Increased appetite, weight gain

You may gain weight because of fluid retention or lack of physical activity, or because you have a better appetite when your depression symptoms ease up. Some antidepressants are more likely to cause weight gain than others. If you're concerned about weight gain, ask your doctor if this is a likely side effect of the antidepressant being prescribed and discuss ways to address this issue.

Consider these strategies:

• Cut back on sweets and sugary drinks.
• Select lower calorie nutritious foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and avoid saturated and trans fats.
• Keep a food diary — tracking what you eat can help you manage your weight.
• Seek advice from a registered dietitian.
• Get regular physical activity or exercise most days of the week.
• Talk to your doctor about switching medications, but get the pros and cons.