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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Weight Gain While You Are On Lexapro ?

I am diabetic and I take water pills because of having congestive heart failure. Now in two months on Lexapro I've regained 10 lbs that I lost over the summer. Why ? And please don't just say increased appetite.
Mon, 14 Dec 2009
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Hi Ray. I'm not diabetic, but I have been taking Lexapro for the last 2 years. Since on Lexapro I have gained 50 pounds. I know that my weight gain is probably not entirely Lexapro's fault because being depressed made me less active than I used to be. However, Lexapro is an SSRI--Specific Serotonin Reuptake Inihibitor, which means it is keeping the serotonin active longer in your brain. Serotonin not only affects your mood, but also affects your appetite which can make you feel more hungry. It can also make you crave carbohydrates and fatty foods. I'm not a doctor but it sounds like your weight gain could be a combination of depression, Lexapro, and decreased activity. I would strongly recommend talking to your doctor about this. I would also try to snack on foods lower in calories like cucumbers. I hope this is helpful.
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What Causes Weight Gain While You Are On Lexapro ?

Hi Ray. I m not diabetic, but I have been taking Lexapro for the last 2 years. Since on Lexapro I have gained 50 pounds. I know that my weight gain is probably not entirely Lexapro s fault because being depressed made me less active than I used to be. However, Lexapro is an SSRI--Specific Serotonin Reuptake Inihibitor, which means it is keeping the serotonin active longer in your brain. Serotonin not only affects your mood, but also affects your appetite which can make you feel more hungry. It can also make you crave carbohydrates and fatty foods. I m not a doctor but it sounds like your weight gain could be a combination of depression, Lexapro, and decreased activity. I would strongly recommend talking to your doctor about this. I would also try to snack on foods lower in calories like cucumbers. I hope this is helpful.