Why is it hard to lose weight on Lexapro?

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].


Is Lexapro weight gain permanent?

Does Lexapro weight gain go away? If you gain weight when taking Lexapro, you may be able to lose weight with regular exercise and healthy eating. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for support and individual guidance.

How to lose weight while on Lexapro?

Keep yourself physically active. If you experience weight gain while using Lexapro to treat depression or any other condition, try increasing your physical activity level to burn more calories.


Is it harder to lose weight on antidepressants?

What is certain is that some people experience weight gain while taking antidepressants. The increase in pounds can interfere with efforts to lose weight, and for some people, weight loss becomes more difficult after starting on antidepressants.

How can I control weight gain on Lexapro?

How can I avoid gaining weight on Lexapro?
  1. following a varied diet with plenty of fresh ingredients.
  2. avoiding high fat, high sugar foods.
  3. eating regular meals and healthy snacks.
  4. getting regular exercise.
  5. receiving counseling to help manage both depression and weight issues.


Why do you gain weight with antidepressants and mood stabilizers?



Why am I gaining so much weight on Lexapro?

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].

Does Lexapro cause belly fat?

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.

Does Lexapro affect metabolism?

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.


Will I lose weight if I stop taking Lexapro?

After the medication is stopped

So if weight gain is caused by the medication, then weight loss should follow its discontinuation. And it does, for many people: Once the medication is out of the body, normal appetite returns, fatigue diminishes, and the patient returns to eating and exercising normally.

How do I get rid of antidepressant weight gain?

Switching to a Mediterranean diet - one which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish - may not only reverse the weight gain caused by your antidepressant but also help to treat the symptoms of your depression.

How long does weight gain from Lexapro last?

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 for 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.


Do you retain water on Lexapro?

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.

Which antidepressants cause the most weight gain?

The antidepressants linked to the most weight gain include:
  • tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (brand name Elavil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil)
  • tetracyclic antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • SSRI paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)


Will my brain go back to normal after Lexapro?

If the symptoms develop later or gradually, they may constitute a relapse of the depression. Ultimately, these withdrawal symptoms will improve with time, but they can be unpleasant for days and possibly even weeks. In time, the brain readjusts and people should experience a return to their normal state.


What does Lexapro do to your stomach?

Diarrhea is another common side effect of Lexapro. In clinical studies, about 8% of people taking Lexapro reported diarrhea. It may go away on its own, but it's possible that it will persist. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that doesn't go away or gets worse while taking Lexapro.

How to avoid weight gain with antidepressants?

In addition to talking to your physician, there are other steps that you can take to lessen weight gain that might be caused by antidepressants. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes may help you manage your weight effectively as you continue to treat your symptoms of depression.

Do antidepressants slow metabolism?

Antidepressants may affect metabolism, causing the body to burn calories more slowly.


Which antidepressants best for weight loss?

Most antidepressant medications are more commonly associated with weight gain, but there are three that have been connected to weight loss:
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)


Does Lexapro affect appetite?

Escitalopram may cause weight loss or a decrease in appetite.

How long does it take for your body to adjust to Lexapro?

How long does it take to adjust to taking Lexapro? It can take an average of four weeks to adjust to taking Lexapro. All bodies react differently. You may notice the effects of Lexapro within a day, or it could take up to six weeks.


How do you know if Lexapro is working?

How do I know if my antidepressant works? When you start taking an antidepressant, you should begin to function better in your daily life before you start feeling better, says Dr. Michael McGee. In other words, you should begin sleeping better, eating better, and having more energy.

How long should you be on Lexapro?

If you are experiencing your first episode of depression or anxiety, you may take Lexapro for a defined period—such as between six months and one year. For individuals with a chronic mental health condition, it may be necessary to take Lexapro for an extended period (over many years).

How do I know if Lexapro is not working for me?

Signs that your antidepressant might not be working include:
  1. You feel more or the same amount of sadness, anxiety, or irritability after several weeks or months of taking the medication.
  2. You feel slightly better, but still feel that your depression is affecting your ability to function.
  3. You are having trouble sleeping.


What is the success rate of Lexapro?

Lexapro has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 493 ratings for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.

What should I avoid while taking Lexapro?

Do not use escitalopram with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), tryptophan, St. John's wort, amphetamines, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, tramadol, Frova®, Imitrex®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Ultram®, Zomig®).