Increases in weight during Lexapro treatment may vary from 0.5% to more than 7% [2, 10].
by Drugs.com
Research has shown approximately 40% of people taking antidepressants such as Lexapro will gain 7% or more of their starting body weight.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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].
Best anxiety meds that cause weight loss
These include: Bupropion (Wellbutrin; see Important Safety Information) Fluoxetine (Prozac; see Important Safety Information) Duloxetine (Cymbalta; see Important Safety Information)
Antidepressants are the third most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States and are taken by 11 percent of Americans aged 12 years and over. Some sources estimating that 25 percent of people using antidepressants experience an increase in weight.
Antidepressants that have been linked to weight loss include: bupropion (Wellbutrin) fluoxetine (Prozac) duolexetine (Cymbalta)
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.”
Lexapro weight gain can be a common side effect, but it doesn't impact everyone who takes this medication. Multiple studies conclude that SSRIs like Lexapro can result in weight gain. However, it varies from person to person depending on individual factors such as age, lifestyle habits, diet, and activity level.
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.
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.
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms can be severe, particularly if you attempt to stop abruptly. Instead, the dosage should be slowly tapered down over a period of time and under the guidance of medical professionals who can help prevent or mitigate any withdrawal symptoms.
The primary therapeutic advantage of Lexapro is that it can help resolve the symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to Dr. Munir. Lexapro can help manage the following symptoms of depression: Sadness, emptiness and/or hopelessness.
Rapid weight gain or swelling in particular areas of the body can be due to fluid retention and may be a sign of heart failure. According to the American Heart Association , a weight gain of more than 2–3 pounds (lb) over 24 hours or 5 lb in a week could be a sign of heart failure.
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.
Escitalopram tablets come in different strengths ranging from 5mg to 20mg. The usual dose of escitalopram is 10mg a day. But your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it to a maximum dose of 20mg a day. If you have liver problems, the maximum recommended dose is 10mg a day.