Why is it hard to lose weight on Lexapro?

Lexapro boosts serotonin, which plays a role in controlling weight. The medication may increase appetite directly, or a person may begin to eat more as their depression or anxiety lessens. Weight loss is a less common side effect, but it can happen as the body adjusts to the medication.

Does Lexapro make you hold weight?

What medications cause weight gain? Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants , and mood stabilizers are common drugs that have the most potential to increase weight gain. All 12 of the leading antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro), make gaining weight more likely.

Why can't I lose weight on antidepressants?

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.

Why do SSRIs make it hard to lose weight?

The most commonly prescribed antidepressants, SSRIs like Prozac, affect the levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn has a direct effect on appetite. Other classes of antidepressants such as tricyclics can also lead to weight gain, although the mechanism is unclear.

How much weight gain does Lexapro cause?

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.

Why do you gain weight with antidepressants and mood stabilizers?

How can I lose weight after antidepressants?

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.

How do I not gain weight on Lexapro?

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 I lose weight if I stop taking Lexapro?

Will I lose weight if I stop Lexapro? You may lose weight when you come off of an antidepressant like Lexapro, but don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.

Will I lose weight after stopping Lexapro?

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.

Can Lexapro cause fluid retention?

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.

Why can't I seem to lose weight?

At the most basic level, not reaching your weight loss goal can occur when calorie intake is equal to or higher than calorie use. Try strategies such as mindful eating, keeping a food diary, eating more protein, and doing strength exercises.

Which antidepressant causes most weight gain?

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

What is the best antidepressant for weight loss?

Of these three medications, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most consistently associated with weight loss. Several studies, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies, found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) was the only commonly used antidepressant associated with weight loss.

Why do people gain weight on antidepressants?

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. When people are depressed, their appetites are affected.

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.

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.

How do I get my metabolism back?

Eat probiotic-rich foods (or take probiotic supplements). Meditate daily to keep stress to a minimum. Get in at least three metabolism-boosting workouts per week (strength training or cardio). Stay hydrated.

How does serotonin control weight?

Serotonin is important for weight loss because it is essentially nature's appetite suppressant. It curbs your appetite, decreases food cravings, and makes you feel satisfied. If your serotonin levels are imbalanced, you may have difficulty controlling what you eat in order to lose weight.

Does serotonin make you gain weight?

Serotonin is nature's own appetite suppressant. This powerful brain chemical curbs cravings and shuts off appetite. It makes you feel satisfied even if your stomach is not full. The result is eating less and losing weight.

Do all SSRIs cause weight gain?

Weight gain is a possible side effect of nearly all antidepressants. However, each person responds to antidepressants differently. Some people gain weight when taking a certain antidepressant, while others don't.

Can antidepressants slow metabolism?

Some previous studies reported that cholesterol levels increased, whereas HDL cholesterol levels decreased after antidepressant treatment (34,36). These findings emphasize that antidepressants worsen metabolic status by adversely affecting the lipid profile.

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.

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.

Why am I gaining weight even though I hardly eat?

There are many reasons you can gain weight that have nothing to do with food. Sometimes weight gain is easy to figure out. If you've changed your eating habits, added more dessert or processed foods, or have been spending more time on the couch than usual, you can typically blame those reasons if you gain a few pounds.