Lexapro and Weight Gain: A Myth

Lexapro is a type of antidepressant that is often prescribed for people suffering from anxiety and depression. It works quite well in most cases but as with other prescription meds and especially antidepressants, there are certain side effects that are often expected as a result of taking the drug. One of the biggest worries of patients is that they are going to gain weight after they start taking Lexapro, as this is a common side effect with other similar antidepressants.

A Myth

However, the idea around Lexapro and weight gain is actually a complete myth. Lexapro does not cause weight gain and in fact it can actually help to reduce weight and offer balance in people who are suffering from binge eating associated obesity. Another reason that Lexapro and weight gain is a myth is because there are a lot of people who are depressed before taking it and who use food as an outlet to deal with their depression. They when they start on the Lexapro and they start to feel better, they stop using food as a crutch and start to get healthier and lose weight.

The association of Lexapro and weight gain is not credible and it is important for people to be aware of this because there are so many people out there who have avoided starting on the drug for this reason alone. It makes sense because after all if you are depressed now, why would you want to start on a drug that is going to cause you to become overweight and get even more depressed, but this is actually not the case and so you don’t have to worry about gaining weight just because you are on the Lexapro drug.

Besides Lexapro and weight gain there are other side effects that will possibly occur however. This includes fatigue, dizziness, nausea, mood swings and diarrhea, just to name a few. Everyone is different and so while you will not have to worry about Lexapro and weight gain, you will want to watch out for these other sorts of side effects which are commonly reported by people on Lexapro.

The bottom line is that you should stay on the drug if it is making you feel better. Depressive disorders are very serious and if your doctor has decided to put you on Lexapro, there is a reason for it. Make sure that you take the proper dosage and that you never abruptly stop taking Lexapro just because you think you are doing better.