How can lexapro cause weight gain

For example, Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft are not likely to cause weight gain if they are used for six months or less. Other antidepressants that appear less likely to have weight gain as a side effect include:. An antidepressant that works well for one person may not be as effective for another. The same can be said for side effects. Switching from one antidepressant to another may provide adequate symptom control for you without weight gain.

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. Fueling your body with nutrient-dense whole foods can not only support healthy weight management but also your mental health.

Eating a healthy diet that includes adequate protein i. From better heart function to improved mood, exercise has vast benefits for both the mind and body. Studies show even a little exercise offers benefits. Your dietary needs or ability to participate in an exercise program may be affected by your physical fitness or by certain medical conditions. Before beginning any diet or exercise plan, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Some antidepressants have been associated with weight gain.

Depression itself can also be associated with weight gain. It's important to recognize that there are many factors that can affect weight including age, diet, and activity levels. But if you are concerned about weight gain while taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor. Weight gain alone may not be a good reason to change your antidepressant medication if it is working effectively, but making a switch or working with your doctor on other lifestyle changes can help.

Buproprion sold under the brand names Aplenzin and Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication associated with weight loss in some people. While people should not take buproprion for weight loss alone, it can be an effective treatment for depression that does not contribute to weight gain.

Side effects can vary from one individual to another. However, the antidepressants Remeron mirtazapine , Prozac fluoxetine , and Zoloft sertraline are a few that may cause weight gain and loss of libido. Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat symptoms of anxiety, so people who are taking those medications may experience weight gain as a side effect.

Xanax alprazolam , a medication that may be prescribed for anxiety, can also cause weight gain or weight loss in some people. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.

Comparative benefits and harms of second-generation antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: an updated meta-analysis.

Ann Intern Med. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Medication frequently asked questions. Effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on body weight: Analyses of 10 clinical studies. Moon J, Koh G.

Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. While Lexapro is generally quite helpful, one of the side effects is weight gain or loss. Many antidepressants can affect weight. Some people may be more likely to gain weight than others. One study found that risk factors for weight gain include having a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or eating a diet high in carbohydrates, processed meats, and dairy.

A person taking Lexapro may experience some weight gain, especially with long-term use. There are many reasons this may occur. One is that Lexapro increases serotonin levels, and serotonin plays a role in weight control.

One study noted that people who took some of the newer antidepressants, including Lexapro, had a slightly higher rate of weight gain. However, Lexapro may only cause slight weight gain. A medical record review noted that after nine months of treatment with Lexapro, participants experienced moderate weight gain of 1. Although less common, weight loss is also a potential side effect of Lexapro. There are some reports in which people lost weight when they first started taking Lexapro, but there is not much research support to back this.

As serotonin levels increase and people begin to experience symptom relief, some people will have more energy, leading to a desire to become more active. Also, some people may find that they are able to put a stop to their unhealthy eating patterns, such as binge eating.

Both could lead to weight loss. For example, some people may feel too anxious to eat. This can cause someone to have less of an appetite or find less pleasure in eating. Other people may find comfort in food and develop binge eating habits.

If Lexapro helps improve your depression or anxiety symptoms, it can have a positive impact on your eating habits. In turn, you may lose or gain some weight. These changes in weight may therefore be related more to improving symptoms rather than a side effect of the medication. Depression can impact all aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and eating habits. Most people with depression experience feelings of deep sadness. Other symptoms of depression may include loss of interest, fatigue, and low appetite or overeating.

One study from Finland looked at the potential link between depression and obesity as a result of emotional eating. Emotional eating is when someone eats in a response to negative feelings. This study found that adults with depression who engaged in emotional eating were more likely to gain weight. As Lexapro helps improve your depression symptoms, you may begin to see changes in your eating habits or energy levels.

These changes could ultimately impact your weight. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder GAD or social anxiety disorder. If you have an anxiety disorder, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode more often or for longer periods than the average person.

A fight-or-flight response can result in physical symptoms that affect the digestive system, such as constipation, indigestion, and nausea. These symptoms may make a person so uncomfortable that they do not want to eat, or food becomes unappetizing.

Stress, which is linked to anxiety, can also have an impact on your weight. People react differently to stress or anxiety. For some people, mild stress may cause them to overeat. For others, severe stress may cause them to lose their appetite completely. Men and women may also react differently to anxiety and stress. One study indicated that women eat more calories when anxious. This study also linked a higher level of anxiety to a higher body mass index BMI among women.

As with depression, as Lexapro improves anxiety symptoms, you may begin to see changes in your eating habits or energy levels, which in turn could cause you to lose or gain weight. Lexapro can cause other side effects, which may include:.

Some of these side effects, such as loss of appetite, nausea, and sleep disturbances, may impact a person's weight.

There is also the potential for serious side effects with Lexapro. Seek immediate help and contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe side effects, such as:. Medications can affect people very differently. Some may experience significant changes in their weight, while others may see no changes at all. Exercise not only helps with weight management, but it can also improve sleep and reduce stress.

Eating well is key to preventing changes in body weight. A healthful diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, some dairy, and protein. Eating healthful snacks and not skipping meals can help a person to maintain a good level of energy throughout the day.

All SSRIs have a slightly different range of side effects. Weight changes are one possible side effect of Lexapro. People whose weight remains within a healthy range may feel willing to accept this change if it is preferable to the feelings of anxiety or depression they experience without the medication.

In such cases, a person may wish to seek advice from a doctor or try an alternative medication. A healthful diet and regular exercise are a vital part of the recovery from mood disorders. They can also help to prevent weight changes as the body adjusts to the medication.

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Can Lexapro cause weight changes? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Effect on appetite and weight Taking Lexapro How to cope with weight change Other side effects Takeaway Lexapro is the brand name for a drug called escitalopram, which is a treatment for anxiety and depression. How does Lexapro affect appetite and weight? Share on Pinterest Lexapro boosts serotonin levels, which may lead to weight gain.

Taking Lexapro. Share on Pinterest Doctors prescribe Lexapro for depression and anxiety. How to cope with weight change from taking Lexapro. Other side effects of Lexapro. Share on Pinterest Nausea and dizziness are common side effects of taking Lexapro.