Imipramine treatment and preference for sweets

Appetite. 1988 Apr;10(2):149-55. doi: 10.1016/0195-6663(88)90066-9.

Abstract

Antidepressant-induced changes in food preference were investigated in a group of 40 depressed patients before and during treatment with imipramine. As part of a validated survey, the Pittsburgh Appetite Test, self-reported food preference was categorized by both nutrient and hedonic properties to define individual response. After 4 months of treatment, 14 patients (35%) expressed a clear desire for high-carbohydrate/high-fat foods with a sweet taste. Within this group, eight patients already preferred these foods while medication-free, while six subjects demonstrated a change in preference to these foods during treatment. The other 26 patients (65%) showed no consistent changes in food preference. These results suggest that while approximately one-third of imipramine-treated patients report a preference for sweets, only 15% actually developed this preference during treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Weight
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Food Preferences / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / pharmacology*
  • Imipramine / therapeutic use
  • Male

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Imipramine