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

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "I have depression and anxiety with OCD. I was on Lexapro for a year. I didn't notice much in terms of lessening my depression. I was much more tired, and I still had loss of interest in my usual activities. I also gained about 28 lbs during the year while on this medicine. All I wanted to do was sleep, I never could get enough. I combated the leftover anxiety with my as-needed benzos. I was on 20 mg Lexapro. The pills also gave me heartburn. I'm now on Prozac awaiting to see if there's a difference. It's worked for me in the past, so here's to hoping!"

• Tod...
• January 17, 2021

Escitalopram for Depression "I’m in my early 30s. This was my first time taking antidepressants after struggling with depression and anxiety since I was a teenager. It did a great job of managing my depression and anxiety. It took the edge off and evened me out emotionally. I stopped being irritable and snapping at all those around me, I didn’t sweat the small stuff, and I didn’t get stuck in negative thought patterns. I no longer had intrusive thoughts. It made me a better person. There is a downside: the weight gain. In the first 8 months of being on Lexapro, I put on 20 pounds. Over the next 12 months, I put on an additional 22 lbs and was tipping the scales at 212 lbs, 42 lbs more than my “normal” weight. When I started outgrowing size large shirts, I decided that enough was enough and stopped taking Lexapro. Within 6 months, I was back to 170 lbs and I didn’t change anything about my eating habits or workouts. If anything, I was eating way worse than before. I will probably try a new AD at some point."

• jrm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 13, 2013

Escitalopram for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I'm a hoarder. Depressed all my life. My doctor said Lexapro would work. I tried it and took 20 mg then 40 mg. I don't go garbage dumping anymore, gained weight and sleeping problems. I don't know if it's working very well. I know I get a little angry without it. I'm taking Wellbutrin too. I wish everyone luck."

• Cel...
• January 30, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started Lexapro 3/2018 after brain surgery. Dr. recommended for anxiety. 1st week was 5mg/morning. I felt sleepy, headaches, and some nausea. 2nd week headaches and slight nausea but totally fine after week 2. This pill also helped to mask pains from my chronic illness, Chiari malformation. I was walking 2 1/2 miles every day, traveled with my family. The short temper or bad moods were gone. The biggest letdown was the weight gain! I kept telling the docs, and they kept saying I shouldn't gain much more. I was on it for 6 months and gained 30 lbs even while exercising and eating clean, DASH diet. Lexapro slows down the metabolism and increases appetite. I HAD to come off because of the weight gain. I stopped it 3 months ago and have not lost not 1 lb! Withdrawal symptoms were worse than going on the pill. Took a month and a half to taper off 10mg. I felt zaps, jolts, irritability, and my chronic pains are totally back. I am struggling to lose this weight so bad. The weight is the factor for me coming off it."

• Bun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 23, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I've been taking 10 mg for about 8 months. About a month ago, I went through some tough times that sent me to the mental hospital. After I got out, I told the psych to cut the Lexapro because it was making me fat and it didn't keep me from going to the hospital. Within a week of starting it, I felt overwhelming sadness that progressed to the point that I couldn't get out of bed and I would draw the blinds in the day and just sob. My psych is on vacation right now, but I couldn't take the sadness anymore, so I restarted my Lexapro and within 2 days, I was feeling so much better. I'm grateful for it now."

• Fac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking this medication for nine years. When I began taking it, I was suffering from severe generalized anxiety disorder. Once the medication kicked in and I got the full benefits, I found myself able to travel, I actually learned to fly an airplane. I found my anger and stress levels dropped dramatically. I did also note that I gained weight and my libido dropped a bit, and my ejaculation was delayed. However, none of the side effects was as troubling to me as the original generalized anxiety disorder. Now, nine years later, I find that the effects of the medication are somewhat reduced with regard to my ability to tolerate other people's behavior, etc. My patience is somewhat shorter, however, my anxiety levels remain mostly reduced, and I am continuing to travel, to fly, and to live my life. I have noticed that among the generics, the Mylan brand was the most effective. Unfortunately, Mylan discontinued distributing this drug on December 28, 2018."

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2012

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was prescribed 10 mg a day for anxiety/panic attacks. I'd never taken any sort of SSRI before. I took one pill and it scared me, I threw up several hours later and had the worst panic attack of my life. But I don't know if that was me or the pill. So, two weeks later, I chopped it in half and have taken 5 mg every day for the past 6 months. It has completely turned down the volume of anxiety and paranoia. I may never be able to go off of it. I have not had weight gain, anorgasmia, or decreased sex drive. I love it. I can live my life, it has taken that fog surrounding everything away. If you are super sensitive to medications like me, I encourage you to start with the lowest dose possible."

• cla...
• April 4, 2008

Escitalopram for Anxiety "My son is 8 years old and has Asperger's with an emphasis on anxiety. When the doc prescribed Lexapro at 10 mg, he had a manic episode, but when decreased to 5 mg, my son smiled for the first time in 2 years! For a mom, there is no greater feeling. We have to occasionally use an additional anxiety medicine during periods of intense stress, but for maintenance therapy, it's great. I only gave it a rating of 7 due to the severe weight gain he has experienced. Good luck to all who suffer."

• Mia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2019

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started off at 113 lbs, and my diet and exercise have always been constant, but after 4 months on Lexapro, I weighed 155 lbs. Had to switch medicines because I gained so much weight so fast. Works alright, but I’m constantly sweating and fat now."

• NoO...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "I was prescribed this drug for major depression and C-PTSD. I only took it for one week, 5 mg. It was awful. I was exhausted all of the time, had trouble falling asleep, and my sleep was disturbed by very vivid and bizarre dreams. I woke up every morning shaking, dizzy, and disoriented. During the day, my legs hurt so bad it made walking difficult. It made me so hungry, craving carbs, I gained 9 lbs of belly fat in one week! It left me with zero motivation and unable to feel any joy, excitement, or pleasure. I felt detached, empty, I felt dead. I stopped taking it, and while I'm still struggling with depression, I do feel like me again. I feel alive and have lost all of the weight gained while taking it."

• OMG...
• June 11, 2009

Escitalopram 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."

• Jer...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2016

Escitalopram for Depression "My rheumatologist put me on Lexapro for both depression and fibromyalgia, after Cymbalta stopped working for me. I started it two weeks ago Tuesday, and I absolutely love what it's doing for my depression and anxiety, but hate that it's caused me to gain at least 5 lbs already. I'm going to try to stick with it for another 4-6 weeks, but if my weight continues to increase, I'll have to wean off of it. I dread weaning off of antidepressants."

• Car...
• February 20, 2016

Escitalopram 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."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2022

For Anxiety "I tried generic Lexapro about 10 years ago, and it worked wonders. I ended up getting off the med because I gained over 50 pounds. Fast forward 6 years, and I am having another bout of anxiety/depersonalization. I went back on Lexapro, and it made my anxiety a million times worse. Not able to function. I stayed on for 3 full weeks, hoping the side effects would pass. I ended up getting off and trying Buspar, which I’ve only been on for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with the aftermath of Lexapro. I will say one thing, though, for every person looking for hope - reviewing anxiety medication is like reviewing a random car engine. It is not one size fits all. The car engine may work on Hondas and Fords, but not on Dodges and Toyotas. You never know what will work for you until you try. My one piece of advice would be don’t stay on as long as I did if you’re having a bad reaction. I was using a Honda engine for an Audi."

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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."