Weight Gain and Lexapro

[DebbieMac]

Is there anyone out there who has taken Lexapro and not gained weight?  My doctor just took me off Effexor and put me on Lexapro.  My weight is part of my depression.  I can't afford to gain.

[Hensley258]

I took Lexapro for over two years and it didn't have any effect on my weight.

I will say that it did give me some pretty bad sweets and carbo cravings, but I was able to recognize these cravings and fought hard not to give into them.

There is actually a lot of scientific debate going on right now regarding SSRI medications and their effect on weight control. Most studies have found that SSRI meds have not demonstrated any change in the bodies metabolic rate.

Other studies indicate that in some people SSRI's can cause food cravings and over eating, this resulting in weight gain.

It's really weird. Many have posted here saying that their SSRI caused weight loss, while others report weight gain.

It's hard to say. I asked my Psychiatrist this same question a few months back.
He said that while Tri-cyclic and Tetra-cyclic meds (older antidepressants) can cause weight gain that SSRI's like Lexapro do not.

Who really knows. I'm not sure if that riddle will ever be solved.

[homeschoolsforus]

I have a different opinion of Lexapro.  I gained 35 pounds in 3 months.  If you look around the internet, you will find numerous accounts of the same scenario.  My mom was always a rail and now she's huge . . . she's taking Lexapro.  Doctors will tell you to exercise and watch your calorie intake.  My mom eats like a bird.  I've seen her eat.  Lexapro and meds like it lower your metabolism so low that you can eat nothing and still not lose weight.   They screw up your metabolism so bad that it's hard to regulate it again once you go off the meds.  Trust me.  I'm still trying to lose the last 4 pounds and it's been 4 years!  Not kidding.  My mental health is still not good, but the weight gain is horrendous for someone who already struggles with depression and self-image issues.  

[Cindee56]

Hi, my husband and my son both took Lexapro.  My husband gained about 10 lbs., but my son actually lost weight (he does work out and watches what he eats).

[Hensley258]

I guess it must just depend on the person.

I suppose one could argue that I have gained weight on antidepressant meds.

I started taking them when I was 23 and 180Lbs and now I am 38 and weigh 195Lbs, Thus I suppose it could be due to the AD medication which I have taken without a break since I was 23.

Then again, I know a lot of people that start to pack on a few pounds after age 30 so perhaps that is why my weight is higher now.