Weight suppression and weight rebound in ex-smokers treated with fluoxetine

Fluoxetine's effect (30 mg, 60 mg, and placebo) on postcessation weight gai n was studied among participants from a randomized, double-blind 10-week sm oking cessation trial who mel strict criteria for abstinence and drug level s. It was hypothesized that (a) fluoxetine would dose-dependently suppress postcessation weight gain and (b) drug discontinuation would produce dose-d ependent weight rebound. During the on-drug phase, placebo participants gai ned weight linearly (M = 2.61 kg), exceeding both fluoxetine groups (30-mg group M = 1.33 kg, 60-mg group M = 1.25 kg). Weight suppression was initial ly greater for 60 mg than 30 mg, but both were followed by weight gain. Six months off drug produced greater dose-dependent weight rebound for 60 mg t han 30 mg or placebo. Considering both on- and off-drug phases, weight gain for 60 mg of fluoxetine (M = 6.5 kg) was comparable with that for placebo (M = 4.7 kg) but greater than that for 30 mg (M = 3.6 kg). Fluoxetine appea rs to forestall postcessation weight gain, allowing time for the weight-con scious smoker to focus on quitting smoking rather than on preventing weight gain.