Lexapro And Weight Loss: This article looks at how Lexapro can affect appetite and weight. We also provide approximately tips on coping with weight changes due to taking this antidepressant.
Table of Contents
Can Lexapro Cause Weight Changes?
Lexapro remains the brand name for a drug named escitalopram, a treatment for anxiety and depression. Taking Lexapro may cause an individual to gain a small amount of weight. Less commonly, it can cause weight loss. A healthful diet besides regular exercise can help prevent unwanted weight changes.
How Does Lexapro Affect Appetite And Weight?
Lexapro increases serotonin, which plays a role in controlling weight. A person may gain nearly weight when taking Lexapro. It can happen for different reasons. The medication may increase hunger directly, or a person may begin to eat more as their depression or anxiety lessens.
Weight loss is a less shared side effect, but it can happen as the body adjusts to the medication. Some individuals may also find that they have more energy or desire to exercise as the drug relieves their depression. This symptom relief could also stop unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as binge eating, which could lead to some weight loss.
The United States National Public library of Medicine includes increased appetite as one of the recognized side effects of Lexapro. An enormous need usually results in a person eating more, leading to weight gain. However, some people attractive Lexapro will experience none or only some side effects linked to this medication.
The Average Weight Gain For Lexapr
The average weight increase for Lexapro was less than 0.5 percent. Before starting treatment, the most significant weight gain occurred in young men and those with low body mass index (BMI).
In 2017 looked at the part that SSRIs played in weight gain and created that specific risk factors increased the likelihood of a being gaining weight when taking these antidepressants. These issues included:
- having a sedentary lifestyle
- smoke
- eating a diet high in handled meat, dairy, and refined carbohydrates
A 2011 study directly likened Lexapro with nortriptyline, an older tricyclic antidepressant. The authors found that Lexapro remained the less likely of the two drugs to cause weight gain. It is unclear why taking SSRIs such as Lexapro can main to weight gain. More research is necessary to offer a definite answer.
Taking Lexapro
Doctors may prescribe Lexapro to treat mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Lexapro is one of a set of medications recognized as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the quantity of serotonin in the brain. Since you’re interested, you may also read this article: Muconase Nasal Spray Review
Serotonin remains a chemical that helps to regulate a person’s mood. Lexapro derives in the form of either a liquid or pills. The recommended amount is usually 10 milligrams (mg), which people should take once daily in the morning or the evening.
How To Cope With Weight Loss From Taking Lexapro
Medication affects everyone otherwise. People who experience dramatic weight loss or increase may wish to seek medical advice. It is often likely for a physician to prescribe another antidepressant.
Alongside medication, exercise can remain an essential part of treatment. As well as helping a person avoid weight gain, it can improve sleep and decrease stress and anxiety. The Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention Trusted Source recommends that adults exercise at least 2.5 hours of exercise every week. People can break this down into lesser chunks to fit it into their everyday routine.
Conclusion:
Weight Loss is one possible side effect of Lexapro. Persons whose weight remains within a healthy range may feel willing to accept this change if it remains preferable to the feelings of anxiety or depression they experience without the medication.
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