dropping the Effexor/Lexapro weight gain

[bubeleh]

Can anyone give me an idea of how long it usually takes for your metabolism to recalibrate after stopping Effexor and/or Lexapro?  I've gained significant weight while on these drugs (despite an intense exercise program and careful diet).  My nutritionist and MD told me that the drugs likely altered my metabolism, but no one can tell me how long it will take to correct that.  Most frustrating, I've noticed that since I stopped taking both, my weight gain has accelerated.  Any ideas as to how long I need to endure this or ideas for correcting my metabolism?  Thanks.

[cacaeg]

I am not sure... but will be very curious to hear these responses... my boyfriend started Lexapro like 1 1/2-2 years ago and has put on 15 lbs or more... they never told him that side effect, and he is so unhappy with it... He is tapering down his dose as we speak... we will see... I think he is perfect but his self esteem is suffering...  Hope you get down to what you want quickly - good luck to you!

[baggage]

I was told by my phys. that Lexapro would not cause a weight gain while taking it for slight depression. If it causes weight gain, I need to get off this stuff. Please provide feedback.

[kgirlsmom]

My physician told me the same thing,  "no weight gain associated with Effexor" I am on 225 mg since Aug 2005 and have gained at least 20 lbs and gone up 2 sizes, I am sick about this and am tapering down as we speak!!

[freedomgirl78]

I CANT FIGURE OUT WHY LEXAPRO CAUSES WEIGHT GAIN, BUT IT DOES
I DONT CARE WHAT THE DOCS SAY ABOUT IT NOT CAUSING WEIGHT GAIN, THEY ARE LYING! I HAVE BEEN ON 20 MG. FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW AND HAVE GAINED 15 POUNDS, I WAS "MAINTAINING CHUBBY" BEFORE LEXAPRO AND NOW I'M JUST STRAIGHT UP FAT.  I AM NOW ON 1O MG. AND I ACTUALLY FEEL BETTER, A FEW WITHDRWAL SYPMTOMS, NOT BAD THOUGH. I TRIED TAKING 10 MG. EVERY OTHER DAY AND THAT WAS TORTURE TO MY BODY, I AM FEELING SCARED THAT I AM NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF IT WITHOUT AT LEAST A WEEK OF PUTTING MY BODY THROUGH HELL. I THINK MY WEIGHT WILL RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER I'M OFF THEM COMLETLY. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

[Tula]

i have been on 225 of effexor and it has helped me alot but the weight gain has been horrible.  i crave carbs and feel hungry alot.  but i tried goin off the effexor and had bad bad withdrawls.  i took my time too.  any ideas?

[eyzwdeshut]

I have been on Lexapro since Sept. I have gained 25 lbs. I haven't changed my diet drastically enough to cause this change... i think it's the lexapro. I also have no libido, dry mouth, increased hunger. I am about to see my doc to change to another drug.

[biggirl2]

I am now just tapering off Effexor after 3.5 yrs and 40+ lb weight gain (I refuse to get on the scale now).  I have worked my way down to 75 mg after being at 300mg and yes, I've had crazy side effects.  My Dr told me as well it wasn't the drug making me gain weight but I *know* it was.  When 1st started the Effexor I did some research and saw that people had gained weight but I figured the depression was the bigger of the 2 demons.  I do feel in control of my depression but I seem to have no control over my weight.  I am hopeful that after I am off the drug 100% that my body will return to some kind of normal - fingers crossed!  Please everyone keep posting - I want to know how things are going for you too.  Thanks.

[glasscutr]

Since starting to take Lexapro one year ago, I have put on 30 lbs.  The med has worked wonders on my depression, but has played havoc with my weight.  The Dr. says it won't put on weight on by itself.  He says I'm feeling better and this is why the additonal pounds due to eating more.  My consumption of food has decreased and I'm eating healthier foods. Yet, I still put on the pounds despite exercising 45 minutes 3-4 times a week. I don't under stand this and what to believe.

[shade]

If you want to read my whole story, check out my post under "Real talk about antidepressant weight gain."  Befoe going on Effexor, I had gained 20 from other antidpressants (Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa).  Since beginning Effexor 1 year ago, I have gained a combined total of 53 pounds.  AND YES I EXERCISE AND EAT HEALTHY!  At one point I even got a trainer and still couldn't lose weight.

I am afraid to go off Effexor because I'm convinced that I'm  "A Lifer" as far as needing medication fro depression.

I am in education and with summer coming, I hope, as long as I can get my psychiatrist to agree that I'm going to change my meds, that way if I get sick, which I kknow is likely ( I had an awful Paxil withdrawal in 2003)I at least won't have to go to work.  I'm doing research, but I'm thinking Welbutrin might be my best bet.

[mrc0626]

Hi all,
I've been on Effexor for about 8 years now. I tried others, including Lexipro. I literally went to bed weighing 145 and woke up a week later weighing 170. My second Dr. showed me in his palm pilot that the #1 side effect of Lexipro (and Celexia) is WEIGHT GAIN. I took myself off of 225mg/day of Effexor and experienced HORRIBLE side effects, however I had no choice, my insurance ran out and we all know that's not cheap. At any rate, I've been back on the effexor for about 8 mos now, I'm 5'4 and weigh 188. For 1 month now I've been trying soo hard to do Atkins (no comments please) and have not lost 1 dam pound. I generally eat healthy to begin with, so I never went through withdrawls, I even did a meat and egg thing for 3 days where that was ALL I ATE. Still, nothing. Yeah, I might have a few Mich Ultras, but I know A LOT of other people who did Atkins and drank and still lost the weight an I can't. I think back to before I stopped taking the effexor, I bounced between 160-168. When I stopped, I lost a lot of weight without trying (it's amazing what stress can do), however it was a choice to be thin, or fight the evil deamons of depression. Thats when a new Dr. suggested the Lexipro; when I commented about weight gain, he said what they all say "No it won't" 4 weeks later for my follow up I had gained 7 lbs. I'm happy with the results of the Effexor and I know it's a lifetime thing for me, but I can't get my metabolism to wake up, even with fat burners. HELP!!!!

[Knitting Magic Girl]

I have been on Lexapro on and off for 2 years now.  I had to quit taking it for 3 months because i ran out of health insurance.  I also am on weight watchers and had lost 50 pounds a few years ago.  I was looking back on my weight loss chart and saw that within 3 weeks of starting lexapro each time, I had a significant weight gain.  I went from 175 to 185 the first time and then continued to gain despite following the program and exercising.  When I went off the med, the weight began to drop and I made it down below 200.  I started it again in February this year and within 3 weeks, here came another 10 pounds and it's been steadilly going up ever since.  I diet and I exercise and it's the only thing that I changed to my routine.

I'm now coming off Lexapro again.  Because I have mild depression, my doctor suggested that I try ginkgo or St. John's wort.  Since I can't take the latter, I'm going to try ginkgo.  I'll post here on how the weight goes.  I've been 2 days off the med now.

[alygirl]

I hate lexapro!!!! I was told by my doctor that it would not cause weight gain and he lied! I started taking 20 mg in December and have gained 15 lbs since then. The funny thing is that I have a trainer and do at least 1 hour of cardio 7 days a week and still gained weight! I feel horrible. In fact, the weight gain is making me depressed. I would rather be thin and anxious than fat and chilled. I am in the process of tapering off it and and I feel like ****. It is horrible. I wish that others knew the truth of this horrible drug. The positive of  drug is that it took away my anxiety and I felt great despite getting fat! So, I choose to be anxious than fat... what a shame. I guess all meds for anxiety do this.  Wish the doctors told us all the truth before we took it. Hope  this helps someone before taking this drug!

[imanonymous]

I was on Paxil then Lexapro for over 2 years and gained about 40 lbs.  I started because I was depressed.  Now I am fat, too.  And I have never had a weight problem before.  I am finally off and hoping that I can lose some of this weight.  If anyone has a success story about losing weight after quitting lexapro, please post it.  I could use one.

[chandagurrl]

I am 24 with no previous weight gain issues. I was 138 before i got on lexapro in dec of 05 i am now 155 and totally upset. i did not know that weight gain was a side effect that goes along with this drug. I have really bad agoraphobia nd panic disorder and the medicine has helped me alot but being overeight isnt something i wanted. i am going to talk to my doc on wed and ask him to start tapering me off my 10 mg doses a day.
good luck with all ur battles!!

[daiseymae88]

I too have been on Lexapro for about a year or so now.  About 6 months ago, they increased my dosage. My weight's been going up (and I exercise severl times a week).  Somehow tonight (that's why I was searching out lexapro and weight gain)I just mentioned the lexapro to my trainer.  They advised that they have several clients on lexapro that are having the same trouble with weight gain.

They seem to think that it may have something to do limiting the control we have over our intake.  I just know I've been spinning in circles.

[Cris74]

hi my name is cristina...i'm 32 mom of 2 and before effexor i was completely "out of control". i was really nervous, had panic attacks, was bad with my kids and hubby....i've been on it for over 2 years and it really saved my life. i'm another person today..IN EVERY WAY! I GAINED 60 POUNDS since i've been on these medications! i'm trying to stop taking them now ( although i get withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, ecc ) because if i continue i'm afraid that sooner or later i'll explode! please...if anyone finds out how to stop all this weight gain..tell me! i'm on a diet : nothing -  i go to the gym : nothing. i'm desperate!!!!!!!!!

pls help!


Cris

[indrisek]

question guys--
From this strand there certainly seems to be an agreement that Lexapro indeed causes weight gain, despite being labeled "weight neutral."

My question:
Anyone have thoughts on which is WORSE in this regard, Paxil or Lexapro?

[CampOne]

I will tell you that I was told the same thing about the Leaxapro not making you gain weight -- that it's feeling better -- it's NOT true.

I do feel better finally but if I forget to take a Lexapro, I get the nausea, etc. and I have been on it 2 years with a weight gain of 40+ pounds!

I ran a marathon in 2000 and now I walk/jog 3 miles 3-5 days a week and stick to an 1800 calorie diet -- so what's up!

[rweb]

I'M SO RELIEVED BUT UPSET TO READ ALL OF THIS...I was on for 2 years and gained 15 pounds (but of course, I didn't care since I was on a drug) Now, I've been off for SIX MONTHS and I can not lose the weight. I know I ate more and drank (like a fish) more on Lexapro, but I also kept going to the gym.

I am hoping that it re-calibrates, but I'm 48 years old, so I'm worried. I feel like a dumpy old lady.

Right now, I'm taking 5HTP for depression, and it's not as powerful as a drug but it does work. And it helps with food cravings.(Book "The Mood Cure" has all the info.)

[sunflowers4yu]

I have been on Effexor XR 150mg for over 2 years now, and have decided that it is time to come off of it. It worked wonderfully for my anxiety/depression, and the only lasting side effect I had, was when I took my daily capsule later than usual. I have heard the sensation described as brain shivers and they were hideous!
The weight gain, however, is more than I can bear! I have gained 70 pounds since being on the Effexor, and have a host of debilitating physical ailments now as a result of the weight gain! Has anyone been truly successful in achieving metabolism normalcy and weight loss, after stopping this medication? I am desperate for a light at the other end of the tunnel.
-Sunflower

[queijo]

I've been on Lexapro for four years (unfortunately)and the weight gain issue has been foremost in my mind. I was on zoloft for 2-1/2 years and gained nearly 30 pounds. On 10-15 mg Lexapro, I ballooned 20 lbs because I wasn't exercising or watching what I ate. By changing my diet (eliminating wheat, limiting candy and sugar) I was able to lower my weight by 14 lbs -- I can live with 6 extra pound. I recommend visiting a nutritionist -- it helped me significantly -- and exercising. I've just upped my dose to 20 mg and I'm worried -- hard to contol the appetite. I'll have to step up the workouts and the diet control...

[heidrickman]

I've been concerned about my weight since the 5th grade (note: I'm 28 now) - I went on Zoloft in December of 2003 and switched to Lexapro sometime in 2004.  

I've had the weight gain.  

When I started Zoloft in December of 2003, I was around 205.  I immediately dropped about 10 pounds.  But, then it slowly started creaping back, even after switching to Lexapro.  I've had moderate success with losing a few pounds; however, I'm ravenous for food a lot of the time and have uncontrollable cravings.  Not cravings for sex, mind you, just cravings for food.  My poor husband!  

Long story short:  I've started decreasing my dose.  I was doing 10mg.  With a pill cutter, I made a group of halves and quarters.  I did a week at 7.75mg starting June 20th, a week at 5mg and now I'm doing a quarter dose at 2.25mg.  The withdrawl symptoms that I've had have been very brief versions of the withdrawl I've experienced in the past when I've forgotten my dose, or forgotten to refill.  

I joined Weight Watchers May 23rd, at a whopping 224 and I've only lost 2.4 pounds.  I'm hoping that the decrease in chemicals that I'm putting in my body will help with my weight loss.  I just don't want to be sad all the time!  The anxiety that I would experience, just over a dirty kitchen floor, was rediculous!  >sigh< fat and depressed about weight, or just plain depressed?

[Ellavemia]

I've been on 225-300 mg of Effexor XR for the past 2 months. Before that, I was taking 150 mg for about six months. On 300 mg, my mood was good. I noticed a big improvement in my depression but I've gained between 8 and 12 pounds in that time period.

So we all know about this weight gain side effect being real, even if the doctors want to deny it. My question is, are there are any medications available to help treat severe depression, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD that DO NOT have these side effects?

I don't want to get to the point of gaining 40+ pounds before I do anything about this because I'm one of those people that will get a lot more depressed/out of control if I feel fat and horrible.

[Raider Red]

Unfortunately all the antidepressants cause weight gain and does it so suck!  I have only been taking Effexor XR for about 3 months and I have gained about 7-8 lbs.  I am having unbelievable cravings for carbs. mostly sugary sweets.  I have been on Paxil in the past and I also found myself gaining weight on it, too.  I believe both meds did help in my mild depression but it was too much of a risk to keep taking them and gaining, gaining and gaining.  I believe ALL SSRI's force you to gain weight.  Pharma companies do not want it to be known to the patients nor the docs if the can divert them from that conversation.  I used to be a pharma rep and we dance and hem hawed all over the place when there was some quetion going that you knew was not going to end well in our favor.  I will be getting the starting pack for Effexor from my doctor's office tomorrw, so wish me luck!  I was able to come off of Paxil CR fairly easily.  Let's hope the EF is just as simple....yea, right!! LOL

[trold]

I have been on Lexapro for a year and have gained 10 pounds. This despite eating healthy as adviced by dietician and working out strenously  5-6 times a week with personal trainer. I just can't loose the weight and I am constantly hungry. I have had weight issues my whole life but this is the worst I have ever been. My psychiatrist is weening me off the Lexapro and is giving me Topamax which should induce weight-loss and also lessen the side effects of going off the Lexapro. Unfortunately, there is a lot  of side effects of Topomax (topamax) as well but weight gain is not one of them and need to loose the weight now !!!!

[oouch!]

Has anyone quite taking Lexapro and lost the weight they have gained? If so about how long did it take?

I am a very small women  (5'3 who use to weight 115)who has gained 20 pounds in the last 4 months between taking lexapro and Zoloft. I am now off both prescriptions!  and want my figure back.
Any help would be wonderful

[FinallyLosing!]

Hey Everyone,
         I have been on Effexor for about 4 and a half years now. When I first started I weighed about 115 lbs, and my weight when I quit this evil drug was at a whopping 141. One thing I did notice was the increased carb cravings while on this medication. I have now been off of it for about almost 2 months, and yes, the wait is slowly but surely coming off. The carb cravings have dramatically decreased, and I actually have to force myself now to eat unlike before. So yes, there is HOPE --- I am now down to 133, and every day is almost another pound. The weight loss process just actually began about 2 weeks ago, seems to have taken a while to get the drug out of my system.. I'm feeling great and hoping to be down to my original weight hopefully in about a month or so. Good luck to all of you!!

[bluedragonlady]

I am so glad that I looked into this.  I was recently told that I have panic disorder and GAD.  My doctor suggested I start one of these drugs.  After reading all of your posts and others on other web sites, I know that this is not for me.  Hopefully I can control myself enough to fool everyone into thinking I'm taking something...

[Ouch is right]

My tale is similar to many here.  Got on Lexapro in 12/05 weighing 113 and when I took my last pill in mid-June I was up to 126.  The drug was a miracle as far as stabilizing my moods & eliminating anxiety and depression. It was a life saver, but it also medicated all my feelings into oblivion and put me in a limbo state that was a very poor place for decision-making and facing certain realities.  So, between that, the sexual side effects and the weight gain, I went off - with my doctor's blessing.  The withdrawl symtoms were terrible.  After a very nasty few weeks, I feel better and have lost about 4 pounds.  I understand that it takes a long time to get this drug out of your system and the weight loss is very slow.  I think that most of the 4 pound weight loss is because I fasted for a few days and took UltraClear which is a powdered "metabolic detoxification" product you mix with water.  I used to only be able to get it through a doctor but now it is avaibale on the internet.  It is a de-tox flush that I thought would help get Lexapro out of my system. I think it has helped.  Some of the sadness and anxiety have returned, which is troubling - but I think I made the right choice for me.

[klo1]

I have been taking between 225-300mmg of effexor for 2-3yrs and it has helpedme but my weight gain is awful. I wighed 125 ponds before tahing this med. and I am now at 160 pounds and I caccot lose this weight. I also work with a personal trainer 2 times a week and exercise regularly 3-5 times a wwek and I am on a 1600 a day calorie diet and I have also cut out eating surgar and I am eating lots of lean cusine meals and have started eating more fruits and vegetables. I am in recovery for drugs and alcohol so I know alcohol has nothing to do with my weight promblem. Please help!

[Mimi11]

I think after reading all of this I am going on a hunger stike or something, anythying to get this fat away.. Obviously the diet and excercise wont work too good according to all of you... or might just take forever...

I am now 26yrs old, at 24 started Effexor due to depression caused by getting skin cancer, which luckly might not come back, which left me a huge scar between breast, which still makes me feel ugly... not attractive anymore... depression does run in family, but i can say that it has been a little better since i have made some changes in my life several months ago....

I have always been "the toothpick". my awerage weight was 115lbs... was on Effexor for about 1 year and 6 months until i gradually went off it.... when I was on Effexor (up to 225mg) the most I weighed was about 130lbs... I gradually went off the medication, quicker than my doctor had talked to me about, went through some side effects, bad ones but i would take a pill every second day and then tried every third day and then stopped, and it worked... took me just about 3 weeks to get off, I wanted to get off them ASAP, now theres no more side effects i was even getting with the pills.... since I have weinned off, I gained an extra 15lbs over what I gained while on the pills......

I have never felt so bad in my life.. I am use to being soooo skinny, healthy skinny, no belly fat, no huge butt, etc.... now I got it all and i feel the fat, I seriously feel like im gonna go into another depression because i know this fat will take long to go away, if it does... i am not use to this and it is getting to me so bad... I dont know what to do anymore but just stop eating, although i know it might not fix it, but at least i aint putting any more food in myself that can add fat to my body...

if anyone has any suggestions, anything to get this f-n fat OFF! please let me know.. I am seriously gonna go crazy if I cant get rid of this weight i am really not use to and dont want at all!!!!

[LittleGirl2]

Wow! I just went to the doctor today and got Lexapro. After reading all of these bad comments about weight gain I don't think I am going to take them.  I think I can handle my anxiety. What is weird though is that I have a friend that recommended these to me and she lost about 30 pounds on them. Good luck to everyone and I hope that everyone makes the right decisions. Being fat is horrible. Nothing fits and you feel depressed just about that. I can tell everyone that what works very well to loose weight is cactus. Make yourself a shake in the morning and one at night. Put the following ingredients in it. 1. Cactus, 2. Pineapple 3. Celery and add water to it and blend it. It will help with your cholesterol also. It is also recommended to diabetic people. I have been taking it for about one month now and have lost about 10 pounds.

[jairplane]

I gained 25 pounds on Lexapro after about 2.5 years on it. I finally couldn't stand it anymore and have been off of it for a little over a month. The weight does not seem to want to come off right now even though I have so much more energy and have started biking and running again. I just hope my metabolism starts to respond soon!

[Bubblebear]

Despite the comments of most people here, I have lost about 30lbs (from 156lbs to 125lbs) since beginning Lexapro in August last year. During the first month on Lexapro, I found it nearly impossible to eat - I totally lost my appetite. Eventually it returned slowly and steadily. I still continued to lose weight -if I did regular exercise and ate smaller portions I lost about 3lbs a week, otherwise it was easy to maintain my weight.

My doctor put me on Effexor for about a month in May - I gained 10lbs during this time, despite vomiting about 4 times a day from the nausea and dizziness. As you can imagine, I stopped taking it ASAP and returned to Lexapro.

Once again I am losing weigh, am down to 128lbs, so I am much happier.

But the best part is that Lexapro makes me feel so much better, and I can address my depression in a calmer way and learn techniques to overcome this disease. The change to Effexor was a mistake, but everyone responds differently to these medications, it's a matter of finding the right one for you.

Good luck to everyone, and take care of yourselves,

Bubble

[Nancyym]

I was so happy to hear these comments from everyone because I now know that I am not going crazy. I have gained 40 lbs from Effexor XR over the five years I have been on it.  I too, was always stick thin and never had a weight problem, and my doctor assured me that it was not the Effexor.  It has put a strain on my marriage and has been very depressing.  I haven't changed my eating habbits at all, so I know it is the drug.  Yes, it made me more relaxed (I was starting to feel like I had PMS all month long) but it wasn't worth it. It also made me tired. I am now down to 35mg and will be off it soon.  I REALLY need to hear a success story from someone that has gone off it and lost the weight.  I have been taking a very difficult spinning (cycling)
class everyday for two weeks and have cut my diet in half and have only lost two pounds. This is not my body, I used to lose weight so quickly!  I wish I had known!

[ptmom]

I too have had this experience . I was doing well on weight watchers and lost 17 lbs in 6 months. decided to try lexapro and within 6 more months gained back 7 lbs while still on weight watchers. i took myself off lexapro so now i am still fighting weight gain and am depressed!. I spoke to my doctor today and her solution was to try topromax, an anti-seizure drug but known to suppress appetite. I tried to explain that besides not wanting to go on another drug, appetite was not my problem but perhaps metabolism as i have read anati-depressants affect one's metabolism. her response was You are entitled to your opinion!!!. so i am looking for suggestions as is everyone how to jump start this stalled metabolism and what to do about the depression. Has anyone tried black cohosh of st. john's wort?

[PPD No More]

It feels so wonderful to read this thread, even though I have no advice. I'm not sure there is a safe way beyond the old eat less, exercise more mantra to lose weight gained after going on antidepressants. I'm going to research it though and will let you know.

I had postpartum depression and was within 5 pounds of my prepregnancy weight just 1-month post-delivery. Of course, I couldn't enjoy it since I was so blue and was actually trying to eat anything I could to have enough extra calories for breastfeeding. Anyway, now after 10 months of 10 mg of Lexapro a day, I've gained 28 pounds and counting!! I'm almost back to my 9-month pregancy weight. I've weaned off and now completely stopped Lexapro for 5 days. Yeah, I'm secretly hoping for the weight to drop off but I highly doubt that. What a huge drag! I conquered an extra 30 pounds about 4 years ago and was really proud that I had a fit pregnancy and only gained about 33 pounds. I thought my weight issues were behind me but no such luck. I am comforted by the fact that my daughter and I are both happy and healthy.

Good luck to all!
Kim

[normalgirl]

It's crazy I happened upon this website, I've been off of all meds for 7 months now...prozac, then effexor, then lexapro...I thought I was crazy re: the weight gain with effexor and then even more so with lexapro.  I was on effexor for approx a year+, then on lexapro for only 3months...I started to gain weight and it's taken me 7 months after not taking any of the meds to lose 7 pounds.  I've always been obsessive with excercise and dieting, yet none of this has helped....soooo frustrating.  I just got back on prozac and the weight is starting to drop...may just be one of those things, but I'm glad to know I've not been the only one with the "metabolism" problem---I was and have been getting so frustrated!!!  I thought just being off the meds would help, but hadn't...this actually increased my anxiety and depression.

[mom75]

I have been on Effexor 75 XR for approximately 18 months and have gained about 20 lbs. during that time.  I am almost 50 years old and other than being pregnant, my weight had not varied more than 3 lbs since I was 18, until I started taking Effexor.  My doctor guaranteed me that it would not cause weight gain, she put me on it to help with hot flashes and insomnia. She also assured me that I wouldn't have any trouble getting off of it because I am on such a small dose. It worked for awhile but now the insomnia and hot flashes have returned so there is no reason for me stay on it and continue to gain weight.
I am trying to wean myself off by taking 1 pill every other day but so far I can't stand the way that I feel the day after I skip a dose.  I own my own company and I can't afford to miss every other day of work because of this stupid drug.  I just wish I had known about the side effects of weight gain and withdrawal problems before and I never would have agreed to take it, I would rather live with hot flashes anyday!!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with the side effects when weaning yourself off>

[normalgirl]

you may want to wean off a little differantly.  my doc had me do half my dose for a certain period of time...knock it down that way instead of what you said you were doing (every other day)-----just a thought :)

[Cici#1]

I eat well and exercise and never had a weight prob like I have with Effexor.  We thought it was menopause even though I am too young.  The drug companies lie to sell their drugs, there is a study, exercise aerobically 30 minutes per day.  Better than drugs.  I am weaning off Effexor right now.  Lets help each other to lose this weight....

[smartmom]

Hello everyone!  I just started on 50 mg of Elavil about 3 weeks ago.  I only take it once a day before bedtime.  My orthopedic doctor is actually who recommended it after I told him that I was constantly losing my temper (along with unpredictable mood swings), always in pain and just couldn't sleep.  As a 34-year old mother of 3 with osteoarthritis in both hips, the lower back and left knee, along with mood swings out of control, this drug has done wonders!  The best part is that there is no weight gain side effect.  In fact, I've started to lose weight again.  I also started kickboxing around the same time and it has helped with the mobility of my hips, as well as helping me feel more energetic.  I actually enjoy exercising and find myself working out at least 5-6 days a week now.  If I had any advice for you, I would say talk to your doctor about Elavil and find an exercise regimen you can have fun with like I have.  Kickboxing is a fun way to tone your body, lose weight and also a great way to learn self-defense!  (Elavil is an anti-depressant drug, but it is also used to ease chronic pain and helps you get your REM sleep (deep sleep)).

[Melyn]

I have been on Lexapro since December 2005.  It literally saved my life!  I started WW in January, and only lost 6lbs in 6 weeks.  I exercise 3-5 times a week, an hour and a half each time (cardio, weights, the works!).  I got married last September and weight 162 then.  I've gained 20 lbs, and I know that part of it has to be the Lexapro.  Before, I never worked out, and ate whatever I wanted, and NEVER gained this much weight.  Now I am watching what I eat and working out several times a week, and gained 20 lbs?  Has to be the Lexapro.  THAT is depressing.  :(

[wishingiwasabetty]

I was on effexor 150mg for 2 years. I have gained around 45lbs. After tapering off, I took my last pill yesterday. Even with tapering, i am expecting withdrawl symptons. So far it's been mainly a sweet craving and more weight gain. Before effexor(aka devil drug) I was a healthy weight. No matter what I do I can't shake this weight. I would really like to know when the weight will come off.

[Ouch is right]

Some good news - I've been off Lexapro for 5-6 weeks and the miserable withdrawal symptoms are all gone except for some vertigo issues for which my doctor put me on Claritan-D. For about 10 days I thought I was going crazy and had enormous sympathy for people battling mental disorders such as bi-polarism.  By the end of two weeks, things were much better. I was very nervous about the depression/anxiety coming back and they have, but in a manageable way.  Like someone noted above, Lexapro saved my life too when I went on it last December.  It pulled me out of the water when I was drowning. But the side-effects - weight gain, loss of energy, etc. were too much. The other good news is that I've now lost 8 pounds with only minor changes in diet but no increase in exercise. I've also been taking a natural supplement called Zero Gravity made by Garden of Eden (I think that's the company's name) that I get at the health food store.  Hang in there, everyone .    

[italiangal27]

I was on lexapro for a year (for PTSD) and gained 70 plus pounds very quickly.  I went from a size 6 to an 18 in less than six months.  I am a vegetarian and worked out seven days a week (high endurance cardo  for an hour a day plus weight training every other day).  I also am in a job where I move constantly (30,000 steps in a 8.5 hour shift). I did the omega three thing too to the max.  I also had severe and constant diarrhea the entire time I was on the medicine to the point that it was bloody most of the time.  My face was very swollen, pale, and I had dark sunken in eyes.  Nobody knew that I was on lexapro, but everybody told me that I looked unhealthy.  I kept bringing the weight gain concerns to my PMD and to my psychiatrist, but they kept telling me that they could not tell and to keep taking the medicine because I seem to startle less and be less tactily defensive during exams.  They also would tell me that I probably was eating the wrong foods and not exercising.  I was told that the diarrhea would go away with treatment.  Finally, I could not take the bloody diarrhea anymore and stopped taking the lexapro cold turkey.  Within two weeks, everybody (people who did not know that I was taking lexapro) was telling me that I looked like I had color in my face and did not have dark cirles under my eyes.  It took about three months before weight started to come off.  Now, 11 months later the weight is dropping off tremendously, but I am getting accused of starving myself by my doctors, which I am not.  I exercise four day a week (less than on the lexapro) and eat like I did on the lexapro.  Unfortunatly, I have ulcerated by colon from the lexpro (I had no Gi problems prior to taking lexapro).  Yes the weight does drop off about a year later.  Good luck!

[italiangal27]

Oh, I forgot to add that the lexapro (I was on the lowest dose) had an anorexic effect ( I was never hungary), yet I still gained all the weight.

[mwall001]

OMG I wish I would have found this site before I started to take Lexapro.

I have always been super tiny my whole life. I am 24 and started taking Lexapro on right after my 24th birthday and I was 115 (which is the same weight I have been for the last ten years!) Now that I am about to celebrate my 25th birthday I am 135!!!!! If my doctor would have told me I was going to gain weight, I never in a million years would have believed him.

I gained a pound a week until the week i stopped talking it. I have not lost much since I have been off it (which has not been long at all) but I have stopped gaining.

I GAINED A POUND A WEEK WHILE EATING A 1100 CALORIE A DAY DIET AND WORKING OUT WITH A PERSONAL TRAINER 3 TIMES A WEEK.

which is insane because before this I never worked out and ate anything I wanted and never went above 115!!!!!!!

Lexapro was decent at helping with my depression. But I will tell you that I slept most of the year away that I was on the  medication. While I was on it I slept more than I have in my whole life and I was TIRED ALL THE TIME. Immeadiately after stopping the meds I starting sleeping half as much and have so much energy through out the day.

Oh and I completely lost every single oz of my sex drive while on lexapro.  which also was very inconvient! My husband HATED that!


Ok so I weened myself off of the meds and stopped taking them about a week ago... the withdrawl is TERRIBLE. The 'electric shocks" that have been going threw my body are terrible. I honestly feel like I am going to pass out every time my foot touches the ground or I turn my head. it honestly is the weridest feeling i have ever felt. so weird that i almost thought I was making it up or dying until i did the internet research today and found out i am not alone. I also felt this dizziness when I firt started taking the med and also when I increased them... even as i sit here and type if i even look to the side i get that shock threw my brain and feel like I am going to pass out!

[PANDAA]

WELL ALL I CAN ADD IS I WAS IN HELL BECAUSE OF EFFEXOR TRYING TO GET OFF OF IT. I HAVE TAKEN EVERY ANTI DEPRESSANT THERE IS AND SWORE I WOULDNT TAKE ANY EVER AGAIN BUT MY DOCTER CONVINCED ME I WAS SO STRESSED OUT THAT I NEEDED SOMTHING. BIG MISTAKE. GETTING OFF WAS HELL, I GAINED WEIGHT THAT I STILL CANT GET OFF AND I HAVE BEEN OFF FOR 3 MONTHS. THOSE AWFUL WITHDRAWALS LASTED A LONG TIME. I TOOK GABA AND THAT SEEMED TO HELP A LITTLE. IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW TO LOSE THIS DAMN WEIGHT PLEASE HELP. YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY DONT WANT TO MAKE YOU MORE CRAZY BUT ALL THESE GOD DAMN PILLS JUST CREATE MORE PROBLEMS FOR YOU THAN BEFORE YOU GO ON THEM. I WILL NEVER TOUCH ANOTHER ANTI DEPRESSANT PILL EVER!!!! I WILL DO YOGA AND ACCUPUNCTURE INSTEAD. THAT PILL HAS TAKEN A LOT FROM ME AND I HAVE A CLOSET FULL OF CLOTHS I CANT FIT IN. I FEEL LIKE EVERY WEEK I HAVE TO BUY MORE JUST TO HAVE CLOTHS THAT FIT AND IM NOT EVEN ON IT ANYMORE. PLEASE HELP IF YOU KNOW HOW TO GET THE METABOLISM GOING AGAIN I RUN EVERY NIGHT FOR 1 HOUR LIFT WEIGHTS AND I WATCH WHAT I EAT NOTHING IS HELPING!!!!!

[LittleGirl2]

I would like to thank everyone that has posted a comment here. i was so close in taking the medicine myself..but after reading these comments. I think I have saved myself from a big mistake. Thanks everyone and good luck to all.

[Loonn]

Lexapro will not help you :(
Search for other medications here:

http://e-topps.info/pharma/search.php?aff=20171&saff=0&q=weight+gain

[Zwoman]

I have not read thru every one of these comments, but was wondering since the Lexapro puts weight on, has anyone suddenly become diabetic as well?  My friend had been on Lexapro for almost a year, I believe, and she also had put on significant amount of weight as well as becoming borderline diabetic.  Her doctor also told her it doesn't cause weight gain.  Her doctor now put her on Zoloft, an anti-depressant in the same class as Lexapro.  

I saw something on Oprah regarding Green Tea, to switch from coffee to green tea . I have read that green tea  supposedly does boost the metabolism.  Instead of going for your coffee each morning, afternoon, or whenever you go for your break, drink green tea instead.  Oprah swears by it, but I don't know if it does amything for moods or depression.  They also sell green tea supplements as well if you don't like the flavor of  green tea.  

I myself was on Lexapro for all of 2 weeks, all I did was sleep also.  I was even scared to go to bed that I might now wake up in time for work.  I just told my Dr. that all it does is make me sleep, she switched me to Zoloft, which also made me sleep, but not as much, and after awhile I was okay or didn't sleep, now I hardly sleep at all.  I am afraid to get off my anti-depressant, that I would go back to where I was before, crying all the time, I'm also on Walburtrin, in which my Dr. told me I would lose weight on it, I did.  Also, on Lexapro, I just felt that I was going to the bathroom all the time, a lot of water, thinking back now, I think I also felt I had gained an inch or 2 in my waistline, I had felt very bloated, but the sleeping part was more upsetting to me, I just didn't want to keep oversleeping and walking into work late.  

[chubbyinva]

I am so glad I found this site.  My Doctor told me my weight gain had nothing at all to with Effexor.  I have been on this med for several years, and I have gained over 45+ pounds.  But I don't feel I am ready to stop taking the meds.  But how much more weight will I gain if I continue taking this?   I even went to my gyno and she placed me on diet pills.   I continued to gain weight.   Is there no help at all to dropping the pounds and staying on Effexor.  Any suggestions would be great.  

[anom12]

Hi All,
Just wanted to chime in and give my experience...
Painc attacks/agoraphobia run in my family, at the first sign of it, I freaked out and went to my family dr instead of a psych and he gave me Paxil.  I was at the point that I was afraid of my own shadow, shaking and a complete baundle of nerves.  After I started the Paxil, I finally felt back to normal- so much so that I was terrified to get off it.  The wieght started coming on but no one wanted to tell me because they knew I needed the medication.  I was now depressed - I wasn't depressed before, I was just full of anxiety- they aren't the same.  I went to a psych and the jerk told me that I was being vain when I gained the first 10lbs. Finally from 106lbs to over 143lbs ( I stopped stepping onthe scaled after that)... I WAS miserable.  The dr. had me drop Paxil and start Lexapro the next day - NEVER DO THIS.  You aren't supposed to just stop Paxil.  I ende up in the hospital one night because I was so frieghtened I wouldn't leave the bed for a few days.  The emergency room explained the issue of Paxil to me.  Because I was so upset over the weight gain, the psych put me on Topomax (topamax) which is known to cause weight loss- what he didnt tell me when he gave me an office sample was that it reacts with birthcontrol.  It can deform your baby.  So thank god I was such a miserable ***** that my boyfriend certainly wasnt pushing having sex- or I coud have gotten pregnant.  Anyway, my story goes on....but it does have a happy ending.  I switched to a combo of effexor and bupropion and with a strict diet I got down to 108.  
The explaination of weight gain that my new dr told me was pretty good- she explained that since most of the meds are for depression, they alter your mind and stimulate good things - so all the things that you once kept in check - like watching your diet- go out the door.  Eventually you just get comfortable with your state of mind and since you feel in control of your mind again, you just naturally do things that make you feel better- like eat...It really makes sense when you think of it.  It creeps up on you and then one day you are just like- oh my god- i'm fat now!
(of course I am now back up to almost 130 because I just got lazy and need motivation again...joined a gym.  i thought if i wrote here, i would remember back when i gained a ton of weight and couldn't lose it and cried every night- i could get myself under control.  i remember those nights that i just really hated myself all because of my weight.  i've always been considered an attractive girl by people -just average and nothing spectacular in my own opinion, but  i never realized what it was like to just feel unnoticed by people.  i don't mean that to sound snotty- i just mean that i took my looks for granted and never knew how important they were to me until i felt like i was guy repellant.  the experience of gaining weight gave me an entireley new outlook on people. i became very aware of how much people suck when you are heavy- i also wanted to wear a sign that said- "i'm fat because of paxil- not becaue i sit and eat twinkies all day like you assholes think i do - so screw you!"   everyone who gained weight due to medication should be allowed to wear this sign!)
To all of you- my heart goes out to you and when you are crying because you just don't recognize yourself anymore- just know that you are not alone.  it is unfair.  but you do have to step back and realise that even though you didn't gain weight in an enjoyable way- you will have to work your ass off to lose it- it won't just "fall off" oh- and to those of you still on the fat pills- don't even bother going to the gym- it won't help.  you need to adjust your medication first and get stable.  i also suggest a woman doctor rather than a man- for some reason men just think women make **** up and women doctors can sympathise with the fact that although you need the medication, you can't deal with ANY weight issues...
anyway- take care!

[Shensley]

Just a heads up about Lexapro. I have been on it for 4 years now. I have had my ups and downs with the dosage. I have found it impossible to wean off the medicines. I get veritgo really bad when I try to go off of it. I have lost large amounts of weight while being on it and I have gained large amounts of weight. The gainning of weight was not from the lexapro it is from a medicine that I have been steady increasing over the last several months. It is called Lyrica. It helps to numb nerve endings to ease my headaches that I get from damage nerves in my neck. My doctor told me that he could place me on another medicine that would help me loose weight and control my headaches called "topamax". So I will let you guys know how it works.

I take about 6 different prescriptions a day that help with allergies and pain, I know that they all slow my metabalism down a great deal. Maybe it is a combinations of drugs that cause the weight gain. I know I am a flight attendant who wore a size 8 when I started my job (I had already been on lexapro for 2 yrs) Then I was hurt on a flight (I blew a disk out in my neck), I had to have a spinal fusion and when they finally sent me to a pain mangement doctor this past november he placed me on Lyrica and I am now up to a size 14. I am working very hard to get back down on my weight. I will let you know how the Topamax works.

[suziebookworm]

I just started Lexapro last month and have been sooo hungry since...and I'm doing Jenny Craig because I'm already fat!!  I was losing and then started gaining a little every week...I felt so bad about it that I didn't even go into the JC center this week to weigh in and get more food...Now I'm thinking that I'll just forget about taking the Lexapro...I shouldn't have too much in the way of withdrawal because I've been taking it for just a month ( for anxiety, not depression).  I figure I can live with that better than gaining all the weight back that I worked so hard to take off in the first place!!

[kieranterrier]

I wish I had known about a site like this before I followed my MD's advice and took Lexapro.  I had had a bunch of lousy things happen in my life, including the death of my younger brother.  I was also at an age where I suspected perimenopause, so I went to the doctor to see if that might be the case. She asked my symptoms, I told her I was feeling pretty teary a lot of the time, so she asked what had been going on in my life, I told her, she said she thought I was depressed, so NATURALLY I was put on an SSRI. I told her I was not suicidal, and in retrospect, I don't know why she didn't say, "You're depressed, which is perfectly normal for someone who is grieving. Why not just let yourself cry when you feel like crying and see a therapist for awhile?"  But NO.  That's not the HMO protocol.

I had never really had a weight problem before. I had heard about weight gain with antidepressants so I asked.  Was told this was nothing to worry about (from my very overweight MD, BTW). Believed her.

At first, I did feel a lot better.  Before long, tho, I realized I was acting like someone with ADD.  Also no libido AT ALL (which made my husband depressed!) Of course, I was too easily distracted by then to actually do anything about this side effect (like call my MD). Then I began to gain weight.  No change in diet or exercise levels. Just 35-45 pounds over the course the year I was on it.

Eventually, I forced myself to concentrate long enough to decide to wean myself off the stuff.  Since I was probably never a true candidate for the drug to begin with, no problems associated with not taking the drug.

I've been off it now for well over a year. Have tried everything to lose the weight. Exercising 5x a week. Working with trainers. Changing diet. Cutting calories significantly.  Nada.  The "experts" I've worked with have been stymied, first suggesting I cut calories and increase exercise, then when that didn't work, suggested I wasn't eating enough calories to lose weight and was working out too much.  Finally admitting that I'm doing everything "right" and they give up.  Additionally, my hormones levels are all out of whack.  I think it threw me into premature menopause.  

I feel more depressed now, about the weight, than I ever did prior to going on Lexapro.  I have an appointment on Friday with an acupuncturist to see if that might help--I'm running out of options.

So, for those who asked how long it takes for your metabolism to return to pre-Lexapro levels, I can only say, sadly, that I'm looking at 15-18 months off the stuff and still haven't returned to normal.  Sorry.

[anom12]

Hi-
I just want to warn you about Topomax (topamax)... I've taken it 2 different times....once was for the weight issue that I wrote about.  Then the other time my nuerologist prescribed it to me to try and prevent my cluster headaches...
Both times I had the same issues and they weren't weight loss!  I became an angry *****- really bad. It gave me the worse mood swings ever and it made me exhausted, I was extremely tired- so I assumed that I wouldn't get a headache or gain weight because I was never awake long enough!
Just a warning about the mood swings....they were really bad.  I am not a person that is at all like that under normal circumstances.  So I was really mean to a few people who really didn't deserve it and thankfully were forgiving that it was the meds....
I hope it helps you!

[boopie579]

Like most of you I am so happy that i found this site!!! I have been on Effexor for a little over a year and have gained 35 pounds. i am getting married in a year and the weight gain has got me so upset. I was just taken off the Effexor and given a perscription for Prozac but i am affraid to take it!!!
I want to loose the weight and i am feeling desperate and i dont think people understand what its like. I was once wore a size 6 and i went to try on wedding dresses and the lady put me in a 14 and it still was tight!!!
   I dont know if Prozac will make me gain more wieght or help me loose it so i am affraid to take it.

Does anyone have any feedback on prozac and wieght gain???
Thank you all for your postings i dont feel so alone or like i am making up excuses for my wieght!!

Thank you =)
melissa

[Harleycag]

Thank You All for your comments!  I just found this site while trying to figure out why I  was feeling so poorly after starting Lexapro 2 days ago.  I am dizzy, very sleepy, feel "uncomfortable" in my own body.  I can't eat...no appetite.  The day after taking my first pill I couldn't get through a day at work.  I just feel plain lousy.  I went to the doctor for an infected throat...while talking to him about many negative changes that have come up in my life he suggested that I start Lexapro.  He said "It's like putting on a raincoat when you go outside in the rain...it just covers you to make you feel happier".  I have been having problems sleeping and mild anxiety, which I have had for many years, but was under control until recently.  Mind you, I am not having panic attacks, just trouble sleeping and light palpatations.  I was also on Effexor for about 5 years, having stopped about 10 years ago, after suffering from Major Depression.  I have been feeling more negative and sad lately, but with all that has been going on in my life I expected to feel this way.  I lost 22 lbs. last year on Weight Watchers.  Mt doctor "guaranteed" that I would not gain weight...now I see that I shouldn't believe everything he says!  Again, thank you all for your frank comments.  I will not be taking another dosage!  I wish you all the best!

[Crazy Woman]

Since starting on Lexapro 2 months ago, I've gained 11 pounds.  I've started Weight Watcher's but I have an unrealistic hunger most people just wouldn't understand.  These are not cravings, it's HUNGER.  

[In His Name]

GOOD NEWS!!!  I believe the Lexapro weight gain is just water weight,  since it can for me add a pound a day on only a 1400 calorie diet  (3500 calories to a pound).  Lexapro package insert refers to inappropriate production of an antidiuretic hormone  as an adverse effect of the medicine.  My weight is dropping with a diuretic (works best when you have least salt in your system and are lying down for two hours after you take it, so I take it about 3 or 4 a.m.), a low sodium diet with zero sodium after noon, and LOTS of water - 13 glasses a day for me.  I am off Lexapro and took only briefly but perhaps this will work even while you are still on it.  Aldactone might  also help,  I think it may directly address the antidiuretic hormone, though I take Lasix.  God Bless.  Best advice though:  seek Him.

[Laurasump]

what diuretic are you using? i sort of believe its water weight too because of how big my stomach and face are and that is NOT where i gain weight.

[suzlee]

I am in the process of weaning off  Lexapro. I started by cutting my 10mg in 1/2. Did this for a few months. Then 1/4 for a few weeks. Now off and feeling a bit strange now and then.My head feels static like in flashes.Feeling anxious too.

I 've been on Lexapro for more than a year. I have some weight issues. But I feel the worst problem is working on one thing and moving to another fast without finishing or feeling forgetful. One thing I have done a few times is leave water boiling and forget.  So fast to move on to something else. Can't slow down. But as busy as I am at times I still have weight gain. I am more active now than ever. Not working, I am always running to the gym, working in my yard , arranging stuff that seems silly to arrange, etc. I at 137-140 and before medication I was 120 something. My body looks different . Weight training doesn't work. I can never see results.

My daughter also went on the Lexapro around the same time.She started after being held up in an armed robbery with a gun to her head and I went on Lexapro because I was anxious and worried and scared after the event. Felt sooo bad for my daughter. Anyway, she went from 125 to 160 or more in about a year or so.She is now off the meds.   And working to cope with her panic and fear.

Well, just wanted to talk about my experience. If anyone can relate to the effects the medication has had on me please comment.

[lulup]

I gave birth about 1 year ago and shortly after went thru all the various SSRIs to try to stop the "crazies".  Lexapro, Topomax (topamax) (dope-a-max), I think a few others that I cannot remember, then Prozac.  I have a personal trainer twice a week and exercise 3 - 30 minutes each week.  THE WEIGHT GAIN IS NOT WORTH IT UNLESS YOU ARE REALLY REALLY BAD and even then, I think exercise, a shrink, journalling are a better alternative.  I now weigh about 200 lbs.  My "normal" weight is 165- pre-babies and that was pretty much without exercise. I am 5'10" and the weight gain is horrible.  When I first started the SSRIs, I was a big proponent, now I am so sorry I started this cycle.  And the weight gain is weird= all in my belly- like the "apple" shape we read about.  I even remember this happening to an old friend when she was on Prozac.  I know when you are down you feel like you will do anything to fix it, but looking back, I sure wish I would have started with a shrink, personal trainer and all the other stuff than SSRIs- and the **** of it all, MY DR SWORE SHE WOULD NEVER GIVE ME SOMETHING TO GAIN WEIGHT.
I want to hear more good stories about anyone that has lost weight after going off any SSRI.  Please!!

[Laurasump]

It is very comforting hearing others talk about the exact same thing i'm going through--I just can't believe doctors are still denying this causes weight. I had my weight under control for years (i was pleased with my size but it took a lot of working-out and watching what i eat VERY carefully to maintain a body i could feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit in!)--but i had it under control, but even when i would be on heavier side for me, i gained thickness in my thighs and butt and i never went past about 155 and that was with eating anything i wanted plus more and not moving. Then i go on antidepressants (and i really don't overeat when i'm happy, just when i'm bored or sad...)--so i'm on this medication, i really wasn't eating anything outrageous, and i suddenly have a fat stomach and fat face. and my arms! I NEVER had fat arms. I was always sort of proud of my arms. And the doctor still says its not the lexapro--now i'm about 170 and i'm only 5'5. It has ruined my summer.

Okay, enough of saying the same stuff --we all know the story. but how to lose it is the question! I've seen on multiple websites that people DO tend to lose the weight, although some say they are having a really hard time with it. because so much of the weight is in my stomach, i feel bloated so i'm hoping its water weight...

the thing that confuses me, is that now i'm in the weaning off process--it is very difficult to exercise (which i used to love) because i have so much vertigo...

blah. My boyfriend called them "happy pills" but they sure don't make you happy in the end, do they?

but suzlee--best of luck to you and your daughter. That is horrible that she had to experience that. I saw a dead body on the side of a road once and that ruined about 4 months of my life, i'd say. I hope the lexapro at least helped you and your daughter through dealing with that experience.

lulup--there ARE encouraging stories out there. I have spent two days searching for them. I need to know there is hope! at least you have a baby now! you are allowed to be a little fat after having a baby. I agree the medicine wasnt worth it--unless I suppose a true tragedy... My doctor said this would be good for me because i talked too quickly. I won't even start talking about how enraged I am with him.

But yeah, i imagine those who have succeeded losing weight on lexapro are out enjoying feeling good again and not thinking to post their success stories online. So i'm going to believe it is entirely possible to lose weight and we will all be better than ever before we know it. (i'm trying a positive attitude out today)

[renae, RN]

THE WEIGHT WILL COME OFF!  Hi guys!  I wanted to give you all hope!  Like the rest of you I gained 15 pounds on Lexapro.  After coming off the med,  It took 9 months for my weight to start to go down! But KEEP THIS IN MIND (IT'S GOOD NEWS)  ...I work as a nurse in addiction medicine (we detox folks off drugs and alcohol)...and the Doctor tells these patients that their "systems" will take approximately 18 months to totally get back to "normal" after having drugs in the body.  It also takes the body 18 months or so to recover from something called "adrenal fatigue"...in simple terms...severe, prolonged stress!  

The rule of thumb is that the body can take months to get back to homeostasis...or "normal" after drug therapy,  stress, depression....whatever.  So hang in there and just give your body time to do it's thing.  Keep taking care of it, and IT WILL RE-NORMALIZE!!  I can feel it happening to me, finally...I am slowly returning to the pre-lexapro weight and it's been a year.

Oh yeah...hate to tell you all this, but if you are "prone" to gaining weight on an anti-depressant, you will most likely gain it on any of them...any brand...It's like taking Motrin verses Advil...they are essentially the same drug, just different brand names.  The drugs are all a form of the same thing.

So good luck...give it a few months!!

[Ankah]

I would like to also say Lexapro DOES make you gain weight. I used to weigh 156 I changed my diet and exercise and was approximately 130-133 (which is a healthy weight for me) and maintained that weight for over 3 years!!! I started Lexapro (20 mg) and i have gained 15 pounds in 7 months... I asked the Dr. prior to starting this medication and she said that it would NOT cause weight gain...
So when i started gaining weight I decided to look online and saw it did cause weight gain.  

I am a physical therapist so i know about fitness, appropriate exercise and healthy eating and weight. I cut my dosage with the dr. approval to 10 mg and I began working out and eating less and more healthy and didn't lose a pound. I was exercising 3 to 4 times a week for 15 to 30 minutes at time doing aerobic exercise for a month and no weight loss at all. Then i increased my exercise to 4 to 6 days a week doing 30+ minutes. Sometimes I even exercised 2 different times in one day! I weighed myself and lost 2 pounds then the next day i weighed myself again and gained them back.

At first the Lexapro really was helping a lot. I thought it was a miracle drug! But then it didn't seem to be working as much at all. I just weaned off of it 2 weeks ago and my emotions are all over the place. I have been having a lot of mood swings and been feeling like crying over NOTHING. I read a thank-you card that i wanted to get for someone and almost started crying in the middle of a store... that is soooooooooo not like me! I didn't have the dizziness but i have another medical condition that can also cause dizziness so I have some sort of lightheaded or dizziness anyway. I did get really shaky and had a racing heart and felt very anxious for a few days though. I am really getting frustrated hearing how long it takes to lose the weight and basically recover from Lexapro!

[Duckyt's]

Thanks so much for ALL of this feedback. I had bariatric surgery in 2002 and lost 123 lbs. Due to a move cross country, issues with a son and family history of anxiety/depression, I found myself having some issues at the begining of the year. I started on Lexapro in Feb. and have gained 30lbs. since. Now my body has been rigged to only absorb about 20% of the calories that I eat and since hitting my ideal weight I have had absolutely NO weight issues!! Not until this Lexapro stuff. 30lbs in 4 months!! I never did that much of a weight gain even before surgery. This has got to be the Lexapro. My MD said the same things that I've heard others say. "it's because your feeling better and eating more". That's not true!!  Because of my past I monitor my weight everyday. Not to mention ALL of the diet changes that I committed to almost 5 years ago. I'm NOT eating more. I'm incapable of eating more. Since I monitor my weight so closely as soon as I put on the first couple of pounds I immediately went to the induction phase of Atkins (low carb, high protien is the ONLY diet that my bariatric surgeon reccomends) and not only DID NOT lose the few pounds but like I said earlier am now up 30 lbs. Last week I started weaning my self off of the Lexapro because I didn't go through all of the things that I've been through to lose weight just to have some little pill screw it all up for me. I was on 20mg. and have weened down to 10mg. This weekend I'm cutting it to 5mgs. So far no serious side effects. I little dizziness and "brain static" as I read someone else put it (great description btw, I never could find the right words to decribe it). If anyone has any advise on how to ween off faster I would LOVE to hear it!
Thanks!!

[ms priss]

After several weeks of pondering why am I gaining weight I realized it's my lexapro. I lost 60 lbs. back in 2004 and maintained my diet until I started taking lexapro. I go to the gym an avg. of 3-4 times a week doing cardio(run a mile/walk a mile). I thought it was many reasons why I was gaining. I gained 20-22 lbs since Nov. 2006. My husband said he saw I was doing all things possible to lose the weight. I've been active in the gym since 2004 and lost tremendously and had 0 problem maintaining. Weight has always been a problem with me since I've been married.

I am so relieved to read your stories. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Now I know I am not crazy. For one month my husband has told me there was something medically wrong because he goes to gym with me and sees what I do and how my diet is. (salads, meat, tuna, and vegs...please!!) I'm just killing myself in the gym to hold where I am at 155 lbs. That is NOT the weight I want to be at. It's just very frustrating trying to come up with reasons as to why I am growing out of my clothes...

I discontinued lexapro cold turkey June 22, 2007. I am having unfortunate withdraws dizzy, nausea, headache, etc. And of course I chose to do this while I was away on vacation.

I hope to regain my prelexapro weight sooner than later. Any suggestions???

LEXAPRO DOES MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT!!! EVEN WITH DIET AND EXERCISE.

[suzlee]

RE: 7/01/2007 comment

If reference to the "antidiuretic" & aldactone. I take this medication and when I read your comment again it made me think about what effects the Lexapro and Aldactone had on my body together.???

I take Aldactone to spare my potassium. I have Gitelman's Syndrome. I have taken Aldactone for 20 years. Maybe that's why I only gained 15 or so pounds and my daughter gained 30 plus while taking Lexapro. My daughter does not have Gitelman's and doesn't take Aldactone.

For all wondering about Aldactone. I take it with Presription Potassium. But normally this medication alone will increase Potassium which may not be a good thing for most.

[suzlee]

Well, I am doing my best working through not taking Lexapro. I feel like me head is a little bit clearer. I will get stronger.

This forum is very helpful for me. Reading everyone ones comments have been very interesting and helpful so thankyou .

Now off Lexapro I am thinking about the way these SSRIs changes the way we behave and think. For me I believe at times the medication made me tired, confused and forgetful, reclusive but maybe calmer. It helped my anxiety, my worst enemey. And yes I did feel a bit depressed before medication. But my life has had it's ups and downs and sometime life just seem to get the best of us. I believe for me my anxiety would take over after a  upsetting life event and then after I was tired from being anxious I would become sad and depressed. In my family this wave is seen through out. From dealing with a divorce at a young age with two young children and then trying to make ends meet while dealing with a crazy X to putting my alcohlic mother in a nursing home after she suffered brain damage from her alcohol addiction when she was 55. To having a lieing drug addict sister who neglected her kids. And the list goes on. While getting beat up from all directions. I believe sometime our brains just get overloaded and then we suffer from the effects of over load from the Fight or Flight reaction and  when it's on auto pilot  then our neurotranmitters go crazy. Let's face life is not always easy. We tend to be hard on ourselfs trying to make our lifes perfect. Sometimes we care too much and it wears us down.

In the US there is a major weight problem. What is never mention is the
fact many of over weight Americans are on antidepressants. Maybe this is why so many people have weight issues..??  

[gjk]

Thanks for the stories  ... very reassuring.

My Dr just decided not to renew my script. for 20mg of Lexapro.  Generally the Pharmacy has it refilled for me, however yesterday I found out the Dr declined to fill it,  No explanation either.

I've dine four Ironman Races (swim 2.4 miles, bike 112mi and run 26.2 mi) and guess what.  All while taking Lexapro, and I keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger no matter how hard I train.  I kept thinking I wasn't exercising enough.

After reading about everyone elses experiences maybe I should just stay off the stuff.  Have had some "Brain Static", I'm just scared any other withdraw symptom that I can expect.  My wife is too.

[GENIE28]

HI THERE EVERYONE
I TOO AM A VICTIM OF THE SSRI WEIGHT GAIN EPIDEMIC -

I HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF PAXIL FOR ABT 5 YEARS NOW AND EACH TIME I GO OFF I LOSE WEIGHT WITHIN 3 MONTHS.
THE FIRST TIME I WAS ON IT WAS DUE TO ANTE-PARTUM DEPRESSION WHICH STARTED IN MY 6TH MONTH OF PREGNANCY AND I WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR 2 WEEKS. THEY PUT ME ON PAXIL AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS I WAS UP TO 40 MG. NOW I GAINED 75 POUNDS WITH MY FIRST PREGNANCY SO I CHALKED IT UP TO BEING PREGNANT WHEN I GAVE BIRTH 25 POUNDS CAME OFF IMMEDIATELY I HAD ALOT OF WATER RETENTION - DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY ID HAVE POST PARTUM DEPRESSION I HAD TO STAY ON THE PAXIL FOR ANOTHER YEAR. I DID AND THE WEIGHT NEVER CAME OFF NO MATTER WHAT I DID SO I CAME OFF IT UNDER MY SHRINKS WATCH AND DID FINE MINOR WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS FOR ABT A WEEK. I LOST ALL THE WEIGHT AFTER 6 MONTHS :)
THEN GOT PREGNANT AGAIN HAD A PERFECT PREGNANCY AND GAINED ONLY 40 LBS THIS TIME. BUT AFTER THE ANXIETY/DEPRESSION STARTED AGAIN, WENT BACK ON PAXIL 2 MONTHS AFTER I HAD MY 2ND BABY AND GAINED 20 POUNDS IN 3 MONTHS....STAYED ON IT ANOTHER 6 MONTHS, WEANED OFF AND AGAIN LOST ALL MY WEIGHT

HERE I AM NOW ON IT FOR THE 3RD TIME SINCE 10/06 AND HAVE GAINED 25 POUNDS FROM OCTOBER TILL NOW (JULY) I FEEL FABULOUS MENTALLY BUT NOT PHYSICALLY MY SELF ESTEEM IS SHOT I AM 5 FT 2 SO LITERALLY EVERY POUND SHOWS.

THESE DOCTORS MUST ALL HAVE A PACT TO SAY THE DRUGS ARENT CAUSING THE WEIGHT GAIN - THEY LIE!!!! I ACTUALLY HAD A SCREAMING MATCH WITH MY SHRINK LAST WEEK LOL
I AM ON 37.5 MG OF PAXIL AND NEXT MONTH AM GOING DOWN TO 25 MG. EACH TIME I LOWER MY DOSE I NOTICE THE CARB AND SWEET CRAVINGS LESSEN. PLEASE DONT GIVE UP! IT WILL COME OFF
MAKE SURE YOU WEAN OFF UNDER THE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN THOUGH THEY CAN EVEN PRESCRIBE A MILD BENZODIAZAPENE TO HELP WITH WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS IF IT GETS THAT BAD.
I TOOK ATIVAN THE MILDEST ONE ....

TAKE OMEGA 3'S AND DRINK YOUR 6-8 BOTTLES OF WATER DAILY
BRISK WALKING IS GREAT, ANY AEROBICS WHILE WEANING OFF .
BUT AGAIN DO IT UNDER A DOCTORS CARE! WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE
U WOULD THINK BY NOW THERE WOULD BE SOMETHING ON THE MARKET THAT WOULD NOT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN FOR ANXIETY/DEPRESSION/PANIC!!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF US!

[roxy1]

I have only been on 37.5 mg of Effexor XR for 2 days and am already HUNGRY all of the time - craving junk food that I never usually eat (fast food, etc).  I'm supposed to increase the dosage over time but I think I'm going to stop it right away and talk to my doctor. I'm so glad I found this posting.

[celexasux]

I just cannot believe these lazy, reckless shrinks and GPs who dispense brain medication like it's candy, none of whom in my experience have the slightest clue about the life-altering side effects.

Same old story: Effexor, then Cymbalta.  40 lbs of weight gain despite daily, rigorous exercise and a pitifully low caloric intake.

Quit all the meds a month ago.  Not one pill of this **** in 30 days.  Every day I work out.  Every day I eat like a Korean gymnast in training. And still I haven't lost a pound.  

My (ex)-shrink's advice was as valuable as the dog catcher's.  "This isn't supposed to happen" is my favorite.  

[gjk]

You say you stopped all meds a month ago.  You just quit cold turkey?  I've stopped my 20 mg of Lex. 6 days ago.  The Withdaw has not been fun.  Brain static, fatigue....

Have you experienced any of this?  How have you coped?

gk

[ms priss]

I know your comment was directed to someone else, but I thought my experience of quiting would help you.

I quite cold turkey on lexapro 20mg on 6/22/07, and still having slight withdrawal symptoms. Within 3 days of stopping I gained a headache, nausea, and dizzyness. On 7/5/07 I experienced fatique for that day only. I felt as if someone had hit me over the head with a hammer. I was that tired. I had to refrain from my exercises for about a week. (too dizzy)

Today is another day, feeling better than I did 2 weeks ago. Still mild headache, a little nausea, and maybe some dizziness. I was able to return back to the gym this morning.

I promise you the withdrawals will pass. I was on lexapro since Dec. 2006.

Have a great day.

[celexasux]

I tapered from 20 mg to 10 over the course of a week.  Then from 10 to 5 for a few days, then quit. My doctor suggested I go more slowly, but her advice on other side effect issues was so hopeless I ignored her.  

The first two weeks were awful.  If I weren't self-employed and home-based I would have flipped out on co-workers.  

After about two weeks the withdrawal symptoms were totally bearable.  

I'm nearly a month free now.  I still have zaps and some pretty severe bouts of dizziness as of three days ago, but nothing debillitating at all.  Of course, the weight refuses to budge. But at least I'm functional.

[exlex]

I was on Lexapro 10mg and then up to 20mg for 3 1/2 yrs after post partum issues . I noticed weight started climbing in year 2 and them dramatically in yr 3.  What bugs me the most is that I sat there w/my shrink every other week and a major topic of conversation has been my weight for the past 1 1/2 yrs. And never ever did she mention anything about a connection w/Lexapro.  And then suddenly out of nowhere she finally dishes that lexapro is associated with weight gain especially for long term users and this happens in 50% of people.  I cannot believe that she didn't tell me this.  Especially someone who has concerns over losing the weight.  She knew I went to a nutritionist and was trying various programs which have worked well before.  I did ask her about losing it post lex and she assured me that with regulary weight loss techniques you can lose the weight.  I have been off since Memorial Day of this year and so far - no changes.  I feel like a big fat bloated mess. I am normally someone who is slim and trim and now I'm up to size 16+.  I too have had to buy all new clothing and it's awful.  I'm embarrassed for people to see me.  Ugh.  But I'm desperately trying to be positive after trying a bunch of stuff (had my thyroid checked too and also went to a medical impath).  I too feel it's a lot of water.  Even this nutrition/health coach I went to in January said "you're retaining so much water - why is that?".  Um...why is it that he didn't make the lex connection either?  I just wish there was more honesty.  I can say lex did improve my life dramatically and essentially kept me sane but now I'm just so bummed.  And I didn't stop just to lose the weight - I wanted to get off anyhow.  And I weaned off slowly

[celexasux]

There is such a massive disconnect between the experience of patients on anti-depressants and the council of doctors that I'm almost tempted to believe it's willful deceipt on their part.  

Maybe psyciatrists (whose job it is to know this stuff) have invested their professional lives in these miraculous, panacea drugs and don't want to admit the often harsh long-term consequences of their use.

GPs just flat out don't have the intensive education necessary.  They read a .pdf on the Palm Pilot or go to a Continuing Ed weekend and come home with a box of Effexor XR mouse pads and start doling the stuff out.

My shrink looked me right in the fact and told me that she had never had a patient report weight gain on Celexa.  She is a busy shrink in a large American city.  There's no way that was anything but a lie.

Sad, but true.  I simply do not trust these people to be forthright with their advice or dilligent in their research of the side effects of brain medication.

Scary.

[lemons76]

Each person's experience is going to be different. I am 30 years old, NEVER exercise, I pretty much eat what I want, and I have been on Lexapro for 3 years now. I have not gained a single pound (I have stayed at around 115) and the horrible anxiety I used to experience is gone. Lexapro has done wonders for me - if anything I have lost weight while on it. While it seems that many people do gain weight with it, it doesn't mean that everyone will. I have a couple of friends who also take Lexapro and they have not had any problems with weight gain either. You need to talk to a doctor and experiment until you find what works for you - but taking Lexapro doesn't automatically mean that you are definitely going to gain weight.

[Fat&Sassy]

Thank you all for sharing your stories about Lexapro and weight gain.  I started taking the drug off and on over 2 years ago and one morning I woke up and I was 20 pounds heavier!  I have stopped taking Lexapro and I am trying a St. John's Wort compound instead.  Too soon to tell how that is working.  (NEVER take both at the same time.)  Lexapro did help, but I am so depressed about the extra weight and the struggle to get rid of it, I feel like I really haven't gained much overall.  I don't like having to make the choice between "Slim Psycho" and "Fat and Happy."

[obsessive about weight]

every anti depressant I've been on has put some weight on, but the weight does come off after stopping the meds.  Prozac was the worst, talk about fluid retention, 3 months after stopping prozac (but taking effexor) the prozac weight seem to melt off.  I'm on 375mg of effexor and have gained 8-10 pounds over the last 2 years.  I went on atkins and lost only 8 but gained back after eating carbs again. so, I have to accept the extra weight or live life with wildly fluctuating moods.  My weight gain is not alot now but it seems to creep up a couple of pounds every year and that I can't accept.  Lots of exercise and strict dieting does help when I remember.

[Cherrie65]

Like everyone else, I suffered a 10% weight gain while taking Lexapro for just 6 months.  It's been two months of personal training and significant decreases in caloric intake and I've not been able to loose a pound.  I felt great while taking the medication.  My anxiety levels were way down and I was able to clearly think through difficult situations in my very stressful job.  However, for me the weight gain was not worth it.  My  physician and therapist have recommended Wellbutrin, which has a noted side effect of weight loss.  I began this 3 days ago, I'll let you know how it goes.

As far as weening off the Lexapro, my therapist had a great plan.  I began by cutting the pills into quarters...I was taking 10 m.  I took 3/4 of a pill for one week, then 1/2, then 1/4... then nothing. It took about a month but I suffered none of the side effects that I had when I tried to quit cold turkey.  I too, had suffered the electric shocks and dizziness.  But, cutting the pills and slowly working my way down worked very well!  

Does anyone have any success stories about loosingthe weight?  How long can I expect?

[gjk]

It's been 5 days since my last dose of Lexapro.  I have been doing well in the mornings, however; by around 2:30 I'm spent.  I psych myself up to do my work-out in the evenings and I am completly fatigued when I'm finished.  It has been really hot here lately so I'm hoping all this perspiring will help me detox.

When I write that down it sounds pretty dumb, but, I'll hang on to that anyway.

[suzlee]

Lemons76 you seem to be the lucky one out of this group.

I have seen weight gain in people I know taking Effexor and Lexapro and I know it's related to the medication because these people never had weight issues and then over a period of time on these medication have weight gain . 20-30%.  I have my medical records to prove it m crazy weight. See below. Maybe these medication just slow us down. Who knows??

1990-1993 115-124 Off Meds
1994 134 Paxil
1998-2002 115 - 123 Off Meds
2003-2004 144 on Effexor
Off Effexor for a period of time got down to 130. VER HARD..
2005-2007 138-140 on Lexapro

Off Lexapro for 2 wks at 137 right now. Swimming, working out always on my feet.

[balloongirl]

Ack! I am so nervous after reading all your comments. I have gained weight on Lexapro. Stopped. Lost the weight. Started  Paxil. Gained 15 lbs. Saw my Dr. today about it and she just wrote me a RX for Effexor saying it doesn't cause weight gain. Now I am not so sure...

[celexasux]

Effexor may make your life immeasurably better psychologically, emotionally, and in every other way.

But if you've gained on Paxil and Lexapro, you're very, very likely to gain on Effexor.  Your doctor is, to be kind, misinformed.  And Effexor is often one of the worst to quit.

You just have to decide if it's worth it.

[Jenndc]

I hate how 75% of prescribed drugs on the market today are antidepressants.  Is this because society is really that depressed or people want a quick fix to having stress in their lives.  Trying herbal remedies, St. Johns Wort, adrenal supports, Ginko, Korean Ginseng all have equal if not better results than the drugs, and even better, less or no side effects.  Also if you are depressed there is typically a psychological explanation that I believe could be helped with therapy.  These problems don't just go away with the drugs, but your mind is just altered enough to not bother you...  When are americans going to wise up!  All we are doing is perpetuating the rich..

[celexasux]

I have no problem with 'perpetuating the rich' if the rich are providing a valuable service, and if their continued wealth means we get better, smarter science.  That's why the US leads the world (by staggering measure) in research and development.  

I think the reason we all have turned to psychopharmaceuticals is simple: many of us suffer from debillitating mental disorders.  There's no other way to say it.  Without anti-depressants quality of life would be severely diminished for scores of people.  The problem as I see it is the lazy, haphazard, reckless way in which they're dispensed.  Rather than medicating the brain as a last resort, it is the first.  And what's worse, patients are led to believe that there is no serious consequence to be considered.  THAT is the evil in all this, and I blame doctors and psychiatrists much more than big pharm.  Of course big pharm is greedy.  It's a doctors' role to be the patients' advocate.  

[suzlee]

Re: Comments from the 7/11/07

My daughter told me ( She weaned off Lexapro) that on the news today she heard,
Depression/Anxiety meds are the new number one medication
used by Americans and given by doctors for reasons such
as "I cant handle the way my husband handles the finances".
They say that there are more perscriptions for them then
blood pressure meds and other normal health issues.
How crazy it that???

To everyone who has ever taken Meds for Depression and Anxiety have you ever needed to cry and can't?  How about that part of you doesn't work and doesn't care . How about okay mentally but you just don't have emotions.  How about jumping from one thing to the next not able to focus. These are other real effects from the meds next to weight gain. I know the meds help but when can we feel emotion? When can we feel okay about our bodies and our health or mind?

[sskoshi]

Let me start out by saying i am a 27 yr old female, I have always maintained an average weight of 110lbs - I eat healthy (my husband has high cholesterol, so we eat healthy to help him out), lots of fruits, veggies, steamed fish, avoiding red meats, etc... I do occasionaly have a few beers (1 night a week at our local hang out), I do not smoke. I am heavily involved in sports - Paintball once a week, roller derby / skating 3 times a week, bowling twice a week, plus I walk 2 miles every other day, or so... WITH THAT SAID -

I have been on Effexor for almost a year, started at 75mg, went up to 375mg...I have generalized anxiety disorder. The effexor has worked wonders for me. My husband has noticed a huge change in my moods; but,  In that time frame I have gained 20 lbs and it keeps going up! My lifestyle has changed, I am doing more now than I previously did, and my weight still goes up. I have gone from a size 3 to a size 6 in less than 6 months, and I'm starting to outgrow that.. It is very frustrating to buy new jeans that are slighty big knowing they will shrink, and 1 month later you can't fit into them. I wasn't depressed before, but I'm getting there. I asked my doc if it was normal to gain 20 lbs in a year - she looks at me and says "Your body changes as you get older, it happens, plus Your small, you can stand to gain a few pounds" and blows off the question!

After reading all these posts, I'm going to start weening off this stuff and pray that the weight comes off and I feel better about myself again soon! Any ideas or recomendations on HOW to get this weight back off or how long it will take??

[celexasux]

I spoke with my doctor yesterday on this very subject.  He was utterly dismissive and condescending, as they usually are on the subject of weight gain. They simply will not or cannot believe that the SSRIs they are prescribing so willy nilly are causing drastic weight gain. And their self-delusion is easily defended.  It is nearly impossible to prove any causality between SSRI-use and weight gain.  The doctors and shrinks are completely protected in their little bubbles both by the literature and by the unfortunate fact that obesity, particularly in America, is epidemic; that people frequently fib when reporting their diet and exercise; and that metabolisms do change for the worse as we age.  

But, as a victim of SSRI weight gain, I will tell you what no doctor ever had the insight or the guts to tell me:

Effexor may improve your thinking immeasurably.  If you're given to depression, it may even save your life.  But it will make you fat.  You may be unable to lose the weight regardless of diet and exercise.  And for reasons we do not know, the weight gain may not subside for months, perhaps longer, after cessation.  The choice you must make is this: is it worth it?

[cj19]

No one has mentioned the antiorgasmic effects from lex.  I am 40male.  I nearly get bored it takes so long.

[Duckyt's]

I'm glad someone else has mentioned this as well. I know that anti-depressants are notorious for messing with a persons sex drive but had no idea that it could flat out STOP it dead in it's tracks. I've been very happily married for 24 years and still think my husband is the sexiest man on the planet. Our sex life has always been fabulous! Until Lexapro. At first I thought it was because of the weight gain and being self concious about it (I've gained over 30lbs since starting Lexapro in feb.) but not only am I NEVER in the mood even when we do try I can't have an orgasim. NOT due to lack of trying. My husband is awesome and he's starting to take it personally  because we've never had any issues like this. I started to ween my self off a couple of weeks ago and took my last dose 4 days ago. I've already lost 1lb and am hoping this sex drive thing ends QUICKLY!!
Has anyone else had these issues? How long does it take to get the weight off. Even more importantly.... How long before I get to ENJOY sex again???!!!!

[shaye68]

I was put on lexapro in April of 2007 after two deaths in my family.  I did not like the way it made me feel; I was dragging, sleepy all the time and just simply did not have any energy.  My doctor assured me that the medication was weight friendly and although I did not stay on it long enough to see a significant weight gain, I had my doubts.  My doctor decided to presrcribe Effexor XR, again telling me this was also a weight friendly medication.  Since being on the Effexor XR I have had no appetite at all, forcing myself to eat at times, however, in reading all the comments, 98% appeared to have weight gain after taking lexapro and Effexor XR.  That's scray to me because I'm probably in the honeymoon stage and will wake up and see the weight.  I do not want to gain weight despite what others may say about looking at the benefits of the medication vs. the weight gain.  I'm so glad I read these articles because I'm going to wean myself off the Effexor and just pray something better will come a long. Good Luck . . . .

[suzlee]

I took Effexor XR some time ago. I lost weight at first. It was a tough medication to start andstop. I also had a hard time eatting at first. Sleeping was hard too. I had these weird hard yawns too. After 8 months the weight gain started. Could be because of the increase from 37.5mg to 75mg to 150mg. After 150mg I gained and after weaning off the medication I gained weight but later, 6 months or so lost a "FEW" pounds.  
Family lose is very hard. So hang in. Sorry to hear about your lose.

[nooch]

I don't know why I didn't search for this before.  But I can't tell everyone how relieved I am to know that something is not wrong with me weight wise!  I thought I was just getting "old and fat".  I started Lexapro in 2000 as a migraine prevention.  It worked - or maybe that was just in my head??!! HA...  My migrains did deminish by about 80%.  They were debilitating.  A good physician's assistant told me about a study she'd read that Lexapro users noticed a reduction in migraines as well, and started me on it.  However, I had also just made lifetime in Weight Watchers at the age of 40 and was very, very happy.  However, two weeks of starting Lexapro, I was up 7 pounds.  Within two years, I had gained 30 pounds.  Needless to say, I stopped going to WW and just "accepted" my "older and fatter".  But now, 7 years later, still on 10 mg of Lexapro, I'm starting to experience paramenapause symptoms.  Mood swings are increasing even being on Lexapro. I rejoined WW in March of this year with some friends, because I'm still carrying around that extra 30 lbs.c   They have all lost between 16-28 pounds each.  I've lost 5.  And that's a struggle.  If I eat ANYTHING it seems I gain 1 or 2 back on.  I eat very heathily, I've gotten rid of the processed sugars and I power walk 45 minutes EVERY DAY.  I love to power walk.  Yet, only 5 pounds??  Please.   My new OB wanted to change me to Effexor due to the paramenapause sypmtoms.  I started reading about it and know I'm not going on that for sure.  And after reading everyone elses weight issues, I know I'm coming off Lexapro, too.   I am going to a naturopath and hope to find solutions to these issues.  The medical industry is so messed up, I think.  I've had a nagging feeling for some time that my body needs to return to much more natural stuff than these synthetic drugs.  I've also found another good resource for natural "healing".   It is:http://www.compmed.umm.edu/  Even if you are not in that part of the country, you can consult with these doctors on line or via phone.  I have once and was very, very pleased.
Thank you everyone for sharing.  You've given me hope.  I just want the weight to come back off, my moods to stabalize and my migraines to stay away!  I'll let anyone know how the naturopath goes if anyone is interested!

[another mother]

Same old story here, skinny girl took Paxil then Lexapro and I feel like the girl that got blown up at the chocolate factory ( Willy Wonkas).  I just recently figured out why I'm gaining the weight and I am a nurse.  I found a website called "The Road to Recovery" that posts ways to lose the weight and to get off teh pills if you want as well with dietary supplements (that they state they are not involved in). Has anyone tried it?  I am not a fan of any medical treatment that is not evidence based but I am now desperate.

[EB, mn.]

I have been taking Lexapro for over five years.  I am 60 years old and have attributed my weight gain of 25 - 35 lbs and the difficulty I have trying to loose it, on my age. I even joined a gym and in the first two weeks I put ON several pounds. My Dr. increased the doesage from 10mgs to 20 two years ago and since then it has been absolutly impossible to loose weight.  I started to wean myself off Lexapro.  I am reducing the 20mgs daily to 10mgs daily for two weeks then  to 10 mgs every other day for 3 weeks. I have gone through more severe withdrawls than this stuff will cause and I'm just going to bite the bullet.
One last note, Lexapro also kills any sign of a libido.  Even at sixty I would enjoy a little romance once in a while!!!!!
I believe there is a conspricy between the health care providers, drug companies and insurance companies. The oath that doctors take,"First do no harm"  must refere to thier own pockets and that of the drug and insurance companies, because it is applied loosely to their patiences.
Good luck to all.
EB, mn.

[catchris]

hi.. i am so happy to find all of you.........i am 52, healthy (but depressed) and excersice daily and watch the eating...i am 225 mg. of effexor....it helps tremedously..........but put on 50, lbs...solid........cannot get it off................i am not going to get off the effexor, because mentally, i am terrific...i need to figure out whatelse to do to get this weight off because i look terrible and the weight is causing joint pain, gerd and back problems ( & i take nexium for the gerd now, and read here THAT causes weight gain, too...but the nexium takes away the pai but, i would not have the pain if i did not gain the weight(which is the upper body) i , too feel hungary ALL the time and crave carbs..thanks again....catchris

[Angel Pie]

Hi, I'm new here. I have been weaning of the Lexapro since the beginning of June. I have gone from 40mg now down to 5mg. Side effects suck, but I am managing. I was on it for 14 months. I first started with 10 then 20 and then eventually the 40mg. I had been doing weight watchers for over a year and had lost 67lbs. Once I upped the medicine to the 40 mg my weight would not budge. My weight increased( not sure how much, but probably like 20 pounds). Iwent from a size 4 to an 8. So I decided to stop, since my husband and I want to have another baby and want to see if I will be ok without it. One thing I have noticed is since lowering the med I have been gaining, and pretty quickly. Does that make sense?? I still follow the weight watchers plan and excercise. Has any one else experience the weight gain from coming off the med????

[jusaguy]

I've been taking Lexapro for 5 months and have tried Paxil and Effexor. Paxil put me in a dream state and caused problems with my throat swelling making swallowing difficult. Effexor made me so tried I just wanted to sleep all the time. Now taking Lexapro, I have not gain any weight, maybe it's a guy thing. My depression is much better and I did have a dip in my sex drive but after a few weeks of starting my sex drive is back to almost normal. My complaint is crazy dreams every night, Not nightmares, just really weird and stupid. Lexapro has worked for me, everyone is different and so are the side effects.

[maro334]

Hi, in response to the original question, I have been off effexor completely since March (roughly 4 months now) after having been on 225mg for around 3 years. Upto now i have lost about 12lbs and the swelling in my face and stomach has noticably reduced. My sex drive has increased considerably and generally i feel much better for being off them. I still have a long way to go with my weight (gained around 40-50 lbs) but i do want people to know that the weight does come off (albeit slowly- months not weeks) and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. btw I have read that weight training is a good way of increasing metabolism rate (equal to if not better than cardio).

Good luck to all
Mark

[Katie Kat]

Wow... I am shocked!  I thought I was crazy for thinking I've gained weight since going on Lexapro just a month ago.  My hubby says he doesn't notice it, but I KNOW I've gained probably 5-7 pounds.  My problem is that one of my main issues is eating disorders!  I've was actively anorexic and bulimic for over 15 years, to the point of hospitalization.  That has been fairly under control for the last few years (on Prozac), but my depression and anxiety was still lingering.  I decided to try a different drug and my doctor suggested Lexapro.  

The weird thing is hearing everyone else say that they gained the weight, but didn't seem to really care.  That's how I felt too!  Usually gaining weight would TERRIFY me, but the drug makes me feel like "Oh, I hate gaining this weight, but I guess it's okay."  Problem is, now it's starting to NOT be okay and the only way I know to lose the weight FOR SURE is to go back to my eating disorder behaviors (which could very well kill me).  

So, I think I'll talk to my doctor immediately and tell her I want to switch to something else.  Do any other the others (besides Prozac, which NEVER caused a weight problem for me) NOT cause weight gain, but are effective?

I'm so grateful I found this site and all you guys.  I'm sorry we've all suffered and I hope everyone has good luck finding a suitable answer/solution!

[Katie Kat]

P.S.  The other weird thing is to hear everyone here talking about HOW the weight came on... like on their belly, face and arms!  I was always so proud of my arms and I just noticed this morning they look fat.  I am SOOOOO going off of this before it gets any worse!

I am also so mad at doctors for not bringing this to light and basically lying about it.  Can't win for losing, it seems.

[clmonti]

I too am glad I found this site because I have gained 50 pounds since going on Lexapro in October 06. I felt wonderful emotionally when I started taking the medication but started to gailn weight.  I quit smoking at the same time so I assumed my weight gain was due to quiting smoking.  I went to a nutritionist and she said it was probably due to my constant snacking after quiting.  THen I started weight watchers and working out every day at the gym.  I continued to gain weight.  I went from 150 to 195 in 7 months.  I have seen two doctors this week to discuss my weight gain and one told me he thinks it is the Lexapro.  The other is doing blood work and I have not gotten the results back yet.  I'm waiting to hear if it's my thyroid.  After reading this site and all the complaints about weight gain; I'm convinced it is the Lexapro.  I'm weining myself off of the stuff starting today.  I pray I get this weight off because nothing is more frustrating than working out every day and seeing no results in my weight loss efforts.  Thanks everyone for writing to this web and giving me insight to a problem Ive been frustrated with.

[kay johnson]

I was on lexapro and changed to celexa, then to wellbutrin and now back on lexapro. I am about 20lbs more than I was when I was on lexapro the first time. Something I am taking makes me want to eat constantly. Help

[bugchat5]

I'm so grateful for all of the posts regarding Lexapro weight gain.  I have taken the prescription twice in a 6 month period and have put on 13 pounds.  My anxiety is coming back and I considered taking the medication again.......until I read all of the posts.

I have been off of the meds for almost two months because it was causing neuropathy, numbness and tingling in my feet and face.  Has anyone else experienced these symptoms?  Also, are there really any SSRI's that don't put on weight?

Thanks

[Jackie J]

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post your experiences.  I began taking Lexapro about 10 months ago for fibromyalgia pain.  (I had taken Prozac successfully for several years, but it stopped working).  I had been gradually losing weight, but since starting Lexapro, I have gained over 25lb, & my eyes are swollen most of the time.  I had just begun to suspect the drug was responsible, but had never heard of weight gain as a side effect.  I am going to make an MD appt. right away.   The worst part is, the drug isn't even helping the pain & fatigue anymore.

Thanks.

[Jess Stol]

Wow.. I have been on this medicine for about a year or so. I have increasingly gained weight. I thought it was because I was getting married and the stress.  I was on wellbutrin and it did the same thing to me. Then I stopped and dropped 35lbs or so. I'd rather lose the weight and eat great and exercise and talk to someone then feeling depressed and fat. Feeling fat to me is was causes some of my depression. I'm not fat by all means but I'm sure feeling the lbs pile on and other's notice. It just disappoints me that my Dr said it didn't have this side effect. He also said I wouldn't feel dependant on it and well I do. Oh well I'm cutting down starting now. If you have any other suggestions I'd love to hear them. Thanks. Good LUCK to Everyone.

[vkstr]

I'm so glad I read found this site!  I have been taking Lexapro for the last 10 months and have gained
16 lbs, even though I've been working out twice a day for the last 4 months and been dieting on weight watchers and fat smash diets.  When I dont diet I gain weight and when I diet I stay the same!  I've been tapering my Lexapro for the last week because I thought that probably was the reason but now its confirmed.  Thank you thank you  thank you to all who posted the great info....

[OjosAzules]

Wow. I just started taking Lexapro five days ago and was never told by my Dr that I could possibly gain weight. I am definitely not going to be taking any more pills. I would rather be lean and a little crazy than fat and sedated! I used to weigh 200 pounds and I put in alot of sweat and tears to get down to 132. No way am I going to let Lexapro ruin all my hard work. Thaks so much for all of your insightful posts...

[amb02015]

I was prescribed prozac, but i'm 5'7.5" and about 140 lbs. I work out and am an athlete I really cannot afford to gain the wegiht. Dr. prescribed me on 20mg to start off with and progress me up to 40mg in 2 weeks. Then I told the DR I really don't want to gain any weight, that will make me so much worse off and she said "do you want to be unhappy and miserable, or 15lbs more and happy" So I am just on klonapin for short acting relief which does not make u gain weight, and I have another dr. appointment next week for an actual psych eval to try to get something different. I have known some of my friends to gain up to 70lbs on prozac and zoloft, so I'm def not going on it. A new drug called cymbalta combats both depressed and GAD (generalized anxiety) and it doesn't make u gain weight as I'm told from a few friends who are on it. Is there anyone who has tried cymbalta? Or is there anyone who HASN'T lost weight from being on 40mg of prozac? Also what amout of mg on who take prozac and are gaining weight?

[Polishchick]

I was on Lexapro for about 7 months and gained about 20 pounds.  I decided that the weight gain was not worth it...it was all in my stomach and since I am a short person, I just can't "breathe" with all of that belly weight.  I cut down from 10 mg to 5 mg and stayed at 5 for a little over a week.  Then, I cut down to 2.5mg.  After a little over a week, I stopped completely.  Tapering the way I did made it so that I did not have any noticeable side effects, except when I went completely off, I was grouchier than normal (for about a week), and I felt a little dizzy.  It wasn't so bad that I couldn't drive, etc, just enough that I noticed something was different.  The side effects only lasted about a week, but I gained about 5 more pounds...even after completely going off.  

Good news, though!  I bought Dr. Oz's book," You on a Diet", and have started following his advice.  It's been about 4 weeks since no meds, and I have finally lost 2 1/2 pounds (just started the book a week ago).  I am very excited for this little loss, because before, it was impossible to budge my weight.  I finally feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel.  I hope this gives someone hope to know that there can be weight LOSS after Lexapro!!  Wish me luck on the 17 1/2 pounds to go!

[zanna]

I've been on Lexapro (10 mg) since March and the side effects I've suffered so far were fatigue and nausea the first 2 weeks and disturbing dreams for the first 3 months.
The Compendium of pharmaceuticals and specialties (a Canadian guide), includes product information provided by the manufacturers. It says patients "treated with escitalopram in short-term Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder controlled trials did not differ from placebo-treated patients with regards to clinically important change in body weight." It does not say how short-term the trials were, nor do they define "clinically important changes" in body weight. Makes you wonder...

[fearfactor]

I was on Lexapro for about a year after having postpartum depression.  To be really honest, I did not gain weight from it.  I have also tried Celexa and didn't gain from that either - in fact, I lost.  It just made me lose my appetite.  I guess everyone is different.  I am not advocating these meds by any means, just sharing my personal experiences.

[fearfactor]

BUT - I will tell you one thing for sure - PAXIL causes weight gain!  I took it a few years back when going through a bad time and I gained about 10 lbs. in a short period of time.  It made me ravenously hungry and I felt like a bloated cow.  The weight came off when I quit the medication.  I also used to work with a woman who took it as well and I was amazed at how big she got.  So, if you want to avoid weight gain I think it's safe to say you shouldn't use Paxil!  You could not PAY me enough money to use this drug again!

[spinnerg]

I am OVER it!!!  I am tired of gaining the weight, it IS a fact that it DOES put weight on you, it did for me, over 10 lbs in just a few months.  Effexor was worse for me than Lexapro but I still gained weith on it. Honestly I didnt help my mood swings at all, it seemed to make it worse and it turned me into a hermit, I never wanted to do anything but stay at home and this is NOT me.  I have been off it for about 3 weeks now, I still have a few of those dizzy spells but they occur less and less!  Its just not worth it to me.

[snoopylp]

Hey guys, I was on Lexapro and actually lost weight! BUT here's the catch! I was also on Phentermine, and had great weight loss sucess! So maybe if your doctors will allow you to take both together you can have weight loss sucess too, I'm sorry to hear you guys have gained weight with Lexapro, that really stinks! I have a friend who is on Lexapro and she noticed she had put on some weight, I just called her to tell her about what you guys have been saying about the weight gain, Thanks for the info! Good Luck!

[banba1]

Hi everyone -- thanks so much for sharing; it makes me feel better to hear about everyone else's experiences.
My experience:  I'm a 32YO female who's been on Lexapro from about january 2003 through one week ago (can't believe i've been on it so long!), with doses between 30-40mg to treat chronic low grade depression and anxiety.  I never experienced weight gain from the lex -- sounds like i may be an exception, but wanted to let people know that weight gain isn't inevitable for everyone.  My biggest side effects have been lower energy levels and increased need for sleep (takes me 9-10 hours of sleep to feel fully rested), grinding my teeth at night with bad dreams, and hard time reaching orgasm (sex DRIVE has been fine -- just not getting anywhere!).  The perks were that I no longer had what I had always referred to as "the no-reason blues".

I'm someone who has always needed to keep an eye on my weight, simply because I love food/cooking!  I gained weight at one point in my 20s because of bad eating habits and too much beer in college, but lost it all with Weight Watchers and have been able to keep it under control since.  Gotta say, WW is a saving grace for me when it comes to weight management.  Watching my weight is something that I'll always need to be vigilant about, though.

Anyway, what I am experiencing now are the really uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.  I've been tapering down from 40mg over the course of the past month and a half.  spent about a week and a half each at 30 mg, 20 mg, 10mg, and then stopped completely a week ago.  The familiar "wooshing" sensations of withdrawal started the next day -- but only maybe a few times.  Each day that goes by these zaps are getting more and more frequent, and it's making me a little scared and bringing up some of my anxiety.  took an ativan, which helped some, but not much.  checked in with my doc to see if I need to go back on an every other day regimin or something to keep tapering longer -- waiting to hear what he has to say.

QUESTION:  has anyone out there sucessfully completed the process of going off the lex?  I just want to know that it can be done and that these creepy feelings WILL subside! :)

Thanks everyone, and good luck to you all.

[abby40]

I had my first child on March 8th, and she passed away three hours after birth. My docotor put me on lexapro (10 mg)  and it helped immensely.  However, I have gained 14 pounds the last three months. I think I feel worse than I would feel if I were off the drug.  I started to taper off this week (5 mg for 7 days)  I feel good and now I am on nothing.  I guess I'll just wait and see.  I am ready to be off of it. I think I need to "feel"  what I am going through. Anyone else have a similar situation?

[sl500]

Hi .... I am currently taking 10mg of lexapro. I was taking 12.5 mg since February due to extreme withdrawl effect of effexor (which I also gained extreme amount of weight on)....and now dr. feels it is not helping me. In fact I feel it helped at that time but not anymore. I started to go down 2 days ago - I am shaky all day and feel totally out of it...Does anyone know, is this part of the withdrawls or maybe part of the meds??? It's the worst feeling....I am also on .25 of Klonzapan which I take at night. Any ideas/feedback on this stuff? Oh, and I had also gained about 30 lbs since being on Lexapro!

[Kelly27]

Hello,  I relate to all of your stories and I know the pain and frustration of having to choose between being fat and happy or thin and depressed.  I am 27 years old and I have been taking Celexa for anxiety and depression for the past 6 years.  When I started I weighed about 127 pounds.  6 years later I am 150 pounds and very depressed about the weight.  3 weeks ago I took myself off the meds because I am getting married in 6 months and I can not lose this weight no matter what I do.  I really feel that my only hope is to come off the medicine.  Unfortunately I've been having some pretty awful withdrawal symptoms.  I feel like the only person in the world sometimes who NEEDS medication to be normal.  So it helps me to read that other people are like this too.  My doctors have all told me that celexa is "weight neutral" as well and yet here I am more than 20 pounds heavier than where I started.  I feel nervous and anxious, but I am afraid to take anything for it because I want to feel pretty for my wedding.  Thanks for sharing all your stories, and good luck in your pursuit of happiness =)
-Kelly

[tankgunner]

   most all meds i have ever taken have had side effects. i tried quite a few too but the way i look at it is if it helps me with my anxiety and depression i'm gonna try it. now a couple meds i've had to stop taking because of  really bad side effects vomiting, dry heaves etc..
   but weight gain? come on what is more important you? your mental health or gaining a 30 pounds? for me my mental health is no doubt about it. i just started taking lexapro 3 days ago if i gain wait thats no big deal seeing how i'm thin now. good luck

[yoga_gal]

I am a graduate student working on a doctorate in clinical psychology.  I started lexapro approximately 2.5 years ago, because of feelings of anger and irritability.  In retrospect, the source of these problems was environmental, not because of my brain chemistry.  It was not something beyond the expertise of a good talk therapist.  Hindsight is 20/20!  So, as a busy graduate student for approximately several years now, I have and continue to have my share of stress.    

On lexapro, the anger and irritability disappeared, and like so many believers in the medical model of mental illness, I was convinced drugs were the answer, end of story.  I did notice I was gaining weight slowly but surely, however I dismissed this as the result of school:   stress-induced eating and lack of sufficient exercise.  It seemed as if starting an exercise program was beyond my energy level, and that it was much easier to eat sweets and sleep to make myself feel less stressed.  

This summer, my friend and I were shopping when it finally sunk in.  How did I go from a size 2/4 to a size 10/12?  Thinking about it further, I had no idea how I could have gone from 115 lbs to 140 lbs in only two years, even as a dessert lover.  I could not understand how my friends could exercise so effortlessly while I struggled so hard to do my "30 minutes a day."  I also could not understand how they could resist cake.  To me, I was powerless against the lure of cake.  I secretly blamed myself for the strong urges I was having for carbs, sweets, and greasy food and told myself I didn't have any willpower, no wonder I was so fat.  I even bought one of those colon cleanser things on the internet-believing it could be an intestinal parasite that was causing my cravings.      

After researching more about lexapro side effects, and considering some of the faculty opinions on psychotropic drugs at my school (un-necessary for 90% of society), I decided to come off of the drug.  Although my Dr. told me to just cut from 10mg to 5mg and take 5mg for 2-3 days before stopping, I decided to taper more slowly on my own.  Good thinking.  Most of the withdrawal has been tolerable for me after doing a week at 2.5 mg.  I am still on Wellbutrin 150mgs for now.  I plan to come off of that in a few months.   Here are my results at week three with no lexapro in my system:

-Incredible increase in energy!  I feel like exercising again, and have been doing so in moderation.
-I'm back in control of my appetite.  The carb/sugar/fat cravings have vanished.
-I don't sleep all day Saturday and Sunday like before.
-My creativity has returned..I like to take pictures again.
-My house is clean, probably because I have energy to clean it.
-I can work intensely on writing projects for more than a half an hour before giving up.
-Listening to sad music makes me feel sad, listening to happy music makes me feel happy.
-I get angry again, at things others would get angry at.  I feel it, yet it's not overwhelming me.

      and....
  
-I've lost seven pounds in two weeks without trying to "boot-camp" myself.  The stories of others who were on strict diets and cardio/strength programs with personal trainers...and still gained are quite disturbing to say the least.  I do think it's a combination of my metabolism regulating, my appetite being back to normal, and being energetic enough to exercise.  

In a nutshell, my life is more brilliant, I am more awake, alive, and aware.  I realize that Lexapro literally turned me into a lazy, fat, emotionless blob.  I wish everyone the courage and strength to take charge of their own health and wellness.  Namaste!

[13gained]

I have been on Lexapro since 3/07.  This drug was an answer to my prayers in significantly reducing my anxiety,irritibility,  and moderate depression symptoms.  Unfortunately I gained 13 pounds in 6 months with no change in my diet.  I first contributed it to menopause (I'm 51), however, I lead a very active life with a full time job and a home based business so this very significant weight gain is disturbing to say the least.  My weight gain didn't start until 5/07.  The dreams are bizarre and constant.  I was on Effexor in the early 90's and actually lost weight (about 10 pounds in 6 months).  I tapered Effexor until total discontinuation without any side effects.  I am convinced I need to taper my 10 mg dose of Lexapro  and plan to speak with my Dr. on Monday. I am concerned as to recurrance of my returning anxiety and panic attacks but now I am more depressed as I don't even want to participate in any social activities or meet with patients from my job( I am a nurse ) I am now at 158 pounds at 5'7".  I am also very concerned as to withdraw symtoms which sound rather unpleasant. My coworker also started Lexapro and has gained 15 pounds in 5 months!.  I will be starting a strict exercise program and hopefully will not have to wait 18 months before I see any weight loss.  Thanks you everyone  for your story, I actually could not believe my weight increased almost on a daily basis.

[BS65]

I used to take Paxil several years ago and over a six month period I gained 40 lbs. I had always been a small person and never had a problem with my weight but the Paxil packed on the pounds and quickly. After several years I switched to Serzone, went on Jenny Craig and lost 30 of the 40 lbs in about 3 or 4 months. I then stopped taking Serzone because it was taken off the market due to possibly causing severe liver and kidney damage. I was off all antidepressants for several years and lost another 10 lbs and got myself back down to my normal weight again. But recently, about 3 months ago, I began to feel a lot of anxiety and depression again. I went to the doctor and they told me that Lexapro would be good because it has less problems associated with weight gain or sexual side effects. WRONG! I have gained 20 lbs since April!!!! I was so distraught that I went back to the doctor and they switched me to Wellbutrin because that is supposed to help you lose weight. So we will see. Now I am tapering off Lexapro and am taking Wellbutrin. I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels and desire to actually get up and do things like a normal person very quickly with the Wellbutrin.

My husband also has depression and takes Paxil. I warned him about weight gain but he felt he could exercise and keep it off. NOPE! He has gained 40 lbs in 4 months. Should have listened to me!

[KalliMarie]

Hello, I started on 37.5 mg Effexor XL three years ago. I am 5' 8" weighed 133 (thin ALL my life) and now I weigh 193. The drug did seem to help my mood swings. I did not change any of my eating habits and it seemed to my my metabolism just died. I weined myself off by getting the 37.5 mg Effexor pills and cutting them in half. I took a half every other day, then every three days...etc. The side effects were horrible. I suffered extreme fatigue, vortex spinning (almost unable to stand), nausea, disoriented thinking. I am now off the drug and I was going to try Lexapro, but not now. Not after reading these forum comments. I think the nurse was right..."If you gain weight on one of these drugs, you will gain weight on all of them."
By the way, due to the weight gain ...I now have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The Effexor also made me sweat. I would spew water from my head mostly. Just sit still in church and water would drip from my hair...very embarrassing. That all went away when I quit the Effexor. Anyone else have this side effect?
The main reason I wrote this comment was to tell you what helped me with my Withdrawal side effects. I read some where, (on the Internet) to try "Claritin" to help reduce the withdrawal effects. I tried it and it Worked For Me...!!  I would take a Claritin on the days I didn't take my Effexor. I have no idea why and antihistamine, allergy relief would help but it sure did. Maybe it was physiological, but what would it hurt to try. It got me through the worst parts and now I am Effexor free for about 30 days. I still have not lost a single pound, but I am hoping that will change soon. Maybe there is a nurse out there that can tell me why the Claritin worked to help stop the fatigue, spinning and nausea. I hope this helps just one person with the withdrawal side effects.
I would love to hear back from you if it helps.

[claraday]

I am 23, Took Lexapro for anxiety. We couldnt figure out what was wrong with me. I had crazy sympotms like chest pain, tingling, freaking out, thinking I was going to die all the time. Then my doc gave me Lexapro and Xanax. Both worked great. I was a college athlete, very slim and firm at 5'2'' and 115-120 all muscle, now I weight 146. I got off the Lexapro for sanity sake as I was gaining and gaining, and hadnt changed eating habits. You can think it was food all you want, but I know my body, and Im telling you, it was metabolism. I was on Lexapro for 6-7 months. I dont fit in any of my clothes anymore and refuse to buy new ones at the desire to get back to my old size. I wear my bigger skirts all the time. The weaning off was terrible, I was able to do it rather quickly, but turned into a bit of a monster when going through it. Youve gotta realize, it really messes with your chemistry, and thats why its so bad to get off of. My panic attacks got a lot better, and I only took Xanax as needed after that. Then I was in a terrible accident, hit by a drunk driver. We should not have lived, but thankfully did. 2 months later, my anxiety is back, and Im having a hard time coping with it. I refuse to go back on Lexapro, my doc has recomended Cymbalta. Not sure how that will affect me, but im still 20 lbs at the least heaver than Id like to be... Has anybody taken both Lexapro and Cymbalta, and how did it differ with side effects ??

[jlcarrier351]

I started taking Lexapro (37.5 mg) 18 months ago after making a life altering decision to move 2000 miles away from my home, start a new job with another agency and not a know a sole in the entire state.  I found the realization didn't set in for about 5 months afterwards and that is when my physician recommended Lexapro.  My weight was approximately 110lbs when I started and in the 18 months, I'm tipping the scale at 150lbs which is very significant since I am 5'4".  I dealt with the weight gain because I felt so much better and had an overall better disposition but have since found I now have an under active thyroid which I am on more medication for.  I finally drew the line and quit taking the Lexapro (cold turkey) and continued to take my thyroid medication to now get THAT under control.  To date, I've not had any side effects from not taking the Lexapro that I've noticed, but I guess more time will tell.  If I need to get on 'something', it will NOT be Lexapro.  I don't care what physicians say and what labels tell you, you WILL gain weight taking this drug and you will be lucky if you don't begin to have other health problems, but hey.............at least you'll feel good!

[Angel Pie]

Hello, I just wanted to say that I have been officially off Lexapro now for 15 days and finally am feeling better. For the first day after I stopped I was ok , then the next day and for the next 9 days I felt like HELL!!! Nausea, dizzy, loss of appetite, headaches, completely out of it ! I am writing to tell you that there is hope. I do feel better. I weined myself off from being on 40mg down to 5 mg. So you too can do it! I did it over almost 2 months as instructed by my doctor. Of course I am getting headaches every now and then, but I would much rather have that instead of all those other crazy symptoms. I felt like I had the flu and it just made day to day life seem so difficult. I never had any side effects while taking the Lex. except sleepiness, so I would just take it at night.
Hang in there all of you it will get better!!! I know I have gained weight since starting it back in April of 2006, so now i can focus on it and I know it will all come in time. God Bless you all!

[deemc]

I, too, have gained considerable weight with anti-depressants.  While on Lexapro between 2004-2006 I gained 25 pounds.  Quit Lexapro in Summer '06, weight stayed steady, did not gain or lose.  Started Paxil CR in December '06 for depression and PMDD (works wonders for PMDD!!) but I have gained another 10 pounds and see no end in sight!  I exercise, eat well, drink lots of water, but keep gaining and am completely frustrated and feel awful because of the weight gain.  I decided to stop the Paxil.  I was only on 12.5 mg so for a week I cut down to one pill every other day, then just stopped taking them altogether.  It's been 4 days with no Paxil CR, no withdrawals except a little nausea occassionally, but I think I've gained another 2 pounds!  So, I am following the Weight Watchers Plan on line.  So far I feel fine, have more energy and don't feel depressed at all.  We'll see what happens.  

[flair]

If you are seeking info on private placement programs
or other trading programs reply off board to
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[LisaAndrea]

Okay, I'm glad to hear that this isn't all just me.  I've been on Lexapro for a couple of years and I've gained 25 pounds over that time.  I had maintained a healthy (and very consistent) 125 pounds for about 12 years and once I started taking the drug, I began to notice an increase in my weight.  It would go in spurts.  I would gain about 4-5 pounds and then level off for awhile, then gain another 4-5 pounds and then level off, etc., etc.  After 25 pounds I was sick of it!  I started doing an exercise boot camp and there was absolutely no change.  I've since decided that I'm ready to go off the meds.  I've talked to my doctor and we've both decided that it's time to (slowly) say goodbye to Lexipro.  I feel good and the circumstances in my life that caused my anxiety no longer exist.  I'm hoping that going off the meds will help with weight loss, but after reading some of these postings, I'm worried that my metabolism has changed permanently.  I guess I'll have to wait and see!  I'll let you all know how it goes.

[Luv4theson]

I am now 70 lbs overweigh since I started Lexapro.  I have been on it for about 4 years.  I stopped taking them one week ago, and so far, no real side affects accept very mild anxiety, which I have successfully so far controlled with prayer and meditation.  That works wonders, even when feeling depressed.  I too seem to eat under the calories I am allowed each day, I work out 4-5 times at a Gym a week, and I just keep gaining weight.  I hope stopping the Lexapro starts to work soon so I can get this weight off.

Good luck to all and I will keep everyone with this problem in prayer.

God bless,

[josie826]

I have been on several different anti-depressants at different times, Paxil, Prozac, Effexor for over 12 years.  When I first started to take the anti-depressants I weighed 175 pounds (I'm 5'9) and I now weigh 275 pounds. I have to admit that some of the weight gain is probably my fault, inactivity, overeating, etc. due to the depression.  But 100 pounds?  I finally decided that I have had enough and am off of the Effexor (the withdrawal was awful and am still having some minor symptoms, but thats for another forum) and do feel that my energy level is starting to rise and I am sleeping better.  I am hoping that the pounds will start to come off too.  I am glad to read that I am not the only one that felt that alot of my weight gain was from the anti-depressants.  Why do the doctors keep saying that the weight gain is NOT because of the meds?  Oh well.  I'll keep you posted.  

[penny8]

I am so glad I found this site.  I have been on antidepressants for nearly 8 years.  I started out on Celexa and switched to Effexor about 5 years ago.  I have gained nearly 50 pounds!!!  I cannot take it anymore I feel bloated and achy all the time.  I am going to call the doc and get off this stuff.  I too was told that the meds do not cause weight gain.  Yet I am told by my other doc to lose weight as I am now borderline diabetic!!!  I have never had a weight problem before.  I am 5'2" and maintained 123-125.  I lost all my baby weight after both my children.  But now I can't lose a pound.  I have tried all the weight loss gimmicks and exercises too with no luck.  I think for all those people that are contemplating these meds to think twice.  Try exercising and good ole vitamins. I think the docs are all getting kickbacks from the drug companies and are happy to write out Rx for this stuff.  I agree with one of the writers on this site she referred to the drugs as "devil drug".  My doctor told me when he first prescribed Celexa that he prescribes more antidepressants than birth control!!!  That should have told me something right there!!  Good luck to all of you getting off and those of you debating whether to get on.  To those that actually find relief without the side effects and weightgain good luck and hope you don't have to stay on them for long.  I am hoping to get weaned off soon.

[claraday]

Hey, Guys I wanted to know if you have ever taken Cymbalta, My doc just switched me to that after being off of Lexapro for about 6 months, my story is scroll up, but I am really just wondering about weight gain and Cymbalta, my doc says I wont, but he also said that about Lexapro.... I am on my first day of Cymbalta, and I feel more energetic, well, lots of things  really, but let me know I really want to know if Cymbalta causes weight gain in those that it caused weight gain with Lexapro

THANKS!!!

[hlkmartin]

Just wanted to share my story with everyone.  I have been on Lexapro for 9 months now and have gained 10 pounds.  I have weaned myself down from 10mg to 5mg, gone on a strict diet, and have increased my exercise program but the scale won't budge.  I finally went back to my doctor last week and he totally admitted that almost ALL of his patients gain weight on SSRI's.  He prescribed Deplin (7.5 mg) which I had never heard of before, and that's because it is a prescription-strength vitamin of sorts...Folate.  It is what folic acid converts itself to once absorbed.  The Rx strength version is already "converted" for you.  The website for the drug says that most "depressed" people have low folate levels.  All I can say is that I noticed a difference almost immediately!  NO side effects from getting off Lexapro and I've tried many times before with no success.  It's crazy but I wanted to share that with y'all.  Hopefully the 10 lbs. will be a little easier to get rid of without the Lexapro.   I agree with those that feel it is water weight.  I feel bloated and have gained weight in places I would never normally gain weight.  My Mom is on Lexapro and it has done wonders for her (in a good way).  So go figure!  But, for me, the weight gain is not worth the med!!!  Good luck, everyone :)

[Momizzle]

I was taking Serzone and LOVED IT!  They took it off the market, what? about 3-4 years ago because some people were having liver problems.  I got on Zoloft and gained 35 lbs in 6 months.  I was working out like crazy and getting so frustrated that the weight was not coming off or even maintaining!  I finally put 2and2 together and figured out the weight gain started with the Zoloft--which my doc said would not happen. A friend told me she and everyone she knew gained weight on Zoloft.  Thanks doc--now I'm 2-3 sizes bigger and what do you think THAT is doing for my depression?!!?!?  I changed to Wellbutrin, which was fine at first, but I would get too emotional over little things.  I cried when the volleyball team I was coaching won a game...so I stayed on WB and got back on 10mg of Zoloft.  I have not gained, but still can't lose.  I asked to be put on a Serzone generic, but he wouldn't do it.  Finally, he said I could try Lexapro.  Said that Zoloft has something that blocks the one thing in Wellbutrin that keeps you from gaining weight.  He said that Lexapro does not have this ingredient.  From Zoloft to Lexapro I have a renewed determination to lose weight!  I am not as hungry ALL the time as I was with Zoloft.  But Lexapro is EXPENSIVE!!!

[littlerebel1111]

Effexor was the only med i could take without gaining weight.i feel lucky now after reading all of these posts.i gained 40 pounds in 3 months on Paxil.i actually LOST weight on Effexor.my dr took me off of it recently,because he is an idiot.and is messing with my meds again,because he is an idiot changing them all around,if it aint broke don't fix it.he just prescribed lexapro and i have been researching it trying to see if this is going to make me gain weight like paxil did.well after reading this forum i have made up my mind i am not taking it.he also told me i wouldn't gain weight from zoloft and i gained 10 pounds in about a week,i had to go off of it because it was making me vomit every time i took it.i have also talked to other people who have told me that lexapro is making their hair fall out! wonderful i can be fat AND bald! the only med that has really helped me the most is topamax,i actually feel the best on it and lost 14 pounds when i first started taking it.my idiot dr says its as effective as a sugar pill though in studies .i looked up online and found no studies like that,only studies that had great results.however i did find a study that said zoloft was no more effective than a sugar pill,,which is the drug he was so insistant i take.sometimes i wonder if these dr's get some kind of a kick back from the drug companies.because this dr was making all of the patients in the office get off of topamax and putting all of us on the same drugs.topamax is actually used to help control weight in eating disorder patients.its a multi use drug.so for people having weight issues with there meds its a drug i would check into.provided your dr will prescribe it! my @sshole dr won't anymore.

[Marge 56]

08/10/07

I have been on Lexapro for 16 months and have gained 15 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!  It makes me sick because I have NEVER had a weight problem!!!!! Please someone say the weight will come off!  I have cut from 10mg to 5 without any significant problems.............being on this is NOT worth the weight gain to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sindra23]

You may wish to speak with your doctor regarding your eating habits etc. prior to being placed on Lexapro. It may be wise to also advise of your family history with regard to weight gain. I began 10 mg. of Lexapro over two years ago and within one month of starting the medication I actually LOST 30 lbs. It scared me because I lost the weight extremely fast. I am 5'9" and was at 170lbs. I dropped to 140 without even trying. The side effects advise that it may cause loss of appetite but dending on how fast your body metabolizes will also determine whether or not you lose or gain weight. If you normally have a slow metabolism and have to work at maintaining your weight by eating right & exercising, it may cause even slower metabolization in those cases. My family has a history of high metabolization. Taking the Lexapro amp'd it up even faster. I eventually stopped taking the meds. late last year when I started noticing breakouts on my body that would not go away. Once I stopped taking the medication for a while, I did begin to gain weight. My cousin had also taken Lexapro and she lost a significant amount of weight. She is now taking Effexor and has gained A LOT of weight. I don't think it's simply the medication but more a combination of person habits and family history as well.

Thanks

[veguun42]

After reading all of these messages I must say I'm really freaked out. I just started taking Lexapro a few days ago and I decided to take that particular medication because my Dr. said weight gain was NOT a side effect! He said for Paxil it definitely was but not Lexapro. I feel stuck between a rock & a hard place. I want to get my depression in check but that shouldn't mean I have to risk gaining all kinds of weight!
What I'm wondering is the percentage of users who gain weight versus the ones that don't? Sometimes the side effects don't effect a large # of users.
As far as I can tell there isn't one particular SSRI that doesn't have weight gain as a possible side effect. If there is one can someone let me know?

[deemc]

Yes, Lexapro also causes weight gain, at least it did for me.  20 pounds in two years.  It worked for my depression, but at the cost of gaining weight.  I went off Lexapro for about 5 months, my weight stayed steady but I didn't lose anything.  Major crisis caused depression again and this time I went on Paxil.  I gained 10 pounds in about 6 months.  I've had enough and am off the Paxil, but at the cost of withdrawal (see next post).  I have heard that Vitamin B6 can be effective for helping depression naturally.  I would research natural cures before recommending anyone start on antidepressants.

[deemc]

Today is my 8th day off of the Paxil.  The withdrawal symptoms weren't too bad until the last couple days.  The nausea is worse, especially if I allow myself to go too long without eating.  The hot flashes (mild compared to what I have heard they are like when going through menopause) have gotten worse and after a couple hours of being very warm and sweating I go through chills.  It feels like a mild flu.  This morning I actually vomited because I hadn't eaten breakfast yet and got very hungry.  Once I vomited I felt good, ate breakfast, but now 30 minutes later I feel like I might vomit again.  It actually feels very similar to morning sickness for me the last day or so, and no, I am NOT pregnant!!

[nhsteacher]

Just Joined- another forum I used, disappeared a few months ago...

My story and some hope for the weight gain....

Was on Effexor XR  for 4 (150 mg for 1 and then 75 mg for 3) years due to job related stress, lack of sleep (completely messed up my wake-sleep cycle)...
While my sleep patterns did finally go back to normal, the weight gain was awful. Went from 115 to over 160 in 4 years. Yuck.. I wasn't depressed before, just exhausted and the weight gain started to cause me to feel somewhat depressed.

Finally googled Effexor and weight gain and surprise - surprise- seems like effexor was the cause as nothing else changed. Immediately began to wean myself off the drug. Luckily I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms and was drug free in three weeks.
Then I dieted for 8 weeks - no cheating- a diet that worked very well for me to take off pregnancy weight. NO weight loss. Had heard that it takes months for the effects of the drug to "wear-off" and for the body to go back to "normal".

Well, it has been almost 5 months since I got off and 3 since I ditched the diet to let my body "recalibrate" so to speak.
I am happy to report that I just realized I lost 5 pounds without doing anything- sooo, this must mean that my body is back to normal and ready to lose weight. I can now start my diet to take off the rest of the weight.

I just wanted to let people know that unless there is permanent metabolic damage, it is possible to lose weight once the body is free of the drug. The time it takes for initial weight loss to occur will surely vary with each person, but it is possible. I feel like I have been "weighting" forever for my body to be ready to lose weight (have never been fat except during pregnancy) and I feel like a blob of fat! But I kept pepping myself up with the notion that it would just take time to get to the point where I could actually lose weight. I hope to be back to my pre-effexor weight by Christmas. Having that goal and a "light at the end of the tunnel" will make losing the weight much easier for me and knowing it is possible will make my morale higher.

I hope this helps anyone who experienced weight gain with this drug and is now trying to lose that weight. There is HOPE for weight loss after anti-depressants.

[suzlee]

Bringing up people eatting habits in regards to Lexapro is not fair. You must not be reading all the comments posted. You are the very small % that lost weight. But for most of us on the site we have gained. Let me just tell you that my family has seen weight gain from Effexor and Lexapro. People who had a hard time gaining weight. Get your facts right. We on this website or voices our concerns about gaining and other side effects. Even a nurse commented on her weight gain while on Lexapro and explain why the weight gain happens. FACT: Lexapro makes you gain weight!!!!!

[claraday]

I agree, that I have always been a very athletic, and healthy person and I went from 115-140 on lexapro. It made me sleep all the time. I was on it for anxiety... I have always been very health concious, and Im telling you, lexapro was the only thing different that happened to me , and I gained that weight.. I wish it had the weight loss that Sindra23 experienced, but it did not... and it was not eating habits... just know what you are getting in to... it was a nightmare for me to get off of as well...

[snickers11]

I was on Effexor for about a year and gained weight.  I also had horrible side effects if I missed one day or was a couple hours late taking it.  I eventually quit cold turkey and stayed home from work for a few days until it was out of my system.  I had horrible sweats and nausea.  Now my doctor has me trying Lexipro.  So far it is much better as far as side effects go, but I started to gain weight even while doing weight watchers.  I then found a diet online that a doctor had come up with to stop the weight gain for patients on Lexipro.  I have 3 whey protein shakes a day, 1 Vitamin E tab, 3 Fish Oil tabs a day, 3 CLA tabs a day, and I mix a barley supplement into my protein shakes and of course I drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces per day.  I know it sounds like a lot, but It has really helped with my cravings and the weight gain stopped.  I even started to loose some of it. I also found the medication to be more effective in controlling my anxiety and depression and successfully got through a nasty break up just fine.  

[Sindra23]

Sorry if my comment offended you. I assumed this was a discussion forum with those affected ( in either way) offering advice & discussing their experiences to assist another in coming to a rational conclusion as to how they want to proceed with their choice of medication and what they may or may not expect. If the weight gain is such a touchy subject for you I apologize. The "FACT" is Lexapro may or may not cause weight gain. It is not a "FACT" that it does, given my experience, and many others who I know who are not a part of this forum. To exclude me as one of the small % who had the opposite effect is an uneducated assumption. As I can tell, not even 1% of those (in the US alone) taking the medication are having a discussion in this forum. So how am I the small % if a full % isn't even in this forum? My objective is to offer a little hope for some of those who experienced less favorable affects. Even though I did not gain the weight, I did experience muscle aches, sleeplessness and memory gaps. I would actually forget who I spoke with only moments prior and what we spoke of. Though I am sure you have experienced ALL of the negative with the Lexapro drug. I obviously have nothing to offer. Also, my information was provided to me by my MD-Medical Doctor. Not Nurse. I would assume after his many years of education and over 40 years of treating patients with such disorders, he would know what he is speaking of. My statement did not advise that eating habit was a sole cause of the weight gain from Lexapro. It could be a number of factors which is why I noted speaking to your doctor about your family history in full prior to concluding if you wish to take the medication. If your "Facts" are more encouraging to those in this forum needing a bit of hope and sound advice, please be my guest in providing it to all. Hopefully, your insensitive rant was a side effect of you weening away from Lexapro. Luckily, I have found alternative to assist with my weening or I would have had even more of a callous response such as yours. Good luck with your search for a better anti-depressant! I hope you inspire many.

[gjk]

This is taken from an article relating to a diet pill that affects cortisol levels in the body.  I think Lexapro has been linked to elevated cortisol levels.  Could this be a possible explanation for weight gain in some??


"When the body perceives that a physical or psychological threat is imminent, the fight or flight response is activated and cortisol is released in higher amounts to allow for a burst of energy and other physical changes that allow the body to better fight or run.

The body undergoes the relaxation response and all systems return to normal. However, in times of chronic stress, homeostasis is never reached and the body maintains increased levels of cortisol, which can be damaging to the body in many ways. One side effect of increased cortisol in the body can be weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, which can bring more negative health consequences than fat stored in other areas of the body."

[deemc]

My 10th day off Paxil and I think the withdrawal symptoms are starting to fade.  I felt better today, not much nausea and I didn't notice the "hot flashes".  My dreams have not been as frighteningly bizarre as they have been the last few months either.  I have always had very vivid dreams and sometimes they were wild but made at least some sort of sense or were at least plausible in the real world.  But since taking Paxil my dreams are beyond bizarre!  My boyfriend says I don't just go to sleep at night, I go to the movies!  But these "movies" I'd rather not see because they are so bizarre and make so little sense that it was really bothering me when I'd wake up in the morning and try to figure out where in the world a dream like that came from!  The last few nights have been much more normal kinds of dreams.  Anyone else have weird, unexplainable dreams while on Paxil?  Anyway, the withdrawal hasn't been as horrendous and some people have described. I guess I've been lucky. Maybe because I was on only 12.5 mg to begin with.  

[shadow01]

I felt the same as you when I started Lexapro 2 years ago. I am 54 years and 2 years ago my Dr. put me on Lexapro for Fibromayalgi. I am 5'6 and at 52 years old I weight 124 pounds (always very fit); so how could a few pounds hurt me!

Well it did, 1 year later I was up 25 pounds and of course I started asking questions, and per my Dr. no ideal why I had such a weight gain, he ran all kinds of test. It is now 2 1/2 years later and I am now 50 pounds heavier, so I stopped Lexapro 6 months ago "slowly" by decreasing my dose. Please do not stop COLD TURKEY!

The 50 pounds of extra weight has caused high blood presure, high chol, and depression (which I did not have) before. So, extra weight does hurt you physically, mentally and your quality of life in general.

I'm not sure if anyone else experiance this or not, but Lexapro increased my appetite at night (I was starving late at night).

I am slowly trying to regain my health by exercising and trying to eat right!

I am so glad I saw this website, good luck and great health!

[KLB378]

I have mild depression & was started on Lexapro 10mg about 6/15/07 (never been on any meds, 27y/o) after 3 wks of AWFUL fatigue my doctor switched me to Effexor XR 37.5 for 1 wk & then increased to 75mg, I stayed on that until I noticed I gained 13#, very depressing, I was told these medications are wt neutral!!!!!!!!!! So I stopped cold turkey on 8/2/07, after 3 days of nausea & terrible headaches I took 75mg & decided to taper ( a bit), the next couple days I took 37.5 & now have not taken any in 3 days, the nausea & headaches are not as bad, but still there. My question is: Does it take the same amount of time to get an antidepressant out of your body no matter how long you are on it? Me & my husband are ready to concieve our 2nd child & I am very weird about medication & pregnancy, I don't even like to take Tylenol. Any advice would be GREAT, as for the depression, I felt so good when I was pregnant, so I look forward to that..... Thanks Keri

[shadow01]

You really should decrease very slowly..75mg then 37.5 then cut in half again (till your down to a min dose). This should happen over a 3 to 4 week time frame!

I would ask my OB, but I have been told it can take a couple months to get out of your system. These meds are time released!

Take care, Good luck

[salnmr]

My doctor just prescribed me LEXAPRO today.........i hope i am one of the exceptions to the rule with the weight gain! i just lost 30lbs about a year ago and have been maintaining....gained 20 of it back when i quit smoking 4 months ago and i was hoping to loose some more soon :) all this talk about lexapro causing weight ain make me nervous!  hopefully i will be one of the few who have a loss of appetite while taking this...i don't need to gain any more weight! Good luck to everyone......i know i am crossing my fingers :)sally

[deemc]

Good luck to you and I hope you are one of the lucky ones who does not gain weight..  I was not.  I was having problems in my marriage and lost about 15 pounds and got to a size 8.  About 6 months later I started taking the Lexapro when my marital problems got worse and I knew I was headed for divorce.  The Lexapro took away the depression but I started gaining weight.  I didn't even know that was a side effect of antidepressants.  After 2 years on it I gained 20 pounds.  I know it was from the Lexapro and not the stress of divorce because my eating habits didn't change and I was exercising a lot.  I quit taking it but the weight stayed on and I've gained another from 10 from taking Paxil (I started it 6 months after stopping the Lexapro.  I wonder what the % is of people who do NOT gain weight with these drugs.  My advice to anyone thinking of starting antidepressants would be NOT to, unless you are suicidal.  Explore natural mood elevators like exercise, vitamins, anything else but these drugs.  I wish I never would have taken them.  Now I am a size 14 (barely squeezing in!) and look forward to getting this drug out of my system and losing the weight.  Are you sure you need to take this drug?  The :) in your e-mails doesn't really indicate that you are suffering from severe depression.  Be very certain there is no other treatment before started an antidepressant.  I wish you luck whatever you decide.

[TIPSYTINKERBEL]

I took the time to read everyons comments and am confused as to what the heck is going on with me.....I take 10mg of Lexapro at night. (because it made me sleep all day) So my insomnia is gone. I had no sex drive when I started taking it and never orgasimed(faked it)....Now I do every time and its fast? As for weight gain....I am losing it? All the side effects have been the extreem oposite on me??????? My prayers go out to the people on here who are struggling with your weight and other issues. What the heck is going on with me? I have two kids to look after and thats all the working out I do. I also eat pretty much everything..... Is this all just a temporary thing when you first start lexapro? I have been on it for 4 months now and I hope I dont spiral into the other direction. The one BIG PROBLEM I HAVE is constipation.... Is that even a side effect? I only poop about once a month(serously). I have tried everything from clensers to laxitives, HELP!!!! I am putting my feelings out on this blog, so please be nice when responding. I will you all the best and hope things work out!

[doublem]

I started on 5 mg. about a month ago and have not experienced any weight gain and hopefully will not.  I sleep better and am trying to cope better with a very nasty attorney I work with...who started this depression business.  My heart goes out to you all.  Perhaps the reason my symptoms are not as yours is because of my low dosage.  Good luck to you all.

[kristnee]

been on lexapro for 2 years and gained 50 pounds... as a result the only way i loose weight is when i work out for 2 hours a day on a 1000 calorie diet, i shouldnt have to work out this hard. when i work out normally, only an hour, i feel like i am not working out hard enough bc i keep putting on weight for no reason

can anyone explain how LONG it took to see results once they are off the medication.

[Viv1]

I have read quite a number of everyone's comments.  I feel for each and every one of you.  I am 40 years old now.  When I was in my 20's I went through extreme depression and developed an all-consuming eating disorder after my father's deathe.  I saw a psychiatrist, Dr. ****, as I like to refer to him.  He misdiagnosed me with all sorts of disorders and put me on so many drugs I could never remember their names.  I must say that ALL OF THEM caused weight gain.  For someone with an eating disorder, that is not good.  I was in and out of the hospital for all sorts of reasons.  I finally had enough and while in an eating disorder clinic decided that once I got my butt out of there I would quit everything cold turkey.  Not anything I would advise to anyone, the withdrawl was unbelievable.  But I did it.  Twenty years later I am on this sight because I was playing with the idea of going on Lexipro for anxiety.  Thanks to your comments I have decided not to.

I understand the need to, believe me.  I wish there was some alternative for severe cases.  Maybe there is.  Maybe there are some "natural" courses to look into.

Let me say though, from experience, the weight gain is real.  With my eating disorder I was a maniacal exerciser.  When I was on meds I still worked out like a mad woman and gained about 30 lbs.  After I went off, and again I would not advise cold turkey to anyone, I did indeed loose all the weight.  If I remember correctly it was not too long.

Best of luck to everyone.

[shadow01]

Hi, it took me about 6 months to start gaining weight on lexapro and then it was quick. I hope you are one of the lucky ones!

Constipation is a side effect of Lexapro; my question is did this start when you started lexapro? Going to the bathroom once a month is extremely unhealthy and dangerous (you should tell your Dr.).

I agree with Viv1 about antidepressants they just aren't good for you, unless you have a serious mental health issue. As I said I was put on Lexapro (and many other meds) for Fibro and ironically it never helped, Lexapro only made my health worst.

When you think of it you go to the Dr. for just about anything and they want to hand out antidepressants "which is scary". All these meds have serious side effects some worst than others that cause our bodies to react differently and sometimes bring about a more serious health issue. So really think about these drugs before you take them, but DON"T STOP COLD TURKEY".... Thank God for websites like this one where we can express our frustration and learn from each other, because Dr's or most of them will not tell us.

Take care, and good luck
Brenda

[fruit35k]

this is an evil drug. Terrible headaches, nausea, flu like symptoms, chest pains, heart beat increasing, mood swings.
Been trying to come off for 4 months and it is hell. the manufacturers should be imprisoned. DO NOT LET ANYONE YOU KNOW TAKE THIS DRUG.

[spinnerg]

I weaned myself off effexor for about 2 months, but I continued to get dizzy, I was down to 37.5 mg once a week and still got dizzy towards the end of the week, finally I just quit taking them all to gether, now I am NOT recommending everyone do this, but is what I had to do for me, and finally I am back to normal, the dizzy spells gradually went away.  Course that was 2 months ago and I am still dealing with the weight problem. I am not sure if it was the drug the caused the weight gain or if its just cus I didnt care anymore about what I ate, not to mention I had a horrilbe appetite!!!  Plus I never felt like working out, or mabye it was the drug, either way for me personally I DID gain weight and now have the enrgy and desire to work out and try to get rid of it!!  So far I have only dropped a pound or two which means 18 to go.

[Diet Junkie]

Hi everyone!  I just found this site today while looking for answers to how long will it take to get over the withdrawals of quitting Lexapro cold turkey.  I would like to SHARE my delimas in hopes that I may help someone.  Five years ago I started getting pretty depressed and anxiety was a problem, so here I go on Prozac then on to Lexapro.  While I feel like Lexapro helped with my anxiety & depression it also caused me to gain about 30+ pounds!  About three weeks ago I found an article about Aspartame (in Diet drinks), there was a list of about 50 side affects and I had 1/2 of them.  Where I'm going with this is... I JUST started drinking diet drinks about 5 years ago when I started having depression!  Since quitting diet drinks 3 weeks ago, I felt GREAT so much more alive and healthy.  Then... I'm thinking that the Aspartame was my problem & I didn't need the Lexapro anylonger - so I quit about 10 days ago.  It has not been NICE at my house!!!  No one knows that I quit Lexapro (I'm sure they probobly think that I may have).  I've been short tempered, crying over everything and arguementative as well.  This is not my nature.  I'm hoping that all of those symptoms including dizziness will soon pass.  Please someone tell me it won't be long!!!  If anyone needs information concerning Aspartame, I'll be happy to share!  I'll keep you all posted on how long it takes in this recovery process of "withdrawals" and hopefully the "weight loss" that I hope that too will come.  Have a truly Blessed day and I welcome any input!!!   Karen "B"

[esterbanana]

Well...I've had a busy day on line....I too have gained wgt whren I began lexapro.
I spent a long time today on this site and stumbled upon a link to THE ROAD BACK.
I spent the rest of the day studying there and taking notes.
I have talkd to my doc about getting weaned off lexapro. He is hesitant, but after reading and reading ther material on that site...and this one...I am determined...because I want to lose this wgt.
I must lose it.

[The Lightning Stalker]

I've been taking Lexapro and Trazodone (Desyrel) for 3 years now.  Back in December, I think it was, they increased the Lexapro from 10 to 15mg.  Since then, I've had 3 attacks of horrible bloody diarrhea in February, April, and this last time I ended up in the hospital for 6 days being diagnosed with "chronic ulcerative colitis", a rare condition where the colon is attacked by the immune system.  Reading the above, I'm starting to wonder if the colitis was caused by the Leaxapro.  Either way, I'm definitely getting off of it.  This is way too scary.  Coincidentally, my depression came back with the diarrhea, so maybe my body is rejecting the Lexapro anyway.  I'll try and post back with some results.

[The Lightning Stalker]

Sorry, a correction to the above post, they increased the Lexapro from 20 to 30mg.

[suzlee]

Do you take Aleve or Advil? These pain meds can cause problems with the intestines, & colon if taking while on Effexor or Lexapro. Check the drug interaction on this website I found.

[suzlee]

I weaned off Lexapro in June. So I have been off it for a good two months. Since getting off the Lexapro I started swimming and taking Yoga 2 x a week. It helped me through the tough time coming off Lexapro. I feel good.  Not as forgetful. I do believe this medications mess with your metabolism. Swimming 50 laps every other day eatting less and doing Yoga my weight has not changed. I guess it takes time.

[suzlee]

Do you research on  your medications with pregnancy/ child. I know of a friend that was going for IVF to get pregnant and the fertility doctor told her Effexor and Lexapro  should not be taken in the first and second trimester.

[marry28]

well i dont know what to say i was on efexor for about a year an while on that med i lost my kids i couldent keep my head straight enough to keep apointments they had to go to or keep up with daily activities so to all that read please consider all that you have read here weight loss  ha ha if that happens then thats a miracle  i have been off it for about5 months now with consurnes on if i need another kind but ill never take efexor again.

[miserable on lexapro]

I am so glad I found this site! I thought I was crazy or at least my doctor made me feel that way. I went on lexapro in 2001 to help with postpartumm depression. I was at my normal healthy weight of 107#s I am 5 feet tall and small boned. I had maintained this weight even though i had given birth to 6 children. Within three months I went from a size 4 to a size 6 then 6 months later a size 8. Then it really took off I now weight over 150#s and wear a size 14 in clothes. People walk by me that have known me since the day I was born. Because they do not recognize me. I kept asking my doctor about the weight game because I went to aerobics class three times a week and lifted weights two nights a week. He blamed on me turning 40. Teh last time I went to the doctor I came home crying I almost weighed 200 pounds! This is so dangerous. I was retaining water to the point i could not get my socks on my feet and had to buy 2 size bigger shoes. I went home on Friday  from work, laid down and slept to Monday. My poor husband!! I have always kept my house clean, now my older children children think I have lost my mind because I do not have the energy to care if it is clean. My husband and I had a EXCELLANT sex life for 12 years. I could care less about it now. I look in the mirror at myself and I cry. This is not me!.Fortunetly I had to been seen by my dr's PA. She told me the symptoms were a result of the Lexapro. She has changed me to Wellbutrin. I am still having tremors and the fatigue. but I have lost 5 pounds. I am thinking of asking to be weaned off it also.
They have class acton sits over silly htings and I hate them. But I feel like we have all endangered our health and something needs to be done about this!!!

[suzlee]

Cut and paste from Lexapro FDA Alert - Antidepressants and Pregnant Women

In July 2006, the FDA issued an alert announcing the results of a study looking at the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy by mothers of babies born with a serious condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Babies born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through the heart and lungs, and do not get enough oxygen to their bodies. Babies born with PPHN can be very sick and may die. Results from the study also showed that babies born to mothers who took SSRIs 20 weeks or later into their pregnancies had a higher chance (were 6 times as likely) to have PPHN, when compared to babies born to mothers who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy.

website:http//: injurylaw.com/lexapro

[crazyb]

I am a 53 yo female who has been on and off (mostly on ) SSRI's for over 12 years. I never had a real weight problem before being on them. First Zoloft and now Lexapro. I have been told it must be a change in lifestyle not the drug, but since on the Lexapro I have gained 70+ pounds and now my physical health is becoming more of an issue that my mental health !

I plan to wean off the Lexapro. I'd like to take nothing, but the depression and anxiety really are an issue. I'll be discussing with my MD and also joined WW and a gym.

I'll let you all know how I make out. Thanks.
crazyb

[MMonis]

DO NOT TAKE EFFEXOR ER, that is unless you want to gain 25lbs or more! It did help my mood but the side effects just aren't worth it. I had a sex drive of zero. If I missed a pill I was miserable all day the next day. I had vertigo symptoms until the medicine got back into my system. And like all the others have stated on here too, my doctor NEVER told me this would cause weight gain. I, too, was always very thin, 5'6 125lbs. I am now 153lbs!! I not only discourage everyone away from this drung because of the uncontroable weight gain, but also the misery that goes along with it when it is time to wein yourself off of it, that is if you choose to do so.
I recently started taking Zoloft about a week ago. Im curious to see if I gain weight with this one. If so, I would rather deal with my mild depression and be happy with the way I look. Anyone have any feedback on the Zoloft? Mindy_225***@****.

[CynicalKiddo]

Me too! I just found out today that Lexapro causes weight gain! I had no idea. None of my doctors throughout the years ever told me it was a side effect. When I first started taking Lexapro 5 yrs ago, I was also taking another drug. After I stopped the other drug, I gained 35lbs. in 3 to 6 months! Five years later, I've gained 45 lbs. I was 5'8", 124lbs. Now 170lbs.!!!

[merc1234]

Okay, how about hearing a little good news? I was on Zoloft for 2 years and gained almost 100 ponds. Switched to Effexor XR. Still saw a little weight gain. I went to my doctor 3 months ago and told him the weight gain was causing severe depression ontop of the good the drug was doing me. He prescribed Meridian. Said the other (Phentermine) was much much to dangerous to take with the Effexor. He said I had to come in every month and if I started having any problems he would take me off of it immediately and he would put me back on it. The 1st month I lost 9 lbs. The second month I lost 12 lbs. My 3rd month I lost 11 pounds. That was about 10 days ago and so far this month I have lost 4 more pounds. Absolutely do not crave anything!!! Completely gave up fast food and chocolate. Have no desire for carbs. Make myself eat lots of lean protien meats. I have also stopped retaining so much water weight. Apparently the serotonin in this drug as well as the Effexor doing it's job makes me feel great. You do have to watched very very closly so you do not have Serotonin syndrome. Anyway, I am watching as well as my doctor. I have now gone from a size 24 to a size 18 in approximately 90 days. I am feeling soooo much better! Anyhoo, just thought I'd share a little good news, besides I am very proud of myself for taking the weight off!

[13gained]

I weaned from 10 mgm to 5 mgm of Lexapro over the past 14 days.  Have not lost any weight and with the exception of a slight "hung over " feeling have not experienced any withdrawl symptoms .  Just found out my sister also gained 20 pounds on Lexapro.  Her Dr. Put her on wellbutrin to wean from Lexapro which also helped her lose weight.  I am considering going back on Effexor as I did not experience any weight gain or side efffects (with the exception of  sexual response) when I  used it 15 years ago.  I am so worried about my anxiety and panic attacks  returning. Has anyone transistioned from Lexapro to Effexor?  Any problems or suggestions?
Thank you for any input.

[KSquared]

I am so happy I found this site!  I am a 35 year old female and I took a low dose (10 mg) of Prozac for several years.  When I started I weighed 120 lbs. (I am 5'7"), but never had to really watch what I ate. If I gained, I could lose quickly.  When I stopped taking Prozac 3 years ago, I weighed 165 pounds! Through diet and exercise I am down to 150, but cannot seem to get any lower.  I really think that the Prozac chnaged my metabolism and I think I will never get my body back.  The real kicker is that all it did was make me feel numb, and make me lose my sex drive.  My doctors denied that it could be the Prozac, but I don't beleive that.  Doctors don't really even know how these drugs work!  I wish I would have known this before I lost my awesome figure :(  

[penny8]

I have been weaning myself off Effexor XR.  I started 8/11/07, its been 10 days and I feel pretty good.  I was on 75mg per day.  The first week was hard as I was dizzy, nauseated and headaches the entire week.  This week has been pretty good so far.  I can't get over how good I feel.  I actually feel!!! as opposed to just feeling nothing.  I feel happy and energetic.  I did make an appointment with the doc to let him know that I am weaning myself off this ****.  No more. I have gained nearly 60 pounds and most of that has been in the past 3years!!!  My doc told me that no Effexor doesn't cause weight gain, well he hasn't seen my fat *** in some time now...  I have joined a gym again and hope that I can get myself back to normal weight range.  Good luck to all of you that have decided to quit.  
Too those that have lost weight on antidepressants well you are the fortunate ones I guess.  I refuse to be on any more meds.  I agree with some of the people here that doctors just  like to dispense drugs like a pez machine.  They really don't know enough about all these drugs that come on the market.  The best person to ask is a pharmacist they know their drugs and interactions much better than the doctors.  I don't care how long someone has been in the medical profession you cannot accept what they say as gospel.  They make mistakes too and have bad days at the office just like the rest of us unfortunately its people lives they are dealing with!!  So my advice is to question them and decide for yourself what's best for you and your body...They do not live with you 24 hours a day and really how much time do they take to really listen and figure out what the problem is??  Hmmm my PC usually spends a whole 10 minutes with me after I've waited for over an hour for him!!!  Not everyone is text book examples of health and well being.  Just because someone has MD after their name doesn't mean they are more intelligent than you are!!!!  Keep that in mind people when Doctor  drug pusher is writing a script for more meds to help ease your so called depression.  I think the doctors are just too quick to diagnose everyone as depressed.  So we feel a little down and out do we really need to be medicated so we feel nothing at all.....  So for the rant but I do hope that this forum helps someone out there to really think about why they need to be medicated.  I know that the meds help some people but we really need to take our own health in our hands and not hand it over blindly to someone that really doesn't have a clue.

[MEme17]

5'8", 42 yrs old. In 2000, weight was 135. Started depression medicine. In 2001, weight as 151. Today it is 162. After years of fighting the slow movement from size 6 to 8 to 10 and now to 12. I quit the Lexapro. Was feeling pretty bad the first two weeks. Week three has been better. Want to hear to strange thing? I feel more in control of myself than I have in years. We will see how the weight loss goes. I do not expect any miracle based on the posts before me.

[13gained]

What mgm Lexapro were you on. Did you wean off or cold turkey? What were your symtpoms after discontinuation?  I'm planning to further wean over the next month to complete stop.