Can Over-The-Counter Meds Cause Weight Gain?

OTC medications may cause weight gain due to effects like increased appetite, water retention, slowed metabolism, hormonal changes, and reduced physical activity. It's important to be aware of these potential side effects, especially if you're taking these medications frequently or for long periods. If you notice significant weight changes, consulting a healthcare provider may help you find alternatives or strategies to manage weight gain.

Here are 10 over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can potentially cause weight gain as a side effect:

1. Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine – Benadryl, Cetirizine – Zyrtec, Loratadine – Claritin)

• Use: Treats allergies.

• Effect on weight: Antihistamines block histamine receptors, which are involved in regulating appetite and satiety. By inhibiting histamine, these drugs may increase hunger, leading to overeating and weight gain over time.

• Natural remedy:

  • Saline nasal irrigation: Using a neti pot to flush out your nasal passages with saline can help reduce congestion and remove allergens. 

  • Hydration: Drinking enough water and eating foods with high water content can help reduce the amount of histamines your body produces. 

  • Nutrients: Taking supplements or eating foods rich in nutrients like vitamin C and quercetin can help reduce your body's allergic response. Quercetin is found in fruits and vegetables like apples and onions. 

    
    

2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., Omeprazole – Prilosec, Esomeprazole – Nexium)

• Use: Treats acid reflux and GERD.

• Effect on weight: Proton pump inhibitors may lead to weight gain, possibly due to changes in gut bacteria or reduced absorption of nutrients. They can also cause bloating or changes in digestion that slow the movement of food through the digestive system. Bloating and constipation can make you feel heavier and can lead to temporary weight gain due to trapped gas and/or slow digestion.

• Natural remedy:

  • Lifestyle changes: Avoid trigger foods like fried foods, caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages. Eat smaller meals more often, and avoid eating late at night. You can also try eating more fiber and eating slowly. 

  • Sleep position: Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches to help prevent nighttime heartburn. You can use bed risers or a foam wedge. 

  • Other remedies: Chew gum, eat a banana or apple.

    
    

3. Antacids (e.g., Calcium Carbonate – Tums)

• Use: Relieves heartburn and acid indigestion.

• Effect on weight: Some calcium-containing antacids may cause bloating and water retention, leading to temporary weight gain.

• Natural remedy:

  • Food choices: Eating a ripe banana, drinking ginger tea, chewing gum, consuming small amounts of baking soda mixed with water, drinking aloe vera juice

  • Lifestyle change: Eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating.

    
    

4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., Ibuprofen – Advil, Naproxen – Aleve)

• Use: Reduces pain and inflammation.

• Effect on weight: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to the retention of sodium and fluids in the body. This fluid buildup can cause temporary weight gain, especially when the medications are taken over long periods. This can create the perception of weight gain, even if no fat is gained.

• Natural Remedy:

  • Eating anti-inflammatory foods: Eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, or antioxidants, such as: fatty fish like salmon, leafy greens like spinach, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.

  • Reducing inflammatory foods: Limit or avoid foods that are inflammatory, such as: 

    red meat, processed foods, refined carbs, fried foods, and sugar.

  • Drinking anti-inflammatory teas: Try black, white, or green tea 

  • Adding anti-inflammatory spices: Try rosemary, garlic, oregano, ginger, turmeric, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, or cayenne 

  • Getting enough sleep: Sleep can help combat inflammation and aid recovery from heavy training 

  • Applying ice: Cold therapy can alleviate inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by injuries 

    
    

5. Cough Syrups (e.g., Dextromethorphan-based syrups like Robitussin)

• Use: Treats coughs.

• Effect on weight: Cough syrups and other liquid medications often contain sugar or alcohol. These added ingredients increase your overall caloric intake, contributing to weight gain. Even small, unnoticed amounts of extra calories can accumulate over time.

• Natural remedy:

  • Hydration: Drinking water or other fluids can thin mucus and keep you hydrated.

  • Herbal tea: Teas made with peppermint, ginger, slippery elm, thyme, turmeric, or marshmallow root can help. 

  • Salt water gargle: Gargling with salt water can thin mucus and help wash out irritants. 

  • Steam: Breathing in steam can calm and moisturize your airways. You can fill the bathroom with steam by running a hot shower or bath. 

  • Ginger: Ginger can help relax the smooth muscles in your airways. You can steep chopped ginger in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. 

  • Humidifier: Use a cool-mist humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air.

  • Saline nasal spray: Use a saline nasal spray to help clear nasal congestion.

    
    

6. Decongestants (e.g., Pseudoephedrine – Sudafed)

• Use: Relieves nasal congestion.

• Effect on weight: Decongestants can cause bloating and/or water retention. Decongestants along with other medications with stimulating ingredients like pseudoephedrine, can interfere with sleep quality. Poor sleep is associated with increased appetite, particularly cravings for high-calorie foods, and decreased energy expenditure, which can lead to weight gain.

• Natural remedy:

  • Hydration: Drinking lots of fluids, like warm water with lemon, herbal teas, or clear broths, can help thin mucus and relieve congestion. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and make congestion worse. 

  • Steam: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of water can help relieve pain and drain mucus. 

  • Saline rinse: Use a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or nasal saline spray to rinse your nasal passages with salt water. This can help thin mucus and keep nasal passages from drying out. 

  • Warm compress: Apply a warm, damp towel to your face to reduce inflammation and open nasal passages. 

  • Elevation: Prop up your head with extra pillows while sleeping or resting to help with sinus drainage. 

  • Ginger: A daily dose of 500 milligrams of ginger extract can help relieve nasal allergy symptoms. 

  • Spicy foods: Eating spicy foods that contain red chili powder or hot mustard can help open nasal passages. 

  • Humidifier: Try using a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air, or using essential oils. 

    
    

7. Sleeping Aids (e.g., Doxylamine – Unisom, Diphenhydramine – Tylenol PM)

• Use: Treats insomnia.

• Effect on weight: Some sleep aids, especially antihistamine-based ones, can slow metabolism and increase appetite, leading to weight gain.

• Natural remedy:

  • Creating a bedtime routine: Try to relax for at least an hour before bed with activities like reading, listening to music, or taking a bath. 

  • Avoiding screen time: Limit your use of electronic devices with screens before bed, as the light can disrupt your sleep. 

  • Making your bedroom comfortable: Keep your bedroom dark and quiet with curtains, blinds, an eye mask, or ear plugs. Make sure your mattress, pillows, and covers are comfortable. 

  • Exercising regularly: Try to exercise moderately for 20 to 30 minutes during the day. 

  • Drinking certain drinks: Try drinking warm milk, chamomile tea, or tart cherry juice before bed. 

  • Taking supplements: Magnesium supplements may help improve sleep quality and quantity. Melatonin supplements may also help, as melatonin is a hormone that the brain naturally releases to signal sleep. 

  • Using essential oils: Lavender oil is a popular essential oil used in aromatherapy to promote feelings of calm and enhance sleep quality. 

  • Taking valerian: Valerian is an herbal sleep aid that may be safe and effective. 

    
    

8. Pain Relievers with Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)

• Use: Reduces pain and fever.

• Effect on weight: Long-term use may cause fluid retention or bloating, though less likely compared to NSAIDs. Pain relievers can relieve pain, which is helpful in the short term, but long-term use may make you feel less active or more fatigued resulting in reduced physical activity, muscle loss and decreased energy, and eventually weight gain.

• Natural remedy:

  • Spices: Ginger and turmeric are spices that can help with pain.

  • Essential oils: Peppermint and lavender oils can help relieve pain. Peppermint oil is cooling and anti-inflammatory, while lavender oil is also anti-inflammatory. 

  • Herbs: Clove and feverfew are herbs that can help relieve pain. Clove oil can help with toothaches. 

  • Exercise: Low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and walking can help with chronic pain. Exercise can also help with stiffness, muscle weakness, and poor sleep. 

  • Heat and ice: Applying heat or ice can help with certain types of pain. Heat packs can help with chronic back or joint pain, while ice packs can help with arthritis pain. 

  • Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help with chronic pain by reducing muscle tension, increasing blood flow, and releasing endorphins. 

  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E can help control pain and inflammation. 

  • Other remedies: Acupuncture, meditation, and mindfulness. 

    
    

9. Cold and Flu Medicines (e.g., NyQuil)

• Use: Treats cold and flu symptoms.

• Effect on weight: Often contains antihistamines and alcohol, which can cause weight gain by increasing appetite or slowing metabolism.

• Natural remedy:

  • Hydration: Staying hydrated with fluids like water, broth, or warm lemon water is crucial for easing congestion and preventing dehydration. 

  • Warm liquids: Drinking warm liquids like tea with honey or chicken soup can soothe a sore throat and ease discomfort. 

  • Saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat. 

  • Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help loosen congestion. 

  • Rest: Getting adequate sleep allows your body to fight the infection more effectively. 

  • Vitamin C: Eating foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, may support your immune system. 

  • Ginger: Ginger tea can be soothing for a sore throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

  • Elderberry: Some studies suggest elderberry syrup can help shorten the duration of a cold or flu. 

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10. Laxatives (e.g., Polyethylene Glycol – MiraLAX)

• Use: Treats constipation.

• Effect on weight: Although typically associated with weight loss due to water loss, long-term use can lead to bloating or water retention once discontinued, causing weight rebound.

• Natural remedy:

  • Fiber: Eating more fiber can help relieve constipation because it makes stools heavier and helps them move through the intestines faster. Good sources of fiber include spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

  • Fluids: Drinking more fluids, especially water, can help prevent constipation. Try to drink at least four to six glasses of fluids a day. 

  • Exercise: Regular exercise can promote healthy digestion and help relieve constipation. 

  • Stool softeners: Stool softeners can make bowel movements easier. 

  • Magnesium: Magnesium can relieve constipation and is often used as a laxative. 

  • Castor oil: Castor oil is a natural laxative that can be taken orally to stimulate a bowel movement. 

  • Regular schedule: Having a regular bowel habit can help prevent constipation. 

While these medications may cause weight gain, the effects vary by individual. It's important to use them as directed and consult a healthcare provider if you notice significant weight changes or other concerns.