Lexapro (escitalopram) is a medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety and depression. It increases serotonin in the brain, which can affect appetite and may lead to weight changes.
Lexapro belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Doctors may prescribe it to treat mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
This article discusses how Lexapro can affect appetite and weight and some tips for managing weight change.
Lexapro’s prescribing information states that people using the drug to treat major depression may experience significant changes in weight and appetite. These include both increases and decreases.
The leaflet cites animal studies in which significant weight gain occurred. However, at least one study has suggested that adult humans are unlikely to see clinically significant changes, while children and adolescents using Lepraxo may experience slower growth and weight gain.
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Research from 2017 looked at the role of SSRIs in weight gain. The authors found that certain risk factors increased the likelihood of a person gaining weight when taking these antidepressants. These factors included:
- having a sedentary lifestyle
- smoking
- eating a diet high in processed meat, dairy, and refined carbohydrates
SSRIs may be less likely than older antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants, to cause weight gain.
Meanwhile, the National Library of Medicine lists decreased appetite as a side effect of Lexapro and does not mention weight gain.
Why do antidepressants affect weight?
Experts do not know precisely why weight changes occur with antidepressant use.
One reason may be that they boost serotonin, which plays a role in managing appetite. The medication may increase appetite directly, or a person may begin to eat more as their depression or anxiety lessens.
Depression and anxiety can also affect eating habits — people may eat more or less than usual. Lifestyle measures, such as changes in diet and exercise, may also affect a person’s appetite and weight.
More research is necessary to understand the connection between SSRIs and weight gain.
SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
Lexapro is available as a liquid or a pill. The starting dose is usually 10 milligrams (mg) daily, taken either in the morning or the evening.
A person may notice an improvement in symptoms after 1 to 4 weeks, but they should continue taking the drug, or symptoms may return. Alternatively, if there is no improvement in symptoms, the dose may need to be increased. People should not stop taking Lexapro without guidance from a doctor.
Medication affects everyone differently.
Anyone concerned about weight changes while taking Lexapro should speak with a doctor.
A doctor may recommend further tests to see if there is another reason for the change in weight. If there is no other reason, they may suggest an alternative treatment.
Other remedies for treating depression, which can also help manage weight, include:
- undergoing counseling
- exercising, such as walking at least
30 minutes each day - following a varied, nutritious diet and eating regular meals
- establishing or maintaining a regular sleep pattern
- connecting with others
- avoiding the use of alcohol, nicotine, and drugs that a doctor has not recommended
If these remedies do not help with mood or weight, a person can ask a doctor for more support.
Lexapro can cause other side effects, which may include:
- a dry mouth
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea or constipation
- heartburn
- feeling dizzy
- nausea
- feeling more tired or drowsy than usual
- insomnia — difficulty falling or staying asleep
- changes in sex drive
- changes in urination
- sweating more than usual
- symptoms that are similar to flu, such as a runny nose or fever
If these side effects do not go away or are very severe, a person should seek medical advice.
Learn more about Lexapro’s side effects.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Can Lexapro cause rapid weight gain?
Lexapro may cause a small amount of weight gain. If rapid or dramatic weight gain occurs, a person should speak with their doctor.
How much weight do you gain on Lexapro?
The effects of Lexapro on weight will vary among individuals, and not everyone gains weight. An older 2014 study found that the average weight gain was less than
Does Lexapro slow your metabolism?
Metabolic changes can occur when a person has depression and is taking antidepressant medications. However, the relationships are complex, and there is
How can I avoid gaining weight on Lexapro?
Ways of managing weight while taking Lepraxo include:
- following a varied diet with plenty of fresh ingredients
- avoiding high fat, high sugar foods
- eating regular meals and healthy snacks
- getting regular exercise
- receiving counseling to help manage both depression and weight issues
Avoiding weight gain with antidepressants may be difficult, but trying antidepressants from different drug classes may minimize it. Anyone concerned about their weight should ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Read about foods for managing depression.
Weight changes can occur when taking Lexapro, but they are not usually dramatic. In some cases, weight loss may occur. A doctor may monitor a child taking this drug for reduced growth rates and insufficient weight gain.
Anyone with concerns about weight gain while taking Lexapro may wish to seek advice from a doctor, who might offer an alternative medication.
A varied, balanced diet and regular exercise are also treatment options for depression and anxiety, and they can help manage weight changes.