Lexapro - weight gain and general info?

Question

I am going to be starting to take Lexapro tomorrow.. I am worried about gaining weight. Is the weight gain caused by these meds caused because you feel better and tend to eat more? I don't understand the weight gain aspect.. what causes it.. is it in the pill that changes your metabolism or ??? any personal experiences on it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

There is conflicting evidence on the reasons why, but all the SSRIs (like Lexapro) are associated with weight gain. However, you should realize that the average weight gain is only something small, I think 2-3 lbs for lexapro--some people will gain more, but some lose weight, too...so don't give yourself a placebo-effect weight gain by expecting it! It does not change your metabolism.

Possible mechanisms of the weight gain:
-you enjoy all aspects of life more, including eating, going out to eat, etc., and might to the latter more b/c you become more social.
-there are rather clinically unsubstantiated claims of carbohydrate craving, but some people swear they have it.
-biochemical effects on hormones that stimulate hunger that might increase your appetite

My feeling is that if you know what it is that's going to cause the weight gain, it is easier to talk yourself out of the excess eating...b/c you know its biochemical sillyness--but this doesn't work for everybody. I am on lexapro, and before that I took celexa. I had significant weight loss b/c my increased energy level changed my lifestyle a lot and I got myself to go to the gym. I do feel like I have some strange, ravenous days (I ate an entire bag of mini peanutbutter cups), but it's not a frequent thing and can be balanced by exercising after they happen.

Answer 2

I've been on Lexapro for eight months and I noticed that I had an urge for sweets that wouldn't go away. The pharmacist told me about eating more because you feel better but I've also heard depressed people eat more, so which is it? In the 8 months, I put on 10 pounds, and now find out that drinking more water makes the craving for sweets go away. I hope this is the most I will weigh.

Answer 3

Lexapro... I have been on that. If you excersie and eat good it might not make you gain weight. I did gain weight on it. It all depends on your motabolism. See I worry about gaining weight on meds. but I have to be on them so that I feel okay.

Answer 4

I took lexapro for over a year and never gained a single pound. don't believe the hype. if you are fat, you'll eat and if you are skinny, you won't. thats just how it is.

Answer 5

Don t keep snacks near to your bed

Answer 6

sleep in a cold room sleeping in a cold room is a best way to force your body to heat itself up for hours

Answer 7

I WAS ON DEPRESSION FOR LONG TIME AND I START WITH PAXIL AND NOW WITH LEXAPRO THE MED HELP ME A LOT AND CHANGE MY LIFE.BUT THE LEXAPRO DOESN'T MAKE U GAIN WEIGHT.THERE'S OTHERS MEDS LIKE SEROQUEL THOSE R ANTI PSYCHOTIC THAT MAKE U GET REALLY FAT.

Answer 8

2 and 1 2 hours bowling

Answer 9

No you received't benefit weight.you'll get your sex force again. And,I took it for some months and it grow to be bs! It did not do something in any respect! Made me somewhat drained and sense like **** yet except that. i grow to be in basic terms as tense.I genuinely have 4 rigidity issues and that i do no longer recommend buspar except you somewhat have any rigidity yet, if so in basic terms bypass to a therapist! contained in relation to severe rigidity i might want to recommend something 1000x more advantageous,A benzodiazapine tranquilizer. the most effortless one is xanax despite the indisputable fact that it truly is vitally effective and addictive so, i recommend something like ativan or valume

Answer 10

Walk daily 30 mins in the morning