Lexapro and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Car...
• February 20, 2016

For Depression "I paid $250 for the brand name after having tried the generic 3 months ago with horrible results. Started at 5 mg; immediate increase in anxiety. Bad dreams, insomnia, diarrhea. Doctor said to go up to 10 mg after one week; could not focus, could not eat, intense agitation, uncontrollable crying, crazy thoughts. Anxiety hit the roof - couldn't leave the house. Saw a psychologist; next a psychiatrist - immediately stopped the Lexapro and within 24 hours felt 90% better. This drug is not for all. Sexual side effects and weight gain are high for most. Do your homework."

• OMG...
• June 11, 2009

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I love Lexapro. I was having chest pain daily along with my heart skipping beats due to stress and anxiety. I began taking Lexapro and hardly ever have chest pain. I feel like myself again. I have gained a good bit of weight, but for me, it is worth not having daily chest pains and anxiety."

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 25, 2019

For Anxiety "I had problems with severe panic attacks, and my GP decided to have me try this. It worked like a charm in that the ruminations were gone and my anxiety decreased greatly (although never disappeared). However, the side effects made me stop taking it - mostly weight gain."

• Pur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2023

For Anxiety "Honestly, I really liked this medication. It helped a lot with anxiety, but it causes me to gain a lot of weight, which is not normal for me. It seems to slow my metabolism because I continue to eat completely normal, like I’ve always been, and I gained 10 pounds within 2 months. I stopped for a while and tried it again, same issue. I gained 6 pounds within 1 month. Super sad to stop taking it, but I can’t afford to gain weight that quickly."

• Sur...
• November 15, 2014

For Depression "Worked amazing and turned my life around for 1-4 months, then I got bad again, and now I'm on something else, but Lexapro does affect my weight, but I felt so amazing for 3 months, and that was more important to me at the time."

• Alm...
• July 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Lexapro 5mg for six months. The only problem I had was week one being very tired. I tapered with no problem. Two years later, anxiety is back, and the doctor prescribed Lexapro again. After day 3, I have had enough. I woke up soaking wet in sweat, and the nausea is just too much. The worst was when I got up for water, I got so dizzy I almost hit the kitchen floor. Also, last time I packed on the pounds (like 20). I have lost 4lbs this go-around. All I can look at is cereal, and that is not even appealing. I know my doctor would prescribe clonazepam again, but I really don't want to go that route. I will see how I feel in the next couple of days and call him if I’m not better. I know people say to hang in there, but just not for me anymore."

• Sja...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 30, 2017

For Anxiety "Lexapro (which is called Cipralex here in Canada) was what they put me on when I first became extremely anxious (after trying talk therapy and Ativan when needed). It KO'd my anxiety extremely well (alongside continued therapy). Not only was my acute anxiety that was causing panic attacks and made me unable to leave the house handled, but also the social anxiety I've lived with all my life. However, it caused me to gain a significant amount of weight, my emotions were somewhat blunted, and for the first few months I was on it, I would get quite sleepy in the morning. It did stop working for me after about 2.5 years, but as a short-term anxiety treatment, it served me well."

• sop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Lexapro (20 mg) for 2 years, and prior to that, I was taking Paxil (25 mg) for 6 months (25 y/o female). My personality completely changed upon taking Lexapro-very apathetic, aggressive, secluded. I gained weight (20 lbs) and could not drink more than 2/3 alcoholic drinks without risking a blackout. If I didn’t take the pill for 2 days, I would absolutely freak out. All I could do is cry and complain. I would sweat, shake, zap, and get nauseous/dizzy every time I moved. I decided to get off this terrible medication! I am on week 4, and it’s been three days since my last dose. I’m starting to feel bad. I cannot sleep, no appetite, I can’t focus, I feel dizzy all the time, and my body temperature is never comfortable. Mood swings are a big one. Distracting yourself is key!"

• Sha...
• January 4, 2017

For Depression "I was put on Lexapro 3 years ago to treat depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The first 2 months were standard. Adjusting and getting the dose right. I ended up on 20 mg. After the initial adjustment, I experienced panic attacks, which came frequently, worsening anxiety. Over 3 years, I gained 12 kg. It in no way helped PMDD. I weaned myself from 20 mg down to 5 mg over 6 months, which was hell, then stayed on 5 mg for another 12 months. I have since had my ovaries removed and a total hysterectomy to get rid of PMDD. Now, 4 weeks ago, I stopped the 5 mg cold turkey, as the tapering was so bad. Lexapro took so much of my life, and coming off is the hardest thing I've ever done, and I'm still withdrawing after 4 weeks. It's been a nightmare!"

• Anonymous
• September 1, 2011

For Depression "I've struggled with depression most of my life. Really chaotic childhood. Both parents died of cancer when I was still young. I'm 6'4", 250 lbs, 50 y.o. male. Went through all the tricyclic antidepressants: no relief, just side effects. Prozac and Zoloft: nothing. Paxil: uneven results, weight gain. Then saw a psychopharmacologist who started combining multiple drugs, which did help for a while. Finally went off everything and relapsed. Decided a few years ago to go back and tried Lexapro for the first time. Rather amazing! Minimal side effects. Lots of relief. Felt my confidence return while the depression melted away. Became more social. Laughed more. Vigorous exercise makes it even more effective. The effect tapered off after 6 months or so, which is frustrating. However, the severe depression hasn't returned. Expensive without insurance, but it beats being depressed, isolated, and suicidal. Highly recommend you try it. Ask for samples first until you know it'll work for you. Don't be hesitant to switch medicines if what you're taking doesn't work. All SSRIs are not the same."

• SA1...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took this medication for around a year after which I had to come off because of weight gain. I gained 30 pounds, which increased my blood pressure. I also had an allergic reaction (mild hives) and heart-pounding anxiety while taking this med. After weaning off, I started a new medication, Fluoxetine, which helps my anxiety a lot more. Would recommend but talk to your doctor about side effects if they are making you feel uncomfortable."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2009

For Depression "I have been on and off antidepressants my whole life. I have been on Lexapro for a year, and it helped tons. I don't feel depressed anymore, but it seems that I don't have a range of emotions. I always seem somewhat subdued, not able to cry, and I don't get very excited about anything. I have trouble falling asleep and actually getting good sleep. I guess because of that I am often tired during the day. The sexual side effects are irritating. I gained a little weight, but I also quit smoking, so that may have had a part in the weight gain. On a positive note, I am not so overwhelmed with worrying. I can concentrate much better at school. My irritability has lessened. I feel sane again."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2011

For Depression "Was given Lexapro for mild depression. During the 18 months I was on it, I suffered hot flushes, constant tiredness, severe carbohydrate craving with a weight gain of approximately 2 kg per month, all in the upper body, especially the abdominal region. No sexual desire and complete apathy. My GP put this down to depression and kept increasing the dosage. My family intervened when my liver bloods started to be abnormal. I came off Lexapro from 20 mg per day over a 2-month period. Since being off it, I feel amazing, 8 hours of sleep is sufficient, whereas on Lexapro I was sleeping up to 14 hours daily and still constantly tired. The abdominal weight gain has vanished without any change in my routine, and most importantly, the hot flushes are gone. 32 yr female."

• bp1...
• September 28, 2007

For Depression "I am a 50-year-old female. I have been on every antidepressant known to man. I also take Xanax and have been on it for 23 years. (Hereditary chemical imbalance, I was a mess.) Lexapro is the only med I have taken that has helped tremendously with no side effects. Doxepin made me gain LOTS of weight. I take it to eat because without it I keep knots in my stomach. The only thing Lexapro did not help with: my appetite. Overweight now, but feel a lot better. Going to try quitting Doxepin now with Lexapro."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2016

For Depression "I went on Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I noticed that generally it relieved my anxiety symptoms, but had some bad side effects for me. Most troubling was the weight gain. I've always been quite slim, but while on Lexapro I gained about 30 pounds, so that was very distressing for me. Also, if I forgot to take my medication I'd get terrible migraines. I'm now transitioning off of this medication because of the weight gain. I've already started to see a difference and lost a couple of pounds (with healthy eating and regular exercise). Overall, this med was good for my anxiety, but meh for everything else."

• Chr...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 23, 2023

For Anxiety "Prescribed for anxiety, panic, and depression. The first time I was prescribed this stuff, I went from 10 mg to 15 mg to 20 mg. I got fat. I mean, I gained 75 lbs on this generic Lexapro, and I don't think that is common. I lived this way for a couple of years and felt sluggish and numb. But I lost weight from swimming daily, and then swimming calmed me down so much that I could taper off. A few years later, my new job became so stressful and I was back to Lexapro. This time I didn't gain weight, and I stopped having full-blown panic attacks (taken in conjunction with another med). Depression grew worse than anxiety after a while, and I tapered off Lex because I felt numb. A few years later, I had a crisis and experienced trauma, and we are now at 30 mg Lex. No weight gain, and if I feel numb, then I'm lucky. It is likely preventing full-blown panic attacks at this point. Why do I feel like I will be on this med at 85? I see no chance of stopping, given my extreme levels of anxiety and panic."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've now been on Lexapro for 5 months. The doctor started me on 5 mg. The initial side effects for me were drowsiness after taking it, so I took it after dinner. I am now at 15 mg. I no longer experience drowsiness. I am a completely different person. I am so happy I stuck through it. This medication takes time! I am now able to have small talk with cashiers. I am able to take better care of myself. I don't feel as anxious, and for the first time in my life, I feel comfortable with myself. My emotions are very stable. I no longer get stuck in a deep depression or self-destructive thoughts. The long-term side effects I've experienced are not being able to orgasm as well as 6 lb weight gain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2013

For Anxiety "First, the positive. I've suffered from anxiety my entire life. This medication helped tremendously in that it was under control while I was on it. If you suffer from anxiety, you know how wonderful this can be. The negative. I gained 20 pounds quickly that I couldn't get rid of. I decided to get off the medication because I was trying to get pregnant. The withdrawals were really bad. I had brain zaps non-stop, couldn't stand up straight because of dizziness and extreme confusion. Now, keep in mind I tapered myself slowly off this medication, per doctor's orders. It took 5 months before I wasn't experiencing these withdrawal symptoms. Horrific."

• Nat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 25, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My new Dr. asked me to switch from Paxil to Lexapro since I have gained weight over the course of taking Paxil. I have to say Paxil was working perfectly for me at 20 mg. I was really nervous he asked me to switch. Worst thing I have ever done in regard to medicine... I have been weak, have stomach pain, diarrhea, dizzy, and just not feeling normal. I am definitely going back to Paxil."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Anxiety "18-year-old male here, it has had minimal changes to my panic attacks associated with my anxiety disorders. In fact, it may have made my obsessive fears worse. I did feel a little less depressed last month than I did over the summer, though. It also caused sexual dysfunction and made me gain 28 pounds in 4 months."

• Bey...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 2, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro is an absolutely fantastic medication for anxiety. I went on it from 2014 to 2015 and had life-changing results, but I ended up going off because I gained 10 to 15 lbs. I ended up switching to Prozac, which is good for anxiety too, but it is not the same. Lexapro brought me somewhat of a euphoria. I felt liberated. It feels more 'pure' than Prozac. Fast forward to 2017, I have decided to try Lexapro again."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2008

For Anxiety "I have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for 4 months for anxiety and panic attack disorder with mild OCD. The panic attacks went away completely, and my anxiety was lessened. I am no longer walking around with a constant lump in my stomach, and I feel stable. I had chest pains from the anxiety, and they also went away after a month on Lexapro. If you experience side effects in the beginning, please try to stick it out, it is worth it. I had some side effects (restlessness, insomnia, worsening of panic episodes, dry mouth, and sweating), but they went away after 4 weeks. The only bad thing about Lexapro is the weight gain. I gained 12 lbs in 2 months. Recently, I had to up my dose to 15 mg when my dad died, and I started feeling anxious again. Good luck, all."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2008

For Depression "Wonderful drug but causes weight gain. I've had depression on and off for 4 years and have been on all sorts of medicines. You name it, I probably have tried it. Out of all of them, this one is truly the best. You will most definitely see an improvement in your mood, without a doubt. I am so thankful for Lexapro."

• sim...
• March 28, 2010

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine worked extremely well to treat my anxiety disorder. It did not take long for the medicine to help me control the problems I was experiencing. I used 20 mgs for about 4 and a half years. The only thing that prevents this treatment from receiving a higher score are the side effects and withdrawal symptoms. The side effects I experienced were a definite decrease in sexual desire and weight gain in my midsection. Personally, I don't feel that any drug treatment is a permanent option, so when I decided to wean off of the drug, I figured it would not have that great of an effect on me. Yet the withdrawal symptoms that I am currently experiencing are quite terrible. I am sure they will go away with time, but I could definitely do without."

• sam...
• March 7, 2010

For Depression "I used Lexapro for a year and a half. Last resort (I mistrust drugs) for my circumstantial depression and PTSD. I was surprised to find that Lexapro worked great for me. I had almost no side effects starting up or since, it began working in 2 days. I worked up slow from 5 to 10 mg and stayed at 10 mg. A charm: I felt level, smoothed, yet still emotional and alive. NOT numb. Positive, happy mostly, tend toward joy. More tolerant and patient too. It did NOT reduce my libido, but DID cause weight gain. 30 pounds since 08 without changing my very healthy moderate diet. Weight won't budge, unusual for me. I have begun tapering, thinking I was ready. I'm shocked that I miss it. I'm a better person on it, the edges smoothed. If not for the FAT, I'd continue."