The non-significant result is consistent with escitalopram either being weight-neutral or causing a very small weight increase. Both scales record whether any adverse experience is present and whether it is considered likely to be linked to the medication in question. Weight gain and weight loss were measured using the clinician-rated Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) Side-effect Rating Scale and the self-rated Antidepressant Side-Effect Check list (ASEC). It’s also been used as a weight loss drug, but it isn’t FDA approved for this purpose. If you smoke, consider working with your healthcare provider on a smoking cessation plan. Alcohol contains empty calories and can lower your inhibitions around food choices, leading to weight gain. Becoming aware of your eating patterns is a powerful tool for managing weight gain on Lexapro. Always talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your regimen, and explore evidence-based weight loss strategies that are safe and effective. When following a weight loss diet while taking Lexapro, focus on making sustainable, long-term changes to your eating habits. It’s essential to remember that weight loss after stopping Lexapro is often dependent on individual factors, such as your diet and exercise habits. Another theory suggests that Lexapro may increase metabolism, which can lead to weight loss. When it comes to weight loss, Lexapro’s mechanism of action is complex. As a serotonin modulator, Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep patterns. It’s important to note that while many people report losing weight on Lexapro, there is no scientific evidence proving this claim–and there are also plenty who don’t see any results at all! Lexapro is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States. During the early stages of treatment, patients may feel nauseous, leading to decreased appetite. When users start Lexapro, some may experience weight loss as a side effect. Among these potential side effects, weight changes—either gain or loss—warrant special attention due to their impact on overall health and well-being. Is it possible to have an excess of serotonin in your body? Even when medicines are used, diet, exercise and lifestyle choices still play an important role in bone health. In these situations, treatment with medicines may become necessary. Even when taking steps to prevent bone loss, some people continue to lose bone or have fractures. This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with escitalopram. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking escitalopram. Do not consume alcohol while taking escitalopram. There are no known interactions between escitalopram and foods or drinks. Lexapro insomnia and sleep disturbances occur because Lexapro alters serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin is involved in regulating sleep patterns and alertness. Unfortunately, Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause both moderate and severe insomnia. Lexapro (escitalopram) causes nausea by interfering with the normal function of your gastrointestinal system. Sometimes, people refer to a brain zap as a brain shake, brain shock, or brain shiver. Lexapro (escitalopram) can definitely trigger brain zaps. Studies show that weight management medications work best when combined with a lifestyle program. Your health care professional may prescribe a medication to treat your overweight or obesity if you are an adult with Health care professionals use BMI to help decide whether you might benefit from weight management medications. Any weight loss experienced while taking Lexapro should be seen as a secondary benefit, rather than the primary purpose of the medication. Online forums, social media groups, and support communities are filled with stories of people who have experienced weight loss while taking Lexapro. According to the FDA, up to 10% of people taking Lexapro may experience weight gain as a side effect. While Lexapro is generally considered effective in managing symptoms of depression, it’s not without its side effects. If you faint while taking this medicine, it is recommended to stop taking it and discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Also, these effects in men are less likely to remit with continued therapy with SSRIs.We provide custom solutions and treatment for mental health disorders so you can improve happiness, decrease worry, and lead a more fulfilling life.Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, like olanzapine and clozapine, are sometimes prescribed for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders.By understanding these factors and considering the practical implications, we can provide better care and support for patients taking escitalopram.So your pediatrician will likely keep an eye on their growth and development during treatment.Class action law suits have been filed and settled against drug manufacturers, and the FDA has issued cautions about these serious side effects with this class of medications.Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. In other words, it appears that patients gained weight before drug treatment. In patients with adjustment disorder with anxious mood and generalized anxiety disorder, there was no change in body measurement, biochemical, and hormone values. There was no change in body measurement or biochemical values or insulin levels with treatment in patients who received sertraline, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine. Comparison of pre- and posttreatment glucose–insulin levels of patients and healthy controls After treatment, body weight and BMI values were higher in the patient group than in the control group. If experienced, Lexapro side effects in the first week tend to be the worst as the body has not had the time to undergo physiological adaptation to the newly elevated levels of Serotonin. These effects typically peak during the first week as the body adjusts to elevated serotonin levels. Weight changes occur commonly, with initial weight loss followed by potential weight gain during long-term therapy. Many kinds of antidepressants are available, and chances are you'll be able to find one that works well for you. But if it doesn't relieve your symptoms or it causes side effects that bother you, you may need to try another. Antidepressants are a popular treatment choice for depression. With patience, you and your healthcare professional can find a medicine that works well for you. Antidepressants are a treatment option you might be familiar with if you struggle with depression or any other mental health issue. Most weight gain will be evident within the first six months of starting treatment. In short-term trials of aripiprazole, the average weight gain after 14 weeks in patients receiving aripiprazole was 3.7 pounds compared to 0.9 pounds in patients receiving placebo. In two six-week trials for depression, those receiving 1.5 mg/day and 3 mg/day had an average weight gain of 1.5 pounds, compared to an average weight gain of 0.4 pounds in those taking placebo. However, a longer-term study that followed patients after nine months of sertraline use observed a weight gain of 2.2 pounds. According to the Monoamine Hypothesis in Major Depressive Disorder(MDD), there is a deficiency in the levels of Serotonin, which disrupts the regulation of appetite and hunger.Participants of normal weight showed an increased risk of transitioning to overweight or obesity, and overweight participants were more likely to become obese if they were treated with an antidepressant.“It’s a risk-benefit decision, but in balance, treating your mental and emotional health is still more important than any bit of weight gain you might get from these drugs,” says Dr. Woods, who was not involved with the study.Behavior modification alone can generate a weight loss of 0.5 kg to 0.7 kg per week .Many people might become less active when they’re feeling down or anxious, which can also contribute to weight gain.These data are consistent with the previously described phenomenon of time-dependent sensitization, and support the notion that enduring effects of short-term antidepressant treatment become manifest on a long-term basis after antidepressant discontinuation, during conditions of high stress followed by high-fat intake.If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or concerns about your current medication regimen, specialized help is available.These medicines work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain. There is newer literature looking at the etiology of this weight gain and the potential treatments being used to alleviate this side effect. There is much speculation about the prevalence of weight gain and the degree of weight gain during acute and longitudinal treatment with these agents. For instance, a patient might be dissuaded from taking paroxetine over sertraline due to a greater short-term risk of weight gain. “Given the often chronic nature of depression, most individuals will need to take antidepressants for the long-term.” They compared all of the medications with sertraline, which was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the study. Additionally, research has shown that the initial weight loss that some people experience on antidepressants fades after several months of use. In fact, in our holistic psychiatry practice, it is one of the most common adverse effects patients taking Lexapro and other antidepressants and SSRI medications come to us experiencing. We are specialists in tackling Lexapro weight gain and other side effects and withdrawal symptoms from Lexapro, including the compounded effects of simultaneously taking other psychiatric medications. Yes, the overprescribed depression and anxiety medication Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause weight gain. What foods provide vitamin D? Mirtazapine, a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA), increases neurotransmission through presynaptic alpha-2-adrenergic receptor antagonism and is known for its sedative and appetite-stimulating properties 15,21,23. Atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion and mirtazapine, have unique mechanisms. Other classes of antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. However, elderly patients are more likely to have hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) and age-related liver problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving escitalopram. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of escitalopram in children 12 years of age and older with depression. To navigate the sea of varied experiences, it’s crucial to approach Lexapro with an open mind. Factors such as dosage, duration of use, concurrent medications, and personal lifestyle habits can play a significant role. These personal accounts underline that Lexapro’s weight effects can be highly individualistic. While scientific studies offer insights into the generalized effects of Lexapro, understanding its influence on weight from a real-world perspective can provide valuable context. Four weeks after initiating treatment, the dose of venlafaxine was increased to 150 mg daily in three patients and that of escitalopram was increased to 20 mg daily in two patients who were non-responsive to previous doses. In some studies, HDL levels were significantly lower in patients with major depressive disorder than in healthy controls, and serum total cholesterol levels were elevated in patients after treatment (32,37). There are contradictory findings in the studies regarding the effects of antidepressants on insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. There was an increase in waist circumference and total and HDL cholesterol levels, whereas there was a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels with treatment in patients using escitalopram. Insulin level and HOMA index had a tendency to decrease with the treatment in patients and were similar to those of healthy controls before the treatment; however, they became lower than those of healthy controls after the treatment. ” or “How can I prevent weight gain while taking Lexapro? If you’ve been wondering, “Does Lexapro cause weight gain? It is commonly used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Many people might become less active when they’re feeling down or anxious, which can also contribute to weight gain. Research indicates that while some individuals may experience weight loss initially, others notice a gradual increase in weight after being on Lexapro for a while. Have you talked with your healthcare provider about your experiences with Lexapro? But it’s essential to stay mindful of how it can also influence your physical health, particularly when it comes to weight. Does Ozempic work for weight loss purposes? It’s not uncommon for people to experience weight gain while taking Lexapro. Depression and anxiety can cause a decreased appetite so a reduction of those symptoms can improve someone’s appetite, potentially resulting in weight changes. Some people with a history of smoking might gain weight after starting prescription antidepressant treatment. One theory about Lexapro and weight gain is that increased serotonin levels can lead to changes in appetite or metabolism, resulting in unwanted weight gain. Some research found that up to 41% of people who take Lexapro might experience increased body weight. Some people report physical side effects like nausea, headaches, weight gain or sexual side effects. Although antidepressants may not cure depression, they can reduce symptoms. Your healthcare professional may recommend some dose changes or different antidepressants. And antidepressants may lessen suicide risk in the long run by improving mood for many people. Learn about other weight loss medications that are available However, discontinuing antidepressant therapy can lead to a relapse of depression. It can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Lexapro typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to start showing noticeable improvements in mood and anxiety symptoms, though some individuals may begin to feel better sooner. If fatigue continues to be a problem, consult your healthcare provider for further advice. This side effect often diminishes as the body adjusts to the medication over a few weeks. Recognizing these common causes of weight gain with Lexapro usage can help demystify the issue and empower you to make informed decisions moving forward. With the right medication, many people start to feel better and may indulge in foods they once avoided or become less active. Lexapro can impact serotonin levels, leading to changes in other hormones that regulate weight. When it comes to understanding the reasons behind Lexapro weight gain, there are several key factors to consider. Remember, everyone's body, and brain, reacts differently to medication, so your experience may vary. Did you know that up to 25% of people taking Lexapro report weight gain as a side effect? Some people see shifts within 6–8 weeks, but population data suggest the bulk of weight gain happens after 3–6 months (Talkspace). We offer a wide range of medication and non-medication treatments for ADHD.It’s helpful to think about Lexapro’s effect on weight in two distinct phases.This will help you to catch any weight gain early so that you can take steps to prevent it.Keep an eye on your weight and talk to your doctor if you're worried.Like all medications, it has the potential to cause side effects.Yes, it can lead to reduced libido, difficulty with arousal, and other sexual side effects.Or they may suggest adding a weight-loss medication if it’s appropriate for you. This integral part of therapy helps patients identify and change harmful thought patterns that induce distressing emotions and behaviors. To enhance the effectiveness of medication management, we also suggest Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Diagnosing bipolar disorder is a collaborative process between the patient and the mental health professional. Secondly, a psychiatric assessment is carried out by a mental health professional. The doctor might also order blood tests to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. Also, these effects in men are less likely to remit with continued therapy with SSRIs.The acknowledgment of Escitalopram-induced sexual dysfunctions is important, as 41.7% of men and 15.4% of women have been purported to stop taking psychiatric medications as a result of sexual side effects. As such, Lexapro weight loss has been reported during the initial therapy in subsets of patients. Therefore, it is understandable that Escitalopram therapy, which restores and even elevates the levels of Serotonin within our bodies, would lead to suppressed appetite and decreased hunger leading to weight loss. Furthermore, if experienced, Lexapro side effects in the first week tend to be the worst as the body has not had the time to undergo physiological adaptation to the newly elevated levels of Serotonin. Although a systematic review of antidepressant use and weight gain collated evidence from 116 clinical trials and clinical cohort studies,14 fewer than half of the studies contributed data for more than three months of follow-up and it was not reported how many studies included more than 12 months of follow-up. The main outcomes were antidepressant prescribing, incidence of ≥5% increase in body weight, and transition to overweight or obesity. To evaluate the long term association between antidepressant prescribing and body weight. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the long-term metabolic consequences of antidepressant therapy to optimize treatment strategies in order to balance efficacy with metabolic health. Mitigation strategies include switching to weight-neutral antidepressants, implementing pharmacological interventions such as metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, and integrating behavioral and lifestyle modifications. Aripiprazole-induced weight gain It’s essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that weight loss is sustainable and healthy.The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was used to measure the severity of depression (40).Always work closely with your healthcare provider when taking multiple medications for mental health conditions.This means the body burns fewer calories than before, making it easier to gain weight even without eating more food.“In general, weight gain is a possible side effect of most antidepressants, such as Zoloft, Prozac or Celexa, but each person will react to antidepressants differently,” Naidoo says.When someone reduces or stops Lexapro after long-term use, the neuroadaptations that developed during treatment create a mismatch between what the brain expects and what it receives. It blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, allowing more of it to remain active. Lexapro works by increasing the availability of serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood, sleep, and emotions. By stabilizing serotonin levels in the brain, Lexapro can improve emotional regulation and overall mental functioning. Adjustments can be made to manage side effects, including dietary changes or exploring alternative medications that may have less impact on weight. It’s essential for patients to monitor their weight and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. This can be attributed to various factors, including changes in metabolism, increased appetite, or emotional eating as depression and anxiety symptoms improve. While some individuals on Lexapro may experience weight loss, it is not widely recognized as a weight-loss medication. Moderate Risk for Weight Gain Targeting gut microbiota for weight management in patients with antidepressant-induced weight gain has shown some promising results, although the evidence is still emerging.One of the most common side effects of Lexapro is water retention, which can lead to weight gain.It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to help reduce any side effects.Many people suffer from certain eating disorders, which often lead to an increase in weight.“Many SSRIs, including Lexapro, can cause a temporary decrease in appetite that lasts only for a short time,” says Dr. Anderson.Understanding these side effects and their prevalence can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment and manage any adverse effects that may arise.Lexapro belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Regular physical activity can help prevent Lexapro-related weight gain. Others experience fatigue or reduced motivation to exercise, making it easier to gain weight. Lexapro affects serotonin levels in the brain, which can influence appetite, metabolism, and energy levels. For substance abuse treatment, medication is tailored to individual needs to assure the best possible outcome and is regularly adjusted and monitored for effectiveness and side effects. Teens, faced with peer pressure, may sometimes deviate from their typical behavior, experiencing setbacks and struggles with substance use, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. For Dr. Kolli, a treatment plan is more than just a prescription—it’s a roadmap to modify various aspects of life that may contribute to a patient’s symptoms. The healthcare provider determines the initial dosage of the prescribed antidepressant, taking into account the patient’s individual needs. Some types of antidepressants successfully used in managing PTSD symptoms include Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Being physically active and avoiding smoking can help manage weight while on Lexapro. Navigating the world of Lexapro and weight can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. It might be advantageous to engage in dietary counseling coupled with hands-on guidance on how to cook healthily and shop effectively. Opting for a diet filled with natural foods is instrumental for effective weight management. Your dietary habits play a crucial role in the control of your weight. For those who gain weight on Lexapro, the good news is that it is often reversible. In the first few months, weight changes may be small or nonexistent. However, it still had some effect on weight for certain individuals. Many side effects may go away after the first few weeks of treatment. SSRIs may be used to treat conditions other than depression, such as anxiety disorders. They can ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also called SSRIs, are the type of antidepressant prescribed most often. This commonly prescribed type of antidepressant can help you overcome depression. By following these tips and working closely with your healthcare team, you can promote weight management and achieve your overall health goals while taking Lexapro. While Lexapro may not be a magic bullet for weight loss, there are steps you can take to promote weight management while taking the medication. Finally, Lexapro can cause fatigue and lethargy in some people, making it more challenging to engage in physical activity and leading to weight gain. This is because SSRIs can alter the body’s ability to burn fat, leading to weight gain. Stress hormones like cortisol can also affect fat storage and appetite regulation. Others may gain weight from emotional eating, cravings, or reduced physical activity. Doctors usually start with the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. However, not all patients respond to dosage changes in the same way. A stronger dose can have a greater effect on appetite, energy levels, and metabolism. Doctors often start with a low dose and adjust it as needed to reduce side effects. During the first few weeks, side effects like nausea, headaches, or dizziness may appear. The effects vary, and researchers are still studying why this happens. Lexapro can also affect weight, but this varies from person to person. In her care, clients can expect not only expert guidance but also a safe and open environment where their stories and experiences are valued. Whether it’s enjoying the tranquility of Red Bank’s rivers or immersing herself in the dynamic energy of New York City, her connection to her surroundings has deepened since moving to the area. Outside of her work, Danielle enjoys spending quality time with her children, whether it’s supporting them at their activities or doing fun things together. In combination, medication, and therapy can significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life for those with ADHD. In combination with CBT, this dual approach helps foster resilience, and self-confidence, and improve mental health. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. Do not share escitalopram with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed. Studies suggest that more calcium and vitamin D in your body may be linked to less visceral fat.While some studies suggest a link between Lexapro and weight gain, others have found no significant association.Wisner and colleagues (2005) specifically looked at the weight impact of treatment with nortriptyline, sertraline, or placebo in women with histories of postpartum depression (PPD) who took medication after childbirth to prevent having PPD again.Some research suggests that Lexapro can cause slight weight gain over time, while other studies show no significant weight changes.The bottomline is that some people gain weight on SSRIs while others don’t.In comparison, certain people may lose weight because of an augmented metabolism or higher energy.There is newer literature looking at the etiology of this weight gain and the potential treatments being used to alleviate this side effect. These small fluctuations over time suggest that antidepressants have a minimal effect on weight for most people. Most antidepressants might cause weight gain, but only one is known for not causing weight gain—bupropion (Wellbutrin). Always consult with a healthcareprofessional if you have concerns about your medication or any symptoms youmay be experiencing. If you're concerned about your loss of appetite while taking Lexapro, it'sessential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. Can Weight Loss Cause Constipation? The Unspoken Side Effect But the weight loss will likely be modest. Orlistat (the active ingredient in Alli) promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines. A health care provider, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, can help you explore ways to lose weight. Add more physical activity to get to your weight-loss goals faster and maintain your weight loss. Some people seem to lose weight more quickly and more easily than others. Additionally, your doctor may also monitor your weight and adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication if weight gain becomes a significant concern. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, to help you lose weight while taking escitalopram. Taking escitalopram for depression while trying to lose weight can be safe as long as you’re closely monitored by your doctor. It’s essential to talk to your doctor before starting any new medication, especially if you’re looking for a weight loss aid. Managing weight changes while taking escitalopram requires a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and close monitoring. H1-histamine receptor affinity predicts weight gain with antidepressants. But if you experience unwanted weight gain while taking an antidepressant, don’t stop taking your antidepressant on your own. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is more likely to cause weight loss than other antidepressants. Similarly, a wellbutrin lexapro plan may influence how your body processes calories or stress, which might make lexapro cause weight gain more noticeable.“Some of what we’re seeing may be people regaining weight they’d lost as their depression or anxiety improves.”If over time, weight gain occurs and it appears that the antidepressant appear to be a major contributor to weight gain, one might consider switching to another medication or non-pharmacologic treatments.But remember, the best way to reduce the amount of visceral fat you have is to follow the same healthy habits you would to get healthier in general.Inpatient rehab might not be right for everyone so we offer an outpatient treatment program that helps people in various stages of early recovery.With the right strategy, you can benefit from Lexapro and meet your weight goals. While not everyone will experience weight gain, some may notice weight fluctuations, increases in body weight, or even clinically significant changes. Lexapro and weight gain is a concern for many starting antidepressant treatment. Dr. Matthew Weiner and his team provide a comprehensive weight loss program called “Pound of Cure”, offering bariatric surgery, weight loss medications, and full nutritional support. Our healthcare payment system is broken — and it’s only getting worse.In case you missed it, this week’s Pound of Cure Podcast episode covers why Dr. Weiner believes the system could collapse by 2030… and why that might actually lead to better care for patients.If you’ve ever been frustrated by how hard it is to get the care (and meds) you need — you’ll want to hear this.🎧 The episode is streaming now! Physical activity boosts metabolism and improves mood, which is especially important for those taking antidepressants. Regular exercise can help prevent or reverse weight gain from Lexapro. Even if Lexapro contributes to weight gain, lifestyle changes can help manage it. These medications block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain by interfering with its transport back into neurons. We do know that it’s not approved for use as a weight loss drug—and there are some reasons why this may not be your best bet for reaching your goals (more on those in a minute). Some people say they lost weight while taking the medication, but no research has been done to prove this claim. Furthermore, a longer-term study found that patients treated with mirtazapine experienced an average weight gain of 16.2 pounds after two years. In short-term clinical trials, weight gain of 7 percent or more of body weight was reported in 7.5 percent of patients treated with mirtazapine, compared to 0 percent for placebo. Patients treated with citalopram in short-term trials experienced a weight loss of about 1.1 pounds compared to no change for patients who took a placebo. In contrast, a longer observational study of patients showed a slight weight gain (about 1.1 pounds) after nine months of treatment. Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using semaglutide injection. Another thing to consider, if you're taking an antidepressant, is what types of side effects you're willing to tolerate in pursuit of its mood-smoothing benefits. "But, for circumstances where a randomized trial is unrealistic, health records can be a helpful way of trying to study side effects and at least generate a partial answer to these important questions." That makes it difficult to link any later weight changes with a specific medication. It's crucial to keep in mind that the study points out average weight gain. It underscores similar findings from other studies of antidepressants, including research he published with colleagues a decade ago. Patients should be informed about these potential side effects and advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience persistent or bothersome symptoms. These medications have been shown to reduce body weight by decreasing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and potentially slowing gastric emptying. By working collaboratively with their healthcare team, patients can optimize their treatment outcomes and minimize the impact of side effects while taking Lexapro. It’s worth noting that weight gain with Lexapro may be gradual and occur over an extended period rather than rapidly. In clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Lexapro, weight gain has been reported as a relatively common side effect, occurring in a notable proportion of participants. While weight gain is recognized as a potential adverse effect of Lexapro, its incidence and magnitude vary among individuals and may be influenced by various factors. Moreover, the relationship between Lexapro and weight gain may be bidirectional, with changes in mood and emotional regulation influencing eating behaviors and metabolic processes. In some studies, more than half of people who took Lexapro reported an increase in body weight. Conversely, escitalopram, duloxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine (Effexor) and citalopram were linked to increased weight gain. Their principal aim was to measure the weight fluctuation after six months on antidepressants, using sertraline, a popular prescription, as a benchmark. The researchers meticulously monitored weight at the outset, after six months, one year and two years post-commencement of antidepressant medication. Individuals with poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, or limited access to healthy foods may be at higher risk for weight gain. Genetic testing and personalized medicine approaches may help identify individuals at higher risk for weight gain and inform treatment decisions. These individuals may have underlying metabolic dysregulation that predisposes them to changes in body weight in response to psychotropic medications. Dosage adjustments may be necessary over time to optimize the treatment’s effectiveness and minimize side effects. She takes a holistic, personalized approach to care, aiming to improve her patients’ health across all three domains. Her philosophy on treatment is deeply influenced by her osteopathic training, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or side effects, please seek professional help from a healthcare provider. If weight gain is a significant concern, your doctor can help you develop a plan to address it while maintaining your mental health treatment. Different classes of antidepressants have varying effects on weight. Understanding when weight changes might occur can help you monitor your body's response to Lexapro and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Wondering ‘can omeprazole cause weight loss’? Wondering if weight gain can cause hair loss? We explore why weight loss can cause constipation and what you can do about it. Lexapro increases serotonin, which plays a complex role in appetite regulation. This process must be managed carefully by your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms and ensure your mental health remains stable. Its primary job is to increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. The little blue pill might help with physical arousal, but there are better treatments for low libido in women “The ultimate goal is to find a balance where both mental and physical health are supported,” says Dr. Maline. Associations with weight gain might depend on drug dose, but it was not possible to reconstruct dosage information for this study. However, antidepressant drugs can be prescribed for several disorders, and depression might not always have been the sole indication for prescription. The present data show that 94% of treated patients had a diagnosis of depression. Additionally, some people may experience a prolonged period of weight stability before gaining or losing weight. It’s worth noting that weight gain tends to occur more frequently during the first few months of treatment, and may level off or even reverse over time. However, the exact prevalence of weight gain on Lexapro varies depending on the study population, dosage, and duration of treatment. On the other hand, those who experience improved mood and energy may be more motivated to engage in physical activity, leading to weight loss. For example, people who experience increased hunger and cravings may gain weight if they do not adjust their eating habits accordingly. Patients are advised to move slowly when transitioning from sitting to standing to minimize the risk of falls or injury. Patients may notice changes in their sense of taste, such as heightened or diminished taste sensations, as well as alterations in appetite, including increased or decreased hunger. Patients may experience increased nervousness, restlessness, or irritability, which can be distressing. Patients are advised to stay hydrated, practice relaxation techniques, and manage stress to help alleviate headache symptoms. These headaches are typically mild to moderate in intensity and may resolve with continued medication use. Well, Lexapro can decrease your metabolism, wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal system, and cause increased appetite, too. Does Lexapro really have serious withdrawal symptoms? Or maybe you have had nausea, insomnia, or sexual side effects since starting or stopping Lexapro? However, escitalopram can also be used to help manage obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks and bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine, amitriptyline, and citalopram appear to be correlated with weight gain, but there is potential for residual confounding. In long-term (≥ 4 months) studies, weight losses were 1.87 kg for bupropion, 0.31 kg for fluoxetine, and 0.12 kg for sertraline. Other sleep aids such as zolpidem (Ambien) or eszopiclone (Lunesta) have not been linked to weight gain. Diphenhydramine can contribute to weight gain by causing increased hunger and tiredness, which can make a person less active. The antipsychotics most likely to cause weight gain are olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine. Exercising a few times each week or simply moving your body for 30 minutes a day can help increase metabolism and burn more calories while taking Lexapro. If you need help losing weight, please contact Mantra Care. If you are concerned about gaining weight on Lexapro, talk to your doctor about other options.