Which medication is least likely to cause weight gain among antidepressants?

Which medication is least likely to cause weight gain among antidepressants?

• A. Mirtazapine
• B. Nortriptyline
• C. Bupropion
• D. Duloxetine

Answer: (C)

Bupropion is recognized for its unique mechanism of action and side effect profile compared to other antidepressants. Unlike many antidepressants that are associated with weight gain, bupropion often leads to weight loss or weight neutrality. This is primarily due to its norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) properties, which can increase energy levels and potentially suppress appetite. The other medications in the list have a higher likelihood of causing weight gain. Mirtazapine, for example, is often associated with increased appetite and significant weight gain due to its antihistaminergic effects. Nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can lead to weight gain as well, largely because of its sedative properties and anticholinergic effects that can stimulate appetite. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), also has been noted in some studies to contribute to weight gain in certain patients. Given this understanding of the pharmacological actions and side effects of these antidepressants, bupropion stands out as the least likely to contribute to weight gain.

Bupropion is recognized for its unique mechanism of action and side effect profile compared to other antidepressants. Unlike many antidepressants that are associated with weight gain, bupropion often leads to weight loss or weight neutrality. This is primarily due to its norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) properties, which can increase energy levels and potentially suppress appetite.

The other medications in the list have a higher likelihood of causing weight gain. Mirtazapine, for example, is often associated with increased appetite and significant weight gain due to its antihistaminergic effects. Nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can lead to weight gain as well, largely because of its sedative properties and anticholinergic effects that can stimulate appetite. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), also has been noted in some studies to contribute to weight gain in certain patients.

Given this understanding of the pharmacological actions and side effects of these antidepressants, bupropion stands out as the least likely to contribute to weight gain.