Obesity
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Medications that might cause obesity

Some drugs can make you put on weight as a side effect.

Corticosteroids
Drugs called corticosteroids can make you feel hungry and bloated. Both these effects might cause you to put on weight. Corticosteroids are given for many conditions, including
 
 
 
 
 
arthritis
Arthritis is when your joints become inflamed, making them stiff and painful. There are different kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It happens when the cartilage at the end of your bones becomes damaged and then starts to grow abnormally. Rheumatoid arthritis happens because your immune system attacks the lining of your joints.
 
 
 
 
 
arthritis.

Neuroleptics
Neuroleptics are drugs used to treat a mental illness called
 
 
 
 
 
schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes delusions and hallucinations.
 
 
 
 
 
schizophrenia. These drugs can make you feel sleepy or lethargic. So you're less likely to use energy and more likely to put on weight.

Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat people who are depressed. Some of the older antidepressant drugs can make you put on weight. This is most likely to happen with a drug called amitriptyline (Elavil). People taking this drug often crave high-energy, sugary foods.

Epilepsy drugs
If you're taking drugs for epilepsy, especially drugs called valproate (valproic acid, Depakote) or carbemazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR), you might put on weight.

This information was last updated on May 01, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.