Some speculation in recent years has found that the drug Prozac, which is usually intended for depression, can have the side effect of weight loss. The drug is not FDA approved to be prescribed for this purpose, but some doctors have gone so far as to prescribe it to the obese anyway.
Prozac Side Effects
Prozac (a.k.a. fluoxetine in generic form) is a medication intended to help sufferers of depression. It can have a variety of side effects other than weight loss such as diminished sex drive, dizziness, sleepiness or upset stomach.
Depression and Overeating
Some doctors believe that depression can be a cause of obesity. Some depressed people tend to overeat in order to cope with their depression and this is why some doctors believe Prozac can help the obese.
The Good
The practice of going prescribing Prozac for weight loss has had mixed results. One woman, a 51 year old teacher from California, was able to lose 135 pounds using a cocktail of drugs that combat depression, according to ABC News.
The Bad
Though weight loss is a possible side effect of Prozac, there is no guarantee. Many doctors believe that the side effects of Prozac are too risky to use the drug for a problem that can be solved with diet and exercise.
Weight Gain
The irony of the practice of prescribing Prozac for weight loss is that one of the possible side effects of Prozac is weight gain. In clinical trials the drug was found to cause a noticeable weight gain in more than one percent of those tested.
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