Lexapro (TM), escitalopram oxalate, is a common medication used to treat both depression and anxiety. It is part of the group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work to block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, allowing more of the chemical to be available for your body to use.
Since many medications used to treat depression and anxiety also have known weight-affecting side effects, many people are concerned with the connection between Lexapro(tm) and weight loss. In clinical studies, patients taking Lexapro(tm) and patients taking a sugar pill placebo had the same weight loss or gain, meaning Lexapro(tm) does not cause weight loss. Some health care providers suggest that Lexapro(tm) may cause an initial drop in weight over the first few weeks, but this is usually temporary and the weight often regained. While weight changes are not listed as side effects on official documentation for Lexapro, there seem to be many anecdotal reports from patients taking Lexapro who have experienced either weight gain or weight loss. Serotonin syndrome is another possible connection between Lexapro(tm) and weight loss. Serotonin syndrome is a drug interaction when Lexapro is taken with 5-hydroxtryptamine receptor agonist medications, or triptans. Triptans are used to treat migraines, and when taken with Lexapro, can cause nausea and vomiting, which leads to weight loss.Compared to other common treatments, Lexapro(tm) seems to be less likely to cause considerable weight gain or weight loss. If you experience dramatic weight changes while taking Lexapro, you should talk to your doctor and see if other options may be worth pursuing. Sometimes altering the dosage of medication can make a significant difference, or you may choose to try a completely different medication to treat your anxiety.My Personal Experience
In my personal experience I found no difference in weight from when being on the drug and off of it.
