Weight loss plateau - Could be your other medications?

 Here are some classes of medications that are commonly used and can cause you to gain weight. Often times, they go under the radar. Knowing more about this drugs empowers you to discuss with your doctor and stay on track with your weight loss goals. 

1.Anti-Hypertensive Meds: The Sneaky Culprits

First up, medications for high blood pressure! Some beta-blockers (like propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol)  can be a bit sneaky, causing weight gain. When possible discuss with your doctor if these medications can be changed to other betablockers that are weight neutral.

2. Anti-Diabetes Meds: Balancing Act

Now, let's talk about medications for diabetes. Some insulins, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and meglitinides might promote a bit of weight gain. It's like a balancing act to keep blood sugar in check without tipping the scale too much. Fortunately, there are also other medications that can help your diabetes and also help you lose weight, such as Metformin, anti GLP1/GIP drugs, and SGLT-2 drugs. 

3. Hormones and Weight: The Connection

Certain hormone therapies, especially glucocorticoids, can play a role in weight gain. These hormones can make you very hungry and cause a lot of weight gain. It is so important to taper and stop these drugs as soon as possible, and/or replace them with other drugs that will not make you gain weight. 

4. Anti-Seizure Meds: Keeping It Stable

For those taking medications for seizures, like carbamazepine, gabapentin, valproate, and pregabalin, weight gain might be in the cards. It's all about finding the right balance to keep everything stable. If you have been prescribed any of these medications be vigilant and let your doctor know as soon as possible if you noticed the scales going up. 

5. Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers: Mind and Body Connection

Medications for mood, like some antidepressants and mood stabilizers, can also be associated with weight gain. It's like a tag team – taking care of our minds but sometimes affecting our bodies too. Do not despair. Not all medications for depression and mood cause weight gain. Some, like Prozac (Fluoxetine), Lamictal (Lamotrigine) are weight neutral and some like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) can actually help you lose weight.

6. Migraine and Antipsychotic Meds: Headaches and Balance

Even medications for migraines and antipsychotics might have a say in our weight journey. Amitriptyline, gabapentin, paroxetine, and some beta blockers might be the culprits.

7. Opiod (narcotic) drugs: 

Did you know that taking strong pain medications called opiods  have been designed to treat acute severe pain. But often, drugs like Hydrocodone (Norco) , Oxycodone (Percocet), Fentanyl for long periods can cause you to gain a lot of weight. Best is to try to wean of these medications and replace them with other drugs or interventions that do not cause weight gain.

8. Other Drugs in the Mix: Surprising Factors

Lastly, there are some unexpected players in the weight game – the hypnotic diphenhydramine, and some antiretroviral therapies when not accompanied by lipodystrophy.

In Conclusion: Know your medications!

Make sure you review your medication list with your doctor and ask if any of them can make you gain weight. In case you are on one or more of these drugs, ask your doctor if you still need them and if you do, if there is a replacement that does not cause weigh gain. If there is none, adding a drug like Metformin can help. 

Remember, your health journey is like a puzzle, and each piece – including medications – plays a role. Stay curious, stay informed, and keep rocking the amazing person you are!

Phew! That was a lot of info, right? The key takeaway? Medications can sometimes have an impact on our weight, but it's all about balance, awareness, and working together with healthcare providers to find what works best for each unique person.