I have recently been prescribed 5mg escitalopram as my anxiety and depression is at its worst but my only problem is really don’t want to gain weight as I am struggling with it.
Does escitalopram cause weight gain?
Question posted by Sarahc1985 on 22 May 2022
Last updated on 25 May 2022 by Stresshead
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Answers
Stresshead
25 May 2022
I was on the same dose and it didn’t affect my appetite at all - I know everyone is different, but I’ve tried most and the only one that really did that was Mirtazapine.
WildcatVet
22 May 2022
Hi, Sara!
As with most, if not all, psychotropic medications escitalopram can cause weight changes in some users but these changes can go either way... loss or gain:
"Common (1% to 10% of users): Decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight decreased, weight increased
Uncommon (0.1% to 1% of users): Anorexia, carbohydrate craving, thirst, weight decreased"
It just depends on your response to the medication.
Just my experience... I took escitalopram for over seven years and didn't gain an ounce.
Sarahc1985
23 May 2022
Thanks fir your info. Did they work well for you I have literally been on every tablet going and only works for a little then I end up back to square one. I seem to put on weight with them all .
WildcatVet
24 May 2022
I've been very lucky with several medications including escitalopram that worked very well. The only problem was that after years of use they all "pooped out" on me.
If something seems to be working for you and starts to become less effective work with your doctor... sometimes dosage adjustments will do the trick or you can add a "booster" like Abilify or Rexulti. Another option as far as weight gain might be bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is less likely to cause metabolic weight changes.
Take care and good luck to you.
Related topics
depression, weight loss (obesity/overweight), anxiety, escitalopram, weight, prescription
Further information
- Escitalopram uses and safety info
- Escitalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Escitalopram (detailed)
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