Guest guest Posted March 27, 2003 Report Share Posted March 27, 2003 I certainly did not lose any weight on Celexa. The weight I lost while taking Celexa was due to going on the Atkins diet and exercise. Now I'm on Lex and have gained weight, but I've also cheated (tons) on the Atkins diet. Oh well. Good luck to you, the invisible on this list cuz no one talks about me, waaaaaaah.... > Does anyone find weight loss/gain to be a common side effect with > Lexapro? I am new to this message board and searching for > information. My doctor just prescribed Lexapro for me after I > refused to take Remeron. I searched message boards and found out the > average weight gain on Remeron was from 30 to 40 lbs. I do not want > to take a medication that will cause massive weight gain. > > He put me on Celexa because one of the side effects was suppose to be > weight loss. I have not found that to be the case and it really > didn't work for me. I'd like more info because I start taking > Lexapro. > > Jemima Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2003 Report Share Posted March 27, 2003 Hi. I posted a previous message on my 5th week on Lexipro, because my appatite is almost non-existant. I've lost two pounds and have had to make an actual effort to eat enough every day so that I don't lose more (and become weak). I not only don't have much of an appatite, but after I eat a few bites of a meal, I have to force myself to keep going because I start to feel a slight gagging sensation. The fact that I'm restless after I take my daily dose doesn't help, and strangely enough, I have to drink coffee to slow myself down. I'm starting to wonder if my body does things backwards. I thought maybe someone else might have had the same symptoms, but after my post (#2393), nobody seemed to have. -Lia > Does anyone find weight loss/gain to be a common side effect with > Lexapro? I am new to this message board and searching for > information. My doctor just prescribed Lexapro for me after I > refused to take Remeron. I searched message boards and found out the > average weight gain on Remeron was from 30 to 40 lbs. I do not want > to take a medication that will cause massive weight gain. > > He put me on Celexa because one of the side effects was suppose to be > weight loss. I have not found that to be the case and it really > didn't work for me. I'd like more info because I start taking > Lexapro. > > Jemima Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2003 Report Share Posted March 29, 2003 In a message dated 3/29/03 9:27:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, faivrej@... writes: > Melody, don't say " If you also have anxiety though it will not help " . Others > take WB only for anxiety. Everyone is different as you say... > > Fav > My doctor says that wellbutrin can help with weight loss. Generally speaking, wellbutrin is not used for anxiety since it has stimulating properties. I know that everyones chemistry is different though. I am probably going to try a small dose of it added to my celexa to help me with the tiredness and poor concentration. Its a second line drug for ADHD. Suz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2003 Report Share Posted March 29, 2003 In a message dated 3/29/03 11:20:26 AM Eastern Standard Time, faivrej@... writes: > I could see a cocktail of Celexa and WB, but for me, not Lex. > Can you explain a little further about WB alone? - i'll be there in a bout > a week... > Wellbutrin alone is a good antidepressant. It can make people jittery so its not highly recommended as a first choice for anxiety. It works best for anxious people who are taking an ssri such as celexa or lexapro. Alone it can help you lose weight, focus more, quit smoking, lift your mood. If combined with celexa or lexapro, it can help alleviate some of the sexual side effects of the ssri as well as help get rid of the fatigue and help those who are having trouble focusing, gain some concentration. Thats all I really know about it. Suz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2003 Report Share Posted March 29, 2003 Jemima, I haven't tried Lexapro yet, but I have been on AD's for 6 years. All SSRI's affect people differently. Some gain weight, some lose, others stay the same. I have found that all SSRI's do tend to make me gain weight. I gained 50 pounds on Paxil so I switched to Zoloft and have gradually been taking it off. I do not know what your diagnosis is. If you have depression alone without any anxiety I recommend Wellbutrin. A lot of people with depression alone have found it to be the greatest as it elevates your mood while not increasing your appetite. If you also have anxiety though it will not help. It may even aggravate it. Some times a Dr will add Wellbutrin to an SSRI to combat some of the fatigue and weight gain. Ask your Dr what he thinks. Melody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2003 Report Share Posted March 29, 2003 I have just been switched to Wellbutrin from Lex for anxiety. So far so good. I gained about 25 lbs on Celexa, then Lex. The doc has me weening off the Lex @ half dose for a week, then stopping. i find it to be way too strong a drug for me (6 months on Lex). Melody, don't say " If you also have anxiety though it will not help " . Others take WB only for anxiety. Everyone is different as you say... Fav > Jemima, I haven't tried Lexapro yet, but I have been on AD's for 6 > years. All SSRI's affect people differently. Some gain weight, some > lose, others stay the same. I have found that all SSRI's do tend to > make me gain weight. I gained 50 pounds on Paxil so I switched to Zoloft > and have gradually been taking it off. > > I do not know what your diagnosis is. If you have depression alone > without any anxiety I recommend Wellbutrin. A lot of people with > depression alone have found it to be the greatest as it elevates your > mood while not increasing your appetite. If you also have anxiety > though it will not help. It may even aggravate it. Some times a Dr > will add Wellbutrin to an SSRI to combat some of the fatigue and weight > gain. Ask your Dr what he thinks. > Melody > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 29, 2003 Report Share Posted March 29, 2003 Yeah, i was on Wb 100 once/day along with the 10 mg Lex. I had the poor concentration when i started Celexa, it went away eventually. Sure, i was surprised when the doc said to go this route too but, i'll try it. I hate being a guinea pig though. it is rough when you are sensitive to these meds. I'm a bit slush-headed from the WB, familiar with it though, it will pass. I am certainly in a better mood though... Fav > In a message dated 3/29/03 9:27:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, > faivrej@y... writes: > > > Melody, don't say " If you also have anxiety though it will not help " . Others > > take WB only for anxiety. Everyone is different as you say... > > > > Fav > > > > My doctor says that wellbutrin can help with weight loss. Generally > speaking, wellbutrin is not used for anxiety since it has stimulating > properties. I know that everyones chemistry is different though. I am > probably going to try a small dose of it added to my celexa to help me with > the tiredness and poor concentration. Its a second line drug for ADHD. Suz > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2003 Report Share Posted March 30, 2003 Hi Melody, I too tried Paxil, and gained weight & completly lost my sex drive, I am now on Celexa, i have only been on it for 7 weeks, but i dont find it too work atall, I have mild depression, with mostly anxiety. My doctor said if Celexa doesnt work she wants me to try Zoloft next. I am just wondering if you have side effects from that? I find Celexa I am extremely tired alot, and still have anxiety and really bad PMS!!! Melody DeLozier <stevemel88@...> wrote:Jemima, I haven't tried Lexapro yet, but I have been on AD's for 6 years. All SSRI's affect people differently. Some gain weight, some lose, others stay the same. I have found that all SSRI's do tend to make me gain weight. I gained 50 pounds on Paxil so I switched to Zoloft and have gradually been taking it off. I do not know what your diagnosis is. If you have depression alone without any anxiety I recommend Wellbutrin. A lot of people with depression alone have found it to be the greatest as it elevates your mood while not increasing your appetite. If you also have anxiety though it will not help. It may even aggravate it. Some times a Dr will add Wellbutrin to an SSRI to combat some of the fatigue and weight gain. Ask your Dr what he thinks. Melody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 30, 2003 Report Share Posted March 30, 2003 Hi Chantelle, In my opinion Zoloft seemed to be the SSRI with the least amount of side affects. I still have a sex drive (yeah!) Which I totally lost on Paxil. However, I don't sleep as well on the Zoloft as I did on the Paxil, so I am tired through the day, but it's just because I'm not sleeping well at night. It takes a big edge off the PMS, but I can still feel it somewhat, whereas on Paxil it completely took away the PMS. I really liked the Zoloft the first 18 months I was on it. It just recently quit working as well for me. I too hated Celexa. All I wanted to do was sleep and eat on it. That is why I'm a bit hesitant to try the Lexapro. I went on Zoloft after 2 months on Celexa and loved it! I recommend you give it a try. I started at a low dose (25mg) and worked up to 75mg Good Luck Melody .. My doctor said if Celexa doesnt work she wants me to try Zoloft next. I am just wondering if you have side effects from that? I find Celexa I am extremely tired alot, and still have anxiety and really bad PMS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2003 Report Share Posted March 31, 2003 Hi again...., I have my Dr appt tommorrow (Tuesday) so I just want to find out as much as i can before i go in, if you know Dr. they will give you what ever you want to try.. That kind of worries me when so many people say ssri just stop working YIKES, so i guess my question for you, is I understand you obviously have bad PMS, as well as I, but i want to make sure we have similar things going on, so that i can determine if Zoloft would be a good one to try, When i have PMS, i get it like 10 days before my period, I get really down, and BAD anxiety.. as well sometimes i get anxiety in different situations or escalations (in terms of moods)... So if Zoloft is not working for you, what will you try next. Another one, my moms dr said is Excellent is Effexor, which he calls the Cadillac for Depression/Anxiety, I tried it, but it made me not sleep for four days, wired me, Really bad!! Melody DeLozier <stevemel88@...> wrote:Hi Chantelle, In my opinion Zoloft seemed to be the SSRI with the least amount of side affects. I still have a sex drive (yeah!) Which I totally lost on Paxil. However, I don't sleep as well on the Zoloft as I did on the Paxil, so I am tired through the day, but it's just because I'm not sleeping well at night. It takes a big edge off the PMS, but I can still feel it somewhat, whereas on Paxil it completely took away the PMS. I really liked the Zoloft the first 18 months I was on it. It just recently quit working as well for me. I too hated Celexa. All I wanted to do was sleep and eat on it. That is why I'm a bit hesitant to try the Lexapro. I went on Zoloft after 2 months on Celexa and loved it! I recommend you give it a try. I started at a low dose (25mg) and worked up to 75mg Good Luck Melody .. My doctor said if Celexa doesnt work she wants me to try Zoloft next. I am just wondering if you have side effects from that? I find Celexa I am extremely tired alot, and still have anxiety and really bad PMS!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2003 Report Share Posted March 31, 2003 Hi Chantelle, My PMS symptoms before I went on any SSRI's were Major anxiety (I would have a panic attack much more often than other times of the month.) Sleeplessness was one of the worst symptoms because if you aren't rested then all the other symptoms seem twice as bad through the day. I noticed that the same situation that I might be able to handle (stress) at one time of the month would just totally cause me to implode on PMS week. I also found my social anxiety worsened and I would not want to be around anyone. Also things would anger me that at other times of the month I would be able to cope with. (My poor family) I knew I had to do something because I was non functional as a person. If I could have just stayed home and crawled into bed till it passed I would have. But I have two active kids and a husband, so that's not possible. Even though our symptoms may be the same that doesn't mean the medication will affect us the same. That is what is so weird about these SSRI's. You asked what I'm trying now. I have decided to give Prozac a chance as I have two friends who said it changed their lives. I am afraid I am too sensitive for the side affects so I am willing to give Lexapro a chance if Prozac doesn't work. They are the only two SSRI's I haven't tried (by the way I tried effexor also, and gave it three weeks. the awful stimulating affect never went away as it did on other SSRI's after the first two weeks. I just felt as though I was on the verge of a heart attack ever moment.) I'm off to my appointment now, wish me luck...... Melody , so i guess my question for you, is I understand you obviously have bad PMS, as well as I, but i want to make sure we have similar things going on, so that i can determine if Zoloft would be a good one to try, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 31, 2003 Report Share Posted March 31, 2003 HI, i as well have two friends on Prozac, they love it, but they both have two bad side effects, both have gained weight and lost sex drive completely... Wow, we have very similar side effects.. Effexor did the same thing for me, its a very " wierd " feeling!! Good luck with your appt.. I think i am ready to give Zoloft a try!!, DeLozier <stevemel88@...> wrote:Hi Chantelle, My PMS symptoms before I went on any SSRI's were Major anxiety (I would have a panic attack much more often than other times of the month.) Sleeplessness was one of the worst symptoms because if you aren't rested then all the other symptoms seem twice as bad through the day. I noticed that the same situation that I might be able to handle (stress) at one time of the month would just totally cause me to implode on PMS week. I also found my social anxiety worsened and I would not want to be around anyone. Also things would anger me that at other times of the month I would be able to cope with. (My poor family) I knew I had to do something because I was non functional as a person. If I could have just stayed home and crawled into bed till it passed I would have. But I have two active kids and a husband, so that's not possible. Even though our symptoms may be the same that doesn't mean the medication will affect us the same. That is what is so weird about these SSRI's. You asked what I'm trying now. I have decided to give Prozac a chance as I have two friends who said it changed their lives. I am afraid I am too sensitive for the side affects so I am willing to give Lexapro a chance if Prozac doesn't work. They are the only two SSRI's I haven't tried (by the way I tried effexor also, and gave it three weeks. the awful stimulating affect never went away as it did on other SSRI's after the first two weeks. I just felt as though I was on the verge of a heart attack ever moment.) I'm off to my appointment now, wish me luck...... Melody , so i guess my question for you, is I understand you obviously have bad PMS, as well as I, but i want to make sure we have similar things going on, so that i can determine if Zoloft would be a good one to try, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 I just finished weaning myself off the Lexapro for the same reason (weight gain that was impervious to diet and exercise). I took a full month to wean myself off and the withdrawals weren't as bad as I expected. I went from 10 mg to 5 mg. for about a week two weeks ... then 5 mg. every other day for a week or so ... then 5 mg. every third day for another week ... then FREE! I noticed that I was pretty impatient and irritable when I went to the 5 mg. every other day ... and I did have a day or so of some weird head sensations after I had been totally off for a few days. Now, I am just excited to hit the gym and work off the weight that I have gained. I had been on the Lexapro since last July to treat Anxiety. I limit my caffeine intake, and use yoga other calming methods to keep the anxiety at bay. I've also changed my lifestyle to take better care of myself and not over-commit and/or keep myself in stressful situations. So far so good. I am SO GLAD that I took the Lexapro when I did, because it helped me get my life back when I desperately needed it. But now, I am ready to take a more holistic approach and see how it works. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 , Glad to hear that you were successful with the weaning. I tried it earlier this year without success. I got back on Lex because there was some family issues and it just wasn't the right " time " . While I was weaning myself off, I was constantly irritable and anxiety ridden. I'm probably going to give it another try over the summer or early Fall depending on any external circumstances. It's good to hear that people can wean off successfully w/o any dreadful side effects. Unlike Effexor. Ecchh. It's very encouraging. GL in the future. Mike. --- <consuela818@...> wrote: > I just finished weaning myself off the Lexapro for > the same reason (weight > gain that was impervious to diet and exercise). I > took a full month to wean > myself off and the withdrawals weren't as bad as I > expected. I went from 10 > mg to 5 mg. for about a week two weeks ... then 5 > mg. every other day for a > week or so ... then 5 mg. every third day for > another week ... then FREE! I > noticed that I was pretty impatient and irritable > when I went to the 5 mg. > every other day ... and I did have a day or so of > some weird head sensations > after I had been totally off for a few days. Now, I > am just excited to hit > the gym and work off the weight that I have gained. > > > I had been on the Lexapro since last July to treat > Anxiety. I limit my > caffeine intake, and use yoga other calming methods > to keep the anxiety at > bay. I've also changed my lifestyle to take better > care of myself and not > over-commit and/or keep myself in stressful > situations. So far so good. I > am SO GLAD that I took the Lexapro when I did, > because it helped me get my > life back when I desperately needed it. But now, I > am ready to take a more > holistic approach and see how it works. :-) > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 I agree with Mike, congrats to you , you are heading on the right track that's awesome! For me, I'm still having those weird " head sensations " which I and others call brain zaps. It's been about a month since I've stopped taking the Lex and they won't go away. The depression has gotten extremely bad. Sounds like you had " situational " depression. In my case, I've been diagnosed in the past with clinical/major depression and most recently possible bipolar on the depressive side. I was on the Lex for a year (since April of 2004) and since being off it, things are going downhill. I know I need to start taking it again, but I think the depression right now is so deep that I just want to try and fight it on my own. I know that sounds crazy, but I can't deal with the weight gain. " Mike M. " <lagunandn@...> wrote: , Glad to hear that you were successful with the weaning. I tried it earlier this year without success. I got back on Lex because there was some family issues and it just wasn't the right " time " . While I was weaning myself off, I was constantly irritable and anxiety ridden. I'm probably going to give it another try over the summer or early Fall depending on any external circumstances. It's good to hear that people can wean off successfully w/o any dreadful side effects. Unlike Effexor. Ecchh. It's very encouraging. GL in the future. Mike. --- <consuela818@...> wrote: > I just finished weaning myself off the Lexapro for > the same reason (weight > gain that was impervious to diet and exercise). I > took a full month to wean > myself off and the withdrawals weren't as bad as I > expected. I went from 10 > mg to 5 mg. for about a week two weeks ... then 5 > mg. every other day for a > week or so ... then 5 mg. every third day for > another week ... then FREE! I > noticed that I was pretty impatient and irritable > when I went to the 5 mg. > every other day ... and I did have a day or so of > some weird head sensations > after I had been totally off for a few days. Now, I > am just excited to hit > the gym and work off the weight that I have gained. > > > I had been on the Lexapro since last July to treat > Anxiety. I limit my > caffeine intake, and use yoga other calming methods > to keep the anxiety at > bay. I've also changed my lifestyle to take better > care of myself and not > over-commit and/or keep myself in stressful > situations. So far so good. I > am SO GLAD that I took the Lexapro when I did, > because it helped me get my > life back when I desperately needed it. But now, I > am ready to take a more > holistic approach and see how it works. :-) > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 HI I have GAD and this is my second week on lexapro-- 5 mg.. Well I noticed a weight gain of 7-8 lbs this week.. nothing else has changed, as a matter of fact, I have been to the gym 5 days this week. did anyone else notice a weight gain while on the drug?? Also, it makes me soo tired.. but i take it at night and have a great night of sleep so i guess that isokay! thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2006 Report Share Posted March 3, 2006 I never noticed any weight gain. That's good that you can take it at night, I have to take it in the am because it keeps me up. Zenda ks0414 <ksaposni@...> wrote: HI I have GAD and this is my second week on lexapro-- 5 mg.. Well I noticed a weight gain of 7-8 lbs this week.. nothing else has changed, as a matter of fact, I have been to the gym 5 days this week. did anyone else notice a weight gain while on the drug?? Also, it makes me soo tired.. but i take it at night and have a great night of sleep so i guess that isokay! thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 ---I haven't noticed any weight gain so far but i have not really weighed lately. but now when i was on Paxil i started to put a lot of weight on and i could not loose any on that one. so that is part of why i was switched to lexapro i was told that it didn't cause weight gain like Paxil would. so i hope i don't gain any. In Lexapro , " ks0414 " <ksaposni@...> wrote: > > HI > > I have GAD and this is my second week on lexapro-- 5 mg.. Well I > noticed a weight gain of 7-8 lbs this week.. nothing else has changed, > as a matter of fact, I have been to the gym 5 days this week. did > anyone else notice a weight gain while on the drug?? > > Also, it makes me soo tired.. but i take it at night and have a great > night of sleep so i guess that isokay! > > thanks > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2006 Report Share Posted March 5, 2006 OMg.. it keeps you up?? Wow.. it makes me soo tired that i pass out just about an hour after taking it and sleep like a rock.. wow, crazy how people have such different effects! Re: lexapro and weight gain I never noticed any weight gain. That's good that you can take it at night, I have to take it in the am because it keeps me up. Zenda ks0414 <ksaposni@...> wrote: HI I have GAD and this is my second week on lexapro-- 5 mg.. Well I noticed a weight gain of 7-8 lbs this week.. nothing else has changed, as a matter of fact, I have been to the gym 5 days this week. did anyone else notice a weight gain while on the drug?? Also, it makes me soo tired.. but i take it at night and have a great night of sleep so i guess that isokay! thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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