Chronic imipramine treatment and weight gain

Psychiatry Res. 1986 Apr;17(4):269-73. doi: 10.1016/0165-1781(86)90074-0.

Abstract

A study of weight change in subjects treated with imipramine was performed on recurrent depressive outpatients. The patients (n = 52) were treated with imipramine (200-250 mg/day) and psychotherapy for 16 weeks. Each individual was weighed upon entry to the study (drug-free) and then weekly thereafter for 16 weeks. Of the 44 women (85%) and 8 men (15%) in the study, 60% of the total group had a weight gain or loss less than 5 pounds (mean = 1.1 pounds) over this time. A weight gain of 6-10 pounds was observed in 19% of subjects, while 9% of the group gained 11-15 pounds. Only 6% (3 subjects) gained more than 15 pounds. Three subjects (6%) lost 6-10 pounds. No correlations were observed between a change in weight and the subject's age, sex, prior weight, or response to medication.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Appetite
  • Body Weight / drug effects*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Imipramine