Escitalopram and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• 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!"

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

Escitalopram 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."

• ran...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 7, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I took Lexapro for 10 years. Yes, it helps with depression, but my vision became impaired. I have had three unexplained strokes. I had an inflamed bladder on a regular basis. I had unbelievable weight gain. I forgot how to use simple household appliances. I have been off Lexapro for over 8 months now, and I have lost 65 lbs, and most of the other issues have cleared up. I didn't realize what was causing all these issues I was having until I came off this drug. On the upside, while I was taking Lexapro, I didn't care."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• pea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2017

For Depression "I've had lifelong crippling anxiety, my doctor first recommended escitalopram to treat my GAD after several hospitalizations from panic attacks. I was really hesitant, but it's been the best decision ever. I feel normal for the first time in my life. The first few weeks were a little rough because it made me extremely tired and drowsy, but I was just relieved not to feel anxious. It's been a lifesaver. I can leave my house, I can eat, I can sleep, I can go out with friends, and I haven't had a panic attack in months. I have gained about 15 lbs, but that's the only negative I've noticed."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Win...
• August 27, 2018

For Anxiety "After a previous bad experience with side effects on sertraline a few years ago, I was hesitant to try medication again. Nearly 6 months later, this drug has changed my life. Gone is the crippling over-analyzing that made it almost impossible to interact socially. I am confident and assertive, which has helped me in all aspects of life, but especially at work. I am self-accepting and no longer critical of myself. Here's the experience for me so far... Dose: 5 mg. Initial side effects: For the first 4 days, I had a moderate headache. My appetite all but disappeared for the first 3 weeks, and I felt nauseous too. It was nothing too debilitating though. Achieving an orgasm was harder than before, but not impossible (I'm female). Dreams were more vivid, but not bad. Current side effects: Continued vivid dreams. After 3 months, it became easier to achieve an orgasm. Weight gain: I have gained a little weight (about 3 kg), but I do not believe this to be due to the medication."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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
• November 20, 2008

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2008

Escitalopram 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."

• sam...
• March 7, 2010

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• fro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "It helps with anxiety but actually causes depression for me. Plus, I've gained weight, even when on a starvation-type diet. I'm slowly weaning myself off, down to 2.5 mg a day, next week, I'm stopping completely. I just want to have a clear head instead of feeling like a zombie."

• Ama...
• August 14, 2011

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder at 16. I was put on Xanax and Lexapro 20 mg. After getting married and the birth of my second child, we moved from NJ to FL. I was off Lexapro with both pregnancies. I moved to FL at 25 with a 19-month-old and 8-week-old! Postpartum depression hit me hard. I went to an MD and requested Lexapro 20 mg and Xanax 3 mg/day. I have tried many, many, many other SSRIs due to the cost of Lexapro. They all made me feel MORE nutty, even Celexa, Lexapro's 'brother.' I ALWAYS wind up back on Lexapro. This is a miracle for me! I feel calmer within 24 hours, and I can't make myself anxious if I tried. I sleep soundly and am happy and a better mother. I love Lexapro despite the price and 10 lb weight gain. I'm 5'9 and 140 lbs."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 2, 2022

For Depression "After struggling with depression and anxiety, it was the best I've ever been, so I absolutely loved escitalopram and thought I had no side effects. It made me semi-functional, which made it look like it works, and it's great, but it's not. It severely damaged the quality of my life for the last 5 years, and it took me a while to understand that. There is not a single person who will not experience side effects. The most destabilizing are fatigue, excessive sleeping, brain fog, indifference, restrained range and intensity of emotion (I barely had any), decreased sexual sensitivity (delayed ejaculation), and weight gain. It's absolutely not a fix, and I don't know why such a damaging drug has become so popular. If I could give myself advice years ago, I would say don't take it. Research other drugs and stay away from SSRIs. Quitting after long-term use can damage you and leave you with withdrawal symptoms for months and, in some cases, permanently. I am tapering over 9-12 months."

• Bea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 27, 2017

Escitalopram for Depression "Lexapro helped when I was in college battling depression. I had to go to 30 mg to notice a difference. Gained over 25 pounds, no matter what I ate or how much I exercised. After intense therapy and intense workouts, my depression lifted after about 6 months. Came off Lexapro after two years. Depression came back, and Lexapro did not work. Trying to get meds back stable. Trying Lamictal and Prozac now."

• Sup...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 26, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been using this medication for about a year, starting at 2.5 mg and ending up on 15 mg. I was prescribed it for CPTSD/GAD/MDD. Prescribed to me by my awesome GP. Amazing med, but it can take a long time to find the right dose and to work, which requires quite a lot of patience. There are uncomfortable side effects in the beginning (nausea, headache, constipation). These are manageable. Also, around 20 lb weight gain for me, but I was pretty thin to begin with, so I didn’t mind. I had to go up a size. This med has given me enough motivation to go to therapy, exercise, eat healthy, and practice daily CBT and DBT, as well as mindfulness, all of which help me manage my illnesses. Escitalopram is life-saving for me - the reason I’m taking it is for mental illness after sexual assault. I highly recommend it. Work with your doctor or psych to figure out the best dose and approach for you. Very easy to use. I take the med in the morning, it doesn’t affect my sleep that way."

• jrk...
• May 18, 2013

Escitalopram for Anxiety "This medicine is great for anxiety, but within the first month, I noticed weight gain and it has increased significantly over the past 10 years. I cannot seem to lose weight, I only lost 5 pounds on an extreme diet/exercise."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2008

Escitalopram for Depression "I am a 33-year-old mother of 2 who was ready to give up on life. Started taking 10 mg of Lexapro and eventually increased to 20 mg. Have been taking for about a year and a half. Although still dealing with a few side effects (insomnia, weight gain, and waking up with headaches), Lexapro has truly saved my life. I can now be the kind of mother and wife that my family deserves."

• Psh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2019

For Depression "I've been using Lexapro for about 7 months now. I'm definitely in a better place than when I started, but I've noticed weight gain, and my depression has slowly been creeping back into my life. Maybe I need a higher dose (currently on 10 mg)? For most people with depression, I think it's worth a shot."

• Jes...
• July 31, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I am 28. I have been on this medicine now for 6 months, being treated for severe OCD and anxiety. In 6 months' time, I have gained 30-ish pounds, my sex drive is gone, I cannot sleep at night (horrible and weird dreams), and I still cannot stop thinking of a million and one things before I go to bed (example: I need to make my bed, dishes done, kids set for the next day). I am tired all the time, and I have no energy anymore for anything. I feel like I'm a different person. However, I am not as bad with my OCD as I was before taking it, I am actually calm at night rather than worried if something will happen. I am just all around calmer. I am up in the air with this drug because it does seem to work, but am I too calm? I am not really myself."