• anxiety
• stomach pain
• headache
• sore throat
• tremors

These side effects can vary from person to person and depend on various factors, like an individual’s age, dosage strength, use of other meds, underlying health conditions, etc.

Vortioxetine – (Common brand name: Trintellix)

Vortioxetine is a medication that can be considered as an alternative to Mirtazapine if you’re concerned about weight gain. Unlike Mirtazapine, Vortioxetine is not commonly associated with weight gain as a side effect and it is rarely reported (3). 

Vortioxetine is believed to work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain (3). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood, so by boosting its levels, this antidepressant can help manage the symptoms of depression.

But again, the choice of antidepressant depends on your condition and other factors specific to you. So, don’t ever start using any antidepressant on your own. 

Vortioxetine can cause side effects in some people, including: (4)

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Unusual dreams
• Sexual problems in both men and women.

Fluoxetine – (Common brand name: Prozac)

Fluoxetine can be a suitable alternative to Mirtazapine if you’re concerned about weight gain. Fluoxetine is an effective antidepressant and is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the world. 

It belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have weight gain as a listed side effect (5). However, Fluoxetine is less likely to cause this side effect among other SSRIs. 

In fact, Fluoxetine may also lead to loss of appetite and weight loss in some cases. It is important to keep in mind that how an individual’s body reacts to this medication can vary from person to person, and it also depends on the specific symptoms of depression one is experiencing. 

Ultimately, the choice between medications should be determined by your healthcare provider. 

Fluoxetine can cause some side effects in people, including: (6)

• Insomnia 
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Unusual dreams
• Stuffy nose
• Excessive sweating
• Metallic taste
• Yawning
• Weakness
• Tiredness 
• Sexual side effects
• Headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems
• Nervousness
• Anxiety

It is important to note that these side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone taking Fluoxetine will experience these side effects. Those who do experience them begin to feel better within a few days of their treatment.

Desvenlafaxine – (Common brand name: Pristiq)

Desvenlafaxine can also be a good alternative to Mirtazapine if it causes weight gain. This antidepressant belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs may cause weight gain in some people, but Desvenlafaxine is not commonly associated with it. (7)

However, it can cause some side effects, like: (8)

• Insomnia 
• Unusual dreams
• Yawning
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Extreme tiredness
• Sleepiness
• Tingling sensation
• Sexual issues in both men and women
• Difficulty urinating

The side effect profile of the medication should always be considered before taking it, as people are different and some people could be at a higher risk of certain side effects, which can make this medication not suitable for them.

Trazodone – (Common brand name: Desyrel)

Trazodone can also be a good alternative to Mirtazapine for individuals concerned about weight gain. Both medications are classified as sedative antidepressants and share similarities in their therapeutic effects (9). 

Trazodone, just like Mirtazapine, is often used at lower doses to manage insomnia, making it a good alternative. Trazodone, in general, is less likely to cause weight gain. So, your doctor may switch you from Mirtazapine to Trazodone if it’s an appropriate step to take for your mental health. 

However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any medication switches, as the choice of antidepressants depends on your needs.

Trazodone, although it is a generally well-tolerated antidepressant, can cause some side effects, including: (10)

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn 
• Constipation
• Weakness or tiredness
• Nervousness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nightmares
• Muscle pain 
• Joint pain
• Dry mouth
• Rash
• Stuffy nose
• Tired, red, or itchy eyes
• Sexual side effects

What is the relationship between weight gain and antidepressants?

The relationship between antidepressants and weight gain is a complex one (11). Some of these meds can increase your cravings or appetite, potentially leading to long-term weight gain. 

It’s also important to understand that the effects of antidepressants can vary from person to person. People with an eating disorder like anorexia may actually benefit from this kind of weight gain, as antidepressants can help balance chemicals in the brain, which can manage eating disorders (11).

However, it is an undesirable side effect for some people. Doctors may try to manage it by dose reduction or by suggesting opting for healthier food choices. 

However, some individuals may continue to gain weight regardless of their efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This type of weight gain associated with any antidepressant is a red flag, and your doctor may consider switching you to another medication.

Just make sure you don’t make any changes to your prescription on your own.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed some alternatives to Mirtazapine that do not cause weight gain as a side effect. We have also talked about the general relationship between antidepressants and weight gain. 

References

1. Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. 2023 Apr 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212 

2. National Library of Medicine. Bupropion: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html 

3. Sowa-Kućma M, Pańczyszyn-Trzewik P, Misztak P, Jaeschke RR, Sendek K, Styczeń K, Datka W, Koperny M. Vortioxetine: A review of the pharmacology and clinical profile of the novel antidepressant. Pharmacol Rep. 2017 Aug;69(4):595-601. doi: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.01.030. Epub 2017 Feb 1. PMID: 28499187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28499187/ 

4. National Library of Medicine. Vortioxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614003.html 

5. Sohel AJ, Shutter MC, Molla M. Fluoxetine. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083803. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459223 

6. National Library of Medicine. Fluoxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html 

7. Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. 2023 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521250. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829 

8. National Library of Medicine. Desvenlafaxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html 

9. Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. 2022 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262060. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560 

10. National Library of Medicine. Trazodone: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html 

11. Fava M. Weight gain and antidepressants. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000;61 Suppl 11:37-41. PMID: 10926053. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10926053/