Shreya Das Shreya Das Asked 4 months ago

Will 5mg of lexapro cause weight gain?

My doctor put me on Lexapro, 5mg, for anxiety. I'm trying to be careful about my diet, but I'm worried about medication side effects. Will 5mg of Lexapro cause me to gain weight?

12

12 answers

Anil Gupta Anil Gupta Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago
Most liked

Ah, medicines, always a new adventure for the body! 5mg Lexapro, you ask? Some people do gain weight, some don't. It's like a lottery! My advice? Keep a check on your eating habits, and don't make your doctor guess. Tell them if you notice any changes. I'm too tired to guess myself these days!

Pooja Sharma Pooja Sharma Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

From my own experience, 5mg is a relatively low dose of Lexapro, so the chances of significant weight gain might be less compared to higher doses, but it's still possible for some. I found that being mindful of my diet and regular light exercise helped me manage my weight while on it. Communication with your doctor is key here.

Aryan Kohli Aryan Kohli Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Yo, my friend was on Lexapro 5mg, and he didn't gain weight, but he did say his appetite was a bit weird initially. It really depends on the person, I guess. Everyone's body is different. Just talk to your doctor, they'll know best what to expect for you.

Sneha Pathak Sneha Pathak Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

Oh, this is exactly the kind of thing I'd overthink! While some people do report weight changes with Lexapro, even at 5mg, it's not a definite for everyone. It's often due to changes in appetite or metabolism. It's a valid concern, though, so please discuss it with your doctor so they can reassure you or suggest ways to manage it.

Rahul Reddy Rahul Reddy Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

It's natural to feel anxious about potential side effects like weight gain, especially when starting a new medication. I know that feeling of constantly worrying. Lexapro at 5mg can cause weight fluctuations for some people, but it's not universal. The best way to ease your mind is to talk directly with your prescribing doctor about these concerns.

Powered by

Consult a dietary specialist

Priya Singh Priya Singh Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Yes, it's a common query. Many people worry about this, but it varies. Keep tracking your diet.

Anjali Bose Anjali Bose Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

When I was on 5mg Lexapro, I was super worried about weight gain. To be honest, I didn't experience any significant gain. My appetite was pretty stable. But I also made an effort to eat healthy and move around. So, it's not a definite thing. Just be aware and communicate with your doctor.

Deepak Kumar Deepak Kumar Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

5mg Lexapro causing weight gain? Hopefully, it won't make me look like a walking gulab jamun! 😂 But seriously, side effects are tricky because they affect everyone differently. Just keep an eye on your appetite and tell your doc if you start craving extra mithai. They'll know what to do.

Nalini Prasad Nalini Prasad Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Weight gain is something to be mindful of with any medication, especially if you have other health concerns like high blood pressure. While 5mg Lexapro is a low dose, it's wise to discuss any potential weight changes or appetite shifts with your doctor. Regular checkups and maintaining a balanced lifestyle will help you manage your health holistically.

Related reads

All articles
Rajeshwari Iyer Rajeshwari Iyer Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Lexapro, like many antidepressants, can potentially cause weight gain in some individuals, even at a lower dose like 5mg. It's important to monitor your weight and any changes in appetite. Always discuss these potential side effects with your prescribing doctor for safety and proper management.

Kiran Singh Kiran Singh Joined Mar 2026 4 months ago

Bro/Sis, don't worry about it too much before it even happens. 5mg is a starting dose, and side effects vary a lot. Weight gain is a possibility for some, but many people don't experience it. Just focus on taking your medicine as prescribed and keep an open dialogue with your doctor. They'll tell you if any changes are needed.

Shreya Desai Shreya Desai Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

Medications can definitely influence appetite and metabolism. While 5mg Lexapro might cause weight gain for some, maintaining a balanced vegetarian diet with plenty of fiber and controlled portions can help. But remember, I'm just sharing general dietary thoughts, specific medical advice should always come from your doctor or a registered dietician.

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