Rina Patel Rina Patel Asked 7 months ago

Does lexapro.cause weight gain?

My doctor just prescribed Lexapro for my anxiety, and I'm a bit worried about the side effects. I wanted to ask if it commonly causes weight gain.

6

6 answers

Ananthakrishnan Iyer Ananthakrishnan Iyer Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago
Most liked

My mother kept telling me to have herbal teas to feel better, but I stuck to what my psychiatrist prescribed. Honestly, I did face a bit of weight gain on Lexapro, but it was mostly because my appetite came back after my mood improved. Please do talk to your doctor once before worrying, they can guide you best on how to manage it.

Sunita Deshpande Sunita Deshpande Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Oh absolutely, it made me gain a few kilos, as if just looking at a samosa wasn't enough to add weight anyway! My doctor told me it happens because the medicine makes you feel relaxed and hungry. If you can handle the late-night cravings, you might escape it, but otherwise, welcome to the club!

Vikram Sethi Vikram Sethi Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

When I was taking this, I asked my doctor at Max Hospital very clearly about side effects. He told me that weight changes can happen but they can be managed with basic lifestyle adjustments. Just ask your doctor in your next visit, they will give you the exact medical picture instead of guesses.

Powered by

Consult a dietary specialist

Rohan Malhotra Rohan Malhotra Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

Don't blindly trust what everyone is saying online about this. Some people gain weight, others don't, and some even lose weight depending on their own body chemistry. You need to ask your psychiatrist directly rather than trying random internet tips or diets to stop it.

Kriti Saxena Kriti Saxena Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

I completely understand why you are asking this, I was also terrified of gaining weight when I first started this pill. It is normal to feel anxious about physical changes while starting mental health treatment. For me, the weight gain was very minor and totally worth how much calmer my mind became, so please don't stress too much.

Related reads

All articles
Pranav Shah Pranav Shah Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Honestly, the medicine just made everything taste so much better because my anxiety was finally gone! I was constantly ordering cheese parathas and sweets, which is why I gained some weight. If you can control the sudden food cravings, you will be absolutely fine.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.