Which antidepressant is most likely to cause weight gain?

Which antidepressant is most likely to cause weight gain?

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

Answer: (D)

Weight change risk varies by antidepressant class, and some drugs are more likely to increase weight than others. Mirtazapine stands out because its strong histamine H1 receptor blockade promotes increased appetite and weight gain, along with its other receptor effects that can boost appetite and sedation. In contrast, fluoxetine often leads to weight loss or weight stabilization, sertraline may cause only modest or variable weight gain over time, and venlafaxine is usually weight neutral or associated with weight loss early on. So, among these options, mirtazapine is the most likely to cause weight gain.

Weight change risk varies by antidepressant class, and some drugs are more likely to increase weight than others. Mirtazapine stands out because its strong histamine H1 receptor blockade promotes increased appetite and weight gain, along with its other receptor effects that can boost appetite and sedation. In contrast, fluoxetine often leads to weight loss or weight stabilization, sertraline may cause only modest or variable weight gain over time, and venlafaxine is usually weight neutral or associated with weight loss early on. So, among these options, mirtazapine is the most likely to cause weight gain.