Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLexapro and Weight GainDepression and WeightOther Side EffectsAvoiding Weight Gain
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Lexapro and Weight Gain
Depression and Weight
Other Side Effects
Avoiding Weight Gain
Lexapro (escitalopram), which is often prescribed to treatdepressionoranxiety disorders, can cause weight gain as a side effect.
Lexapro weight gain doesn’t happen to everyone, however. This article explains the connection, other possible side effects, and some lifestyle changes you can make to manage Lexapro weight gain.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
A person taking Lexapro may experience some weight gain, especially with long-term use. That risk may continue for up to six years.There are many reasons why this may occur.
One of Lexapro’s weight gain mechanisms is that it increases serotonin levels, and serotonin plays a role in weight control.
Additionally, Lexapro may increase your appetite, which usually leads to eating more and gaining weight. People who take some of the newer antidepressants, including Lexapro, may have a slightly higher rate of weight gain.
It may take up to six to eight weeks to feel the full effects of Lexapro.You may begin to see weight changes during that timeframe.
Do Other Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?
Many antidepressants can affect weight. For example, one study that compared weight gain and other side effects in 100 people taking SSRI drugs (70% of them assigned female at birth) found that:
Lexapro vs. Zoloft: Drug Comparison
Some people may be more likely to gain weight than others. A separate study found that risk factors for weight gain include:
What Are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Lexapro and Weight Loss
Although less common, weight loss is also a potential side effect of Lexapro. Some people may notice weight loss when they first start taking Lexapro, but there is no evidence to support or explain why this might happen.
One possible reason for weight loss may be related to the easing of depression. As serotonin levels increase and people begin to experience symptom relief, they may have more energy, leading to a desire to become more active. Also, some people may find that they are able to put a stop to unhealthy eating patterns, such as binge eating, which would support weight loss.
How Much Weight Gain Is Common With Lexapro?Weight gain when taking Lexapro depends on the individual. One research review found that patients taking Lexapro experienced moderate weight gain of up to 1.83 kilograms (about 4 pounds).
How Much Weight Gain Is Common With Lexapro?
Weight gain when taking Lexapro depends on the individual. One research review found that patients taking Lexapro experienced moderate weight gain of up to 1.83 kilograms (about 4 pounds).
How Depression or Anxiety Affect Weight
Both depression and anxiety can affect your appetite.For example, some people may feel too anxious to eat. This can cause you to have less of an appetite or find less pleasure in eating. Other people may find comfort in food and developbinge eatinghabits.
If Lexapro helps to improve your depression or anxiety symptoms, it can have a positive impact on your eating habits. In turn, you may lose or gain some weight. Weight changes may be related to your improving symptoms rather than a Lexapro side effect.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, includinggeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD) orsocial anxiety disorder. If you have an anxiety disorder, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode more often or for longer periods than the average person.
A fight-or-flight response can result in physical symptoms that affect the digestive system, such as constipation, indigestion, andnausea.These symptoms may make you so uncomfortable that you do not want to eat, or food becomes unappetizing.
Stress, which is linked to anxiety, can also have an impact on your weight. People react differently to stress or anxiety. For some people, mild stress may cause them to overeat. For others, severe stress may cause them to lose their appetite completely.
While studies may reveal patterns, reactions to anxiety and stress vary from person to person.
Never stop taking Lexapro abruptly or without consulting a healthcare provider. They can slowly decrease the dose so that you avoid withdrawal symptoms like irritability, dizziness, nightmares, headaches, and nausea.
Other Side Effects of Lexapro
Lexapro can cause other side effects besides weight gain. These may include:
Some of these side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea, and sleep disturbances, may impact your weight.
There is also the potential for serious side effects with Lexapro.Seek immediate help and contact a healthcare provider if you experience side effects, such as:
Taking Lexapro? Here’s What to Expect in the First Week
How to Avoid Gaining Weight on Lexapro
Medications can affect people very differently. Some may experience significant changes in their weight, while others may see none at all. There are ways that you can avoid gaining weight on Lexapro if you wish to maintain your body weight.
Exercise
Exercise not only helps with weight management, but it can also improve sleep and reduce stress. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 years old get two-and-a-half hours of physical activity each week.
However, you don’t have to do all of that in one sitting. You can break it up into smaller chunks of time throughout the week. It is best to find a routine that fits your schedule and commit to it.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating also plays an essential role in weight management.A healthy, balanced diet includes a combination of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein. Improving your eating habits may take time.
The CDC recommends the following approach:
Medication Changes
When to See a Healthcare ProviderIf you are concerned about or are experiencing significant weight changes while taking an antidepressant, talk with a healthcare provider. They may be able to change your medication or dose, refer you to a nutritionist, or recommend lifestyle changes.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you are concerned about or are experiencing significant weight changes while taking an antidepressant, talk with a healthcare provider. They may be able to change your medication or dose, refer you to a nutritionist, or recommend lifestyle changes.
Summary
Weight changes are a potential side effect of taking Lexapro. Some people may experience only slight increases while others may have bigger fluctuations.
Relief from your anxiety or depression symptoms also could impact your weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help to prevent weight changes while assisting you as you recover from mood and anxiety disorders.
Sometimes weight gain or weight loss may lead to other health problems, so it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider to make sure you have the best treatment plan for you. It is important to not stop taking Lexapro without first consulting with a healthcare provider.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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