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.

[Katie_jj85]

As a 31 year old woman, who was on Effexor XR for 15 years. I have now been off for a year and my metabolism has just kicked in. I was never large as I am always active but recently I have seen a big drop in weight and an increase in calories I need to consume. My main issues are the heart palpitations and the memory loss from being so clouded for 15 years. I was poorly managed and never reassessed after the age of 21. I know it did some damage as I'm trying to get through nursing school now and re-activate my brain through learning new skills as I felt so numb and unmotivated. It takes time but just keep working on it, you will get there.

[Acidtouch]

I gained ten pounds off of Prozac and when I saw that I got off of it cold turkey style. I wish you luck. Exercising helps the metabolism but not good enough for these meds. Try Wellbutrin. My doctor won't put me on it because she thinks I have and eating disorder.

[Kam0610]

Hi Scooby,  I am a 52 year old woman who just weened off Lexapro.  I was on it for 6 years.  I was going through a really rough time taking care of 3 elderly parents, (1 lived with us) raising a 10 year old daughter and a 15 year old rebellious son with my husband away at work most of the time ( I worked part time) I became so overwhelmed I was tired and depressed.  My know nothing dr. told me I should take Lexapro to get through this. Like an idiot I trusted him. I blame myself for not doing any research on it first!  I have always been on the go, full of energy and was a kick boxer and consistent speed walker.  Was always proud of how I worked so hard at everything and especially taking care of myself.  I was in the best shape of my life at the age of 45 and 46.  That's when I started taking the Lexapro.  I slowly gained weight and I just thought it was menopause.  I didn't eat much and was on my feet all day working hard.  When the scale started surpassing 150, (my normal weight was 132 to 137 at 5 ft. 6 inches) I was in shock, how could this be??  Then when it reached 160 I started to panic and thought getting old really *****.  Then one day, I decided to google Lexapro side effects.  I couldn't believe all the stories I was reading that were similar to mine!!  The heaviest I reached was 166.7 lbs.  I weened off Lexapro at a very slow pace and suffered all the side effects.  I just kept telling myself I was fighting the good fight.  It has been 2 months now that I am Lexapro free. I am down to 159 without doing anything different. Finally losing 8 lbs has given me some hope.  I'm ecstatic to see the scale go down FINALLY!!!  Good luck to you!

[Scooby1956]

I know how you feel,and while I feel sorry for us all, I'm  so glad to find out I'm not alone....and isn't it amazing the docs don't tell us that this is a potentially really bad side effect, but continue to "beat us up" about losing weight.    I took Lexapro for 10 years, and decided to step off for awhile to see that the world was like again.    My normal doc wasn't available so I saw someone else who also told me "I would NEVER put a post menopausal woman on Lexapro or leave them on it because of issues with weight/libido, etc".   REALLY??  Why wasn't my original doc being my health care partner and making some other suggestions to me about what I should be doing or trying instead of leaving me on something that she should have know is causing me harm?   I've had an 80 pound weight gain over these 10 years....and have been beat up by physicians for "not trying hard enough" to lose the excess.    These posts have really been an eye-opener for me.

[catman42]

I am 42 years old and I went on lexapro 5 years ago for anxiety attacks after my divorce.  I didnt want to go on anything but noticed I was having to take more xanax each week to get through the days.  I was a size 6 145 lbs and about 5'8.  I am not a size 12 and 180 lbs its awful!  So I started seeing an acupuncturist and went on Chinese herbs to help with my anxiety as I have now been fully off Lexapro for a week.  The withdrawls from this stuff are awful but I want to try to get off of this not just cuz of weight gain but because I'm sick of not feeling things and my life has changed for the better now I'm married again and have a wonderful husband and life that I just dont feel I should need this anymore.  I am working out more and eating much better and taking ******* vitamins that are higher in B12 and fish oils.  I just home the anxiety stays at bay and these withdrawls go away here soon :)  I wish everyone luck in your journeys as what we deal on depression and anxiety is no fun but all these meds on the market are not any better sometimes as there are so many side affects.  I'm glad there are places like this that we can talk with folks about our issues and learn from each other.

[CafeAmericano]

Quit the Lexapro right away before you put on a ton of fat in your belly, hips and thighs.  It *****!