Lexapro and Weight Changes?

neelia · February 2015

I've been on MFP for a few years now and have consistently logged in for over 800 days. I exercise regularly (running, fitness classes) and participate in a lot of races (at least 1 per month).

This week my doctor prescribed me Lexapro for general anxiety as I have had an abnormal amount of stress over the last year due to family issues. I have tried soooo many things to "calm down" and am basically turning to medication as a last resort. My concern is weight gain, obviously. I've worked very hard to lose the weight I have and am worried I will quickly pile back on what I have lost.

Anyone here taken Lexapro and experienced weight changes?

runJIBrun · February 2015

i was on it for a few months and I actually lost some..( I was actively trying however). I didn't notice any issues with weight gain and it was a concern for me too. didn't totally help my issues so ive moved on but maybe this will make you feel better!

teecee60 · February 2015

I don't think you need to be concerned. I have taken Lexapro for years and it never caused me weight gain. In fact, I am able to lose weight nicely even on it. I think getting your anxiety under control is important. I believe that the hormone cortisol that is released when you're anxious will actually prevent you from losing weight. In fact, here is a little information from a medical site about cortisol and weight gain...

Elevated cortisol levels and weight gain, unfortunately, go hand in hand.

People who undergo stressful situations on a daily basis constantly release adrenaline and cortisol into their blood streams. The problem with this is that while adrenaline goes away when the anxiety eases, cortisol lingers in the body and causes people to want to eat more carbohydrates as a means of quenching the empty feeling that was left by the original energy exertion, linking cortisol levels and weight gain

So I think you will be better off taking the Lexapro than not.

branflake36 · February 2015

I gained 50 lbs in 6 months from Lexapro

I went off it and i'm trying to again lose the weight. Previous to that I had lost 164 lbs total and reached my goal so was/am quite discouraged that I gained 50 back.

amelliso · February 2015

I have been taking Lexapro for several years, also for anxiety. I lost weight while on Lexapro and doing Weight Watchers. So, I didn't have a problem that way. What I did notice was that the Lexapro makes me very drowsy, which made me less likely to keep up with my workouts. My doctor prescribed Deplin, which is just a form of Folate that can cross the blood brain barrier. It keeps me awake and supports the function of the Lexapro. If you experience the drowsiness, look into the Deplin - it does wonders for me.

Unknown · February 2015

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bvifun · February 2015

First, congratulations on doing something to help your condition. I really hope this works for you and your life becomes more pleasant.
I have been on several SSRI's and for me they have meant weight gain. This is not always the case though, others have lost weight. I realized when I changed meds this time that the reason I gain weight is that I always feel hungry and eat more. This time I was careful not to increase my eating and, for once, did not gain weight. If you keep logging and stay within your calorie limits, you are unlikely to gain weight.
I wish you well.

Dancetherapist · February 2015

neelia wrote: »

I've been on MFP for a few years now and have consistently logged in for over 800 days. I exercise regularly (running, fitness classes) and participate in a lot of races (at least 1 per month).

This week my doctor prescribed me Lexapro for general anxiety as I have had an abnormal amount of stress over the last year due to family issues. I have tried soooo many things to "calm down" and am basically turning to medication as a last resort. My concern is weight gain, obviously. I've worked very hard to lose the weight I have and am worried I will quickly pile back on what I have lost.

Anyone here taken Lexapro and experienced weight changes?

I took it for awhile and did not experience any weight gain. I've taken several other psychotropic meds and never gained any weight from them either. Just remember that your mental/emotional health is just as important as your physical health!!

zeinasalmfp · February 2015

I just started taking Cipralex a month ago and I did gain a bit of weight, but it's not because of the medication. Cipralex made me very hungry and lazy lol, so I wouldn't go to the gym and I would overeat. But you have to control yourself. I'm back at my regular routines now, but that month was a bit hectic. Like people have been saying, your mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more! Good on you for taking care of it. It took me a long time to accept the medication, and I'm glad I did.

cheshirecatastrophe · February 2015

I've tried Lexapro twice and saw no weight gain either time.

Other ADs haven't been so kind. I wish Lexapro worked for me.

dougpconnell219 · February 2015

I took lex for a couple years, zoloft now. I haven't noticed any weight changes either way really.

erockem · February 2015

Gained about 20lbs on lex. Fine on citalopram instead.

Lexapro and Weight Changes?

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