Escitalopram and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Pat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "My problem started 5 years ago. After some struggling in my career, my anxiety started to get worse (I’m a perfectionist, so I have anxiety quite often). I first started with Paxil. It went well for about 6 months, but the side effects of sex drive were really bad, so the doctor changed it to Lexapro. After 3 months, my sex problem was getting better, not perfect, but better. I had Lexapro for 4 years, and it worked pretty well on my emotions. I see the world in a positive way. I care less about things that I shouldn’t care about. I focus more on things and people I love. Still, there are some side effects that remain, such as drowsiness, weight gain, or tiredness, but they’re all bearable compared to the anxiety I have suffered. I tried to wean off 2 times, but it lasted only 2-3 months before relapsing. So I guess it’s my long-time companion, and it’s a true friend. Tips: You can feel worse after taking any antidepressants for the first week (or two), but trust me, it will be better."

• bda...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 24, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on Lexapro for about 10 years. Hardly any side effects, sweating and possible weight gain, however, that could also be due to improved appetite. I'm very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone."

• K-M...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2018

Escitalopram for Depression "I currently take Lexapro 17.5 mg for OCD/depression/anxiety. This drug has given me my life back. I was going off the deep end until I was prescribed this medication. I had some side effects to start off (trouble sleeping, weight gain), but have curbed these side effects through diet and exercise. Lexapro does a great job lifting depression and definitely helps with anxiety. I highly recommend this SSRI over Zoloft, which I was on for about 2 years. I also like the fact that the dosing of this med is much lower than that of Zoloft. Great experience with Lexapro. Helps with some of my anger too."

• Ale...
• November 14, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I rarely-if ever?-review medications or pharmaceuticals. Spurred on by a comment regarding 'those who take antidepressants,' I've started speaking out on not only my depression and anxiety but also on the benefits of physician-prescribed medications for the same. (Just like we would treat diabetes and HBP, we can and should feel comfortable seeking treatment for anxiety and depression.) So, about Lexapro: I'm on 5 mg now, have taken 10 mg in the past. Five mg is just about the right dose for me, and YES, it does work at that low of a dose. I have not experienced weight gain, nor lethargy, and I have gained what can only be described as peace of mind. I feel like there was a microchip missing, and now, that my brain is whole."

• xwp...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 21, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "I ended up on escitalopram about 2-3 years ago because the previous med (Effexor XR) was causing steady weight gain I just couldn't manage anymore (50+ lbs. in 9 months). And this has hands down been the best med I've ever been on. It doesn't seem to affect my weight at all, and I feel completely 'normal' for possibly the first time since childhood (about 30 years ago). I'm on 20 mg, as 10 mg just wasn't quite cutting it, and my doctor also later added buspirone to help with some lingering anxiety. I found Effexor to be generally more effective for anxiety, and Lexapro more effective for depression, so I think this escitalopram/buspirone combo works well for me."

• Hel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 18, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "First, let me start by saying that I have tried quite a few medications for both anxiety and depression. Lexapro has been my favorite so far! I was on it for a while for anxiety and panic, and I noticed my anxiety and panic drastically reduce. The first time I really noticed it was when I was sitting in my car at a red light. Before, I had horrible anxiety and panic at red lights because I felt trapped. However, I noticed one time while sitting at a red light after being on Lexapro that I didn't feel any panic at all! It was such a great feeling. Then... I did something stupid. I noticed that I gained some weight and attributed it to Lexapro. I decided to go off of it because of this, and my doctor prescribed me Bupropion. Horrible decision. That drug made me the absolute worst version of myself, so I quit it cold turkey, and now I am desperately wishing I hadn't quit Lexapro. I would take the slight weight gain any day over not feeling the anxiety and panic."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "After years of battling depression, anxiety, and insomnia, I finally broke down and went to the doctor again. This time, determined to ride out the horrible side effects and actually let it work. I didn't want to be on medication, and most cause weight gain, which was a big part of why I fought it so long. But Lexapro was the right choice for me. Getting through the adjustment period was rough, but in about 3 weeks, I was feeling notably better. Still on 5 mg and will stay on this dose as long as possible. It has been 2 months, and I have gained a couple pounds, but I have also been very undisciplined with my eating. Stick with it, good luck!"

• Emp...
• November 28, 2018

Escitalopram for Depression "When I started taking Lexapro, I was afraid I would feel weird, I didn't. I felt relieved that now I remembered how a smile felt. Then I thought I was better, so I stopped taking them, which was a huge mistake. Yes, there's weight gain, and yes, I have occasional muscle jerks, but the good outweighs the bad. Back on them again and happy."

• Spa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2014

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Starting Lexapro was tough. Shivering with stomach cramps, for a week I constantly felt like I had taken some bad, terribly impure Ecstasy. Once I became acclimated to the drug, my postpartum anxiety disappeared; however, I was incredibly fatigued during the day. I also stopped caring about most things in general. My house wasn't as clean, and creative endeavors came to a halt. My short-term memory declined. It felt like my brain was muffled. I experienced lucid, unnerving dreams/nightmares most nights while taking Lexapro. I gained 8 pounds in the 8 months I took it, all in my middle. It took a long time to get this off afterward. Getting off Lexapro was also tough, with back pain, insomnia, and 10 days of 'brain zaps'."

• Sav...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 14, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Take it for 2 years, increase the dose very slowly to 10 mg. All the panic, anxiety, and IBS gone. Worked for 2 years and then stopped working. My social anxiety on that drug was zero. Now trying Zoloft, hope it helps. Don't increase the dose up to 2.5mg to a week and you will not have any side effects. I also gained weight with this medication."

• kyl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2023

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I had been against taking medication my entire life until the inherent sadness in my mind and soul became too much to handle. The destructive thoughts that plagued me made me worry about my future. However, Lexapro has allowed the normal chemicals that most humans have to produce naturally within my mind. I've been in awe that I could have been feeling this way for so much longer. There are mild disadvantages, such as a slight weight gain (which I think looks pretty good, so maybe it's an advantage), but the main disadvantage is that the sadness I've known every day of my life isn't so present anymore. This new happiness is great, but what do I do if I'm not on the edge of crying? Just kidding. There's just a small part of me that wishes I could retain a bit of that sadness, but the happiness and anxiety-free life are so much better than this slight 'loss of myself' is something I can deal with. It's much better than a foggy, zombie Benzo. Lexapro is as subtle as one could hope."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2012

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Been taking 20 mg per day of Lexapro for 15 months now. Was diagnosed with anxiety and slight depression. Would have panic attacks and hyperventilate. Took about 4 weeks to see full effect. Was given Klonopin as needed until Lexapro kicked in. It has made me feel so much better. I have not had a panic attack in a year. I can actually get out of bed in the morning now. At first, it would make me very tired when I took it, but that stopped after a few months. It made a huge difference in my life. Did not really have any side effects. A little weight gain, but I would rather have that than have panic attacks."

• Bug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on 10 mg of Lexapro (generic version) since 2012. It has helped me a great deal. I was prescribed the med for generalized anxiety, which used to impair my ability to function - I could not sleep at all; an extended period of sleep deprivation would trigger depression, which was hell. I experienced panic attacks just as I would start to fall asleep; it would jolt me up, and I was never able to fall back to sleep. I could not eat and lost a lot of weight. I got a very good doctor, and he prescribed a sleeping aid with Lexapro until Lexapro's anti-anxiety effects kicked in. I took the sleeping aid for about 5-6 weeks until I started to sleep 4-5 hours. One big adverse side effect is weight gain; I gained 25 pounds in 3 years."

• mon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "I was on Lexapro for 14 months, 10 mg. I was hungry every 3 hours and gained 8 lbs. After I stopped Lexapro, the excessive hunger disappeared. Also, while on Lexapro, I thought I had developed irritable bowel syndrome, but all symptoms stopped when I went off Lexapro."

• Vic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was prescribed it 1 yr ago for daily panic attacks & GAD. Took my first 5 mg in the morning & 1 hr later fell asleep. Woke up in 3 hrs weak & terrified. “Never again,” I thought. Decided that I’d stick to Xanax during panic attacks, go to therapy, meditate, etc. Struggled for 10 more days, got even worse until fear of the state I was in outweighed the fear of taking Lexapro again. My doctor told me to cut a 5 mg pill in half and take it in the evenings. In a week, I increased the dose to 5 mg. Stayed on it for 2 weeks with no improvements. Switched to 10 mg & in about a week noticed some changes. This was a “turtle walk” for me. Took about a month after switching to 10 mg to stop taking Xanax daily. About another month for the morning knot in my stomach to go away. Panic attacks stopped completely after about 4 months, anxiety went away after 6-7 months. I am off it now for a month & feeling good! Gained 25 lbs, had headaches & fatigue while tapering off."

• Ash...
• March 10, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been taking Lexapro since May of 2014 for OCD and mild depression. It has helped me leaps and bounds! I was able to get my moods leveled again and regain control over my life. Started out taking 20 mg but have been down to 10 mg for about a year. Currently tapering off. The one downside, the only reason I can't give it a rating of 10, is because I've gained 25 lbs while taking it. I am/have always been very active and eat primarily healthy, yet continued to gain weight. No matter how active or strictly I stuck to a meal plan, the weight would not budge. But it was still worth it to get me out of the dark place I was in."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 12, 2015

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am on 20 mg Lexapro for 18 months now. I feel better than I have in years, however, I've gained about 30 lbs, which is now really getting me down. I suppose I need to balance my mental health with how I look, but it does get to me. Anyone else suffered with weight gain?"

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2009

Escitalopram for Bipolar Disorder "I'm 27 years old and have been on Lexapro for about 2 1/2 years now. It has really saved my life. I fought depression and anger problems for most of my life. I tried all kinds of other medicines, and nothing helped. I went through a really bad divorce about three years ago and got very depressed. I never really knew how I was treating people until I started taking Lexapro and getting better. I felt good about my life. Lexapro saved my life when I thought there was hope. I'm so thankful. The only side effect I've had is a little weight gain. I don't like the weight gain, but I wouldn't give up Lexapro for anything."

• Hap...
• October 13, 2022

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Female, 28, dose 20 mg daily for 5 months. I wouldn't say I liked the thought of medication. Before medication, I did therapy for about four years, and it did help me a lot, but I still would be so anxious. My chest would literally be sore for the sheer amount of anxiety I was feeling every day. I could function and do life, but I was suffering. My husband finally convinced me to try medication, and I'm so glad he did. The first several weeks, I felt worse, but slowly I started to feel better. A LOT better, things that used to send me spiraling didn't even phase me. I feel like a totally different person. I constantly run into things I know freaked me out in the past and think to myself, “this must be how other people feel every day.” It's fantastic. Now, for the negatives, it did get rid of my sex drive for the first four months, and I couldn't orgasm either. I also gained about 15 pounds. I'm feeling good enough, so I started going to the gym last week. Give it a shot."

• MCB...
• August 19, 2014

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Really helps to stabilize the constant anxiety I've experienced before starting this medicine. I've noticed that the dose that works best for my generalized anxiety disorder is 20 mg, but I've also gained 20 lbs since starting this medicine despite being active. I'm curious to know what dosage of this medicine has worked for your condition and how you manage the weight gain on this pill."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 30, 2021

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "After my daughter was born, I developed severe postpartum depression and anxiety. I started Lexapro 20 mg. Now, 9 years later, same dose. There is good and bad. My anxiety was much better, and I was able to function again. I have dealt with the side effects for 9 years - extreme apathy and carelessness, no natural affection for my family, weight gain. I get in a terrible way when I try to taper off and quit. Very ill physically and mentally. I will likely take it forever."

• Luc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2016

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "Lexapro has been the only antidepressant I've taken that has alleviated my depression at all. It worked well for me, and it started working within 2 days! I could laugh again, and my anxiety went down. I took 20 mg daily. Unfortunately, within 6 months, I gained 25 lbs! That was the only drawback, and I had to stop taking it because of the weight gain. The first couple of times I took it, everything looked fuzzy and psychedelic, but that went away quickly. I'd say it's definitely worth a try if you're depressed or anxious."

• sha...
• June 2, 2009

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was on Paxil and switched to Lexapro a few years back (3) and have not had many side effects. It really does calm me down, so I have become a nicer person and shrug off things that I would normally go crazy about, less shouting, etc. I take 20 mg. I do feel it has made me lazier and as a result, I have been putting on some weight as I exercise less. It does affect orgasms, which are much harder to pull off and take incredible effort. I tried 3 times to go off the drug cold turkey, with terrible results. I just became depressed. After a few days, I just went back on it again and after 15 minutes felt the glow of calm come into my body and I was 'normal' again. It is addictive, to quit, definitely need to decrease dose gradually."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I am a 62-year-old male and have been taking 10 mg of Lexapro for 7 weeks and have been experiencing a myriad of side effects. I have had mild headaches, teeth aches, gas that could launch a small rocket, heartburn, loss of libido, inability to ejaculate, and extremely sleepy shortly after taking it. I have gained about 10 lbs in 7 weeks due to eating everything in sight. While my family says my mood has improved, I personally do not see or feel enough of an improvement to put up with all these side effects."

• Did...
• February 27, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Before beginning Lexapro, I suffered from multiple debilitating panic attacks a day. Everywhere I went, I had shortness of breath and extreme tightening in my chest and felt as though I would pass out. I went to the hospital at one point because my BP would not come down and my boyfriend, who is an EMT, thought that I would start seizing, my BP was so high. After that episode, I started Lexapro again. I was on it when I was 17, but stopped because I gained so much weight while on it. Now at 27, I've decided to try it again. It has helped immensely with my anxiety, and I feel like my old self again. While I do notice weight gain again, somewhere around the 15-20 lb range, I will happily take that over feeling incapable of living."