Antidepressants refer to a class of drugs which help in reducing the symptoms of depression. A majority of them cause weight gain. However, there are a few that have a relatively less impact on weight. Types of Depression Medications Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Called SSRIs in short, this category of antidepressants function by increasing existing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Tricyclic Depressants If the SSRIs fail, this class of medication is the next course of action. These are ill-famed for causing heavy weight gain. Therefore, this is a complete dampener when you want to combine the medications and weight loss. Atypical Depressants These are the ones which fit the bill when you talk about medications that do not cause weight gain. Although the connection is not yet clear, these type of antidepressants are believed to cause weight loss. Antidepressants that Cause Less Weight Gain First of all, we need to establish a relationship between antidepressants and weight gain. Although SSRIs supposedly cause weight loss, there are contradictory views. One of the arguments says that when there is atypical depression, resulting in overeating and excessive sleeping and it is treated by SSRIs, it causes loss in weight. This is a result of uniform levels of serotonin. On the flip side, the link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and weight gain cannot be ignored. If an individual has been taking such medicines for 6 months or more, this side effect is experienced. However, that does not mean that there are no options which cheer you up as well as keep the weight away. All said and done, SSRIs that do not affect the weight much are Zoloft, Luvox, Escitalopram, and Citalopram. In addition to that, Effexor, Cymbalta, Serzone, and Desyrel also fall in the category of medications resulting in neither weight loss nor gain. SSRIs lead to weight loss precisely as a result of their side effects which are nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Wellbutrin, amongst others is another option that does not lead to gain in weight. Bupropion, an antidepressant drug is marketed as Wellbrutin. This is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DRI) and DRIs are known to suppress appetite. Owing to this appetite suppressant property, Wellbrutin is among the antidepressants that fall in this list. Sometimes, overeating when depressed or during the period of recovery, leads to weight gain. Thus, though it is experienced as a side effect of a majority of antidepressants, in every case, they may not be the only reason behind change. Their side effects also vary from one individual to another. Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes and does not intend to substitute the advice of a medical expert.