Which antidepressant is commonly associated with weight gain as a side effect?

Which antidepressant is commonly associated with weight gain as a side effect?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Sertraline
• C. Mirtazapine
• D. Venlafaxine

Answer: (C)

Mirtazapine is commonly associated with weight gain as a side effect due to its specific pharmacological profile. It acts as an antagonist at certain serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2C receptor, which is known to play a role in appetite and weight regulation. By blocking this receptor, mirtazapine can increase appetite and lead to weight gain in some patients. Additionally, it also has antihistaminergic properties, which can further contribute to increased appetite and sedation, often leading to weight gain. In contrast, the other antidepressants listed tend to have a neutral or weight-loss effect, particularly fluoxetine and sertraline, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and typically do not promote weight gain. Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is also not commonly associated with weight gain and may even lead to weight loss in some cases, especially at higher doses. Therefore, mirtazapine stands out among the options as the antidepressant most regularly linked with weight gain.

Mirtazapine is commonly associated with weight gain as a side effect due to its specific pharmacological profile. It acts as an antagonist at certain serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2C receptor, which is known to play a role in appetite and weight regulation. By blocking this receptor, mirtazapine can increase appetite and lead to weight gain in some patients. Additionally, it also has antihistaminergic properties, which can further contribute to increased appetite and sedation, often leading to weight gain.

In contrast, the other antidepressants listed tend to have a neutral or weight-loss effect, particularly fluoxetine and sertraline, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and typically do not promote weight gain. Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is also not commonly associated with weight gain and may even lead to weight loss in some cases, especially at higher doses. Therefore, mirtazapine stands out among the options as the antidepressant most regularly linked with weight gain.