PRESCRIPTION DRUGS THAT PUT ON POUNDS

    Weight gain is often an overlooked side effect of many drugs.  Some stimulate the appetite or slow the body’s metabolism.  Others cause fluid retention or enough drowsiness to reduce physical activity and thus trigger weight gain.  Those effects can be rapid and significant.  For example, a study found children and teenagers starting antipsychotic medication added an average of 10 to 19 pounds after taking the pills for nearly 11 weeks.

    Before starting a new drug ask your doctor or pharmacist about its possible effect on weight gain.  Exercising more and paying attention to the weight might help minimize the problem.  If you find yourself putting on pounds while taking a medication, ask your doctor about switching to a lower dose or a different drug.  Check out allergy drugs, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, diabetes drugs, seizure and nerve pain drugs, psychiatric drugs, and steroids.   From February Consumer Reports on Health.