How much weight did you gain on Lexapro?

Study participants taking escitalopram gained, on average, less than a third of a pound in 12 weeks. Those taking nortriptyline gained almost 10 times as much weight. Additionally, some people may be more likely than others to gain weight while taking Lexapro.

How much weight does Lexapro make you gain?

Experts say that for up to 25% of people, most antidepressant medications -- including the popular SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft -- can cause a weight gain of 10 pounds or more.

Does Lexapro weight gain go away?

If Lexapro helps reduce your depression, it can reverse changes in your appetite caused by the condition. In turn, you may lose or gain some weight. But this effect is more related to your condition than to side effects of the drug.

Does everyone gain weight on Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name for a drug called escitalopram, which is a treatment for anxiety and depression. Taking Lexapro may cause a person to gain a small amount of weight. Less commonly, it can cause weight loss. A healthful diet and regular exercise can help to prevent unwanted changes in weight.

Will 5mg of Lexapro cause weight gain?

Weight gain while taking Lexapro (escitalopram) is not uncommon. The medication, often prescribed to treat depression or anxiety disorders, belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications all list weight gain as a possible side effect.

Why do you gain weight with antidepressants and mood stabilizers?

How can I avoid gaining weight on antidepressants?

As simple as it may sound, the best chance of avoiding, or lessening further, undesirable weight gain when taking a prescribed antidepressant or antipsychotic medication, is to simultaneously participate in a formal weight management program.

Is antidepressant weight gain permanent?

The research also raises concerns about the duration of risk that patients are exposed to. Previous studies correlating antidepressants with weight gain have been short-term, typically less than a year.

Which antidepressants cause the most weight gain?

Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and tetracyclic antidepressants such as mirtazapine are linked to the most weight gain.

Do antidepressants slow metabolism?

And yes, certain antidepressants and other medications may increase appetite. However, most medications do not alter metabolism, per se. Thus, weight loss can still occur when attention is given to other factors, including the composition and timing of dietary intake.

Will I lose weight after stopping antidepressants?

If you decrease your daily calorie intake as a result, you could potentially lose weight by stopping your antidepressants. On the other hand, if you experience loss of appetite with depression, and your depression comes back after stopping antidepressants, you may also lose weight.

What is the best antidepressant that doesn't cause weight gain?

Antidepressants that do not cause weight gain

According to current scientific research, antidepressants that are least likely to cause weight gain are: Effexor (venlafaxine) Wellbutrin (bupropion) Nefazodone (however, this is rarely used because it can cause severe liver problems)

Can I have an occasional drink while on Lexapro?

To avoid dangerous side effects such as drowsiness and liver problems, it's best not to use alcohol while you take Lexapro. Alcohol may also keep Lexapro from working as well as it should. With or without a drug, alcohol may aggravate your symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Does Lexapro make you retain water?

Escitalopram has also been associated with weight gain due to large fluid retention and an increased appetite. It is recommended to maintain physical activity to manage weight gain while using Lexapro.

Is Lexapro an appetite suppressant?

Escitalopram may cause weight loss or a decrease in appetite. Teenagers who will be taking it for a long time should have their weight and growth measured on a regular basis.

Does everyone gain weight on antidepressants?

Not everyone taking an antidepressant will gain weight. Some people will actually lose weight. Experts emphasize that worries about gaining weight shouldn't influence the choice of antidepressant for most people. There are other side effects and factors to consider when choosing an antidepressant.

Why do SSRIs make you gain weight?

Antidepressants interfere with serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and mood while also controlling appetite. In particular, these changes may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta, and desserts.

Does Lexapro make you tired?

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac), taken for depression or anxiety, can make you feel sleepy.

What is the difference between Zoloft and Lexapro?

The only difference between them and their brand-name counterparts is that they tend to cost significantly less. A generic version of Lexapro is available, which is called escitalopram. The generic version of Zoloft is called sertraline, and it is available in tablet and liquid forms.

Why have I been gaining weight so fast?

Poor sleep, sedentary activities, and eating too many processed or sugary foods are just some of the habits that may increase your risk of weight gain. Yet, a few simple steps — such as mindful eating, exercise, and focusing on whole foods — can help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

How do I wean off 10mg Lexapro?

Taper Off Medication Slowly

The most effective way to minimize symptoms of withdrawal is to slowly taper off your medication. Tapering involves adjusting your dose by a small amount, gradually decreasing until your body gets used to lower levels of the medication.

Does your brain go back to normal after antidepressants?

"The fact that antidepressant withdrawal can be so prolonged suggests that the drug has changed the brain and that those changes are taking a very long time to return to normal and it may be the case that sometimes they don't go back to normal."

What's better Lexapro or Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin vs Lexapro: Which is better? There is no clear-cut answer in choosing between Lexapro and Wellbutrin. That is because each person is different, with potentially different responses and sensitivities to a medication. Both drugs have been effective in depressed patients.

Does Zoloft or Lexapro cause more weight gain?

While head-to-head comparisons for Zoloft vs Lexapro are not available, studies suggest that both can cause weight gain when taken long-term. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2016, for example, found that people taking Zoloft over a two-year period gained an average of 10.5 pounds.

Is Lexapro better in the morning or at night?

What is the best time of day to take Lexapro for anxiety? While Lexapro can be taken in the morning or the evening, because it may cause trouble sleeping, some people find it better to take it in the morning.

What are the long term effects of Lexapro?

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of escitalopram. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.