Weight-centric treatment of depression and chronic pain

Depression and chronic pain are two major chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD). Considering the bidirectional relationship between obesity and CNCD, it is of the utmost importance to understand the effect of medications utilized to treat these diseases on body weight.

This is a clinical review on the effect of medications for depression and chronic pain on body weight. We searched PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases for studies on the topic from January 1, 1950 to April 1, 2022 in English language. Additionally, we present expert opinions in the fields of obesity, depression and chronic pain, providing a weight-centric approach to treat depression and chronic pain.

Several antidepressant and chronic pain medications are associated with weight gain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidases, mirtazapine and trazodone are common antidepressants that can increase body weight while bupropion is significantly associated with weight loss. Gabapentin and pregabalin are common chronic pain medications that are linked to weight gain. On the other hand, topiramate is associated with significant weight loss. Obesity, depression and chronic pain experts recommend avoiding medications that can increase body weight if another effective alternative is available.

By shifting prescribing practices toward a weight-conscious approach (i.e., switching from weight gain medications to weight loss/neutral), it is possible to mitigate the incidence of drug-induced weight gain.