Does Lexapro Cause Weight Loss Or Gain

by Al Paterson

Introduction

Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac) is the least likely to cause weight gain.

Can you lose weight taking Lexapro?

There are reports that people begin to lose weight when they first take Lexapro, but this finding is not well supported by research. Another study found that Lexapro did not reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to binge eating, but it did reduce weight and body mass index.

How much weight do you gain with Lexapro?

Weight gains during treatment with Lexapro can range from 0.5% to over 7% [2, 10]. Additionally, it is not uncommon for people whose body mass index (BMI) was low before starting treatment to experience significant gains.

How can I avoid gaining weight with Lexapro?

How can I prevent weight gain with Lexapro?
eat a varied diet with lots of fresh ingredients.
avoid foods high in fat and sugar.
eat regular meals and healthy snacks.
exercise exercise regularly.
receive counseling to help control depression and weight problems.

What are the best antidepressants for weight loss?

Most antidepressant drugs are most commonly associated with weight gain, but there are three that have been linked to weight loss: Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Fluoxetine (Prozac) Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

What are the negative effects of Lexapro?

What are the possible side effects of Escitalopram? Headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth, increased sweating, nervousness, restlessness, fatigue or trouble sleeping (insomnia). These will often improve within the first week or two as you continue to take the medication.

How fast did you gain weight with Lexapro?

Looking specifically at Lexapro, researchers in one study compared people taking escitalopram and nortriptyline (Pamelor, a tricyclic antidepressant). Study participants who took escitalopram gained, on average, less than a third of a pound over 12 weeks. Those who took nortriptyline gained almost 10 times more weight.

Does Lexapro 10 mg make you lose weight?

Escitalopram may cause weight loss or decreased appetite. Teenagers who will be taking it for a long time should measure their weight and growth regularly.

How long does Lexapro weight gain last?

A person taking Lexapro may experience weight gain, especially with long-term use. This risk can last up to six years. 3 There are several reasons why this can happen. One of Lexapro’s weight gain mechanisms is that it increases serotonin levels, and serotonin plays a role in weight management.

When is the best time of day to take Lexapro?

Take escitalopram once a day. You can take it with or without food. You can take escitalopram any time of the day, as long as you stick to the same time each day. If you have trouble sleeping, it is best to take it in the morning.

Conclusion

Bupropion was associated with the least weight gain, almost none. Two others that also seemed to have less weight gain were amitriptyline and nortriptyline. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline are older drugs. Because newer drugs tend to have fewer side effects, these two aren’t prescribed as often.

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