People often wonder if Lexapro causes weight loss. Lexapro is an antidepressant that can affect our body in different ways. It helps with depression and anxiety. However, its effect on weight is not always clear.
Lexapro’s main component is escitalopram oxalate. It falls under a group of drugs called SSRIs. Many antidepressants are linked to weight gain, but Lexapro’s impact might vary. Weight changes from antidepressants differ from one person to another.
This article looks at the connection between Lexapro and weight loss. We will see what studies tell us. We will also discuss things that might impact your weight while using this medicine.
Understanding Lexapro and Its Primary Uses
I’ve learned a lot about Lexapro. It’s used a lot to treat issues with mental health. Knowing how it works can help us know what to expect. We should know about the possible Lexapro side effects too.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a type of SSRI antidepressant. It’s often used for depression and anxiety. People usually start with a 10 mg pill each day.
Treating Depression and Anxiety
Lexapro really helps those with depression and anxiety. Feeling better might take 1-4 weeks. But it’s super important to keep taking it. Don’t stop sudden. It can cause issues.
How Lexapro Works
Lexapro changes serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a key mood regulator. By boosting serotonin, Lexapro helps with depression and anxiety. It might also change weight or cause other side effects.
Knowing how Lexapro works is good. It can explain mood changes. Always talk to your doctor about any worries. This includes any weight changes.
The Relationship Between Lexapro and Weight Changes
Lexapro can change how much we weigh. Lexapro and appetite changes are common. Some folks lose weight when they start taking it. Others might gain weight as time goes on.
About half of Lexapro takers could gain 7% or more of their body weight. These weight changes might stick around for years. It can start with a small 0.5% change, going up to a 7% or more increase in body weight.
Lexapro and other SSRIs can be tricky for weight. Longer use seems to raise the chances of gaining weight, which usually starts after six months. Your weight before starting Lexapro plays a big part. If you were overweight, you might see even bigger increases.
But, not everyone gains weight on Lexapro. Some may even lose a few pounds, especially in the short term. A study in 2020 showed that the average weight gain after nine months on escitalopram was just 1.1 kg. Fewer than 3% noticed changes within the first six months.
- Lexapro may increase appetite
- Weight changes can vary widely
- Long-term use more likely to cause weight gain
- Individual factors influence weight effects
Knowing about these possible weight changes can help you get ready. If you worry about your weight while on Lexapro, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand more.
Can Lexapro Cause Weight Loss?
Many studies have looked into whether Lexapro makes you lose weight. They found different things, but a few key points stand out.
Studies on Lexapro and Weight Loss
We have a mix of results from recent looks at Lexapro and weight change. A study from 2014 showed people gained very little weight, about 0.5%. Yet, a review from 2018 suggested the average person may put on 3.7% more. These changing results show how complex Lexapro’s effects can be on our weight.
Factors Influencing Weight Changes
Many things can change how our weight reacts to Lexapro:
- Age
- Gender
- Starting BMI
- Lifestyle habits
- Diet choices
Because of these factors, it’s hard to say how Lexapro will affect one’s weight. Some might see a drop, while others could gain.
Short-term vs. Long-term Effects
The way Lexapro affects your weight can shift as you keep taking it. Some notice they lose weight at the start but then it evens out or might go up a bit. This tells us that we need to watch how it affects us over time.
Even though doctors don’t often give Lexapro to help with losing weight, it can still change your body. If you worry about what it might do to your weight, it’s smart to talk with your doctor.
Potential Mechanisms Behind Lexapro-Induced Weight Changes
Lexapro is a well-known depression drug. It can change a person’s weight in many ways. Let’s dive into how this SSRI connects to weight.
Impact on appetite and metabolism
Lexapro might make you less or more hungry. It all depends on how your brain reacts. This happens because of the drug’s effect on certain brain chemicals.
Serotonin’s role in weight regulation
Serotonin helps keep weight in check. By raising serotonin levels, Lexapro plays a part in this. So, changes in weight are linked to how your body reacts to SSRIs.
Indirect effects through mood improvement
Lexapro makes mood better. This can help with weight too. Feeling good often means you eat better, move more, and sleep well.
- Healthier eating habits
- Increased physical activity
- Improved sleep patterns
These changes can help you lose or gain weight. It all depends on you.
Knowing these facts explains why Lexapro affects weight differently for everyone. Keep in mind, everyone reacts differently to depression meds. Talking to your doctor and staying alert are important if your weight changes on SSRIs.
Comparing Lexapro to Other Antidepressants in Terms of Weight Effects
Many people worry about antidepressants and weight. Lexapro, an SSRI, is a middle-ground choice for this. In one study, users gained about 3.7% in weight. This is less than some other kinds of antidepressants.
Let’s see how Lexapro compares to other meds in terms of weight:
- Lexapro: Users gained about 3.7% in weight
- Amitriptyline: This one leads to a much bigger weight gain, 25.9%
- Paroxetine: Over time, it might add up to a 7% weight gain
- Mirtazapine: People can gain up to 11 pounds in two years
- Wellbutrin: But some folks shed up to seven pounds
SSRIs might cause less weight gain than older drugs. A big report found that with some SSRI use, patients actually lost a bit of weight. So, Prozac might be the best on weight, while Paxil could lead to gains.
Everyone responds uniquely to antidepressants. What works for one may not for another, especially in regard to weight. Always talk to a doctor if you’re worried about how antidepressants affect your body.
Managing Weight While Taking Lexapro
Managing your weight while on Lexapro can be hard, but not too hard. I got some tips that work. Let’s check out how to deal with Lexapro weight effects.
Lifestyle Modifications for Weight Control
To stay at a good weight with Lexapro, I do this:
- Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and lean meats
- Avoid junk food and sugary treats
- Drink plenty of water, not sugary stuff
- Work out often, like 30 minutes a day
- Sleep well to control hunger
Discussing Concerns with Your Healthcare Provider
Talking with my doctor is key for managing Lexapro’s weight effects. I make sure to:
- Tell them about any big weight changes
- Ask if my medicine dose needs change
- Talk over other medicines if I gain a lot of weight
- Get help from nutritionists if I have to
Monitoring Weight Changes During Treatment
Keeping an eye on my weight is essential. So, I:
- Check my weight often, like once a week
- Write down any changes in weight
- Keep track of any fast changes to tell my doctor
- Change up my lifestyle if I start gaining weight often
Doing these things has really helped me. Just remember, what works for me might be different for you. Everyone is unique.
Other Side Effects of Lexapro to Be Aware Of
I have important news about Lexapro side effects to share. It helps many people, but you must know about the risks. Escitalopram oxalate side effects can happen from mild to severe.
Some common side effects of Lexapro are:
- Nausea can happen to up to 18% of users
- Headaches are possible too
- Insomnia might happen (about 12% of users)
- Feeling drowsy and dizzy
- Sexual problems may occur
- Experiencing dry mouth
Watch out for some side effects that need quick care. These concerns are if your depression gets worse, if you think about suicide, or if there are signs of serotonin syndrome. Older patients may have a higher risk of falling or bleeding. For kids, it’s important to check their weight and height. They might lose their appetite.
Lexapro could make you bleed more, especially when taken with NSAIDs or blood thinners. It might also affect people with bipolar disorder by causing mania. If you notice any bad signs, tell your doctor right away.
When to Consult Your Doctor About Weight Changes on Lexapro
If Lexapro makes your weight change a lot, talk to your doctor. Studies say weight changes on Lexapro are not big, from less than 0.5% to 3.7% on average. But, everyone’s experience is different. If you see your weight change quickly, it’s best to talk to your doctor. Lexapro weight concerns are important to share with them.
Your doctor can check you for other reasons for the weight change. They may change your dose, normally it’s 10 milligrams each day, or try other medicines. It’s very important not to stop Lexapro suddenly on your own. This can cause bad symptoms or make your depression or anxiety come back. Always talk to your doctor first.
When you talk to your doctor about your Lexapro and weight, they can help you. They might tell you to eat healthily, exercise often (as the CDC suggests, 2.5 hours per week for adults), or see a counselor. Working together with your doctor can help you feel better, both physically and mentally.