Can Lexapro cause weight gain?

Lexapro is an antidepressant medication. It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro works by raising the levels of serotonin in your brain. It’s the brand version of the drug escitalopram.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or chemical that contributes toward signaling across your body, which helps regulate your mood.

As with all medications, there are risks of side effects if you take Lexapro. Some of these side effects include:

• fatigue
• dry mouth
• low sex drive (libido)
• trouble sleeping
• nausea
• sweating

Some people report that Lexapro may also cause weight changes.

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Can Lexapro cause weight gain?

Lexapro may cause changes to your weight, which is typically mild. But research does not show clear evidence of whether the drug causes weight loss or gain.

According to the National Library of Medicine, escitalopram can cause weight loss. But this may be the result of the medication taking effect to relieve symptoms of depression. For example, you may experience fewer binge eating episodes.

However, some reports show that taking escitalopram-containing medications can lead to minor weight gain. For example, a study from 2020 notes how people taking escitalopram for 9 months saw an average weight gain of 1.1 kg. Less than 3% of study participants saw weight changes within 6 months.

An older study shows that escitalopram-containing medications like Lexapro may increase your appetite, which may lead to weight gain.

More research is needed to determine the risk of Lexapro in causing changes to your weight.

Research from 2017 shows how SSRIs can cause weight gain due to certain lifestyle factors, which include:

• not exercising regularly
• eating lots of refined carbohydrates, like bread
• smoking (if applicable)
• eating processed meat

Risk factors of taking Lexapro

The effects of Lexapro can vary for each individual. You may experience several side effects while taking Lexapro. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, most side effects should go away within 2 weeks, but sexual side effects may not.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some adults may experience the following side effects:

• fatigue
• trouble sleeping
• anxiety
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• painful erections
• sweating
• dry mouth
• reduced appetite
• constipation
• sinusitis
• abdominal pain
• flu-like symptoms

Another possible side effect is suicidal thoughts or ideation.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal condition that develops when there’s too much serotonin accumulating in your brain. This can sometimes be triggered when you take an SSRI.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

• rapid heart rate
• rapid changes in blood pressure
• dizziness
• excessive sweating
• rigid muscles
• vomiting
• nausea
• seizures
• agitation
• hallucinations

Benefits of taking Lexapro

Lexapro can be beneficial for people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, is effective at helping relieve symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD).

A 2018 large-scale analysis of escitalopram shows that when compared to a placebo or sugar pill, escitalopram is nearly 70% more likely to ease symptoms of MDD. This same study also demonstrates how escitalopram is more effective than other antidepressant medications like fluvoxamine (Luvox) and trazodone (Desyrel).

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While there may be a risk of side effects, the benefits of Lexapro for helping relieve symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders are likely to outweigh these adverse effects.

How to manage weight gain while taking Lexapro

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antidepressant medications are amongst the most common prescription medications in the United States.

If you’re taking an antidepressant medication like Lexapro, there’s a risk of weight change. So it’s important to learn how to help prevent weight gain that may be unhealthy for you.

You can take several steps to help manage weight gain, and these include:

• eating small but frequent meals to stave off hunger
• taking part in regular aerobic exercise, at least 30 minutes, four times per week
• ensuring you get enough quality sleep
• following a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables
• avoiding refined carbohydrates
• increasing your intake of protein-rich foods

When to speak with a doctor

If you’re following the advice above but still find that you’re gaining weight, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. There may be an underlying health condition that you’re not aware of causing your weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

You should also speak with a healthcare professional if you notice any unexpected weight loss.

Summary

Like with all medications, Lexapro can cause several side effects ranging from mild to severe. A common example of this is weight gain, but this will usually be mild. The active ingredient of Lexapro, escitalopram, has a lower effect on your weight compared with other antidepressant medications.

If you have concerns about weight changes while taking Lexapro, you should speak with a healthcare professional. They may suggest alternative antidepressants that suit you better.

Lifestyle strategies like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and having a quality sleep schedule can help you manage your weight while taking Lexapro.

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