Lexapro and Weight Gain

What is Lexapro? : Lexapro is the brand name of the generic drug Escitalopram and belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. It is used in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

The drug Lexapro appears to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It does not seem to have any effect on the other chemicals in the brain. SSRIs are considered to be considerably safer than Tricyclic antidepressants since they reportedly have fewer and weaker side effects and drug interactions.

It typically takes 4 weeks or more for the drug to take effect and help you feel better. Once this medication has been prescribed, do not stop using it without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store escitalopram at room temperature and away from moisture and heat.

SSRIs and how they work: It is generally believed that people with depression have an imbalance of the brain's neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the brain that allow nerve cells to communicate. One of these neurotransmitters is serotonin. An imbalance in serotonin may be an important factor in the development of depression and anxiety. These medications work by optimizing the utilization of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is released from one nerve cell and passes on to the next. In the process, some of the serotonin released is reabsorbed by the first nerve cell. SSRIs block the re absorption of serotonin into the first nerve cell. It is this blocking action that enables an increased amount of serotonin to become available at the next nerve cell. They are named selective inhibitors because they only affect one chemical without disturbing the equation of the others. Serotonin inhibitors appear to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants.

One of the side effects of Lexapro is weight gain. Among SSRIs, Lexapro causes the least amount of weight gain. Other side effects include nausea, insomnia, ejaculation disorder, somnolence, increased sweating, fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any of these allergic reactions: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.