Lexapro and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Liz...
• March 13, 2021

For Depression "I've been on Lexapro for a year. I resisted it because I was afraid meds would take a toll on my overall health long-term (i.e., maybe give me hypertension, acne, weight gain, hair loss, etc.). But I want to tell anyone that is hesitant to start SSRIs: stress/depression take a toll on your body. I was beating myself up mentally and emotionally, bringing myself to tears and destroying my self-esteem, telling myself I was worthless. This was my life. If you think that treating yourself like this isn't hurting your body, with all the terrible things stress/depression do on the cellular level, you're wrong. Potential side effects of SSRIs aren't as bad as depression. I feel so much better now. I don't tear myself down and cry every night. I don't catastrophize. I move on from things when they don't work out instead of taking a week to convince myself I've ruined my life. I am NOT 'cured', but that isn't what the SSRIs are for. It's for giving you help, space, so you can work on yourself and heal."

• GoG...
• July 19, 2018

For Depression "37 Female, mom of 2. I have hormone imbalance, anxiety, and occasional depression - genetic. First of all, hang in there, it takes a couple of months for the full effect. I kept quitting because of the sexual side effects and never fully gave it time to work! Hang in there, after a few months I was back to my old self, high sex drive, and amazing orgasms! I don’t feel detached or numb, I feel in control, calmer, and more focused. I did not gain any weight, take the tablet after a meal. Previously, I took it on an empty stomach and felt hungry all the time. Take a good probiotic and good multivitamins. Take walks & meditate. The drug did not ruin my creativity. I can sit longer with my children, connect with them, and I'm less impatient. I am a much more empathetic and attentive listener. This drug turned my life around. I suffered through my childhood and early adult years with definite low serotonin. I sleep better! My skin is better, stress free. I accept myself and love myself more."

• Bro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2015

For Anxiety "This is the first time I have ever posted a review of anything online, but I feel an obligation to share my experience with others suffering from anxiety. I suffer from GAD, which includes panic attacks, muscle aches, and a horrible temper. I avoided this medication fearing weight gain (as I had already gained 10 lbs over the year) and sexual dysfunction. When I explained this to my doctor, he replied, 'Have you ever considered whether being anxious has caused you to eat more, drink more, and maybe have sex less often?' I have been on Lexapro for 6 months now, and my only regret is not starting this treatment sooner. I have lost 15 lbs as I don't eat and drink as much anymore, and my love life has improved. Anxiety sucks. You don't have to suffer!"

• Ely...
• July 28, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been taking Lexapro since 2018. In two words, miracle drug! It saved my life. I used to be so terrified to take SSRIs because of misleading reviews. Please give it a go. For 6 years, I fought with debilitating anxiety. I was doing acupuncture every week to be able to function. But one trigger was enough to throw me off. It was exhausting. My family was sick and tired of my illness, and it can damage any happiness in your household. My husband blesses the person who created Lexapro because he got his wife and happiness back. My sex life has improved (just reaching climax is hard). The only side effects are vivid dreams, dry mouth after sleep or nap, weight gain for me :( but believe me, I wouldn’t trade my old skinny and miserable body for my current chubbier but much happier one :)"

• FW ...
• December 10, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After years of anxiety, I finally went to the doctor in 2016 and started Lexapro at 10mg. After 2 years, I moved up to 20mg along with therapy, which almost seemed to take away anxiety completely. After 3 years, I stopped taking Lexapro because I felt so good. The first month off this medication, I felt AMAZING. Then it all went downhill after month 2. My anxiety skyrocketed, and I began feeling depressed. Then I tried Zoloft, which made it even worse. It gave me the shakes, caused daily panic attacks, and suicidal ideations for the first time in my life (which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy). Also, I lost much of the weight Lexapro caused. Fast forward, I am back on 20mg of Lexapro. I feel human again. I feel stable, but I am gaining weight back (which sucks) and I feel fatigued again. BUT I feel like I can function normally. Even with the effects, Lexapro is worth it for me. If you’re reading this, please don’t give up! Things can get better :) It's a trial and error."

• mco...
• March 9, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Lexapro for several years. I have to say, for some, the initial side effects can be overwhelming, but stick with it because it will help most of us. You can train yourself to overcome the sexual side effects, and weight gain can be controlled through proper exercise and diet. I'm not an active person, but have to remind myself to hit the gym several times a week. Doing so will greatly and positively affect your mood as well, so just pretend like you have no choice and GO. Also, please remember there is no 'magic pill', we have to take responsibility for our own happiness, which includes lots more than just taking antidepressants! Hope this helps some!"

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2016

For Depression "Lexapro made me feel normal again. I was severely depressed and so scared I would never feel normal again. I started at 5mg and worked up to 15mg over a few months. At three months I felt like me again. It was a roller coaster getting there with good days and down days where I never thought I would feel like me again. But at the three-month mark, I feel great! I promised myself that when I felt good again, I would share my experience. Hang in there, you will feel good again, just give it time. And when you have a down moment, think of happy times and remember you will get better. Side effects initially were yawning a lot. I can finally sleep again, and I gained my weight back because I actually want to eat again. Life is good now. Thank you Lex!"

• Tri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 8, 2020

For Depression "Spiral led into horrific depression with anxiety. After a couple of meds, I tried Lexapro. After a few weeks and some bearable side effects, I felt a cloud lift, and it kept getting better. At first, I took the max dose with Abilify and occasional Ativan, but eventually I was able to stop both of those. So here’s the hard part, it worked awesome for 8 years. The only side effects were 20 lbs weight gain and lessened libido - a small price to pay when you felt how I did. But then I was in a period of insane stress and re-traumatized, and suddenly the med would not work. It’s been a journey since, but I am so grateful for the quality of life I had for those 8 years."

• ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was terrified of taking Lexapro after having horrible side effects with every single antidepressant known in the market. I am a 52-year-old female, and after reading all the negative reviews, I quit taking it for a period of 2 weeks. I finally decided I was so miserable I would try it again, and 3 months later I am doing great! No more fear of leaving the house, negative self-talk, constant anxiety, and worry! I may have gained 1-2 pounds, but if you take it, you will be more likely to go out for walks, gym, and get moving again, which I have. Please don't let the negative reviews influence if the med will work for you or not. I'm obsessive about weight gain, and I am not gaining! I'm really liking my new calm self. Give it 6 weeks, big difference!"

• god...
• August 25, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had suffered from anxiety disorder for at least 11 years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. I am on Lexapro because it works. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, and insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs,' and no anxiety attacks. It's a miracle pill. BUT, I was 135 pounds and skinny. I'm 5'5, and I had an amazing metabolism, my body was rock solid. After 3 years of Lexapro, I am now 165 pounds. I have to try to work out and eat healthy, I know. Please don't wait as long as I did to change your life and get back to your wonderfully made self!"

• Jer...
• February 20, 2014

For Depression "I was diagnosed with a panic disorder. I was always well-traveled, worked hard, and had a great social life, then my life changed overnight. You can't explain to anyone the feeling of complete helplessness unless you are living it. Anyway, long story short, Lexapro saved my life, even though I could not orgasm while taking it and gained 10 kilos, but I was able to come off it after a year. And now I'm living a normal life again."

• Pau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2018

For Anxiety "There’s no need to be suffering. This medication is an anxiety GAME CHANGER. I’m on 10mg a day. I work out every day have not gained an ounce. 6 months later, my sex life is thriving! When you feel better, you feel sexier. I’m 47 and shocked folks are having sex issues and weight gain. Get out there and grab life!"

• NoM...
• February 5, 2016

For Anxiety "Changed my life. Quiets the irrational fears and depression that accompany anxiety disorder. Taking 10mg daily. Weight gain but could also be because I'm happy and eating again. Also sleep great and feel calm. No sexual side effects. Stay with it for 6-8 weeks. If it doesn't work for you, try another medication until you find the one that clicks. Don't give up!"

• but...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2017

For Anxiety "I was not going to take Lexapro after reading all the reviews. I was really skeptical about the side effects. I read one very positive review, and it changed my mind. I am so glad I started Lexapro two months ago. I was put on Lexapro for anxiety. I was always in a bad mood, and everything set me off. I started with 10mg and saw a slight improvement the first week. It wasn't until the doctor put me on 15mg about a month in that I really saw considerable improvement. Two months later, I can honestly say I am so happy to be on this medication. Everything just seems better. I am happy. I find joy in the things I used to. I look forward to social events. My mood is so much better. I did not gain weight. No sexual side effects. Please give it a try!"

• Liv...
• February 2, 2020

For Anxiety "I have been dealing with anxiety my whole life but have tried to go the natural route, but nothing ever worked. It was affecting my marriage, the way I was with my kids and work. So I finally did something about it and I’m so glad I did! My Dr. prescribed me Lexapro 10mg. The first week I had slight nausea, diarrhea, and no appetite, but I did start feeling more calm. Lexapro helped me so much. I could drive without feeling anxious, go to work events with confidence. I was better at handling situations at work and at home. Unfortunately, the downside for me was I ended up gaining 15lbs within 5 months. It definitely slowed down my metabolism. It was easy to gain, and no matter how much healthier I tried to eat, I could not lose the weight. I have been slender my whole life so this was making me feel so depressed about the way I looked. So sadly, I had to stop taking it. I highly recommend Lexapro. I just happened to be in that 10% side effect that it could cause weight gain."

• Nks...
• June 4, 2020

For Anxiety "I took Lexapro 2 times over my 21 years of life. #1) At 13 years old, I had HORRIBLE panic attacks, depersonalization, couldn't breathe, couldn't walk, and thought I was going to die. I started to take Lexapro. There were no side effects, and it helped me a lot. I took it for 1 year and started to change my lifestyle to have little to no stress. #2) At 19 years old, stress came back, and so did the anxiety. No panic attacks, though. I began to take the medication and started to enjoy things again. I had side effects this time. I gained 30 pounds over 8 months! I had EXTREME loss of libido. After one year and a half, I really can't say it did more good than bad this last time. I've been off it for 2 months now. I have insomnia and struggle to lose weight. I'm eating healthy on a calorie deficit, exercising 6 times a week, and yet I hardly lose any weight. I still have really dark thoughts when I go to sleep, and overthinking is still there. So I have mixed thoughts about this medication. The first time it helped, years later, it came back, and it did little to nothing."

• Kod...
• November 27, 2014

For Depression "I dealt with anxiety and depression for several years. I had high social anxiety and found pleasure in isolation and darkness. I started on one SSRI, but the side effects turned me into another person completely. I experienced emotional, spiritual, and creative numbness, weight gain, and overconfidence. So I got off of it because I wasn't myself anymore. I tapered off of that, and then I got on Lexapro, and it immediately took care of my depressive symptoms and anxiety. I bumped up to 20mg after a couple of months, and I am perfectly back to normal. I feel like myself. No side effects at all! I highly recommend Lexapro. Just be patient and wait it out."

• Jos...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 28, 2012

For Depression "I've been on Effexor XR, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil, and combinations thereof for over 10 years. Out of all of them, Lexapro, for me, had the best benefits to side effects ratio. The only side effect has been modest weight gain below 10 pounds, and reducing my dosage to 5 mg almost always reveals that the medication was what caused it. I could be in the worst loop of hopelessness, feeling that I am nothing but an object in time, and have the worst of identity issues, either for no reason, or because, normally some aspect of my life or even circumstance that was confronted. Lexapro takes me out of that, helps me focus again, relieves me from believing the pain will be permanent, so I can once again address my thoughts appropriately."

• Sco...
• November 2, 2015

For Anxiety "I've had serious anxiety since I was a teen. In the last 4 years (thanks to some random health issues) it has skyrocketed and life has become unbearable. Everyday I thought I was having a heart attack - despite stellar cardio results. Anxiety took full control of my life - mentally and physically. Xanax and booze (not together) work like a charm but I fear the addiction potential. My doc put me on a low dose of Lexapro (5 mg) and within 48 hours all my crazy anxiety ended. Gone. I feel normal again - it's been YEARS since I've felt this way. Small sexual side effect (long time to ejaculate) and slight weight gain but I'm okay with that. Another side effect: my co-workers & friends like me again."

• EMB...
• September 12, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was always a worrier and an anxious individual. It never came to mind to label these characteristics as someone suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Well, late last year I began to worry obsessively about my health and became completely consumed by my fearful thoughts. One panic attack led to another and before I knew what had happened, I could barely leave the house or function. That's when I realized I needed help. Admitting that I needed help was probably the hardest part of my struggle since I always thought of myself as an independent and confident person. I was put on 10mg of Lexapro and after approximately 5 weeks I was able to 'live' again with some mild anxiety. I did gain about 10 pounds in the 9 months since starting the medication, worth it!"

• Hum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on this medicine for approximately 4 months. I had pretty severe and constant anxiety. The first 3 weeks on this medicine were hell. Severe panic attacks, loss of appetite, and teeth/jaw clenching. I'm glad I hung on there because the anxiety has almost completely subsided. Only sometimes can I feel the anxiety wanting to surface, but it never fully does. This medicine has been a godsend. My husband has noticed a huge difference in me. I have gained a small amount of weight and feel a little more 'scatterbrained' sometimes. However, that's better than constantly obsessing over every detail!"

• Roa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2015

For Anxiety "On Lexapro 14 months now. I almost never want Xanax anymore, and I am sleeping better than I have since I was a teenager (I am 46). Two negative results: sex drive has decreased markedly, and I've had a 10% weight gain. But even with these two factors, I would never consider going back to the person I was before Lexapro."

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After suffering for several years due to anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and some OCD, I decided to try an SSRI. First, I tried another older drug (amitriptyline), which helped a lot, but the side effects were too intense, so my doctor switched me to Lexapro. I did not have severe side effects when I switched, but there were several that were annoying: eyes don't adjust to light as well (reading in a dark room is harder and looking at fluorescent light is a bit painful), lower libido, weight gain, drowsy for a few hours after taking the pill. After using this drug for about 5 months, light sensitivity has improved (but not gone away), and I don't get drowsy anymore. But I still have somewhat lower libido and I put on about 10 kg (23 lb) in that time. My dose is 10 mg every morning."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2013

For Depression "I love this medication! I was on Zoloft and was a zombie! I couldn't sleep, and with a newborn, sleep was critical to me! I also gained a lot of weight! I have no issues sleeping now and generally have a more positive mood and am losing weight. You can tell when I don't take this! It's a dream!"

• wil...
• January 1, 2015

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."