Hello doctor, Are weight gain and increased sweating typical side effects of the medication Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)? I am asking because I gained about 6 lbs in three months and I sweat a lot but I must admit that I am a regular alcohol user. About 4 to 5 drinks on the week (evening only, never during the day) and a little more on weekends. I have always been predisposed to sweating but it seems worse since I am taking Lexapro. I was wondering if alcohol can make me sweat in the morning, 8 hours and more after my last drink? Or is it the combination that causes this sweating? And what about my weight that seems to increase easily?
Hello. Escitalopram is an effective antidepressant but as with any other drug, can cause some side-effects. Increased sweating (diaphoresis) is a less common side-effect and can happen with Escitalopram. Some patients experience weight gain as well but as you recognized it is more likely to be due to a combination of factors. Regular alcohol use is a known factor for weight gain. It provided empty calories and you can make unhealthy food choices whilst drinking alcohol. Also, regular alcohol use can make Escitalopram less effective and can worsen emotional problems. In this situation, it will help to cut down on alcohol, eat healthily and exercise regularly. If problems persist and are affecting your quality of life, kindly discuss with your prescribing doctor.