Does Lexapro cause weight gain?

More than 1 in 10 Americans take antidepressant medications to treat depression. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. Like every other medication, Lexapro has side effects that affect some but not all people. While it was not seen during clinical trials, research suggests some people experience weight gain while taking Lexapro.

Some studies found that up to 41% of those taking Lexapro may see an increase in body weight. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to see the side effects of Lexapro and it is during that time it can be more common to start seeing fluctuations in your weight. Lexapro weight gain can vary from person to person. One clinical study found that people on Lexapro for 9 months gained an average of 2.4 pounds. The exact reason Lexapro may cause weight gain is not fully understood. One theory suggests that increased serotonin levels can lead to changes in appetite, cravings or metabolism, resulting in unwanted weight gain.

It should be noted too that weight changes, i.e. gain or loss, can be a part of any mood disorder or mental health condition, whether you are taking an antidepressant or not. Some people lose their appetite and lose weight. Others crave carbohydrates, eat more, have less physical activity, and gain weight. It is important to take steps to manage your weight through your eating habits, exercise, and counseling. Talk with your healthcare provider to come up with an eating and exercise plan that is right for you.

Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions about Lexapro and give some tips on how to manage your weight while taking this medication.

How does Lexapro work?

Lexapro contains the active ingredient escitalopram. It is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in your brain that is involved with regulating your mood and anxiety.

What is Lexapro used for?

Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat adults with major depressive disorder (depression) and general anxiety disorder (GAD). It is also approved to treat depression in children 12 to 17 years of age. Your healthcare provider may also use it to treat panic disorder or panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What are the side effects of Lexapro?

The most common side effects of Lexapro seen in clinical trials include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Ejaculation problems
  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue or tiredness

Some other less serious side effects that may occur include:

  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Low appetite or weight loss (most commonly in children)
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Lower sexual drive
  • Flu-like symptoms

Rarely, Lexapro may cause some more serious side effects such as:

  • Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions.
  • Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts.
  • Serotonin syndrome.
  • Increased risk of bleeding.
  • Glaucoma.
  • Heart rhythm problems.
  • Low sodium levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lexapro. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking this medication. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What drug interactions are there with Lexapro?

When you take Lexapro with other medications, it can change how they work or make some side effects like CNS depression more likely or severe. You should ask your healthcare provider if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with Lexapro, including:

Other medications that increase serotonin levels such as:

  • Other SSRIs such as Celexa (citalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline)
  • SNRIs such as Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
  • Triptans for migraines
  • Opioids such as fentanyl and tramadol
  • Tryptophan
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Amphetamines

Drugs that affect blood clotting such as:

  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Aspirin
  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Plavix (clopidogrel)

Medications that affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including:

  • Amiodarone
  • Pimozide
  • Procainamide
  • Quinidine
  • Sotalol

Drugs that cause drowsiness:

  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Antihistamines
  • Medications for sleep or anxiety
  • Muscle relaxants

What does your healthcare provider need to know before you start Lexapro?

You should not take Lexapro if you are allergic to escitalopram, citalopram, or any of the inactive ingredients in the product. You should also not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping Lexapro or start Lexapro if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Also before taking this medication, be sure your healthcare provider knows all of your other medical conditions, including:

  • Liver, heart, or kidney problems
  • History of seizures or convulsions
  • Bipolar disorder or mania
  • Low blood sodium levels
  • History of a stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • History of bleeding problems
  • Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed

How can I avoid gaining weight on Lexapro?

If you gain weight while taking Lexapro there are ways of minimizing it. Some things you can do to maintain a healthy weight include:

  • Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Avoiding high fat, high sugar, and processed foods
  • Eating regular meals and healthy snacks
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Counseling to help manage both depression and weight problems

If you are concerned about your weight, you should ask your healthcare provider about how to manage it.

Do other antidepressants cause weight gain?

Many antidepressants can have an effect on your weight. For example, one study that looked at weight gain and other side effects in 100 people taking SSRIs showed:

  • Zoloft (sertraline): 49.1% reported weight gain
  • Prozac (fluoxetine): 37.5% reported weight gain
  • Lexapro (escitalopram): 41% reported weight gain

Related Medications

  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
  • Effexor XR (venlafaxine ER)
  • Remeron (mirtazapine)
  • Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Sources

Multiple medical journal articles and resources were referenced for this information. For full citations, see the original document or consult FDA and National Library of Medicine resources.