I’ve been on Lexapro for five years now. I’ve gained 60 pounds and continue to gain, despite diet and activity. To be fair, my exercise is low-intensity, with no weightlifting. Also, my diet is American, and regrettably, even our healthful foods are not necessarily healthy. I’ve gone from 20-10mg in the last year and seen no effect in weight. My weekly weight fluctuates between 180 and 185 pounds. I don’t ever overeat. I typically eat three meals per day. I sip Coke Zero, water, and black coffee. I’m anxious to hear anyone’s success story regarding losing weight while on Lexapro. I’ve tried twice to get off of it, but I can’t right now. It sends me into the worst panic attacks when I’m off of it. So I’m staying on, but the weight gain is making me hate myself. I’m unrecognizable. Please help me!!
Many antidepressants can alter your weight, either gain or decrease; they can directly influence how much you eat by raising serotonin levels. When people’s despair or anxiety begins to subside, they may eat more or less. While most antidepressants cause weight gain, Lexapro appears to cause weight loss in some. If you are losing a significant amount of weight and are concerned (especially if you are already at a low weight), I recommend speaking with your doctor right away! You do not want to lose any more weight. I am not a doctor; perhaps they will have some advice, such as switching to a different medicine or adjusting your dose.
I’ve gained 20 pounds on Lexapro in just 7 months! I’m only on the 10mg dose, but I’ve been cutting it in half for the past week to start weaning myself off—note that I do not encourage that anyone do what I’m doing; I just don’t want to deal with a doctor and try yet another failed drug. It greatly reduced my anxiety, but I now feel like a zombie with no ambition to accomplish anything. And now the despair brought on by the weight increase has exacerbated the situation.
According to research, 41% of people who use Lexapro gain weight, with the average gain ranging from 0.5% to 3.7% of their initial weight. However, it may take 6 to 8 weeks to observe that type of negative effect. However, just because you may gain weight does not imply you should avoid taking Lexapro. Consider this: you are more likely to be among the 59% of persons who do not gain weight.
In my mid-20s, I took Lexapro/Wellbutrin to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It led me to gain approximately 50 pounds. Basically, it drained all of my vitality. I was a little heavier (6-2, 230 pounds), but I still enjoyed lifting weights and playing basketball. Everything died when I started Lexapro. And I started having heat flashes. Less activity (I recall going to the gym five times a week from 5-6 a.m.) and more food than usual was a horrible combo. I gained 285 pounds in about 6 months. It was the worst event of my life. In addition, my mental clarity had diminished. I felt like a zombie. It took roughly a year after using Lexapro for me to recover some of the energy I had.
Although it is not a major weight gainer like Zyprexa or Remeron, it does appear to have a small to moderate effect on gradual weight gain in a significant minority of individuals. IMHO, not enough to prevent using the drug when appropriate, but something to be aware of, as it normally occurs gradually.
Yes, I joined Weight Watchers and will most likely stick with it for the rest of my life. Lexapro is an excellent medicine, however weight gain is an issue. You must be on some form of diet.
Lexapro, like most antidepressants, causes weight gain. To avoid weight gain, it is important to practise good habits such as portion management and increased aerobic activity while taking the medicine.
Some people may gain weight quickly when taking Lexapro (Escitalopram), but the results can vary. It is critical to monitor weight fluctuations and report any concerns with your healthcare physician. Visit my Quora profile to learn more about the effects of medications.
I’m not a doctor. I’m merely sharing what I’ve witnessed as a personal trainer. I have a lot of post-weight loss surgery clientele. Yes, weight gain is possible at any time, including after weight loss surgery. From my perspective, it is COMMON for people who have had weight loss surgery to regain weight. I have fantastic post-surgery clients who engaged me because they are regaining weight and want to learn how to lose and keep it off.
When I began taking Lexapro (for menopausal mood swings), I started at 10 mg. They told it was normal to gain weight, but I dropped roughly 15 pounds in four months. The explanation was that for the first several months, food lost its flavour. If you don’t mind what you eat, it’s simple to eat healthily and reduce your portion sizes. I’ve shed another ten pounds in the two years since then by working out (rather than sitting at home weeping). It’s slow, but I’m getting there, and if you put in the effort, you will as well.
Lexapro, an antidepressant, can induce weight changes as a side effect. Individuals may lose or gain weight. It is critical to mention any noticeable changes to a healthcare practitioner. Medication adjustments or extra techniques, such as a healthy diet and frequent exercise, may be considered to address any weight-related adverse effects. Prioritising mental health and collaborating with healthcare providers improves general well-being and helps manage potential adverse effects of drugs such as Lexapro.
Weight gain is a possible adverse effect of escitalopram (Lexapro), however if you exercise regularly and control your diet (potions size and what you eat), I believe you will see positive results from your weight loss program.
Continue taking your meds, eating well, and enjoying your workouts!!
I had to join Weight Watchers due to an almost 20-pound weight gain with Lexapro.I will never stop taking my medication, but I also cannot give in to my great appetite.It’s a struggle, but better than panic episodes.