According to research, approximately half of the people who take Lexapro may experience weight gain of 7% or more while taking this medication [2]. Gaining weight unexpectedly and struggling to lose it can worsen self-esteem, anxiety, and depression [3], which ultimately defeats the purpose of taking Lexapro.
Some research found that up to 41% of people who take Lexapro might experience increased body weight. It can take anywhere from 6 – 8 weeks to see the side effects of Lexapro fully, and it's during that time it can be more common to start seeing fluctuations in weight.
Lexapro may cause weight gain because it blocks the serotonin transporter, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain, but also increases appetite and decreases metabolism. Research has shown approximately 40% of people taking antidepressants such as Lexapro will gain 7% or more of their starting body weight.
The antidepressants with the highest risk of causing weight gain are amitriptyline, citalopram, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, paroxetine, and phenelzine.
A person taking Lexapro may experience some weight gain, especially with long-term use. That risk may continue for up to six years. 3 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.
That being said, a 2015 study published in General Hospital Psychiatry found that both Lexapro and Zoloft—as well as other antidepressant medications—could lead to 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.
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.
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.
Physical activity and diet
Arguably the best natural method to prevent weight gain from antidepressants is to exercise. You already know how 1p physical and mental health benefits you stand to gain from exercising. But if you've never had any reason to prioritize it, it's so worth considering at this point.
Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac) is least likely to cause weight gain.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft and Lustral) are two antidepressants often less likely to cause weight gain.
Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs seem to alter appetite by inhibiting serotonin-based regulation of the appetite function. A persistent need to eat remains after the stomach is full of food, along with cravings for carbohydrate snacks.
According to research, Lexapro treatment may cause your body to burn less calories by slowing down your metabolism or affect your appetite by causing you to crave certain foods (e.g., carbohydrates) and overeat [5].
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac), taken for depression or anxiety, can make you feel sleepy.
You may experience strong fatigue while taking Lexapro. Don't drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in dangerous activity while taking the medicine.
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.”
What dose of Lexapro is used for anxiety? The typical dose⁷ of Lexapro for anxiety is 10mg daily. Your doctor may start you at 5mg and taper up to 10mg to prevent your anxiety symptoms from worsening during the first two weeks of treatment.
Each person will experience slightly different side effects, but the most common side effects are drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting. These effects may emerge during the first weeks of starting Lexapro. If the starting dose of Lexapro is too high, these side effects may be even worse.
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.
Improved mood: One of the most common indications that Lexapro is working is improved mood. Increased energy levels: Another sign that your body's adjusting well to Lexapro is increased energy levels throughout the day.
Common SSRIs and Their Effect on Weight
In one study involving 294.719 people, 11.2% of individuals prescribed antidepressants had a body weight increase of 5% or higher in the first year. 3 Additionally, their weight gain risk continued to stay elevated for more than six years.