Trazodone is a medication commonly prescribed for people with depression. It is also a very popular weight loss drug, and for good reason. Studies have shown that this medication can help to combat the effects of depression by enhancing serotonin activity in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for producing feelings of happiness and contentment. In turn, this may motivate someone to want to lose weight. Does Trazodone Make You Lose Weight? Let’s take a closer look.
How Does Trazodone Work?
Trazodone modulates the effect of both serotonin and norepinephrine on the brain’s reward circuitry. This is a significant contribution to its weight loss efficacy. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for producing feelings of happiness and contentment. When serotonin is activated in the brain, it can lead to weight loss. However, when serotonin is inhibited, weight gain is more likely to occur.
Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter that is responsible for producing feelings of alertness, focus, and action. When norepinephrine is activated in the brain, it can contribute to weight loss. However, when norepinephrine is inhibited, weight gain is more likely to occur.
Trazodone is a second-generation antidepressant that has both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in its formula. As a result, this medication can boost serotonin and norepinephrine activity in the brain. This can lead to antidepressant and anorectic (weight loss) effects. Some experts believe that this may be the reason why Trazodone is such a popular medication for people with depression and anxiety disorders. Does Trazodone Make You Lose Weight? What Is The Difference Between Anxiety And Depression?
Anxiety and depression are two very closely linked conditions. In fact, according to the experts at AnxietyBC.com, depression often goes hand in hand with anxiety disorders. In addition to feeling depressed, someone with an anxiety disorder may also experience panic attacks, social isolation, and/or an inability to sleep. As a result of this, someone with depression may also experience excessive sleeping, appetite changes, and/or an inability to feel joy. Although it can be difficult to determine which one is the primary condition, it is important to know the difference between them. Let’s examine the differences and similarities between anxiety and depression:
Differences Between Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety and depression are both mental health disorders that can affect people of all ages. These diseases present themselves in different ways, but they both have a lot in common. Below, we’ll discuss some of the key differences between anxiety and depression:
Symptoms
People experience anxiety and depression differently, but there are some common signs that they share. Below we’ve listed some of the differences between anxiety and depression. Although these signs may not be present in every case, they are some of the more common symptoms that someone may experience if they are going through the mental health disorder:
- Anxiety:
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Feeling restless or tense
- Having problems concentrating
- Experiencing nightmares
- Depression:
- Feeling sad or empty
- Lack of interest or pleasure in activities once considered fun
- Experiencing changes in appetite (either eating more or less than usual)
- Experiencing sleep problems (either waking up frequently throughout the night or sleeping heavily)
Causes
The exact cause of either anxiety or depression is unknown. However, there are some risk factors that may make a person more likely to develop these diseases. Below, we’ve listed some of the more common risk factors for anxiety and depression. Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop either condition, so knowing your family history may help you determine if you are at a higher risk. In terms of living with anxiety, genetics play a role, as well as life events that may have triggered the development of anxiety. Depression is more likely to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, life events, and cultural influences. It is also believed that some people are more susceptible to depression than others. While some people may experience depression as a result of genetics or early life trauma, others may simply be born with a higher propensity to fall into this category. Does Trazodone Make You Lose Weight?
Treatments
The best way to treat either anxiety or depression is with medication and/or therapy. While there is no known cure for either condition, there are various treatments that can help bring relief. Below, we’ve listed some of the more common treatments for anxiety and depression. Keep in mind that not all therapies or medications will be effective for everyone, so check with your doctor to see what would work best for you.