Is 5HTP equivalent to antidepressants? Is 5HTP good? Why sertraline before 5HTP?

Question

I experienced depression a year and a half ago and I am still taking antidepressants. I started with sertraline 125 and now I'm on sertraline 50. Since taking this medication, I've gained about 25-30 pounds and it's impacting my self-esteem physically. My pharmacist says that I will possibly lose this weight when I stop (I'm tired of waiting)...Since taking sertraline, I am almost always hungry. I've been working out but I'm not losing the extra weight, it's depressing. I talked to my doctor about it and he didn't really have any alternative options for me... It seems that almost all types of antidepressants make you fat. The proposed recommendations have already been tried, no professional has any miracle solutions to the problem. The nutritionist simply mentioned that it was "normal". That being said, if there is no solution, I will make up my mind. I won't change antidepressants if the studies prove that it will be the same result with another one... I heard about Bupropion, it seems to be the only antidepressant that doesn't make you gain weight. What do you think about it?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Good morning, ma'am, I would like to qualify some information, namely that some antidepressants can cause weight gain because they increase appetite. This being said, sustained weight loss is only a matter of mathematics: The amount of calories consumed must be less than the amount of calories 'burned'. To this end, I strongly recommend a consultation with a nutritionist and physiotherapist who can develop a realistic diet and exercise plan for you to achieve your goals. Most group insurance plans cover these types of consultations. On the other hand, data on the effectiveness of 5-HTP is scarce and of poor quality. 5-HTP cannot replace an antidepressant or cognitive-behavioural therapy with a psychologist or psychotherapist. I understand that the options tried to date have not been well tolerated but I want to reassure you that it is normal to try a few options before finding the right one. Your pharmacist could suggest alternatives to your doctor following a short consultation with you. Sincerely, Tom Samaha, pharmacist The manufacturer of burpopion reports that weight loss or weight gain is possible. That being said, the antidepressants have not been tested head-to-head but rather against placebo, so it is impossible to determine whether one would do less of this in a given person. Bupropion may be associated with a lesser effect on weight, but there are uncertainties around this. Please keep in mind that I did not write "there is no solution", moderate intensity exercise for 30 minutes a day and a balanced diet are the only recommendations. If necessary, I even suggest weighing your food if weight loss is your ultimate goal. This is the only way to determine how much you really eat.