Escitalopram and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• wil...
• January 1, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "Have taken for two years. It's the only SSRI I could take. All the other SSRIs had terrible side effects. It really helped with depression and anxiety. It has really helped me to sleep. There are some side effects, however. It has really decreased my libido and does make you gain weight. Because of these effects, I have decreased my dosage. It is a very good medicine, and I would highly recommend it."

• Mar...
• November 20, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "When I first started taking this medication, I was determined to end it all. Four years later, I'm the happiest person I know. I still have a high sex drive, although I've known people to say that Lexapro takes it away for them. I didn't gain any weight, and I've learned through meditation and breathing techniques to handle what small anxiety attacks I may get in my hectic life (two jobs, an apartment, school, long-distance boyfriend) and at 20 years old, I'm better off than most of my friends and feel like I can accomplish anything. Lexapro saved my life."

• sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I had been on Lexapro 20 mg for years and was tired of the weight gain and thought I was okay enough to be off of it. I weaned myself off of it over a long time and went through all of the brain zaps, confusion, exhaustion, etc. But, finally, I was off it. I was starting to get depressed again and not have very clear thoughts, but I thought I could handle it. Then, I got the flu and was on Tamiflu (never again), and all of the depression and anxiety raised their ugly head again. I could not shake it. The horrible thoughts, depression, hopelessness, insomnia, etc. I started back on Lexapro 5 mg a week ago and already feel much better. I am starting to get more tired during the day, but I do not care. I may bump up to 10 mg. If you need it, you need it."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2009

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I got into a burnout and had anxiety, depressive, and obsessive thoughts. I couldn't sleep anymore. My doctor initially prescribed Paxil, but the side effects were horrible, so she switched me to Lexapro. My symptoms gradually went away over a month. The only side effect I had was mild weight gain, which I could not sweat off until I quit the medication. I stayed on Lexapro for just over a year while I also did CBT. I gradually quit over a 6-week period with no withdrawal symptoms. Lexapro literally saved my job, relationship, and my sanity. I only have good comments to say about this drug."

• Kok...
• February 25, 2020

For Anxiety "Today marks one year since beginning Lexapro - I went from not even being able to get up and do a presentation in classes because my knees would shake so bad and my voice would quiver to the point you couldn’t understand me - now I’m confident when I get up there and actually get out everything I practiced beforehand. I also used to overthink and cry a lot - I think now there’s maybe an 80% decrease in crying in my life. No huge major panic attacks since about the second month of the drug - was initially put on it as I had to go to the ER for breathing issues due to panic attacks. Seriously, if you are contemplating an SSRI for your anxiety, don’t hesitate to suggest this one to your doctor - I’m so glad it was suggested to me. Downside: I would say that I have gained weight from the med, maybe around 10-15 lbs, however, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing, as I don’t think I had the healthiest appetite when my anxiety was at its peak (constant stomach aches)."

• LML...
• August 25, 2014

Escitalopram for Depression "I was very depressed after my divorce 11 years ago. I would cry easily every day. My doctor put me on Lexapro 20 mg a day. After a few weeks, I was calm and able to handle the difficulties that I had to face. I have never stopped taking it but have cut back to 10mg per day. Each time I try to wean off Lexapro, I get very emotional again. My only negative effect has been weight gain. Not happy about the weight gain, but it beats crying at the drop of a hat."

• rgi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "My doctor prescribed 10mg Lexapro for severe anxiety about 5 months ago. The first 4 weeks were really rough as the side effects almost caused me to discontinue the medicine. By the 4th week, I had insomnia. I couldn't sleep for several days. I felt like I was on speed. So, I cut the pill in half, and the next day I felt a difference. I've been on 5mg for the last 4 months. And, I must say that it has changed my life for the better. I no longer have those negative thoughts or bouts of anxiety. It's amazing. The only side effects that continue are: clenching of the jaw and weight gain due to an increase in appetite. If you take Lexapro, give it 4 to 5 weeks to work before giving up. Best of luck."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "Before I started taking Lexapro, I had recurring suicidal thoughts constantly. I've been taking it for 3 months now, and I honestly can't believe how great the results are. I have zero suicidal thoughts, which is a first. My anxiety has pretty much disappeared completely, which I didn't even realize that I had some anxiety until the medicine started working. I actually get up and do stuff again! I finally got my life back under control thanks to Lexapro. I was afraid to take it at first because I was afraid to gain weight like some people experience, and I actually have gained 5 lbs, but it actually looks good on me because I was extremely slender before. I'm on 10 mg, btw."

• mC1...
• March 22, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Lexapro for about 2 months now, and I notice an immediate change. I suffered from bad anxiety attacks where I would have them two or three times a night. I was miserable by the time I got prescribed Lexapro. My doctor initially prescribed me Xanax to get me through until my antidepressants started working because they don't have that initial 'kick' like Xanax has. I was happy that I had the Lexapro to help me with my depression, and more so anxiety. The only side effects I have noticed are weight gain and lowered sex drive. I think those are nothing compared to feeling depressed. I would recommend this antidepressant."

• Nan...
• September 25, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I developed a chemical imbalance 6 years ago, producing anxiety, depression, and OCD. I experienced horrible intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and fear. I was prescribed Lexapro. After 2 weeks, I noticed significant relief. However, I began to gain weight, experience sexual side effects, and hair loss. Yet, the intrusive thoughts faded along with the anxiety and depression, making it a worthwhile trade-off. Due to weight gain, I switched to Zoloft. Gradually, I tapered off the Zoloft, but my symptoms returned. I tried using vitamins and amino acids (result of Y-tube and online research...beware) to no avail. I began taking Zoloft again, but experienced terrible side effects, increased anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, and panic. I kept reading, 'it gets worse before it gets better.' But after weeks of pure torture, I switched back to Lexapro. After one week, my anxiety level decreased. I have now been on Lexapro for 4 weeks and noticed increased improvement each week."

• Ann...
• September 20, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Lexapro changed my life. I have had IBS since I was a teenager. It caused me great anxiety and fear of going anywhere because I just knew I was going to need a bathroom urgently. When I turned 40, it got so bad I could not make it to work without having a horrible stomachache, which would cause me to panic and have an anxiety attack. Within a week of taking 5mg Lexapro a day, I was a new person. I feel more like myself on it than off it. I have been on it for 4 years. I tried to go off it once, and the diarrhea returned. The side effects for me were low libido, a little weight gain, less irritable but anger more severe, tired after taking, which coffee cures. The side effects decreased over time. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the side effects."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "To start, I have always been anxious to start a medication. However, Lexapro (10 mg) has been great for me. The first 2-3 weeks are full of mild-to-moderate side effects, BUT they will go away. It can be hard for people to realize the first few weeks can be bad, but they do go away - such as heightened anxiety/depression, poor sleep, digestive problems, etc. As of now (12+ weeks in), I have no side effects. My anxiety, worsened by my job, is much more tolerable. My sleep problems I had due to my stress are now gone. My overall mood is much more stable. Do I still have anxiety? Of course, it isn't a miracle pill, but it makes living with an anxiety disorder a lot easier. Consistent and long-term usage is going to make my life happier and less anxious, and I'm happy for that. I haven't noticed a huge weight gain, which is a bonus, but I think I gained a pound or two, which is common for people who were thin prior to taking the medication due to lessened anxiety."

• Pau...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 5, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Not every medicine is for everyone, but as one who has tried most of the major pharmaceuticals for major depression, panic attacks, severe anxiety, and anxiety-related bouts of obsessive-compulsive disorder, I can tell you Lexapro is the only medicine that I've been able to stay on and be effective for my mental well-being. It is the only one I've had no side effects with. Other SSRIs have either made me more anxious and/or depressed, caused dry mouth, significant weight gain, or extreme fatigue, making me feel like a walking zombie during the day. I've been on Lexapro for 6 years now, taking from 20 to 30 milligrams each day. During the months with the most sunshine, 20mg is effective. During the winter months, I have to increase it by 10 mg. I supplement with 4000 to 6000 IU of D3 daily."

• dsj...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 12, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have GAD, dysthymia, and ADD and have tried Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Lamictal, Lyrica, Ritalin, Attentin, Vyvanse, and Modafinil. I will definitely say that the most effective medication for me is Lexapro; it also has the least side effects. The problems I have with Lexapro long term are lethargy, insomnia, and some weight gain. The upside on Lexapro is way less anxiety, depression, and rumination."

• Cor...
• June 25, 2017

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Anxiety lifer here. My demon has gotten cruel in the past few years by manifesting itself in severe premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) every time I start to leave the house or get in a slightly stressful situation. After a massive panic attack on a flight home from London to DC, I decided I had enough. I told my GP I want to go back on Lexapro. Like every other time, Lexapro works almost immediately for me - my PVCs and agoraphobia have muted drastically on only 5 mg a day! Yes, there is slight weight gain and potential sexual side effects, but I'll take those over the other stuff any day. It's cliche, but I do feel like I have my life back. I even ventured out for a run around the city tonight with zero PVCs. Sucks being on a drug, but I'm ok with it today."

• jc0...
• May 2, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had extreme anxiety, panic attacks, couldn't ever sleep, and excessive worrying. Lexapro helped immediately. I went from 10 mg to eventually 20 mg, it helped so much, but I gained about 15 lbs. I craved sweets and carbs all the time! My doctor told me to try to go back to 10 mg, but then I became very irritable, so I went back to 20 mg for months. Just last night, I tried 15 mg... Wow! My appetite is normal, no food binges, no sleepy fog, no anxiety, and my energy already feels normal!! It is only the first day, but I am hoping this dose is my permanent one. Before Lexapro, I was getting a lot of OCD-type scary thoughts that would not leave my mind, making me feel like I was going crazy, and now my doctor discovered I have a genetic factor. Lifelong - Lexapro"

• Way...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 4, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I have taken this drug for two years. First at 20 mg for one year, and now at 10 mg. It worked starting in less than a week. It did get to the point where I was blitzed (sleepy) way too much at 20 mg. It is a libido killer, that is true, sad to say. And I got fat. However, the antidote is to work out like crazy. I ballooned from 207 lb to 222 lb, and today I am now at 205 lb & dropping. The drug makes you want to eat; I don't think the drug directly makes you fat. My depression went from a 9 out of 10 to a 1. My anxiety went from an 8 out of 10 to a 3. So, the drug is worth it. No, there is no perfect drug, but if you want to be well, well...consider what I say, and best wishes as you work towards remission."

• Tsr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 16, 2014

Escitalopram for Depression "Out of nowhere, due to what they think is genetics, I got hit with depression, anxiety, and a form of OCD in my early twenties. The Lexapro was a lifesaver. Although I still have negative thoughts on a daily basis, I'm able to cope, and I'm not miserable like I was. However, there is one common downside to this medicine that has left me terribly upset and frustrated. I've been on Lexapro for a year and a half now and have put on about 20 lbs. I work out almost every day and eat right for the most part. I have not shed a pound. I've never been this big before and to me, I feel as though Lexapro isn't worth it anymore. I'm weaning off of it with my doctor's help and am going to try and cope with my issues with different methods."

• Gal...
• June 2, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "Lexapro is amazing for blocking out overthinking, anger, and rage. It's a miracle pill. BUT, I was 120 pounds, model skinny. I'm 5'8, I had an amazing metabolism, my body was rock solid. After 2 years of Lexapro, I am now 170 pounds. Even when I try to work out and eat healthy, the scale doesn't move. Sure, I will lose about 4 pounds and that's it. Don't take this medicine if you don't want to gain weight. I have never been fat in my entire life, and now I am more depressed than ever."

• Sho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2014

Escitalopram for Depression "Lexapro (Cipralex in Canada) is an effective antidepressant that worked well for generalized anxiety disorder. I took it because I had general anxiety (occasional panic attacks) and depression. It worked well in both areas. It helped a lot with mood, confidence, anxiety, and motivation. But it was not without side effects. It does cause weight gain, although the exact reason is confusing. I went from 180 pounds to 200 pounds in 6 months. There are also sexual side effects, prolonged ejaculation with very little feeling, and a strange feeling of being unable to urinate freely (taking longer than usual). It made me very sleepy. Weaning off is difficult. Those are the pros and cons. If the cons don't sound too bad to you, it will help, otherwise, it might not."

• it ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2019

For Anxiety "Had anxiety for years, but it got out of control in the last 6 months with some stuff that happened in my life. I constantly had a sick stomach from anxiety, I could barely function, wasn't sleeping well, constant racing thoughts, overanalyzing, etc. Started with 10 mg, but after a month, it had no effect, so my doctor upped me to 20 mg. After 3-4 weeks, it started to work, and I honestly didn't know I could feel this good. My brain no longer races, I don't overanalyze things or over-worry. I had no idea just how bad my anxiety was all these years and that I didn't have to live like that. I've gained a little weight from it, and the first month I had some insomnia and vivid dreams, but they went away with time. Just be patient."

• Pan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 22, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Almost a year on Lexapro, and it worked to improve my OCD like 70% or more. But the side effects from Lexapro were weight gain and loss of sexual drive. My dose that I am taking is 20 mg. My psychiatrist said that at a year, he will lower the dosage. I hope the symptoms don't come back again! Overall, it is a great drug, the only downside is the side effects that I mentioned. By the way, medication must come hand in hand with therapy!"

• Qui...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had 2 experiences with Lexapro. First, the good news... it takes the edge off. You will initially feel better, at least I did. BUT... after 5 to 6 months... I was tired all the time, had a lack of interest in anything, gained weight which I couldn’t lose, and found myself without anxiety but felt depressed. Now the WORST part... it was very, very, very difficult to get off! I felt severe depression and an awful feeling of a constant lump in my stomach, riddled with anxiety. I couldn’t take it, so I went back on. I then did my research. I gradually got off it by taking Vitamin C, B complex, turmeric, and rhodiola. I exercised (walked and meditated) every day. I eventually was able to get off over a 3-month period. I would never take the drug again. Hate to say never, but that’s how I feel. I am off 2 years now and feel well! I found vitamins, herbs, meditation, and exercise are the best tools for anxiety."

• Ver...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Every little thing was sending me off to the hospital where only Xanax and Zofran could calm me down. Racing, horrible thoughts followed by bouts of nausea. I couldn't deal with any of the little ups and downs of life, let alone anything major. Something major would have me in bed for 3 days straight. All my life, I'd been strong, and just when you get older and the punches of life get harder, I had turned into a sobbing mess. My doctor prescribed Lexapro, and that was the end of my nightmare. Sure, I gained 20-30 pounds, but it was worth it to me. The other day, another punch came my way, and I was able to take it, think about how to resolve it without ending up in the hospital like I used to. Thank you to whoever made this drug. It has been a lifesaver for me and my family."

• KRI...
• August 28, 2015

Escitalopram for Depression "Lexapro was a lifesaver for me. I have really bad TMJ and was in pain daily. The Lexapro really helped me calm down, and my symptoms went away within a few months! This was my first time taking any medication like this, and to be honest, I was so embarrassed to be on it, but after I saw how much it helped me and others, there is nothing to be ashamed of! The only bad thing is I gained 10 lbs. I went from 123 lbs to 133 lbs in a matter of 5 months. (Still worked out 5 days a week and ate clean.) Other than the weight gain, I would highly recommend Lexapro."