Does Lexapro cause weight gain, has anyone experienced this?

Answer 1

My mother is on Lexapro and has been for about 3 years now. It hasn't caused her to gain any weight. Here are some of the side-effects: nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, increased sweating, and trouble sleeping may occur.

Answer 2

For me, Lexapro has absolutely caused weight gain. Do a google search for Lexapro and weight gain and you will see that alot of people (too many to be a coincidence) have had this exact problem. I have gained around 30 lbs. in 3 years. It came on so slowly that I thought maybe I was just getting older and my metabolism was slowing down (I'm 28 now). Before the Lexapro, my heaviest was about 145 lbs/ size 12 eating mostly what I felt like. Generally I was much less. In order to lose weight, I just had to eat right for about a month and exercise--then I could just do whatever for a few months before the weight came back. In response to this huge weight gain I have tried every diet/eating plan known to man, become much more active--not only have I not lost, I have continued to gain. I am so horrified by how bad things have gotten. I already don't eat any white carbs or sugar. I've done slimfast hardcore for a month and I haven't lost a pound. Doctors and the pharmaceutical co. say it doesn't cause weight loss, but their studies only look at short term. If I had known there was even a risk of weight gain I would have insisted on a different drug.
As far as my anxiety goes, Lexapro was a miracle drug--it really made my life better. I didn't notice any other really major side-effects, so it took me until recently to realize it has been the culprit all along. I am in the process of weaning myself off--I've never felt super-addicted so I'm hoping to get off soon. I will find some other way to deal with my anxiety--this drug will most likely make you fat. It cripples your metabolism and nothing you do will make a difference.

My advice is take it, try it. If you gain more than two pounds, I'd get off and try something different. I'd rather be skinny and anxious than fat, calm, tired, and depressed.

Also, I've been really tired for years, and I'm just now realizing that the Lexapro might be why. Since I've cut down from 20mg to 10mg the last two weeks, I've noticed that I'm getting more done around the house and taking fewer naps.

Answer 3

That's what I've heard. My aunt's on Lexapro and shes gained quite a few since she started. Of course whenever I see her, she's eating things like chips, bread and butter, and even pastries. So I can't say that the drug itself is making her fat.

Still I've read that it affects peoples appetite, along with their energy and metabolism, so it just may cause the average user to gain or lose 5-10 lbs in the first few months. Certain exceptions aside, it really doesn't seem plausible that the drug alone would cause anyone to gain 40 pounds in a matter of months, if they're were sticking to a healthy diet that didn't exceed their caloric needs with a moderate exercise plan.

Answer 4

I have gained a significant amount of weight (12lbs) since I began taking it back in September. I just cannot motivate myself to get up and exercise like I used to. My diet is the same as it was before it's just that I've become this lazy slug that just sits in front of the TV or computer all weekend long. My anxiety has definitely improved but my a** has gotten a lot bigger in the process. Ugh!

Answer 5

I actually lost about 5 lbs when I was on Lexapro for 6 weeks.

(5 mgs then 10 mgs).

Answer 6

I am on it and haven't gained weight. If you have depression, that can sometimes be a factor in weight gain. Check with your doctor.

Feel better soon.

Answer 7

I was on it, I never noticed a weight gain.

Answer 8

I'm on it, and while my appetite has increased back to normal (I have none when I'm depressed) I haven't gained any weight.