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What Causes Weight Gain After Using Escitalopram?
Question: Hi i have been using escitalopram 10 mg for over 2 years now and have been consistently gaining weight? Wanted to know that does this drug cause weight gain?
Brief Answer:
It may cause weight gain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
Antidepressants including Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine and fluoxetine can all cause weight gain in 25% of patients being treated for depression for more than 6 months.
So there is a possibility that escitalopram has caused weight gain in your case.
But i would still suggest you to discuss about other cause of weight gain with your doctor.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks.
It may cause weight gain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
Antidepressants including Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine and fluoxetine can all cause weight gain in 25% of patients being treated for depression for more than 6 months.
So there is a possibility that escitalopram has caused weight gain in your case.
But i would still suggest you to discuss about other cause of weight gain with your doctor.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I have been diagnosed somatoform disorder as i kept complaining of pain. So i do have muscle weakness, spondylitis and upper back pain.
I want to stop taking these. Is it ok to do so?
I want to stop taking these. Is it ok to do so?
Brief Answer:
No.. you should NOT stop the medicines.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow-up query.
The straight-forward answer would be that if you feel that you are benefiting from Escitalopram, you must continue with it.
But I have some suggestions for you:
1. Do not stop your medications without your treating doctor's advice. The side effect of weight gain can be managed by some dietary modifications and lifestyle changes.
2. Drugs like Duloxetine and Pregabalin are shown to be effective in recent literature for Somatoform pain disorders and even in musculoskeletal pains. Please discuss about these drugs with your doctor.
3. Relaxation therapies like biofeedback, muscle relaxation, deep breathing and meditation are also useful if practiced regularly. You can visit a psychotherapist for that.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks.
No.. you should NOT stop the medicines.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow-up query.
The straight-forward answer would be that if you feel that you are benefiting from Escitalopram, you must continue with it.
But I have some suggestions for you:
1. Do not stop your medications without your treating doctor's advice. The side effect of weight gain can be managed by some dietary modifications and lifestyle changes.
2. Drugs like Duloxetine and Pregabalin are shown to be effective in recent literature for Somatoform pain disorders and even in musculoskeletal pains. Please discuss about these drugs with your doctor.
3. Relaxation therapies like biofeedback, muscle relaxation, deep breathing and meditation are also useful if practiced regularly. You can visit a psychotherapist for that.
Hope this helps you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thankyou Doc.
I have tried food moderation but i am always ravenous. Wasnt the case earlier.
besides i dont have too much relief in pain. But yes im less irritable. Rather i keep very lethargic.
my last question is...do i need to take this life long?
I have tried food moderation but i am always ravenous. Wasnt the case earlier.
besides i dont have too much relief in pain. But yes im less irritable. Rather i keep very lethargic.
my last question is...do i need to take this life long?
Brief Answer:
You need to take it for a long time... maybe for life, hopefully not...
Detailed Answer:
I understand your concerns. I know its difficult to take medications for long duration.
The rule of thumb is that you must continue the antidepressants for at least 6 months after there is complete remission of symptoms.
So at present I would not say that you have to take these medications life long.
But I will insist you to try relaxation therapies which I mentioned earlier. These therapies will help you in your symptoms.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks.
You need to take it for a long time... maybe for life, hopefully not...
Detailed Answer:
I understand your concerns. I know its difficult to take medications for long duration.
The rule of thumb is that you must continue the antidepressants for at least 6 months after there is complete remission of symptoms.
So at present I would not say that you have to take these medications life long.
But I will insist you to try relaxation therapies which I mentioned earlier. These therapies will help you in your symptoms.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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