weight gain on lexapro

[Guest guest]

 

Yes, I had major weight gain on lexapro. In my case, I gained 15 lbs in a matter

of about 6 weeks! I went to a weight way above and beyond anything my body had

ever done before. In addition, it was nearly all in my abdomen, and I typically

do not gain weight there. I did some research and lexapro, in some studies, has

been shown to lower metabolism, for some people, by 300 calories a day! Add

carbohydrate cravings, possible increased appetite in general, and tiredness,

and you are in big trouble. My weight gain was devastating and it was real. I

went off of lexapro a few weeks later, and started a diet and exercise program.

I have worked hard and sweated tears, but have finally managed to lose that 15

lbs in a matter of about 5 months!!!! Now, I'm finally back to my old

weight....and no lexapro, for me, ever again. Antidepressants have different

side effects for different people and it's trial and error to find one that is

right for you; which side

effects can you live with? A different med might provide the same relief with

additional woes (or not). That's just my personal story.

Hi, I feel that the weight gain while on Lexapro is due to the fact that

You feel so tired all of the time. I became quite the couch potato on

Lex. Anyone else?

~Crystal

Personally I don't believe lexapro causes people to gain weight as such.

Most of the population are overweight - if you are taking a new medication

its easy to blame that for weight problems but I imagine the amount you eat

is the main factor !!

I lost 20 lbs in a month with my anxiety - have put most of it back on now

but I know its beacause I am eating more since my appetite returned. As

eating becomes enjoyable again it's more tempting to eat when you feel

depressed or anxious.

Giving up lex because of weight problems when it is working for you may not

be a good idea as the weight gain may be a result of you not feeling so

depressed.

Mike

From: Barbara <bjarrett@...>

Subject: Re: new member

Lexapro

Date: Monday, 7 July, 2008, 2:40 AM

I did the same thing on Celexa, the parent drug of Lexapro. It's known to

happen to some people though with the Lex it seems less common than with the

Celexa. The only solution is to switch drugs.

Barbara

new member

Hi all!

So glad I found this group. My name is , I 34 years and I've

been on lexapro for 10 months. I suffer from mayor depression and

anxiety and the pill has done wonders for me. Even though it has

affectd my sex drive, (lower) I just don't think I could ever stop

taking this pill. I tried to wean myself off of it, but the results

where not nice.. I fell into a deep depression, I had anxiety attacs at

night, my fear increased, I was very, very irritable and I could not

sleep. So I'm on it again. I feel good now but my biggest concern is

this: I have gained at leas 15 pounds since I started my treatment. I

exercise 4 times a week and now I am really being careful with my

eating habits.. I'm not losing any weith, it seems like I keep gaining

and I retain so much water as well. Does any body experience anything

like this?

Thanks and Love to all.

------------ --------- --------- ------