dropping the Effexor/Lexapro weight gain

[A*R]

that is great news!
can i ask you specifically what supplements you are taking? i have looked at the road back but it seemed like a lot of different things to take. also, anyone taking the 5htp - is it helping you lose weight? i picked some up for mood but saw that it also helps with appetite. i haven't started it yet and am wondering how that will work.

[otterpop321]

I read the whole page "While on medication" and "After off medication" under  weight loss. So, I'm taking Morning: before food: L-Tyrosine, after breakfast: 5HTP, 3 Omega-3's, 2 CLA, 1 200iu Vitamin E, and 1 Lipoic Acid. In the afternoon, 3 Omega-3's and 2 CLAs and then at bedtime: calmag in water (calcium/magnesium).. The 5HTP seems to be helping my mood, and possibly my appetite, but when I get depressed I don't have an appetite, so I can't tell if I have a normal one now because of the 5HTP or not. But, I am really happy! Also, I think maybe I wasn't eating enough, and that site SparkPeople really helps with that because they tell you exactly how much of what to eat everyday and there's a lot of support. Oh, yeah...and it's FREE!

[e29]

I started taking Lexapro after a traumatic event last September.  I was 28 years old, 5' 6'' and a size 2 - approximately 122 lbs.  I work out everyday for over an hour and I work like a dog as an attorney all day.  No real change in eating over the year period but I managed to gain 18 lbs in one year!  I stopped taking this drug in August.  I have seen a slight weight decrease since then but I am not able to fit into my old clothing yet.  I am very worried and I must know if there is anything I can do to speed up this process without starving myself.  I do not think I could possibly work out any more than I do now.

[bibibi]

Thanks for the SparkPeople site. Just joined and it's nice to have support.

[e29]

I should note that initially I actually lost weight on Lexapro and felt great.  That lasted for about 2-3 months and then the weight gain started.  I think I lost weight initially due to stomach side effects that caused upset stomach etc.

[angrymother]

Thank you to both of you for the information.  My daughter, who is 17, is in counseling and has wonderful support from her school as well. I talked to her Psychiatrist yesterday and she said that on the whole her patients do not gain weight on Lexapro (not true from what I have seen). But she said that she could get her started with a different medicine soon. She is now on Lexapro and Lemintal (sp?). I talked to my daughter last night and she knows that the majority of her weight has nothing to do with her and that has made a difference in how she feels about herself. It has made her even more
determined to lose it though. She is a fighter! Thank you all

[A*R]

Thanks for the info! - I think i'm going to start the 5htp. I've been taking the omegas and they have been great. I will check out SparkPeople too. If it's free I'm all about it.
Have a great weekend everyone!

[PoomPoom]

I have been on Lexapro for almost 1 year and have gained 22 lbs. I have also experienced terrible lower back pain, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and bloating. Does anyone else suffer these symptoms? I am in the process of reducing my dosage from 20 to 10 mg and I'm already feeling my energy returning.

[PoomPoom]

I have been on Lexapro for almost 1 year and have gained 22 lbs. I have also experienced terrible lower back pain, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and bloating. Does anyone else suffer these symptoms? I am in the process of reducing my dosage from 20 to 10 mg and I'm already feeling my energy returning.

[jkittie]

PoomPoom you are not imagining that this is happening. I to have had very similar side effects to Lexapro after being on it for a little over a year. I am so happy I found this website!! Out of desperation to find out more about these issues I came across it. I am glad to know there are others out there who I can sympathize with. Here is my story, maybe you can all learn from it. We have to be careful of what we put in our bodies. In 2002 I was put on "Sarafem" by my gyno, which is 10 mg of Prozac for 2 weeks out of the month for PMMD. That worked ok for a while, but certain things happened in my life and I decided I needed to go to a psychiatrist in 2005. He put me on Lexapro 10-15 mg for mild depression and anxiety. This helped me, but I have had so many side effects such as: weight gain, bloating, fatigue, no sexual libido (which my husband is not happy about) and so many others....This week I finally decided I could not take living like this any more. I have been on every diet, WW, Jenny Craig, Medifast. I have worked out 3 days a week and watched my weight...nothing works. I am 5'4 was always a size 6-8 and weighed around 125, I have ballooned up to 150-155 size10-12. I am in the fashion industry where everyone is small and I feel so embarrassed and uncomfortable in my body. My doctor is weening me off Lexapro and onto Wellbutrin 150 mg. I really hope this works for me...I have 4 sizes in my closet and cannot take buying all these new clothes in bigger sizes. Any advice from others who have had similar ordeals would be great. Hang in there guys!    

[acford]

I was on Zoloft 100mg for about 3 years which did a great job in relieving my anxiety. I'm 37, male, 6'0" and weighed about 205 when starting Zoloft. I don't remember how long it took, but I was up to about 218 at one point during treatment. I got back down to 215 and stayed there for the duration.

I got a few side effects other then the weight gain. This included restless leg syndrome (RLS) which can be really annoying. Fortunately, I only had this at night. Unfortunately, my wife had to sleep in another room for about a year because I would kick my legs all night. When I stopped taking Zoloft, this completely went away!

I hated the withdrawel symtoms when I started coming off the Zoloft. I weaned myself off of it very, very slowly over a period of about 4 weeks. I didn't get the dizzy spells or anything like that. I got more of the electric shocks and just felt weird.

After about 6 months, the anxiety was back. I'm currently taking a very small dosage of Xanax (.25 mg twice a day). This is just enough to take the edge off. I'm tired of being on it and I know it can be addicting. My doctor now wants me to try Lexapro 10mg. I've been on a strict diet and have managed to get down to 190 lbs. I needed to lose the weight because I now have high BP which runs in my family. If I take the Lexapro, I'm quite certain that the weight will come back. So I have a bottle of Lexapro sitting at home that I haven't started yet.

I came across a product called Relora which is a more natural alternative therapy. It doesn't do anything for depression, but they claim it works for anxiety/stress and weight control. They have done human trials with great results, but I'm a little sceptical because it has not been approved by the FDA.

Has anybody heard of this? Does it work for anxiety? It sounds too good to be true.

[acford]

By the way, Relora is made by Next Pharmaceuticals. You can read more about it here:

http://www.nextpharmaceuticals.com/relora/relora.html

[otterpop321]

When you join SP, my username is the same. :) add me :)

[Dernel]

I started taking Lexapro in February 2007 for panic disorder and to control my extremely high BP, which was due, in part, to horrible anxiety.  Before starting the medication, I weighed 150 lbs at 5'7".  By May 2007, I was up to 170 effin' lbs!!! I began to taper off of it about 2 months ago and have been completely off of it for 3 weeks.  The withdrawal symptoms are terrible, however, I find myself thinking my clearly and feeling more motivated to get up and do things than while I was on it.  The weight, however, is STILL a problem.  I haven't lost a lb, despite a vigorous exercise routine and an attempt at consuming fewer calories. I think my metabolism is completely shot now.  This, in combination with my hypothyroidism, leads me to feel absolutely doomed to be fat forever. Has anyone returned to their normal weight after stopping????

[jkittie]

Hi - Does anyone have any experience being weened off of Lexapro and onto Wellbutrin? Did you lose weight and have better libido? I may still have to take something in combo with the Wellbutrin b/c I found out that Wellbutrin does not really help much for anxiety.....Perhaps after I go off the Lexapro I can take a low dose Xanax at night to get to sleep without dwelling on all my worries.

I was scrolling through and I noticed Nancylibra had a similar situation to my own. I was wondering if you lost any weight yet? If anyone else can relate to this, I appreciate all comments/advice.

Good luck to everyone with losing weight!  

[rosalie68]

omg i am so relieved to read all of these stories. i have felt like no one believed me about my weight gain. now i know that i am not crazy. let me just say that i am 25. i began lexapro about 1 1/2 years ago. i have had anxiety all my life and S.A.D. (which i didnt even know existed all those years). i have always weighed about 107-112 at most. i never exercised and i ate whatever. i had a son when i was 19 and went right back to my normal weight soon after. then i had my second son last march. i was down to 120 but i was having severe anxiety attacks and im almost positive i had postpartum depression. my obgyn put me on lexapro. i knew nothing about any antidepressants. i was always able to make it through before on my own. lexapro was so amazing. it worked so fast and i was better than just normal i was actually happy. it made me more self confident and the anxiety was gone. although it did eventual drain all my energy and i was hungry all the time. i also had no sex drive what so ever.  i realized i had gained 15 lbs just over that summer. i thought it had something to do with just having had the baby. although it shouldnt have made me put on weight. i think i knew something wasnt right when i hit 140. my face had even gotten fat. my legs were rubbing together. and i looked like i was 5 months pregnant. eveyone kept saying "well u just had a baby" but i knew it wasnt from that. my doctor kept showing me this med book that has side effects of all the drugs and told me over and over that "look right here it says weight gain is VERY unusual". i tried to tell him maybe i was the unusual and i swear he thought i was full of sh**. he proceded to tell me how he walks to work when its nice out. i wanted to punch him. i am a waitress and a mom of 2 very energetic boys and we walked to the park and went on bike rides all the time. he acted like i wasnt even trying to do anything about it like i lay around eat and complain all day. he said it was probably from being more relaxed. so he always blew me off. i know my body and i knew something was wrong. i thought it could of been my birth control or the lexapro since these were the only things i changed after i had my baby. i also did quit smoking when i was preg. so i was told it was from that too. but i had already been more than a year without nicotine. so this doctor decides maybe i should try welbutrin with the lexapro since i had absolutely no energy and was overweight. my body couldnt handle it. it felt like i was on major drugs. so then he decides i should try zoloft and stop the lexapro. wow i had severe headaches and was dizzy and nauseas. i dont understand why he had me switch without tapering off of it. so i tried it for a few weeks and i just felt so sick and my fiance was complaining about the whole we never have sex anymore thing (worse than lexapro). so i was sick of the doctor and the pills and having to depend on things so i said F*** it im gonna stop. i quit taking zoloft. i had been doing weight watchers for a few weeks and finally started to lose weight.i lost about 8 lbs and was at 135 when i couldnt handle the anxiety anymore. i cried about everything and it was getting harder for me to go to work. i had some lexapro left from my last prescription and i started taking them as needed. like 10mg every few days.then soon i was back on it and up to 20mg again. i gained 5 lbs right away. and get this i took diet pills (relacore was one) and gained 5 more lbs in 30 days. how the hell do u gain weight on a diet pill??!! thats when i just gave up with the execise and diet and calories ww everything it was all so pointless. i was forcing myself to do all these things that werent even working. ive had my thyroid checked too. its fine. i feel like all i can think about is my weight. i am now 152lbs and i am 5' 4". ive decided to try buspar and go off of lexapro. i am down to only 5mg. i am really scared because all my symptoms might come back and i never want to feel like that again. but its like i have to choose be fat or have anxiety. and it doesnt seem like the weight gain will stop i've gained over 30lbs in 1 year and i am 45 lbs more than my avg weight. im getting married in march and i dont want to be fat on my wedding day. im hoping i can lose weight soon. i will keep everyone updated with my weight loss after lexapro i hope its soon wish me luck!

[jkittie]

Wow, your story is quite complex and disturbing. I totally feel for you. You can see my story from a few days ago 10/6...it's kind of similar in terms of the weight gain. I am 33 and not had any kids yet, but I am 5'4 also and always maintained a weight around 125....now I am 150-155. It sucks. So many of my friends have had kids and they wonder if I am pregnant. I can't wear the cute "baby-doll" tops that are so in style b/c it looks like I am wearing maternity clothing. When I wear skirts my thighs rub together and it's so uncomfortable. I am currently taking 10mg of lexapro and started wellbutrin to counteract the exhaustion and the "no-sex" thing. I am hoping to ween off the lexapro b/c of these side effects, but I am also worried my anxiety will come back...and the PMS crying spells and moods. The big problem is I also feel so bad for my husband b/c I am never "in the mood".
Feel free to vent to me....it's nice to hear I am not the only one out ther with these issues.

[slcastri]

I read this everyday.  

I will never get back on any of these drugs.

I've been off Lexapro for over a month.  Feel anxious at times, but I'll deal.  I'm down 5 lbs. from the total gain of 10.  Energy level is high and the sex drive is thriving.  It's not worth all the side effects and the loss of my well being.  

If the anxiety gets too bad again, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Good luck people.

[rosalie68]

it is scary to go off lexapro. i am so worried that my anxiety will come back or that i will cry everyday and just feel like sh** all the time. esp since the seasons are changing again. im hoping the buspar will work. has anyone ever taken it for anxiety? does it make u gain weight? i cant handle 1 more pound. i officially weigh more now than i did at nine months preg :(
i have heard that welbutrin works really good for a lot of people. helps u loose weight and have energy. i wish i could of tolerated it but my body reacted badly. i think for some people though it makes anxiety worse. kind of like when u have too much caffiene. that feeling. good luck with it ive heard alot of good things about it.
im reading all the new post on here everyday now im glad i found this sight. does anyone know how to add friends?

[HealthConcerned]

Because of a traumatic and stressful situation I encountered last year, I was put on Lexapro. They started me with 5mg. In a week or two they put me up to 10mgs.  I am sensitive to any drugs in the first place. The 5mgs made me sleep and disoriented. I was thinking back yesterday to when I started Lexapro. I had bought a pair of jeans and they fit great. I can't even get into them now. I have gained 40 pounds. In about a 2 month period between office visits to ComCare, who is supplying me because of no insurance or no income, the ARNP said he sees that I have been depressed because of my weight gain.
Admitted, I can't exercise, but I do eat a healthy diet of non-processed foods. I have asthma/COPD and can't control it because I am allergic to prednisone. As well, I have a boot cast on my right leg from a sprain that damaged the nerve running up to my thigh joint. I had surgery on it 2 months ago, and the anethesiologist had done my hernia repair 4 yrs earlier and marked that I have gained 50lbs.

I am crying at the huge amount of weight I am carrying. I have hypothyroid which is slowing my metabo, too. I have pernicious anemia which requires I take B12, B6, and B1 shots weekly. I had no money to purchase the B6 & B1 for nearly a year. Some of the weight gain was due to water retention, which the B6 helps to get rid of.

I would like to get off of Lexapro, but I get so agitated and in a rage if I miss my dose. I think the trauma I had disturbed something neuro in me.  It has not helped be without the B injections, because now I have more nerve damage than I had before.

HealthConcerned*

[jkittie]

Hi Rosalie - I know it's scary to go off lexapro. In the past if I was stressed out and missed a dose, I would start to freak out. Esp before my period, crying at anything and everything...getting agitated all the time. I have been doing alot of research and I know people have quit taking this drug b/c of weight gain and sexual disfunction. I think you have to weigh the good and bad. See if the buspar helps, take it day by day and try not to worry. Also try eating a very low fat protein diet with limited carbs. Eg. eggwhite omelets, turkey breast, chicken, salads and lots of veggies, fruit, cottage cheese, low fat yogurt. Obviously a little light excercise does not hurt. You will prob loose weight, the only thing that sucks is that you have to be super strict. I started doing it and it works. I was also freaked out b/c I plan on having kids soon, and I figured if I weighed 125 it's not a big deal to gain 25-30lbs of pregnancy weight. At 155 I would be obese if I got pregnant and gained 30 pounds...I don't think my little 5'4 body could handle that. Right now I am focusing on trying to get this weight off. I went up and down for a few years while on prozac/lexapro b/c I did not realize that this drug does not let you metabolize carbs well. As soon as I lost weight, I would be so happy and relax, start to eat pasta and bagels again.....boom, back up to 155. This is the only diet that works with ssri's. I know how hard it is to excercise when you have kids, work, ect...playing in the park on weekends is fun and burns calories. For lowfat sweets, bluebunny lowfat icecream sandwiches are great! I have been going for walks and playing with my neice...I feel better b/c I am outside in the sunlight. Let me know how things are working out for you. I hope we can give eachother advice. FYI - I do feel a bit edgy, like I drank too much coffee on the wellbutrin.... Not bad enough for me to discontinue using. I think it is suppressing my appetite. As long as I can tolerate it, I will be ok. Write soon!  

[Hopefullynotcrazy]

I have been totally off my effexor for about 3 weeks now. (I am trying not to keep track)  I am taking Phentermine for a month and have finally started feeling it work the last couple of weeks. (When I took it while taking Effexor - it didn't work, didn't feel any buzz and still wanted to eat)  I am still exercising 3 times a week and have lost 8 pounds (finally).  I am back to eating meat, although once in a while I still have weird feelings about it like I might throw up again.  I am still getting the dizzy, weird head feeling but only occasionally - kinda like motion sickness.  But everything seems to be getting better.  I am still weepy about some things, but I hope they are normal things.  My boyfriend and one of his kids say that I am grouchy.  Maybe I am, I don't really know.  Hopefully that will go away after this crappy, awful medicine is totally out of my body.  Good luck to everyone that is trying to get off of this medicine.  I am finally starting to feel normal again.

[woozy]

I've read through these recent posts and I really sympathize with you guys. I posted something about 5 htp on this thread and I'm not sure if you read it but it could be an alternative to an SSRI..
It accomplishes the same thing as an SSRI but through a different mechanism. The first week or two on it, I felt a little jittery and was not sure it was working..now after 5 months, I swear by it.It has been life changing for me.. It's over the counter, it doesn't have nasty side effects..it really,really helps with anxiety,depression and PMS..at least it does for me..It took about 6 weeks to really start working so you have to be patient with this stuff, though now that I think back, I did slowly work up to a dose of 400 mg per day..the capsules come in 100 mg or 50 mg increments usually. The small amount helped me a little but not really enough..The Natrol brand is the best.. I take it with a Red Bull.. which has B6 which helps the 5htp convert to serotonin. I was on Lexapro/Wellbutrin for a year and Wellbutrin for a little while longer, I gained almost 20 pounds.. It took me 8 months to start losing weight..but..I didn't diet very strictly..and I only started the 5htp the last 5 of those..This stuff makes avoiding snacking a breeze..I still do snack but I never overdo it anymore..my moods has improved so much..and I'm losing weight..5 htp has some side effects..like the initial jitteriness..sometimes slight stomach upset after taking it on occasion..I often take my whole dose all at once which isn't recommended but it works for me..and i never have stomach upset if I drink it with a Red Bull strangely enough. It dampens your sex drive a little bit..but it's nothing anywhere near what the SSRIs do.. Please do read as much as you can on the internet..there are some health conditions that if you have you shouldn't take it, but these are rare conditions as far as I read..
And well, good luck..I promise you if you stick it out with this stuff you will see a difference..but you have to take the dose that's right for you..so if you are depressed enough that you feel you need Lexapro, you probably will need at least 400 mgs of this..remember to work up to that dose

[woozy]

I should mention that if your depression is severe, it's probably best to stick with prescription antidepressants.

[Baby172]

I have been on Lexapro 10 mg for 6 six months already. Its been the best thing I have done for my depression. However, I am very surprised to read that so many patients are struggling with the gaining weight issue. I was weighing 175 when I started 6 months ago...not only did Lexapro worked wonders for my depression, but the weight that I struggled do hard to get rid off....just came right off!! Six months later...I'm happy to report that my weight went down to 147. I truly do sympathize with everyone thats dealing with the weight gain....but also, I do realize that everybody is different.

[rosalie68]

has anyone ever tried light therapy for seasonal depression? my doctor has suggested it and i have heard that it works but i dont know anyone that has tried it. i would really hate to spend the money on something that isnt gaurenteed. but im almost positive i will need something else soon. since i have went down to the 5 mg i have been really irritated by the littlest of things. i have been mean and then afterwards cry. i feel like an emotional wreck. is this what happens during withdrawals does anyone know if it gets better. im so frustrated i just want to be back to normal. its hard to trust doctors also because they told all of us that we wouldnt gain weight so how do i trust them with anything.

[Sam888]

I just came across this from Lexapro's website.  Apparently, according to them it is rare for you all to suffer weigh gain from taking this drug.  I don't know why we should trust the pharmaceutical industry when it comes to psychiatric drugs.  Their site goes on to say how many people are on this drug.

Here is the info:

http://www.lexapro.com/about_lexapro/side_effects.aspx

"In general, people taking Lexapro do not suffer from agitation, nervousness, or anxiety any more than people not taking Lexapro. Additionally, in controlled studiesA study in which a test treatment is compared with a treatment that has known effects. The control group may receive no treatment, standard treatment (which may be another medicine or another approach to care), or placebo (sugar pill.), clinically important changes in body weight were similar for patients treated with Lexapro and those treated with placebo."

[Sam888]

For depression I was told CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and Neurotherapy is a viable and preferred alternative to drug therapy.

[woozy]

Not all people react the same way to Lexapro. I do have some friends that didn't gain any weight from it.. but this drug is sneaky. I initially lost weight on it too,for about 4 months..but slowly but surely the weight came back and then some. The research studies that are available are too short term to really shed any true light on the side effects of this drug. My doctor says almost everyone gains on this drug and there are a few people out there that react differently and for some reason don't gain weight.
I just know what I experienced and what lots and lots of other people experienced.

[otterpop321]

I have been off the Effexor for 6 months; have been going to the gym every day... eating like an angel... (a vegetarian angel) and have had just a little luck losing weight. I've now lost 10lbs total... but what really started it coming off was using the plan on www.theroadback.org. GOOD LUCK!

[otterpop321]

YES to your whole list of changes! I found the same trade-off: house clean, emotions returned, stuff getting done, creativity returned... so the question is do I want to be anxious, thinner, have a libido and creativity and energy... or take a drug that zonks me out... hmmmm....

[otterpop321]

this is perfect, I've just been told on another board that I cannot say anti-depressants cause weight gain... nothing like being lied to and then told to keep your mouth shut about it.

[otterpop321]

I've just hired a malpractice lawyer.

[gjk]

I'd be interested to hear his comments

[A*R]

Just wondering if anyone who has gone off the effexor and/or lexapro has experienced a late period. If so, please let me know!

Thanks!
Quick update: Off both meds for about 4 weeks now. I feel better than I ever have. I am going to the gym, watching my diet and all of that. I raelly wish everyone on here the best of luck.

otterpop321 - I am sure you will but please let us know what the lawyer has to say.

[Meteors85]

Hey, this is Meteors, I had to create a new account because of some random strange internet/computer snafu...

Anyways, I've been off Lexapro for over a week now.  While phasing off of Lexapro, I took a "Whole Body Cleanse" box kit to hopefully flush the medicine out of my system faster.  After quitting Lexapro, I've started another "Whole Body Cleanse" kit to get the rest of it out.

To help ease the withdrawal effects, I'm taking 5HTP (it's great!) along with Once-a-Day All Day Energy multivitamins.  I've felt awesome.

I'm also exercising rigorously two to three times a week.  I hope to get down to 150 (a loss of 8 pounds) by Christmas.

One of the greater symptoms of my depression has been irritability.  To manage my irritable episodes, I've been using breathing exercises.

Strangely, since quitting Lexapro, I have not wanted to smoke or drink nearly as much as I did when I was taking it.

Just checking in with everyone... I hope everyone is doing well.

[A*R]

i've also noticed that I'm not very interested in alcohol. For a little while I was loving beer and I was never a beer drinker.
Glad you are doing great and feeling awesome. And good work on the breathing exercises.

[newton36]

I've been on antidepressants for several years and have tried them all.  I noticed weight gain with Lexapro, Paxil and especially Effexor XR.  I started taking it in August 2006 and have gained about 20 pounds!!  I spoke to my doctor about it and she dismissed it by telling me that the medicine should not make me gain weight.  Well, I followed her advice by starting eating healthier, joining WW and a gym.  By doing all of that nothing helped and it was really upsetting me.  I've been athletic all of my life and was in the best shape of my life 2 years ago.  Now because of the weight gain, I have low self esteem.  I am weaning off the Effexor XR now and hope to drop the weight.  It did help with some of the depression - but by gaining weight - I was depressed all over again.  I am 5'2" and even a gain of 5 pounds make me look chubby.  I am checking out the 5-HTP this weekend.  Please let me know if anything else helps and how you are doing.

[1fedup]

I hate Lexapro

[1fedup]

I have gained 20 lbs on Lexapro for about 5 years.  No sex drive.  Exercise regularly and even on a diet can't seem to drop the weight.  I want to wean myself off but I'm afraid of the withdrawal.  Anyone have any suggestions besides cognitive behavior therapy that will help with my anxiety if I every get myself off this ****?  PLEASE HELP!!!

[rosalie68]

i have been taking buspar for anxiety for about 6 weeks no side effects. its only for anxiety. i have been weening off of lexapro for about 4 weeks. i have had withdrawals. but i havent had any anxiety. so the buspar has to work. i do need to figure out something for my SAD and PMDD. i tried to go off lexapro b4 and i just stopped cold turkey and wasnt on anything else. i did have anxiety about a week later and it just got worse but this time i think the buspar has helped. wish i only had anxiety. i am really hoping i can lose weight soon b/c this has been so frustrating. the doctors need to update their list of side effects. i should of been told about a possible weight gain. even if it doesnt happen to everyone.40+ lbs is a huge deal. i still dont understand how they can get away with it. and its so odd how dieting and exercise dont do sh**. everyone is talking about that 5htp. im thinking of checking it out. meds are scaring me. what do they really do?? does anyone know 100%. i dont feel i can even trust another doctor.

[Meteors85]

What I find interesting is that regardless of how much exercising/dieting you do, the weight doesn't come off.  I've been going to the gym regularly since January and haven't lost any more than 2 or 3 pounds, which I almost always have gained back.  I gained 25-30 pounds over 2 years, and even though I've been building more muscle which accounts for some of the weight, the fact of the matter is I've still got a gut! Ugh!

[Sam888]

sorry rosalie,  the last time i tried to tell you what you should do in this thread,  the mods removed my post.

[Patricia225]

I started Lexapro last April within one week, my moods were significantly better. Triggers that had normally sent me over the edge, were just a blip on the screen for me. I felt more normal than I had in memory. I was no longer experiencing depression and self-loathing. I started at 124 lbs, by the start of August I was 134 lbs!!! I started to wean myself off the drug.

The weight gain and the loss of sex drive were not helping my self-esteem issues. I felt fat and unattractive. My boyfriend broke up with me in the middle of August. I spun out of control, I cried all the time and couldn't control my emotions, I was sinking into a deep,black hole daily. My family begged me to go back on the meds. I finally did 3 weeks ago. I went down to 126 lbs within 2 weeks of being off Lexapro. Since I've been back on it, I've gained one pound every two days!!!. This morning I am 132 lbs.
I am weaning off it again, the withdrawal is hellish, but my clothes don't fit!!! I started taking Ginko B a few days ago and supplements (CLA, Omega - 3, Vitamin E, Calcium) to try to ease the depression naturally and kick-start my metabolism. Depression sucks, but I need to feel attractive, and being Fat just doesn't cut it for me.  Good Luck to everyone, Lexapro is a wonderful aid, but I want to be drug free and deal depression a more natural way...

[newton36]

With all this talk of doctor's dismissing our weight gain - I think we need to approach the drug companies.  It's obvious we're not getting anywhere talking to doctors and I'd like to know exactly who to talk to about this.  

[kjk10]

Great news!  I was on lexapro for about 5 years and gained about 25 - 30 pounds.  I have been off since June and I have lost 8 pounds.  It has been hard work, but it is starting to come off.  

[dap1201]

[dap1201]

I started Lexapro 3 years ago gained 40 lbs. and weaned off in august I have not lost even a pound.
Does anyone know how long it takes to lose weight after lexapro?

[rosalie68]

y did they take it off?

well i got 5 htp today. im gonna try it and i'll let everyone know how it goes. the bottle doesnt really explain much.

[gjk]

Forest Labratories
Howard Solomon
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

[emmabea]

Oh my gosh, reading all of these posts make me feel a lot better... I was going through a lot of S*** for the past couple of years, and, long story short, I was suffering from anxiety and depression. Health, fitness, and maintaing my weight have always been high priorities for me, and my doctor assured me that Lexapro would NOT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN. I am extremely active, go to the gym 4-7 times a week, run, lift weights, etc. Granted, a lot of things have changed in my life, but this is crazy. I started Lexapro in April at 125 pounds and now I am at 140 pounds. I had an initial weight loss of about 5 pounds in the first month, so I wasn't worried. However, in the past few months, I have not changed my exercise rountine and I CANNOT CONTROL MY WEIGHT. It finally hit me yesterday that the Lexapro may be to blame. Now I am much more relaxed and I can deal with things much better than before... but I am getting FAT and I HATE IT. I am sooooooo upset right now and I am frustrated that this has happened to me and I feel like this is out of my control. I am scared about going off of Lexapro in fear that my anxiety and depression may return. However, knowing that I have gained all this weight is making me anxious and depressed as well. And the longer I stay on Lexapro, the more weight I will gain!!!!  I want to get off of it and maybe try St. John's Wort or something. I'm so frustrated about it that I want to go off it cold turkey. I haven't taken it today. Any advice or comments or support or anything???

[jkittie]

Hi - I have the exact same story. I started a few years ago at 125 (5'4) size 6, little by little I went up to 140. I was upset at first but I still fitting into a size 8. I am now at 155 and sooooo upset! My self esteem is horrible. I have told my doctor about it and he put me on 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL to counteract the side effects from Lexapro...it's only been a week, I will let you know what happens. In the mean time I am also taking 10mg of Lexapro. I am hoping to wean off the Lexapro slowly. But I am also very concerned about my anxiety returning. I am going to explore my options under the Dr's supervision b/c I cannot be happy being this overweight. Perhaps taking a low dosage of Xanax at night before bed will help. You can see my story under the 10/6 posting and some of my suggestions to the other peeps on the website. Good luck!  

[emmabea]

Wow. We have a lot in common. I am in the fashion industry, too. I am on my feet all day and working out at the gym and still gaining weight. I didn't really realize this was happening until I had to go up a size in clothing. I am by no means obese or anything, just uncomfortable with how my body looks now. Do you have any idea about how long it will take to re-regulate my metabolism and thyroid. And be careful with the Xanax. I have heard it may cause weight gain and it is extremely addictive.

[emmabea]

Ok so I apologize for my continued long posts, but I am upset and venting. So I have decided to go COLD TURKEY and get this stuff out of my system ASAP. Tomorrow I am going to go to GNC and get an internal cleanse kit, 5-HTP, L-Tyrosine, St. John's Wort, and a good multi-vitamin. I am also going to cut my carbs and sugars and continue exercising at least 4 days a week. I hope I can deal with the withdrawal symptoms, but I just want this stuff out of my body and to return to my pre-Lexapro weight. I will keep checking back on here for support cause I think I'm going to need it.

[rosalie68]

DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY
you will get so sick. i have been weening off and had terrible side effects. its so dangerous doing it that way. u should taper down. i havent gained any more weight while tapering down. its been like a month. i was on 20 mg. 20 to 10 wasnt so bad but a week later i went to 5 and i really felt it. i had to stay on 5 for 2 weeks but i was a mess. mood swings extremely angry and then crying for hours. i have also had really bad headaches in the back of my head by my neck and by my eyes.the only reason i havent had an anxiety attack is b/c i just started buspar over a month ago. but last time i went off it was horrible axiety attacks. i couldnt even work.thats y im tapering this time. im doing better though on the 5 so i stopped now. yesterday was the first day i missed. hoping i'll be ok. a few people have mention the road back website. it tells u how to get off the meds safely. also has ideas for weight loss that i am going to try. read some of the stories of these woman who have just stopped cold turkey. they are really scary. some have ended up in the hospital.

please be careful.
i hope u post something soon.
definately go to that website b4 u hit gnc it has a 5 week weight loss program with omega 3 and a few others that u can get at gnc

[newton36]

Thank you for your posts - I thought I was going nuts and the only one gaining weight with this stuff.  I too have been very depressed with the weight gain and not being able to put my finger on what was wrong as I too work out like crazy by lifting, cardio, etc.  Also, thank you for the information about Forest Laboratories - I'm not sure it will help but it needs to be addressed anyway.  I have been taking 100mg of the 5-HTP twice a day since Saturday - I hope it works.  I've read studies done on it and it really is supposed to help with depression.  There were no conclusive results as to weight loss or anything else.  

[newton36]

I did add you to the list in the above message but it didn't post.  Thank you for the information.

[Meteors85]

I strongly suggest that you not go cold turkey.  I've tried it before, and the withdrawal symptoms are hell.  I recommend (at least, this is what my doctor told me.. I recommend that you talk to your doctor first) that you take half of your prescribed dosage for one week, then half it again the next week, then stop taking it.  The internal cleanse kits are wonderful.. Also I really have to testify to 5HTP! I've been in a fine mood since I started taking it, and it's really helped curb my appetite.  I haven't weighed myself in a while, but report back as soon as I do.  Good luck!

Just as a reference, here are all the medicines/supplements I take:
Whole Body Cleanse 2-week kit
Ripped Fuel (just to help speed up my metabolism, which has always been slow)
One-a-Day All Day Energy multivitamin
5HTP 100mg
and on a completely unrelated note, Acai berry extract (super-powerful antioxidant).

[Chestercopperpot5]

I started lexapro last November.  I weighed in at 145 pounds at the time. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which can cause depression, anxiety, and weight gain, among other things. I had been telling my Dr. (I do see a Psychiatrist for me anxiety meds) that I thought that the lexapro was making it harder to maintain my wieght.  I have had crazy carb cravings.  I just can't seem to get enough.  That might be why some of you started to really like beer.  So since November my weight has been creeping up, up, up. My doctor thought that it was still my thyroid.  kept telling my doctor that it was the lexapro, but he was just  baffled because of the companies claim that it didn't cause weight gain.  I am also a very active person: yoga, running, weight lifting, etc. but the weight just kept on coming.  I had finally had enough when I got on the scale the other day and I weighed in a 178 pounds.  I got on the web and found this message board, and then called my doc immediately.  I had an appointment yesterday and I am finally weaning off lexapro, thank God. Fat and happy just doesn't settle well with me.  My doc did say that it could take up to 6 months for the weight to start coming off because the drug had probably slowed my metabolism.  I also see a CBT who is amazing.  If any of you out there are hesitant to see a therapist for any reason, don't be.  

Sorry that this was so long.  I just want thank all of you for sharing your experiences, it helped so much to know that I was not the "only one" having problems with this med.  I also want to add that my doc did recommend that I start light therapy.  

Good luck everyone!

[vitmom]

[rosalie68]

for the last 2 weeks after cutting to 5mg and the last 3 days to nothing i have lost 2 lbs. yay. i hope it keeps going down. i havent been as hungry as b4. and i feel like i have more energy. when i was on lexapro i felt like i could eat and then a little while later i felt like i hadnt ate anything all day. my moods are still up and down but im just glad for the 2 lbs its giving me hope. i have 5 months exactly until my wedding. 20-30lbs more to go. good luck everybody we can all get through this.

[slcastri]

I check back everyday to read this site.  I am drug free now for over a month, probably more like 6 weeks total.  Feeling good.  Lost 5 of 10 pounds.  Waiting patiently for the rest.  I haven't tried the 5-HTP yet but you guys sound happy with it, so maybe I'll give it a whirl.  Maybe we can fight this panic/anxiety/depression disorder mind over matter and supporting eachother.  I know I'll try!  Thanks for all your contributions to this website.  It really helps to know I'm not alone!

[melmam]

I have horrible anxiety and little depression.  So my doctor put me on Lexapro I have been on 5mg for the last week.  Have not been able to sleep very well and feeling quite sick to my stomach.  Hopefully this will subside.  I have a very sensitive stomach.  My question is,  I am 105 pounds and 5"8.  Absolutely need to gain weight.  Do you think this drug will help do that? Also how long does it take for the nacious feeling to go away and for the drug to really start working?  Please let me know.  thanks!

[rosalie68]

i felt nauseas the whole time unless i was eating. i always felt like i was starving. u will probably gain weight on it. at first it gave me alot of energy and couldnt sleep. u should take it in the morning. cant remember how long that lasted. not very long. i used to weigh 107 and got up to 155. but i am 5'4''. too much for me. if weight isnt a problem it works good for anxiety. good luck. everyones different. but if u do gain weight for most of us it didnt stop going up. so just to warn u. oh yah and it started working for me within like 2 weeks. its pretty fast.

[newton36]

Does Ripped Fuel really help with your metabolism?  I've always had a pretty good metabolism naturally but I fear that the Effexor XR has messed it up so much it won't return to it's natural state.  

[emmabea]

Thank you so much for your input. I got 5-HTP, a good B-Complex, Women's Ultra Mega Multi, and the Whole Body Cleanse Kit today. I have read up on the 5-HTP and it seems like it should work. I'm kind of excited and a little scared about not using Lexapro anymore. However, I have decided to just deal with the withdrawal and go cold turkey...I'm stubborn like that and I'm also pissed off that my doctor lied to me and told me that the Lexapro wouldn't make me gain weight (or I never would have tried it in the first place)... Anyway, I have a fantastic support system now and they have vowed to help me through it, and I have also promised myself that I will take it one day at a time and make the best of it that I can. I have been off of it for 2 days now and the only symptom I have experienced is a mild headache and a clammy feeling, but it's gone now. BTW, all you guys are great!!!

[Meteors85]

It claims to help with metabolism... After I started taking it a few months back, my rapid weight gain slowed down a little when I coupled it with exercise.  If nothing else, it gives me more energy during the day.  I felt sleepy and exhausted most of the time.  I'm hoping that now I'm off Lexapro, the Ripped Fuel will help also.

[newton36]

Wonderful.  Thanks, I'm going to try it.  I like taking a little something before a workout anyway to give me a little boost.  Sometimes it's a Super B Complex vitamin and sometimes I mix some NO Xplode with my bottled water.  It's really strong stuff so I only add 1 scoop to a 16oz bottle of water.

[jkittie]

Hi All - Sorry I have been MIA...I was out of commission sick in bed with a bad cold. I just wanted to thank everyone for their input to this website. It really helps me to know I am not going crazy re this whole weight gain thing with Lexapro. Also thanks for the suggestions. I want to try the 5-HTP in the future. Also want to try taking the omega-3 supps.

Emmabea - re reregulating thyroid & metabolism, I am not sure yet. I would think it probably takes at least a month for the drugs to get out of your system. Just take it day by day under the supervision of your doctor. Be careful of going cold turkey...Let me know how all the naural supplements work for you. I realize prob none of us are obese. We went from being relatively normal/thin size to gaining weight excessively in a short amount of time. This can be really upsetting esp since we prob did not have huge weight probs before starting these meds. Who wants to go from a size 6 to a 10...it's not cool. Plus all the money spent on new clothes.

This Fri it will be 2 weeks that I went down from 15mg to 10mg on Lexapro and added the Wellbutrin. I don't see much difference yet, but I think it is to soon to tell.
One thing on Wellbutrin, I do not feel as hungry. I am hoping to wean down to 5mg of Lex next month. Not sure if Wellbutrin alone will help, esp for anxiety and moods but we shall see.
Lets keep eachother posted!

[newton36]

I loved the Wellbutrin - the only hang up I had with it was a little anxiety and the ringing in the ears.  I did lose weight on it and it did help for my depression.  I'm about to start again on that myself.  I'm going to see a ENT about the ringing in the ears - it may not be  from the meds.  

You hit the nail on the head though - I'm not obese but yes, I was a 4/6 and went up to a size 10.  I'm 5'2" and when you're that short; you tend to look real chubby at a size 10!  Thanks and press on...

[kaspersue]

[kaspersue]

I Started on Lexapro about this time last year. October. I weighed 130 pounds maybe 129. I went to the doc yesterday and they weighed me. I weigh 144#!!!!!!!!!!! I knew I was gaining weight cause my jeans I wore last year weren't fitting me last Christmas. The doc looked at my chart and I have gained 10 of those pounds just since April.I just never knew it was that much of a weight gain. My hunger had been increased and I was eating more. I would have stomach pains I was so hungry. This would be about 2 hours after I had already eaten.
I never thought that I would ever weigh more then 134. that was my top weight in the past.
I have quit the lexapro cold turkey. My husband says he can tell the differance in my attitude already I am shorter and grumpier. But I told him I am mad about my weight. Not sure if it is because I'm off the medication or if I'm just freaked out by that much of a weight gain.I'm cutting back my calorie intake and I am drinking tons of water. Hopefully by next summer I will be backdown to wear I am comfortable.its a bummer because the Lexapro really helped me with me anxiety. I'm glad to see that Im not crazy and that this has happened to others. just hope I can handle thyself off of the lexapro!!!!!!

[rosalie68]

welbutrin made my ears ring. it says its a side effect

[illtakeanxiety]

Wow...so glad that I found this forum.  I was dating a Dr. that gave me samples of lexapro when I started having anxiety issues.  I took it for about a year through him and gained about 20 lbs.  He blamed it on my drinking (which wasn't excessive).  I continued to workout and eat right but the weight kept coming on.  He eventually told me that I needed to go to a Dr. to get a prescription.  I went and asked about Paxil.  The Dr told me that if I was having anxiety issues then that it would only get worse with Paxil b/c I would gain weight and that Lexapro doesn't make ppl gain weight.  At that point I didn't even consider the weight gain could be from the Lexapro.  I have gained 60 lbs in 2.5 yrs.  I have become so disgusted with my body that it's affected every aspect of my life.  I have always been very athletic and always watched my weight.  I've never fluctuated by more than 15 lbs in the past.  I have 2 weeks left of my prescription and have already started tapering off from 10mg to 5mg.  It scares me to see ppl saying that it's still hard to lose the weight after going off.  BUT I do feel happy finally figuring out that this is most likely the reason for my weight gain.  It is hard tapering off.  I've been very dizzy and nauseous.  Oh, and my ex-bf broke up with me due to the weight gain...ironic, I think!  Good luck to everyone!

[vlp2essvixen]

There is a DEFINITE REASON why  our bodies gain weight.How can the medical industry be sooooo cruel and NOT tell us this, or do they even know or care?.I think there may be hope,look on the site "The Road Back". I have had a holistic doctor tell me there is  a combination of supplements that  treat depression and anxiety, I believe they are  the same as the ones listed on this sight to make you lose weight.It is at least worth checking out. Wish all of you luck!!!

[vlp2essvixen]

Now I feel Stupid!! I just took the time to read more of the previous posts and realize some of you have used these supplements, "Sorry".Well at least still go to the site to understand why our bodies gain weight and you will know YOU ARE NOT CRAZY!!!! Please let me know if anyone else has used the supplements to treat depr./anx. and does it work? I almost went back on Lex.and you all reminded why I went off of it in the first place.I would love to find a way to feel "normal" again.No one should have to live like this, feel like sh*t because of fear of weight gain. Thx for all of your posts.

[jkittie]

Luckily I do not have any ringing in the ears form Wellbutrin...not really much anxiety. Just a bit of a felling like I had some caffeine. Which may not be so bad b/c the Lexapro makes me so tired and sluggish. Yes, in rgds tot weight gain....I am only about 5'4, and 155 at that height is def chubby.
I definitely looked prettier at 125. I stare at my wedding pictures from 5 yrs ago before I got on the meds...I was 28 and my waist looks so small in the dress. I would give anything to be that person again. I was not even that skinny, just normal size. Now everything is tight. I was shopping Ann Taylor Loft y/day and buying size 10's....so sad. Hopefully weaning off the Lexapro will help & I will lose the weight!!!!! Right now I am sticking to strict low carb, low fat diet. Check out this book by Dr. Jana Klauer "How the Rich Get Thin".

illtakeanxiety - I feel so bad for you. 60 lbs must be very difficult to deal with. I wish you the best of luck in taking off the weight. Your boyfriend sounds like unsupportive a-hole. When you are feeling better about yourself and you lose the weight, you will meet someone a lot better. Now is the time to focus on yourself and get back in shape. Hang in there!

[newton36]

It sounds like you're better off without that jerk if a boyfriend.  After you start losing the weight, you will automatically feel better about your self.  I'm sure very soon you will meet someone special who loves you no matter what and then your ex can eat his heart out!!!  That my dear will give you a better feeling than any pill you could ever take!

As for me, for the past two days I've been a bag of tears and emotions.  I know it's from not taking the Effexor XR and it will pass.  Stay strong everyone.

[annette_eli]

[rozalli]

Effexor XR... I take that drug as well. But I haven't experienced weight gain. I experienced the opposite. I've always been prone to side effects... but never knew it would get this bad. Anorexia is one of the most serious side effects of taking Effexor... and I happened to get that side effect. It was really scary. I was medically certified and liver wasn't working. I was on bed rest for 3 weeks on a tube feed and lots of IV's.

But i think one tactic to tackle the weight gain would be to drink plenty of water and eat frequent small meals thruout the day. it's better to have 5 100 calorie meals than one 500 calorie meal.

Good luck. wish u all the best.

[newton36]

I am shocked to read that Effexor had the opposite effect on you.  How long have you been on it?  When I first started taking it, I lost a couple of pounds but the longer I was on it; the more I gained slowly over a year.  

Listen, I have tried every tactic and it pisses me off when people say, "Well, just drink lots of water, eat right and exercise."  I have been health conscious all my life - I've always been athletic, in shape and I've always drink more water than I need every day.  Actually, it's a myth that eating several small meals per day is better for you.  There is no scientific facts that show that to be true.  Everyone is different.  I know my body and I've done what I needed to do to try to lose weight on the medicine, but nothing has helped.  I also used to be a personal trainer and have taken nutrition classes and none of those things have worked either.  So, don't tell me I need to just drink lots of water because that won't help.  

[jkittie]

Hi All - I went to the Dr this morning. He has decreased my dosage of Lexapro to 5mg & upped my
dosage of Wellbutrin from 150mg to 300mg. He feels that this will help with my weight loss and sexual side effects. Wish me luck!

newton38, I totally agree with you re the weight loss issues. I too was always pretty slim, athletic and muscular. It has only been since I started taking Prozac and Lexapro that I began to gain weight and have problems losing it. I have tried everything in rgds to dieting and not much really works. But I am still trying to excercise and eat healthy so I don't get even fatter. Hopefully the change in meds will help. I know for a fact Wellbutrin helps with weight.

[bam81]

I hav ebeen on Lexapro for 1 year and gained 15 lb. I started running this summer and drinking TONS of water and was able to lose a little. As soon as I went off my regimen I gained it back. I am currently trying to get my wt under control again but the self control to GO RUN is hard! Not to mention that my time is consumed with nursing school. This is just my suggestion for what worked for me. Good Luck! You all can do it!

[woozy]

5 htp, 5 htp, 5thp... etc..lol
My husband says I remind him now of how I was when we first met, and I was on Lexapro and Wellbutrin.
It took about 4-6 weeks to really kick in, I worked up to a dose of 400 mg per day,plus I take a 1000 mgs of L-tyrosine..
No more terrible mood swings, bad PMS or constant low level depression. 5 htp and L-tyrosine are both also used for guess what? Weight loss..
I'm back into my size 6 clothes this month..It took me about 7 months to lose 13 pounds. I'm still losing. I did start running again too (2x a week)and not eating past 8 at night. Drinking lots of water, still doing yoga 1/2 hour ever other day,but I've always done that..

[lexproornot]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for all this info. I was actually on the web searching for strategies to lose weight. I have been on 20mg since a death in my family. This happened about a year and a half ago. I had a pretty awesome body before that, I must admit. However now I have put on over 20lb. It is unbelivable. I train so hard, am a Karate black belt, so train about 3 hours x 3 times a week and also go to the gym the other remaining 4 days. I also eat well. The occassional chocolate bar shouldn't be making me put on so much weight.

I put down weight gain to recently turning 30 and also perhaps the fact that I was on the pill. I came of the pill and my weight keeps coming on.

I talked to my doctor today and she hesitated taking me off. I am going to take myself off it gradually. I am on 20mgs and going to start taking 10mg for about a week or so and see how I go. Prob after that will go down to 5mg and then finally 2.5mg. Over about a month. Does this sound sensible?

Also I worried also about not getting rid of this weight. Will this be an issue? Will it come off and how long will it take to lose this. I feel fat and never have before in my life!

[lexproornot]

Hi Rosalie 68 see my story above. I noticed you were similar weight and height to me. How did this go?

[Meteors85]

Seems like there are a lot of women on this message board, but I'm sure there are more guys than just myself...right?

[rosalie68]

ok this is how its went until now. i went from the 20mg to the 10. the only side effect i had was a little dizzy. but not really noticable and a little emotional.so i waited a week and i went down to 5mg. 2days went by with nothing. then i felt like a crazy lady.lol.i had really extreme anger and then it would get unbearable and i would cry. i was really dizzy and had headaches. i seriously thought about going back to 10mg. but i decided to wait a few days. it lasted for 3-4 days and then i was ok. still a little emotional but not too bad. no anxiety. so i waited about a week after those bad 3 days and felt i was ok to go off all the way. wow...not to scare u but it was bad. so dizzy it made me sick and a few times i almost fell over b/c i couldnt keep my balance. i had headaches which were probably from the dizzyness but they went away with ibuprofin.i have had 2 anxiety attacks. i havent been angry but i have cried a few times over some silly things. but today i am ok.it hit me around the 3rd day again. must be when the pills wear off. but it only last for around 3-4 days.i knew when i went from 5mg to 0 that i would probably exp the same effects from the drop off the week b4. but it helped me sooo much knowing that it wouldnt last long. thats y i am telling u exactly what happened to me. i dont want to scare u away from stopping by any means i just want u to know my exp and reassure u that u will be ok in a few days if u do get any effects. if u have time i have heard that if u go off really slowly that u shouldnt get bad side effects. some one says they have pill cutters at the pharmacy and to cut yours pills as small as possible. i have read that a lot of people have had the same side effects that i listed. i didnt know what they were so i was freaked out pretty bad when i started exp them. you will be ok. they are normal. i think its just from the seritonin levels going down drastically. does your doc think your weight gain isnt from the pills too? i also stopped my bc thinkin thats what made me gain. its so funny how all are stories are alike. beleive me its from lex. works good for anxiety and depression but they need to do more research. i have had way more energy since i have been off. i noticed it as i was cutting down. i went off b4 and lost 5 lbs the first month. i really think we will all start to lose our weight. i am going to try to lose it natural but i have the roadback website bookmarked incase i need to take those supplements. i have a wedding in 4 months. i better be able to lose something. i dont want to look back at my pics and think about how fat i was. right now i am 5'4" 155 and 25yrs old hopefully i can repost soon about some weight loss. let me know how it goes. u can ask me anything i check this site everyday. let me know how u are doing. good luck to u and the rest of us.

[rosalie68]

i almost forgot.. my fiance takes ripped fuel when he works out and it helped him lose weight and turn it to muscle. worked pretty fast too. i was really jealous.lol. it didnt help me but i think it was b/c of lex. i have gained weight while takin diet pills on lexapro.

[Shell24]

I have been taking 20 mg Lexapro for 2 months and have already gained 10 llbs. Don't get me wrong, it's great for depression but I don't feel normal..none of that "happy" excited feeling I used to get...I just feel "blah" all of the time. I'm going to start taking 10 mg soon and see how that goes because I'm trying to have a baby too.

[rosalie68]

causes birth defects. be careful

[jkittie]

Hi all, good news! I have been taking Wellbutrin for about 3 weeks (150mg-300mg). I am weaning off of Lexapro and down to 5mg for the next two weeks down to zero. I got on the scale this morning and I am 4 pounds lighter than I was on Fri + I am pms'ing so I should actually be heavier...I think the Wellbutrin is working out very well. Definitely suppressing my appetite and giving me more energy so I am motivated to excercise more. I am not getting any of the jittery side effects. Also, I notice I am able to get up in the morning earlier with the groggy/cloudy hangover feeling.
Will keep you posted, hang in there everyone.

[rosalie68]

yah  so get this.... i call my doc to ask about the withdrawals im experiencing to see how long they should last and all that and he says maybe i cut down too fast and i could go back on lex. so i tell them how that is not an option for me. im done with that garbage (i have already been off for over a week) and he tells me that prozac would help with my dizzyness and keep my mood stable until all the lex was out of my system. WTF i am so irritated. they said 10mg of prozac for 2 weeks and that it would stay in my system for a month and that would help.  its like they just want me to be on drugs and thats there answer for everything.  get on drugs to help u get off of another drug. where do these people go to school. sorry i am just so pissed. has any one else been told to go on prozac like that??? for 2 weeks??

[newton36]

No, I've never been told that before; however, it does not surprise me one bit.  They take you off one, put you on another, etc.  I know trying different meds takes time and it's trial and error for everyone but I thought what they wanted you to do was strange.  

jkittie - Nice job on the weight loss!  I am very excited for you and I'm starting my Wellbutrin this week.  

[rosalie68]

well i was thinking....what drug would they put me on to help with the prozac withdrawl after the 2 weeks??? lol

[Alyssa50]

Being depressed is hard enough without all the weight gain. - I started Lexapro in July and I have gained at least 20 pounds.  I think I stopped counting.  I, like everyone else was told there would be little to no weight gain however I can see that they are wrong.  I crave foods I've always tried to stay away from and eat when not even hungry.  I'm grateful for this site b/c now I know I am not just gaining weight and how I can ween myself off the meds.  If anyone is interested, I have done the Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet) prior to the meds and had great results.  It also cleans out your system and can eliminate cravings for sugar and carbs.  I plan on cutting out my pills and then flushing them out of my system along with my extra 20 pounds.

[emmabea]

Just checking in... I have been off of Lexapro (cold turkey) for a week now. No horrible side effects other than some headaches, being extra hot and kinda clammy, a little nausea, wierd dreams, thirst, and, of course, a little more sensitive and edgy (oh yeah, and I cried during The Biggest Loser...) On a positive note, I have been able to get up earlier in the mornings (which I LOVE). And I am more motivated to do things around the house (I didn't realize I had lost some of my "get up and go"... ya know what I mean? It's almost like Lexapro dulled me a bit. I mean, it was great for my depression and anxiety and let me be me, but it also took away some of me with it. I have been working out and running and everything, and I haven't weighed myself, but my jeans aren't quite as tight as they were!!! I have been taking 5-HTP, Super B Complex, Mulitvitamin, and a combination herbal supplements called System Six, which contains L-Tyrosine, Bitter Orange, and a bunch of other things to try to get my thyroid and metabolism back in check. Oh yeah, and a 7-day detox as well. I have been cutting back on sugar and carbs and I feel pretty good.

[emmabea]

Oh yeah, and some insomnia (as it is 2am at the moment...) has been a side effect as well

[jkittie]

Hi All, I keep reading about people quitting Lexapro cold turkey. You should know that it's dangerous plus it causes more unpleasant side effects than you would normally experience doing it gradually. I should think that being mentally healthy while getting off the drugs is as important as actually getting off them. Esp since wev'e all had our mood issues....I have been doing it gradually and barely feeling any side effects. Just FYI for anyone new reading these posts.

Newton36 - Thanks for the positive reinforcement. I hope you do well on the Wellbutrin (no pun intended). It really helps with with appetite control, and should give you a little lift. I hope you do not get the ringing in the ears. I did read that it can be a side effect. Best of luck.

[A*R]

hi, glad to hear you are getting over the withdrawal. just wondering where you get the System Six. anything to get my metabolism back on track is welcomed by me!

[susan555]

I am so happy I found this site.  I wondered if the Lexapro is why I gained 20 Lbs but my doctor denied it.  I eat like a bird for god sakes.  The doctor questioned me on my eating habits...I eat oatmeal for breakfast, salad for lunch, and  normal dinner.  The doctor tried to preach me on not eating nacho chips when cooking dinner.....I was only eating about 5 nacho chips for god sakes! Give me a break.  I could not cut down on my diet if I tried!!!! lol.  I am going to wean off of it.  I am afraid of how I will feel without it...but I cannot stand this anymore. I had anxiety without the Lexapro but I am not feeling very good about myself now either.  I don't know what is worse...being anxious and thin...or being overweight and miserable.  I am going to try working out while weaning and afterwards to help counteract the negative side affects.  I hope that helps.  The big question is....how long does it take to shed the pounds once you are Lexapro free?   Seems people are still having problems afterward.  Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

[susieQ17]

I have been on Effexor for about 5years now (150mg/day) when I first started on it I was 108lbs and now I am a whopping 160 lbs.  I had an anxiety disorder and I feel awesome now it works wonders for me.  I just don't like the weight gain, I was thinking of weaning off the Effexor but I am to afraid of getting my panic attacks again.  I have been reading Kevin Trudeau's Natural Cures and Weight loss books, they are very interesting.  One of the things he says to do is colon cleasing to get rid of all the toxins in your body.  I bought the kit today but I am not sure if it will interfere with the Effexor, just wondering if anyone tried this before. Thanks

[bibibi]

Please read this article before you buy ANYTHING from Kevin Trudeau.
http://dir.salon.com/story/books/feature/2005/07/29/trudeau/index.html
Haven't we already been duped enough by quick fix solutions that don't work at all or have negative side effects?

[jkittie]

Hi Susan555 - We have all had the same problem as you. There is no telling how long it takes to lose the weight. Everyone is different. Make sure you express your concerns to your Dr so he can wean you off little by little. Perhaps you can switch to another drug that will address your anxiety issues and promote weight loos. I just switched to Wellbutrin and still taking 5mg of Lexapro. Going down to 0 in two weeks. I have already started losing just by eating healthy and doing moderate excercise, which is really not so different to what I was doing before...but now I think my metabolism is getting back to normal after lowering the dosage of Lex.

bibibi - That Kevin Trudeau is a BS artist...he has had so many lawsuits against him for professing these crazy cures. Awhile ago I was curious to see what the book was all about. I went to Barnes & Noble to check it out. Needless to say, it was a whole bunch of jargon and potions to mix up.
Who the hell needs that? Just eat less and excercise...if going off Lexapro is the answer to loose weight, then do it...Certain natural supplements from the health food store do work for weight loss and depression, but we don't need him to tell us that.

[rosalie68]

has anyone else checked out spark people weight loss site??? i couldnt find otterpop. its amazing. u can join for free www.sparkpeople.com u all can add me my name is rosalie68 there too. good luck guys. i go to the doc today but dont worry im not doing the prozac for 2 weeks thing. might have to put on my boxing gloves b4 i leave. im really frustrated

[susieQ17]

Thanks for the info.....I guess it is all BS.  I'm going to the chiropractors tomorrow and I'm also doing a Nutritional Blood Screening test.  It takes about 45mins they take a drop of your blood and then they analyze it for different things, like immune system, metabolism, vitamin deficiencies, toxicity levels, ph imbalances, micobial activity(parasites/fungus/yeast) and a whole lot more.  They will give you written recommendations, including nutritional interventions and recommendations designed for your personal needs.  Sounds very interesting and scary at the same time, not sure if I want to find out what is going on in my body, but I guess I'll find out tomorow

[booboo401]

after reading those comments i decided not to go for medications. i am already 20 lb overweight and want to loose weight not gain.

I have mild depression: no motivation, no joy in my life. I think i have depression with atypical symptoms. I fit that profile . BUt I am not seriously depressed, no sucide feelings, no sadness. just not much joy and purpose. i would sleep all day and stay n the house. i dont have a job. I am a teacher and it is hard to get a position in my area. ONe of the reasons for my depression.

I am thinking to try cognitive therapy, st john's, omega3 and 5hppt ( sp)

What do you think? i am affraid to start drugs.

[emmabea]

System-Six is by Irwin Naturals. I got it from GNC. I was looking for L-Tyrosine (aids in appetite regulation by converting into norepinephrine) and Bitter Orange (to enhance fat metabolism) individually, but this supplement contains both... plus it also has additional herbs to help regulate attitude and brain chemistry (5-HTP which is a precursor of Serotonin), energy and metabolism (L-Carnitine and Choline support process of energy production), Chromium for sugar metabolism and to support lean muscle, and thermogenesis through guanara, kola nut, and cayenne. I worked at GNC through college, and I have researched these herbs, and there is a lot of support for their effectiveness. Anyway... hope this helped!!!

[emmabea]

I have mixed feelings about the medication. I mean, yes, it does cause weight gain... but, yes, it does work, too. It helped me get through a very difficult time, and come out on top. It gave me the confidence and ability to fully grow into myself and gain a true appreciation for who I am. It let me learn to be me. However, now that I have stopped taking it, I just have to remember  who I am, and focus on being myself without the medication. I just have to be aware and in touch with my feelings, and keep things in check. I have done a great deal of reading and 5-HTP sounds awesome... it helps with serotonin to regulate mood. In addition to the 5-HTP, I have been taking System-Six (see above), a good B-Complex, and a good multivitamin. Oh yeah, and I highly recommend therapy. It always helps to talk to someone. Good Luck!!!

[JL39]

I've finally weaned myself off of the Effexor 75mg but still have the numbing in my hands.  Is anyone else experiencing  this.  Also I've gained about 7 lbs while on it how long does it take for your metabolism to go back to normal? Anyone know?

[lhughes69]

I've been on effexor 75 mg for over a year now to counteract the side-effects of tamoxifin (tamoxifen) (for breast cancer).  I lost 10 pounds just after starting the meds mostly because I had a baby 4 months before and started a serious weight training program at the gym.  That weight did NOT stay off.  I've gained nearly all of it back even with continuing the weight training and cardio training at the gym.  My doc (a male oncologist) said literally that I needed to stop eating so much...weight loss was only going to happen with decreased intake of calories.  Not a lot of help there, especially when the carb cravings are so HUGE now.  

However, because some of the side effects that effexor was supposed to be fixing started creaping back, hot flashes are not your best friend, he suggested that I start taking the drugs a bit differently.

Now that was a good suggestion.  I don't know how anyone else is taking these drugs, but here's what I was doing:  I was taking them at night long after dinner before bedtime.

Now I'm taking them just after breakfast (and I do try to eat a good breakfast with a high fiber carb and fruit or yogurt).  I had some serious indigestion to start with, but that eased up after a week or so.

The good news is, the carb cravings have staved off significantly.  I can look at a cake and not want to consume the WHOLE thing or crave all the stuff I was craving.  I do notice that I'm better when I don't drink alcohol (but let's face it, working and two children under 3 don't help that much, now do they?).  But even with a drink on occassion, the cravings are much more under control and my weight has stabilized.  I've even managed to drop about 3 pounds in the last three weeks.

I have NOT changed anything other than when  and how I take my medications.  I have 3 years and 9 months to go with the tamoxifin (tamoxifen) and hope that after that I can wean myself off the effexor.

I hope this may help some of ya'll out there.  It's worth a try, especially if you HAVE to be on these meds.

[bibibi]

Have you ever carried an exhausted kid off to bed even though they were begging to stay up?
Have you ever been firm about no candy before dinner or homework before video games?
Well, I haven't (no kids) but I DO know that children are much happier, more secure and healthier with a few rules and a reasonable schedule. Without sensible limitations, they become anxious, depressed and sick (if not physically, then certainly emotionally).
I think we as adults need the same benefits that a little "structure" provides. Instead of looking for quick fixes while spinning out of control, take charge by applying a few simple rules to your daily life (just like a responsible parent would) and follow them as if you have no choice (just like that grumpy kid). Learning to trust yourself is the ultimate cure for anxiety and depression.
Try this site out for SENSIBLE diet and exercise plans and INSIST on loving yourself enough to follow through no matter how much you kick and scream!!!!

http://www.realage.com/doctorCenter/intro.aspx

Here is a sample:

YOU: On a Diet -- 5 Steps to Ensure Success

1. Eat about every 3 hours, so you don't get hungry.  
2. Eat till you're full – if this isn't enough, have more; just stop when you're satisfied, not stuffed.  
3. Don't skip breakfast. Morning fiber (protein too) helps control afternoon cravings.  
4. Don't think of this as a "diet." It's more like training wheels that help you rediscover your appetite's natural balance. In just 2 weeks, you'll feel healthier and more energetic, and your waist will be 2 inches smaller. The RealAge benefit? Up to 2 years younger!  
5. For drinks, have coffee, tea, lots of water, skim milk, juice in the morning, maybe 1 or 2 diet sodas, and a glass of wine with dinner if you like.  

[Meteors85]

Glad to hear from someone who has experience and has done research on these supplements. Thanks for the info!

[newton36]

I was taking my medicine (Effexor XR) in the morning at breakfast and I still craved the carbs all day.  I don't think it matters what time of day or how I took the medicine, I gained the weight.  The drugs are still the same no matter how or when you take them.  I will start Wellbutrin XL either tomorrow or over the weekend and I know that will help with both my depression and weight.  

bibibi - All what you said above is well and good but doesn't help when taking certain medications.  I do eat breakfast, more protein and fiber too.  I can't eat every three hours - that doesn't work for my body and it isn't proven to work for everyone.   I do agree with insisting on loving yourself learning to trust yourself.  When working on the outer self - you automatically work the inner self and vice versa.

[lhughes69]

I hope you can find your answer... keep us posted if something does work for you.  I know all body chemistries are different and Lord knows it's hard enough to not gain additional weight without having to battle additional chemistry.

I was ready to quit Effexor and live with the Tamoxifen problems until now.  That doesn't say that my husband wasn't!!!!!!  I *think* we've found a situation we can live with, however that doesn't mean it'll work next year.  But for right now, all I know is my situation has improved.

Wishing you best of luck and good health!

[aaagghh]

I, too, am so glad to have stumbled upon this site.  What I've read, however, concerns me.  I've been on Lexapro (started with 10m then upped to 20m) for about 4 months now.  My depression is more than mild - I have had suicidal thoughts off and on.  My son committed suicide two years ago, and my other son is in Iraq fighting the war.  Hence my 'nickname'.  sad smile   So . . . my concern is actually stopping the medication.  Like most of you here, I've gained weight - 15 lbs so far.  That is making me even more depressed. I'm mid-forties and my entire life has changed in the past couple of years - I don't need the extra weight on top of everything else.  I've written notes about some of your comments, and I'd really like more info on the 5HTP and the System Six.  Do you take them together? Or is one better than the other?  My biggest question is how well will it control my depression?  Any experiences from others suffering from more than mild depression or anxiety?  I am definitely not negating those conditions, but am anxious to see comments from those who make have feelings like my own.

Thanks!

[newton36]

Have you spoken to your doctor about Wellbutrin XL coupled with therapy?  Please don't stop taking any medication until you talk to your doctor.  Your paragraph has concerned me.  If you have more than mild depression I don't think the 5HTP alone will help.  You've mentioned suicidal thoughts and I really would like you to talk to your doctor about Wellbutrin XL; it really did wonders for my depression and I lost weight on it.  I'm actually starting back on it tomorrow.  I was on Effexor XR for a year and have gained some serious weight - it was okay for depression but I've done better with the Wellbutrin so I'm switching back.  I can't imagine how you are feeling losing one son and having the other one so far away in a dangerous place.  Things will get better; it takes time but take the first step by getting different meds and talking to someone.  Please don't give up.

[94598]

I have been on Lex 20 mg for a year (gained about 15-20lbs). I ride my bike 5 days a week 20-50 miles each day. I can't stop eating, I am always feeling hungry.  Eat 1 c Kashi and 1/2 c milk for every breakfast., eat a healthy lunch and then evening comes and NEVER feel full. I went out to lunch today, had a salad and soup with a roll- on the way home ate peanuts and chocolate (even though my brain was telling me not to), but I just felt hungry!  My daughter (10) went away to camp for a week and I didn't even miss her (thoughts due to medication?).  I am a sensitive person and suffer from panic attacks, the Lex has helped with the panic attacks (thoughts that I am dying)however, I feel removed somehow from life and its issues.  Dr. says I should see a nutritionist

[rosalie68]

i was a really emotional person b4 lexapro.  i could cry for the world. i cared more about how everyone else felt before i would consider my own feelings. when i went on lexapro. i didnt care about how any one else felt. i dint feel any emotion. a lot of the time i noticed i wouldnt even think b4 i spoke b/c i didnt care any more if i hurt anyones feelings. i know it messes with your emotions. i asked my doctor about that the other day. i am off now for 2 weeks and while getting adjusted to that i became that sensitive overly emotional girl again. he told me it affects that part of your brain. sorry to say but alot of us havent had luck with a nutritionist or extra exercise. the only thing that maintained my weight was weight watchers but i was soooo hungry all the time that i couldnt follow it for long. i always wanted carbs too or anything sugary. the doc i had doesnt beleive me that i gained from lex. alot of our doc wont admit it. i really hope u find something that works. many people say welbutrin. my body didnt mix well with it so i didnt get to test it out but alot of people say it works good with lexapro. i have anxiety and panic attacks too. if u take it it might make u anxious. are u ok most of the time?? and just get attacks when u go certain places? i have went off lex 2 weeks ago and take ativan for attacks. just as needed. maybe u could talk to your doc about it. wish i had more info for u. good luck

[Nana48]

Hey everyone,
I to am glad that I stumbled upon this forum. I have medication induced weight gain from Effexor. I have been on it for over 10 years. 225mg a day for actually 11 years this month, wow. It sucks that we have to finally get our depression under control and then have to worry about the physical and psychological effects of med induced weight gain. It's like a constant revolving door..go off the meds..lose weight, look great..shouldn't be depressed, then get depressed for no real reason..except that we don't use the chemicals in our brains like "other people" and then go back on the meds..feel better..look like a bear getting ready to hibernate, feel worse because we can't lose weight. Then comes along peri-menopause and you gain more weight and look like a Colts linebacker!!! I can't figure it out! I have tried everything!! I guess I better just stop eating all together. I have gained 50lbs on Effexor XR over the years. No matter how active, inactive it doesn't matter. Do you ever notice that Oprah doesn't do shows about med induced weight gain? Doc Phil never talks about it or our new diet guru. Dr. Oz hasn't said a word about it on Oprah or in his book You..On a diet ! Hummmm..I think they know something we don't.  They don't want to mess with the depresso's because they don't know what to do. They put us on the meds, slap us on the back and say "You will feel right as rain in a few weeks, oh by the way, you will need a waterproof tent as a raincoat in 2 years!  No one told my Dr. that I would gain weight like a sumo wrestler, but then she was morbidly obese to begin with..she lost like 100+ lbs on the Weight Watchers diet and I think secretly it makes her happy to see her patients redeposit her weight on their thighs.  She says Effexor doesn't cause weight gain!!!  You have to eat right and if I can do it, so can you! You know, all of a sudden she is a weight loss expert. Bullpucky! She's not on Effexor or Lexapro or any of the diet destructive anti-depressants, or maybe she's dipping into the drug-cabinet herself.  I don't know, but I feel every-one's pain and anger towards the "all-knowing" doc's that just have no answers for us. I say, we bombard Oprah with our problems and let's see what the doc and Oprah has to say. Of course most of us don't have personal trainers and nutrition experts to cater to our every whim. Please don't take this wrong. I like Oprah and Doc Phil and Doc Oz, but come on guys, there's a whole bunch of folks out here that would love to here your side of it!  Effexor has been a great benefit to me, but the risk of being 50lbs overweight is a horrible risk to take coupled with menopause and the slightly higher blood pressure that Effexor can also cause. One thing I just started and I wanted you to know...it has helped me with the energy issues caused by Effexor. I bought one of those SAD (seasonal affective disorder)lights..it cost a fortune and it took me 3 years to get around to it, but I feel better then I have in years ( I actually feel awake).  I have more energy and I  use it 20 minutes a day. I got the visor, that way I can use it and keep movin'.  Seems to be working...for me anyway. They cost about $200.00 on eBay and about the same at a regular online store.  I hope that, at some point, "they" will find a anti-depressant that doesn't cause depression about the  weight gain.  I keep asking...
Good luck and blessings...
Nana in Indiana!

[traceyz]

I started taking Lexapro earlier this summer for severe anxiety and ocd. Another doctor put me on Topamax at the same time for migranes. I did not have any weight gain while on BOTH drugs, however when I got off the Topamax due to side effects (ie: hair falling out in clumps), I rapidly picked up weight. I am 5 ft 3 on a good day. I started at 126, and within 6 weeks I have made my way up to 142!! I am an active runner, and aerobics instructor. It's like every week I gain more weight! With my doctor's permission who by the way said Lexapro would not make me gain weight, has allowed me to cut down from 20 to 10 mg. I am deperate to lose weight and have decided to give the Atkins diet a try. I did it a long time ago prior to Lexapro with GREAT results! Keep your fingers crossed for me and I will let you know what happens. Good luck to you all!!!!

[traceyz]

You are soooo funny. I was trying to figure out what I look like now and you hit the nail on the head!! Since I am short I look like a LITTLE league line backer!! LOL Keep us posted please.

[locknkey]

Someone earlier was taking a potassium supplement and lexipro, which brings me to my ques/comment.  My best friend and I began taking YAZ which is a birth control pill that contains potassium.  This pill has a mood enhancer during you period but it also reduces appetite and pms symptoms.  We both are considerably overweight but she just began taking lexipro from some pills she got from a coworker who gave them to her cus she was having low sex drive.  My bf says her mood has never been better but she is taking both yaz and lxpro i am wondering if they are balancing each other out.  I am going to tell her about the weight gain but what is funny is that she said she has had no problem in the sex drive dept.  I have been depressed for awhile and the yaz has been helping my mood.I am not having sex drive prblms either.  Has anyone here taken both yaz and lexipro and are you having the weight gain and low sex drive issues?

[abizane]

I am so glad to see that I am not crazy...I have been on Lexapro and have gained 20 plus pounds in the last year. I recently began Cymbalta and am still gaining. What I found to be so interesting (and comforting) is that other people have uncontrollable carb/sugar cravings and feel like a bottomless pit. THANK YOU!!!! I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. I called my psychiatrist and told him. I am going to see him on Thursday and he said we would try Wellbutrin. He said that Lexapro most certainly CAN cause weight gain, but not everyone experiences the side effect. I am hoping to get some of this weight off becase now I am upset with how I look and feel with the extra baggage!!! Good luck to you all on this journey. I have been wrestling with depression for many years, and know how difficult it can be to manage. Bless you all...Donna

[aaagghh]

Hi.  Thanks so much for your reponse to my post.  I am planning on looking for a new doctor.  I have only had health insurance since April of this year, so had not gone to a doctor for a few years.  I was so desperately depressed, that when this one put me on Lexapro I didn't question it.  Now. . . especially after reading these posts, I feel like I need to find a doctor who will be more concientious of what they're prescribing.  Also, I know I need to be in some kind of therapy, but have been putting that off, thinking I could cope with all of this on my own.  I'll definiely ask about the Welbutrin.  Thanks for your insights and concern. I'll be ok, but my goal is to be as good as I can be as a way to honor both my sons.  Can't do that unless I'm healthy, and I'm not quite there yet.  

Kind regards.

[Kendysweetpea]

I started taking Paxel probably about 14 years ago, I'm 32 now. I was suffering from extreme mood swings, horrible anxiety and depression. For the first time in my life at that time I felt good...since then though I have tried a few other pills because of the enormous weight gain but it steadly got worse. I'm now 240 pounds, 5'1 tall. I've been on Effexer now for about 3-4 years. at first when I started this drug, effexer, I felt doped, medicated. did not give a damn about anything around me. I didnt cry or feel much. My hubby noticed the big difference. I first started out on 75mg. I some how managed to drop it to 37.5, and now 1 every 2 days. If I dare to forget to take that darn little pill I'm so sick. headaches, nausea, dizzy...its horrible. I want my life back. I want my emotions back and I was a SEX DRIVE!. so I'm going to wean myself off. Im going to break open the capsules and take some of the beads out slowly. Hopefully I can lose this weight because I am going to the gym 3 times of week. This is a horrible drug...

[traceyz]

I just wanted to say to you as well please don't stop the meds until you speak with a doctor, trust me I know. I stopped taking zoloft a few years ago cold turkey and had horrible withdrawl symptoms. Not only that I felt 100 times more depressed, if you think your depressed now, it will be worse if you stop cold turkey. It is just a matter of finding the right combination of meds for you. Trust me I know the weight gain is the pitts, but as recommended talk to your doctor about wellbutrin, it has been known to help not only with mood but also with weight loss. Hang in there sometimes life deals a hand that truly sucks, but hold on I think the light at the end of the tunnel is just around the corner!!

[saneone]

I am weaning off Lexapro for the past 4 weeks.  I have been on it for several years and it helped me through some very hard times.  In feb of this year, the dr. increased to me 20mg. and then the weight started really coming on.  After hitting 213 (at 5'5") I decided enough was enough and decided to come off it.  I did see my dr. and she set the wean down schedule.  I am now down to 5mg every other day for two weeks.  I also started to knock out the carbs and walk the treadmill.  I am down 9lbs. but have such dizzy spells.  I can't turn my head quick and it is almost scary driving.  I am going to call the doctor tomorrow but do not want to go on an antivert - no more drugs.  Any suggestions for the dizzy spells?

[melmam]

I started taking Lexapro 3 weeks ago and I have had no appetite.  I feel really sick to my stomach 90% of the time.  I know this is crazy but I actually need to gain the weight.  I keep on dropping weight I am now 99 pounds and tall.  I do not have an eating disorder but I need to get my appetite back, I can't afford to lose any more weight.  Has anyone else noticed that at first you lose your appetite? I have also vomited a few times,  I don't know if it is because of my anxiety or because of the medication.  Or is this a side effect that is only happening to me?   I am only taking 5mg and I have been really emotional.  I am nervous.  Does it take a long time for it to start really working?  Or am I maybe on to small of a dose? Or on the wrong medication altogether.  I need to seriously get my life back on track.  It is really taking a huge toll on me and my family.  I almost feel like my doctors are also at a loss.  They have also given me klonopins to help through this initial period but I dont know.  I am scared.  Thank you for any advise.

[aaagghh]

Thanks to both of you for your advice.  Since I've had a cold (turns out it's bronchitis) for a couple of weeks, I was able to get in to see my doctor quickly.  We talked about the Lexapro, and decided to taper me off of that and try the Welbutrin.  I picked up the prescription today.  Thanks for ya'lls help, and all who've posted with good ideas and questions.

[newton36]

You are more than welcome.  I have tried every anti-depressant on the market and Wellbutrin is really the only one I liked.  Some of the others were okay for my depression but the weight gain was more than I could stand.  Try to stay postive, stay focused on the big picture and the real important things in life.  

[clmonti]

I have been off of the Lexapro now for 3 months and have not lost any of the weight I gained.
I weened myself by cutting the dose in 1/2 and gradually started to take them every other day.
Now I'm completely off of it and very frustrated.  I'm having my cortisol levels checked by a physician that is suspicious that I may have high levels which could possibly mean Cushings Disease.
Has anyone had luck with loosing weight after going off of the Lexapro?  

[Love/HateLexapro]

I just thought I'd let everyone know about my slow, yet steady progress losing weight.  I'm still keeping up the 45 minutes of cardio 5 times a week and eating mostly high fiber and protein foods, but I do have a piece of cake or some treat about once a week.  I've lost another 3 pounds!  My size 10 clothes are fitting slightly roomier, but I still can't get my size 8 stuff on comfortably...But at least the weight is coming off, even if at a snail's pace.  I figure by the new year I'll be able to fit back into my size 8 clothes. Yippee!  Good luck to everyone out there who is also working on losing chemically induced pounds.

[abizane]

When I first began Lexapro, I was so nauseated that I even stopped for a while. My therapist urged me to continue, so I started again going to 20 mg then to a high 40 mg as per my psychiatrist. The nausea does subside after being on it for a while. I was in the 130's and now I am 160 plus, and very unhappy with how I look. I was going thru a divorce and needed the help, but now, 2 years later, I am disgusted with my weight, nothing fittingt and the incessent cravings for carbs and sugar. I will see my doc tomorrow and we are going to try Wellbutrin.

Melmam, good luck with the nausea and the weight gain. My therapist told me that when you are below the therapeutic dosage of Lexapro which is 20 mg, there are more chances for the side effects you mentioned like anxiety, etc. However, I had to stop taking Paxil due to the anxiety it gave me, almost to the point of fear. Please talk to your doc, as there are so many other meds on the market that may work better for you. I wish you well...Donna

[traceyz]

I just wanted to say way to go!!! I think that it is awesome that you are doing well with your weight loss. Even though it's slow, it's gone!! I went from 126 to 142 in 6 weeks. I am a die hard runner and fitness instructor as well as a flight attendant, so I am very active. I am now on 10mg of lexapro and I just got on wellbutrin. I started a low carb diet about 5 days ago and so far im down about 2 pounds. Wish me luck as I will you to continue the great job you are doing!! You go girl!! Keep us posted. Slow weight off is better than NO weight off.

[traceyz]

Just wanted to say I am also now on Wellbutrin and 10 mg of lexapro. I am hoping that the wellbutrin alone will be your answer, however, if not a very low dose of lexapro with wellbutrin may help. Something tells me though that the wellbutrin will do it for you. Keep your head up, and be well!! You deserve it!!

[melmam]

Thank you so much for your response.  I thought maybe I was going crazy.  Everyone thinks I have this eating disorder and I don't, I just cant eat. I am now taking 10mg, I hear it takes a couple of weeks for a therapeutical level to get in your system and actually start working.  I really hope that it happeneds soon. I am struggling every morning just getting out of bed, my anxiety is so intense.  I can not -not eat or get sick every time I do. It is a bad feeling.  I really appreciate your response though.   I have heard really good things about Wellbutrin.  I hope that works well for you.  I am sure it will.  Stay healthy and thank you again for responding.  I was starting to get more nervous then ever about be so nauseated. So it helps to know that I am not the only one who experiences that.  Have a great day!

[JamesKP]

My wife has been dealing with the weight gain from taking effexor. I will be the first to say i am sorry to all of the people that have been called lazy or just pigs for SO CALLED eating so much. I have researched effexor as well as all of the other drugs and i now know what each will do to people that take them. First of all the higher the dose the harder the symptoms or effects hit you. I am a fitness nut and have been training with weights for 20 years now. I thought my wife was just not putting effort into trying to lose weight or her diet. I was dead wrong as one of the things i found out in this research was that most of these drugs will actually shut down the part of the brain that controls the weight your body sets for you. I was on Wellbutrin because almost 5 years ago i was injuried at work and left permently disabled. No more powerlifting, very limited walking. My whole world came crashing down on me. I was one of the few people that Wellbutrin almost was enough to push me off the edge. I almost commited suicide. Very few people will have the total reverse effects from any of these antidepressents. The thing that really comes to mind is what is the difference between some of these drugs and say... Crack or other drugs you have to relay on to just make it though the day. Only differece is one you get from the street, the other you get from your trusted doctor. I beat my depression for the most part although it really nails me at night when all things seem at its worst but starting back at the gym doing something for myself really helped more than any drug i could take. Not saying anyone should give up what they are taking just wanted to say that some doctors give this stuff away like candy and thats not right. My wife will be fighting with her weight for the rest of her life thanks to this evil drug (effexor).

[JamesKP]

By The Way in case anyone was interested in more info about Wellbutrin.

http://www.wellbutrin-xl.com/prescribed/side_effects.html

[Similar Road]

I have been off Effexor for five weeks now (75mg) - just sharing my background - not advocating or criticizing those figuring out whether to stay on or not.  
Things don't seem to be going as well off the drug - I am not as optimistic and things don't 'seem to be going as well' for me.  A lot of this is likely distorted reality or a return to my reality (as opposed to the "fog" I was in previously). I will need to build a set of good habits and hobbies around myself rather than zonk out my feelings.  
The withdrawal symptoms are 95% gone and I feel l can better manage cravings.  
I have a much harder time remaining psychologically or emotionally consistent given that I am not on the drug.  I have more confidence that I won't gain another 25 pounds. (OR MORE).

[Meteors85]

I just wanted to say that this message board has been a real inspiration and a real boost for me.  I gained so much weight on Lexapro and I had no idea why I was suddenly gaining so much.  After all, 30 pounds in 2 years is quite a bit.  But thanks to this message board, I have had the courage to get off of Lexapro and re-evaluate my options to manage my depression.. so thanks to all of you for the advice, support, and baring your souls out there!  You all touch and affect more people than you know!  I'll continue to give updates about my weight progress!

[Invigoration]

I was on Lexapro for only 1 month. I decided to quit it when I saw that it could cause weight gain - exactly what I DID NOT WANT. I went cold turkey (not advisable by most)...my doctor even said these types of drugs are mild and won't cause side effects. In the period I was taking lexapro I gained 1kg. A month off it I am now 1.5-2kg heavier than before I was taking it. Now 1 or 2 kg might not seem that much but in the past year I have always stayed the same weight. Upon taking Lexapro for just 1 month I started to gain weight when my diet and lifestyle was practically the same.

Now in that month's period of stopping Lexapro - I have been eating a healthier and less calorie diet, sleeping better and exercising much more. In fact I ride my bike at least 15-20km a day. Yet somehow I have still managed to put on weight. In the past I have managed to control my weight through vigorous exercise but I really do think Lexapro has stuffed my metabolism up. Maybe it is muscle? Sigh. Shows how much doctor's know these days. When I was taking it I experienced nausea, fatigue, sexual problems with ejaculating (even though I am 18 WTF) and the weight gain and after coming off it my right eye felt funny...turns out it is an astigmatism. Could be related  gjerhitwhjyk6ksshoigt7y805y

So yeah, Lexapro in my experience is not worth the trouble if you have mild depression like I did. If you have mild depression IT IS MUCH BETTER TO WORK THINGS OUT WITHOUT DRUGS. Try therapy or natural anti-depressants like certain foods. Anti-depressants can seriously **** you up and make you even more depressed. While I am no doctor, I believe what clients/people have experienced rather than what many doctors might say...they've never tried it before and don't know what it can really do.

I'll keep everyone updated on my weight fluctuations. I was only on Lexapro a month but I've heard side effects can appear anytime.

LEXAPRO CAN AND DOES CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN IN CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

/rant

[tailormade]

I'm only on 5mg of lexapor so hopefully I won't experience the weight gain. A calorie is a calorie, though. I don't see how a pill can make a person gain weight. Maybe the pill causes people to want to overeat. Could that be the problem?? I think by reading these comments, I will be even more mindful of what I eat and exercising.

[flamich]

The problem with society today is we all want the quickest solutions to our problems.  We would rather take a pill to lose weight then put in time eating healthy and exercise.  We would rather take a pill to help us when we fly off the handle in anger rather than learn some techniques to deal with it.  

It is much easier to use our "chemical imbalance" or the "need to be on pills to stay calm, be less irritable, be less fearful, be more brave, be more confident" as an excuse than it is to do the hard work to look deep into what causes our problems and work on and LEARN alternative methods to cope.  The cool thing about that excuse is everyone around us accepts that we are just wired wrong and they keep on forgiving us for our aweful behavior.  They believe we are doing everything we can to "fix" our broken "chemically inbalanced" selves.  The doctor is even helping us look even more "authentic" by prescribing the "chemical balancer."  

Our doctors are trying to help us the best way they know how, but when they write that scripts, they are only supplying an aid.  They are neglecting to tell us that we should get help to learn methods to relax, to learn alternatives to being a raging idiot when we get angry, to get through sadness and learn to go through a grieving process naturally.  Life is very hectic, and everyone wants everything now with as little work and time possible to get it.  Take a pill, charge it, etc.  These scripts should be divied out only with an agreement and follow up that a program will be started for anger management, natural stress relief programs, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, grief counseling, group counseling, etc. and with the belief that the meds should be tapered off at some point in time.  I'm sure there are a few possible expections out there of people with "real" mental problems, but I strongly believe we are putting on patches to tame our "personalities" and bad behaviors we've enabled ourself to use and get away with.  

With anxiety, depression, anger management, etc., there is no quick fix.  When a med does fix it quick all by itself, it really isn't going to last.  Trust me.  I've been playing the med game for over 15 years now and finally woke up.  I realize I the need for permanent use of the meds and the fact that I am biologically imbalanced has been given to family and friends that I hurt or display the worse possible side of me to as an unconscious excuse.  Taking the meds to relax and have things not bother me as much so that I don't "blow" is not a solution that has worked, and I now realize it is never going to work.  Not only is it not going to work, it has made my work to become a better me be even harder going through withdrawals and getting my body back to "normal" (whatever that is--is has been a very very long time).  

After reading this site, I have learned a lot about things that hopefully will make me feel physically better:
Eliminating the "artificial sweetener" I've been putting into my body which could be causing "mental" issues--I followed upon the post about what they don't want us to know about Asparmente, phenylketonurics...and it is very interesting;
Eliminating the "happy pills" which among other things have caused me tremendous weight gain, high blood pressure, and which has led to an even lower self esteem which leads to even less ability to handle stress;
Learning ways to relax;
Start to eat healthier and educate myself on putting foods and drinks into my body that will make me stronger physically which will make me be able to cope with stress and also have less stress.  

I considered adding some supplements because of how crappy I feel right now, but I think I need to find the real me first.  The longer I've been on these meds, the more fat (whether caused by meds or not), lazy, aggrevated with everyone, etc. I have become.

Looking back...I used to keep a real nice clean house, decorate for the holidays and get excited about doing it, I enjoyed doing things for others.  Now I'm just mad at everyone and think they don't deserve s**t and too tired and unhealthy to deal with anything.

Learning to eat right, cutting out the "Diet Dew", exercising, pampering myself, learning stress relief techniques and anger management techniques, finding things I genuinely enjoy and doing them is a lot of work.  It's the hard work that I've been avoiding.  I was believing I could find the effects that can be achieved from all of that in a pill.  The "pill" may have been able to give me a boost at a time when I was low to get back into life, but I needed to be doing more in conjunction with that pill so that I could eliminate it and become a better me without it.  

So just over two weeks after "cold turkey" from Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, Xanax and God knows what else I was trying to "get better" with...I realize that the "fix" is going to take a very very long time.  But I think the work will pay off.  After all the attempts to avoid the "work" needed using meds instead, I believe I have made it that much harder to recover.  These first couple weeks of awakening, I feel I haven't accomplished much at all---but I will hang in there as long as it takes.  NO MORE PILLS!

[traceyz]

First I would like to say to tailormade that the lexapro did not make me want to eat more. I had no abnormal shift in my appetite. I am a competitive runner and fitness instructor and in 6 weeks I went from 126-142. Therefore I know that the Lexapro does something funky to your metabolism.

Falmich, I have to say hats off to you for doing what you feel is best for you. However it is unfair to push your beliefs off on others who are in a different place. I dont think anyone wants to be on meds for life. I would go as far to say that like myself many are in counseling with the hopes of weaning OFF the meds. Disorders are REAL and now that there is medication that can help people, in many cases keeping them from harming themselves as well as others, why would one not choose to accept help?? I have severe anxiety and OCD I struggle every day just to control my thoughts, I AM in therapy. Maybe one day I will be off meds but for now therapy alone doensn't do it for me. Been there done that!! I wish you the best of luck and a happy future.

[JamesKP]

I think what you missed to understand about flamich's post is that, there was no pointing the fingers. This was about self awareness. Pride for him/herself is required to make a step such as this. YES, there are people out there that really honest to god need this type of meds to lead a normal life. The point that was being made was... Doctors are too quick to point you in the direction of the so called easy road. For me it only took getting up off of my computer chair and forcing myself back to the gym where i once felt so comfortable. Remember just as i am posting, some people post to help themselves feel better and proud about themselves and its something that we all deserve in the long run. To feel good. Btw if you want to read up my wife is actually  Kendysweetpea.

[Susan600]

Greetings!  I'm a newbie to this site as I have been investigating web-sites for getting off of Effexor XR 75mg.  I have been on this drug for 7 years.  I am 5'5 and weigh 165 lbs.  I'm fit and don't appear "overweight" but prior to this drug, my weight was a pretty steady 145  lbs.  I guess it's snuck up on me over the years without associating any relationship between the drug and the weight. I exercise about 5 days a week using a heart rate monitor and consider myself pretty fit. At this particular point in my life, I don't feel I "need" this drug any longer and want to get off of it.  WOW!  Was I shocked when I read so many posts about how challenging it's going to be.  Nonetheless, I've decided I want to discountinue it's use.  I was wondering if it's necessary to consult a physciatrist to determine if there is a prescribed way to come off the drug or just follow what some of you have done.  I'm a little nervous for the detoxing of the drug!  Help!

[Invigoration]

Talk to your doctor first about getting off Effexor since you have been taking it for 7 years, an extended period of time. He will most likely suggest you to ween off it i.e: take less dosage over time. It may take months so I wish you good luck!

[Susan600]

Greetings!  Thanks for your comments.  I will consult with my doctor.  I am glad you said that it would take "months" as I was thinking it would be a year.  Do you happen to know what the half-life of this drug is?

[gjk]

Since stopping Lexapro several months ago I am finding out again why I went on it in the first place.  Anxiety, fear, mind racing.  I realy don't want to go back on, but I'm having trouble coping.  Has anyone had success with alternatives?

[woozy]

This thread is getting really long.. lol
I'm currently having success with 5htp.. Though few people seem to pay any attention to my posts which is fine by me, I have posted a few times about it and it really is  working.
It improves my mood and is helping me lose weight. I'm back to size 6 clothes.. from ballooning up to a size 10 while on Lexapro.
I decided to go this route because the notion of slavishly watching what I eat and working out compulsively does not appeal to me, never mind my knees can't take the stress of lots of running. But i do exercise 2-3 times a week..and the 5 htp prevents me from binging..it just keeps my appetite and mood in check.

[A*R]

also on the 5htp and having success with it. also b vits, evening primrose oil (just amazing) and a multi.
i don't think much weight has come off yet since i've been off about 2 mos but i do think my face is thinner.
i used to be a size 6. i had to buy a size 16 at the gap the other day. just so awful. i keep hoping that with every day that passes my metabolism gets slightly better.

good luck to everyone.

[JamesKP]

5htp info

For you all, by the way i will do research on anything anyone wishes to know, being disabled i live infront of my computer. Helping my wife and all of you people is a great reward for me so dont be shy.

[url]      http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/5htp_myth.htm       [/url]

[abizane]

Hi there...I know where you are coming from on stopping the medication then feeling like **** all over again. I just started Wellbutrin, I am on my fifth day. From what my psychiatrist told me, this medication works differently than the antidepressants that work on your seratonin level like Lexapro. I have tried Paxil, Effexor, Cymbalta, Zoloft and Lexapro over the last 13 years with fair results. Side effects such as anxiety, sleepiness and weight gain made me wean off of them. I am still working on getting the Cymbalta out of my system, but I do not feel sleepy like I did on the other meds. I was always so tired...Maybe this one is worth a try for you. Here is to the hope that one day we will be free of all of this stuff! I wish you the best...Donna

[woozy]

Thanks for the link. I had actually read that very same page a while ago. I agree, not enough research has been done to draw definite conclusions. I only know it's working for me! lol..My husband too, keeps saying "keep doing what your doing"..ie..he appreciates the 5 htp for how much it's helping my mood. Another interesting website is revolutionhealth.com..there's lots of reviews by people who take 5 htp and not all are positive. But some are, and I know it's working for me so I thought I would let others know esp if they couldn't stand the side effects of the SSRI's.

[woozy]

Just so you know, it took me over 6 months before the weight started to really come off. And I had already been off an SSRI for almost a year before that. It took a while for the 5 htp to really start effecting my weight, my mood improved noticeably after about 6 weeks of taking 200-300 mgs daily..but the weightloss started to be noticeable about 2 months after that. I do think SSRI's cause your metabolism to become sluggish for some reason. I have a theory that since it re-uptakes..depriving your brain very temporarily of seratonin before flooding it for the mood boost, it tricks your brain into thinking it's in a constant state of deprivation, despite the mood boost. And you gain weight regardless of what you do to try and maintain. Similar to someone starving themselves, the metabolism eventually slows way down to compensate. just an idea..5 htp simply gives you more seratonin, and that's it, no re-uptake..One of the concerns with  5 htp is that it converts in your blood stream as well as your brain and excess seratonin in your blood stream has been associated with heart problems. This is just a theory, but apparently in Europe they prescribe a Carbidopa alongside with 5htp to prevent this from happening. yes! it's a prescription drug in some countries! But it's working for me on it's own and I've had no adverse effects.

[woozy]

this is the link to 5 htp
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/healthpsych.HTM

[woozy]

that link when pasted won't work, just go to the vanderbilt website and look under psychology, supplements.

[A*R]

how did you taper up to your current dosage? i have only been doing the 50 a day and bc of things i have read about increased seratonin, etc. i didn't want to push it. maybe i am being too cautious.

[woozy]

I took about 50 mg a day for 2 weeks and then the 3rd week started with 100,then 4th week up to 150 and then I just jumped from there up to 300.. I occasionally get a little nausea after I take 400 mgs, which is what I tend to take when I'm PMSing.. but I think my optimal dose is 300 mg. I have noticed a dampened sex drive but nothing like Lexapro. 5 htp can be tolerated at much higher doses than that but noone knows if there's bad side effects. The only real reported side effect is nausea and stomach issues..at least that I know of. It can make you a little sleepy right after taking it too.

[gjk]

Thanks for the comments.  The worst part (if there can be a WORST part) is the waking up with my mind racing.  Almost like clockwork, every morning at 4:30 I wake up and my mind races with all the things that could go wrong.  Work, Family, Finances ussualy work, they all race through my thoughts and I can't stop thinking about it. No matter how hard I try to think of other things.

I tried 100 mg of 5HTP last night before bed.  I woke fine today, actually looking forward to the day.  I don't think the 5HTP can work that quickly, maybe I just got lucky today, but I'll stick with it for a while.  Took another 100mg this morning

[woozy]

5 htp which builds up serotonin, will then later convert to melatonin which helps you sleep.

[jkittie]

Does anyone have any experience with the following?
My doctor took me down to 5 mg of Lexapro after I complained of constant exhaustion, weight gain and loss of sex drive. For the first couple of weeks he prescribed 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL. This worked ok for me. Then he bumped my dosage of Wellbutrin up to 300 mg because he said it would help counteract the bad side effects from Lexapro, plus help me to lose weight. He maintains that I still take the 5 mg of Lexapro for anxiety. Now I am on 300 mg of Wellbutrin plus 5 mg of Lexapro. My appetite is definitely being suppressed, and I am slowly losing some weight.
I feel a bit tense in shoulders and neck, nausious at times and sweating like crazy whenever I exert any energy. It has been a few weeks. Is this normal? Anyone with similar experiences? I appreciate any input.

[aaagghh]

At the suggestions of posts here, I am tapering off of Lexapro instead of quitting cold turkey.  I also began taking Welbutrin (150mg) a week ago.  I swear I can already tell a difference in my appetite.  I've gained almost 20 lbs on the Lexapro, and thought that was the reason I no longer felt sexy.  After reading yall's posts, I realize that might be because of the drug, too.  I don't remember how I found this site, but I'm so thankful that I did.  I feel better about myself and have hope that my feelings will continue to improve, even if I still battle the depression for a while. Thanks to all who share here, and best of luck.

[Susan600]

I went to the doctor today to seek advise on discontinuing 75mg Effexor XR.  Interestingly, she threw a bit of a wet towel on the "side effects."  "You know," she says "everybody is different."  Really?!  No kidding!  How frustrating.  At any rate, she gave me six weeks of samples for 37.5mg and "prescribed" an every-other-day regime.  I'm starting tomorrow so I'll keep all posted on how it goes.  I can tell you this - I have lost all faith in Western medicine!

[traceyz]

I just wanted to say to you that I am glad you seem to be doing better. Tapering off the lex instead of getting off cold turkey was a good choice. Hang in there and keep us posted. Take care

[jkittie]

Good thing you are tapering off Lexapro slowly. That is really the safe way to do it. I also gained about 25 lbs on Lexapro, I am 5'4 and went from 125/130 - 155. After starting Welbutrin a few weeks ago I am now about 150. I have been staying at that weight and hope to lose more little by little...eating super healthy & natural foods and exercising 3X a week at Curves. Wellbutrin definitely suppresses the appetite, no more cravings for junk food and able to eat smaller portions and feel satified. Good luck & hang in there!!! Not sure about you, but since I have anxiety/worry issues, my doctor decided to keep me on 5mg of Lexapro for while....I want to go off it but I am following orders until otherwise told.  

[A*R]

i was on wellbutrin for about a week a few years ago. i had the worst side effects ever, including sweating, no appetite, etc. i also felt constantly panicky. i went back to the dr's office and saw a different dr (it was a large group of dr's in one building so sometimes you saw different people). The younger, fresh out of medical school dr told me that it was a big mistake that they prescribed wellbutrin for me because i had severe panic attacks. That may not be your case but I just wanted to put that out there. I've known other people who have experienced the same thing with it. However, my boyfriend took it for smoking cessation and it worked fine for him. He has no history of panic however.

[sc6434]

Thanks to everyone!!! As with everyone else, my doctor said NO WEIGHT GAIN....HA! I've been busting my butt at the gym and I gained 2 lbs....20lbs since taking Lexapro. I'm so upset because I really feel so much better. Better than I have in years. It's also so weird because I have never gained weight like this before....meaning around my belly. I've totally lost my waist. I thought perhaps I was imagining that until I read some of the posts.
If someone knows of another medication I, and everyone else, would sure appreciate it.

[rosalie68]

hi all. i was just checking in on everything here and wanted to let evryone know that i have been off lexapro for a little over 3 weeks now. i have already lost 5 lbs. i instantly got my energy back and im not hungry all the time anymore. it feels so odd to not be starving all day like before. i think the weight will continue to come off. i had quite a few withdrawals while weaning off of it but about 2 weeks later i was back to myself. there is hope for everyone who wants to lose the weight after these drugs. i havent worked out yet i have only been trying to eat right. i can imagine when i do start to work out that the lbs will drop faster. just wanted to let evryone know. good luck to everyone i will repost soon. oh and btw the spark people website that i mentioned before works wonders. it helps me keep track of what im eating and there are alot of message boards recipes work out ideas and a lot of information. its free. www.sparkpeople.com. anyone that wants to lose weight should check it out. its helped me stay on track. if any of u join plz add me my username is the same rosalie68.

[maramae]

I was put on effexor last year, and one year ago at this time i was 120 lbs, now I am 150+....i eat the same (pretty healthy), exercise 3-4 times a week.....i went from a size 4 to about a 10...i quit it about a few months back cold turkey, which was stupid....and i can't get the weight off either. i've tried everything and it will not come off, i do not know what to do. id really like to be put on an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety that will not make me gain even more...i think the weight gain has made me more depressed.

[Aidansmom907]

I've been on both Effexor and Lexapro off and on since late 2004.  Since I was only on the former for 5 months (I got pregnant shortly after starting and went off immediately) I didn't notice any weight gain.  I didn't go back on any meds until earlier this year when I was prescribed Lexepro because the Efexor made me jittery.   One year after having my daughter I was back down to my "start" weight, a full year after that I'm almost a heavy as I was at 8 months pregnant.  In the last 9 months I've steadily gained 16 pounds.  I have been so depressed about this I went and had my thyroid tested - I have a very low case of hypothyroidism, but it's never caused weight gain before. While I am fully aware of my need to be on some form of regimen for my depression, being constantly "bloated" (how my mother and grandmother have described my appearance as of late) simply makes me more depressed and seems counterproductive.  I've placed a call to my Dr. and am waiting to hear back.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate having found you all to share my story with and will continue to check in to see how everyone is doing in their own struggle to find balance as well as post my progress.

Be well!
Tracy

[Haldeman]

Has anyone experience weight gain after they quit Lexapro?  I have been on Lexapro for 4.5 years, my dose was sometimes as high as 30 mg.  I have gained 20 - 25lbs during that time.  I finally quit the drug about two weeks ago and in that time I have gained 5.5lbs.  I have also experienced quite severe sugar crashes, somthing I haven't had while taking the drug.  If anything I am eating less since I came off and my exercise rate, such as it is, has remained about the same.  Any ideas or similar experiences?

A couple of other interesting things since I quit - I had developed tiny spots and blemishes under my eyes which no amount of cleanser or ointment would shift - they are beginning to dissapear.  I also suffered quite substantial hair thinning while on the drug, that seems to be slowing significantly if the drain plug in the shower is anything to go by.

I wouldn't have been wthout Lexapro over the past few years, and I wouldn't ever again want to put my family through the life we all had before I was diagnosed and treated.  But it is good to be free of it, and I hope I can stay healthy.

Best wishes to all.

[abizane]

Hello, Everyone. Just an observation I wanted to share. I have been off of Lexapro and on Wellbutrin for just over a week. I do not have the sugar food cravings anymore, and I am not tired all of the time. I am still having those minor mind zaps with coming off of the Lexapre, and I hope it will stop soon so I can really see what the Wellbutrin does. I feel more like I want to go out and live life rather than being a spectator at home on my couch.

Best of luck to everyone. It is so nice to have this kind of support. :)

[Molliegal]

Hi All, just wanted to share....first thanks to everyone for their posts, I thought I was losing my mind for sometime with the side effects of Lexapro.  I started April 2006 on 10mg on Lexapro and my weight went from 130 to 150.  I started Weight Watchers and was on it for 6 weeks and lost 2 pounds total.  During this last year I have had no energy, no sex drive, weight gain and if that in itself is not depressing!  I started weaning myself off of Lexapro first by decreasing down to 5mg for 8 days then I went to 2.5mg for 8 days and as of November 5th I took my last dose. For about 5 days I have been having the brain shocks and a little dizziness but I can live with it..... I already have more energy, I went back on Weight Watchers on the 1st of November and have dropped 4 pounds as of my first weigh in on the 8th.  I just wanted to share and I hope when I weigh in on the 15th its good news.  I will keep you posted. :)

[Nicole940]

I have been on Geodon for 2 years approx.  I have gained 30 lbs.  I just recently stopped the medication about 7 weeks ago.  I seem to continue to gain weight but at an ever increasing rate.  Does anyone know what is happening?  Will this stop?  I can't take anymore weight gain.  I originally had gone off my medication when I was first diagnosed because of the weight gain.  But, I lost all the weight I gained in 6 months.  I have never had a weight problem, eat right and always exercise at least 5 times a week.  I have always weighed 125.  I could use anyone's suggestions or advice.  
Thanks,

[abizane]

Hi there. Good for you for getting off of the Lexapro. I am off, as well and am having the brain shock thing and am dizzy. Any idea as to how long it will last?

[newton36]

I would really like to file suit against the drug companies and my doctor.  My metabolism is crippled due to Effexor XR.  

[JamesKP]

Your body is going to take awhile to get rid of the drug and the effects it was having on your weight. From what i am told it can take up to 6 months depending on the drug that you took. With different people the results will be different but the bottom line is.... When it has left your system you should lose the weight without anymore effort then you took to stay your 125lbs in the first place. Patience the biggest step has been made, getting that evil stuff out of your sytem...

[flamich]

It's been five weeks now since I've been off Wellbutrin and Lexapro.  Last week I finally stopped having the brain zaps.  I am no longer feeling as tired as I was went I went to bed when I wake up.  I do not yawn all day long and feel exhausted.  I am not craving alcohol.  I'm starting to have energy to get my house back in order.  I have had a horrible burst of anger though last week, and I was really really disappointed in myself for blowing up.  It's too soon to hit the panick button.  That was the only bad day this week since I've been feeling normal, and I ended up having my period this weekend, so I may have some PMS issues.  Only time will tell.  I've actually gained a few pounds, but my psychotherapist says that my body is in shock and is storing fat right now because it doesn't know what is coming.  I am eating healthy small meals throughout the day, but I haven't gotten on the exercise wagon yet.  I'm hoping to get started with that soon as the energy level is improving dramically.  I'm pleasantly surprised that I do not miss the Diet Dew or drinking alcohol every day.  I was 165 before Wellbutrin and Lexapro, 208 when I said goodbye to them five weeks ago, and was a mess mentally, exhausted and wishing to be able to just throw in the towel.  So far, getting off the meds is a very positive thing for me.  

[newton36]

I know you were talking to Niclole940, but what you said really made me feel better.  I've been off of Effexor XR for about 5 weeks and still not seeing results in weight loss.  I am not as hungry as I used to be and I work out like crazy at the gym but haven't lost one darn pound!  The thing I worry about is my metabolism being crippled permanently from the side effects from the evil stuff.  Patience has never been a strong point for me.  Thanks again.  :)

[JamesKP]

Hey its for anyone that needs the info. My wife has been in the battle with this **** for almost 7 years once she weighed 125lbs now 15 years later she has almost doubled her weight. From what i read, the drug in most people shuts down a part in the brain that allows us to control our proper body weight. We take this away and well you see what happends. Workout all you want, eat like a rabbit and still gain weight. Every case that i have read about comming off of this stuff is 100% recovery its just the amount of time it takes for your body to adjust back to its old self. Trust me i have been a personal trainner and actually thought my wife was doing something wrong. I will be the first to admit its not peoples fault, its this damn drug. Its great not to feel pain but for me and my wife it was not worth giving up the feeling of joy. Again some people need this stuff but the doctors have to stop offering it to everyone like some dealer in a schoolyard. This is serious business.
The bottom line is, time will pass, you need to remember when things start going well for you again not to forget the people here on the board and the future of people looking for answers. We dont mean to but people tend not to return back to this type of forum when everything is all better and as a result we have to positive results to give us hope. Sometimes it only takes someone elses progress to make the difference in how we do.

[JamesKP]

Ok I know this a forum about those nasty drugs however. It has been brought to my attention that a big part of this issue is now related to weight gain or the desire to lose weight. So for those who are looking for a motivation feel good video, I did my best to find them. Again this is for those trying to lose weight.  

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=50UnD51CPkw

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mt0tMtzkBn4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd099DVXnNo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdTZFw4bBHk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDGHuuEn_FI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_9QHCTljtE

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7DWxlNQ0Enc

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lNvHOiQB4jA

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2oQFeI5SEMc

[JL39]

Has anyone been on Wellbutrin? I've weaned myself off the Effexor 75mg due to weight gain (10lbs) & pain/numbness in my hands & fingers, but now the anxiety is starting to come back.
Help....Please!

[jkittie]

We have all had similar issues. As you can see in my various posts I also went from 125/130 to 150 lbs. It really sucks when you have 3 sizes in your wardrobe and none of your jeans fit. I saw someone wrote about the fact that Lexapro has an effect on the mind that makes it hard to know when you are full. I definitely can see that now. I went from 10-15mg of just Lexapro down to 5mg plus started Wellbutrin a little over a month ago. I now know when I am full i/o of continuously eating until I am disgusted. I went down from my heaviest 155 to 148...slowly losing some weight. Not enough though!!! Wellbutrin also has some freaky side effects: sweating profusely, tense shoulders, and a bit wired...not enought to make me quit. I am happy as long as I am losing weight. I do know you have to be careful on this drug with anxiety (which I have), so I am keeping a close watch on these side effects. That's it for now. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences.  

[A*R]

Is anyone taking anything for metabolism and if so, what?
I have to say that I check this board maybe every other day and it really helps to know that I am not alone. Especially when the frustration level is so high.
I have said it before but the B vitamins have really made a difference for me. I feel better now on them than I ever did on any medication. I even just read a blurb in Shape magazine about B's positive effects on mood.
GNC sells a type call the Big 50. It is fabulous!

[Molliegal]

Sorry, I was just checking post and saw yours...the brain shocks and dizziness  just are really lighting up and it has been 11 days today...hardly noticable now (dizziness is completely gone). As for the weight I lost another pound this week so I have lost 5 total in 2 weeks, I take that with a smile!  

[abizane]

Thanks, Molliegal, and congratulations on the weight loss! Keep us posted as to how it is going. Best of luck to you and all...

[MelodyinNJ]

Been on Lexapro for 2  months, dr changed me to Effexor 4 days ago (the 37.5 for 7 days, the 75 for 7 days, then 150).  I'm thinking now I I should get off everything.  Gained about 10 lbs since starting antidepressants.  HELP!!  How do I get off?  I'm afraid my friends and family will think I don't want to get better,  but gaining weight will make me more depressed!

[traceyz]

I have been on Lexapro since earlier this year and it seems like with every breath I take I gain more weight. Recently in a deperate attempt to lose weight I tried the Atkins diet. After a total of a month I lost 4 pounds. I feel like a slob!! Since being on Lexapro I have gained a total of about 15 pounds!!! I am a runner and I work out on a regular basis. The weight is depressing. My doctor just put me on buspar. Does anyone know anything personally about this drug? Is it gonna make me FATTER?? I am going to ask the doc if i can be weaned off the LEX and maybe just stay on the buspar until i can get off EVERYTHING. I appluade everyone on this forum who got the courage to wean off the meds and lose weight because lets face it, it's not easy for MOST of us to be fat and happy. When I grow up I want to be just like you all who got off the meds!! :)

[traceyz]

By the way as I posted before I was on Wellnutrin with the Lexapro but after about 3 weeks I had to get off. The side effects were too much for me. I had horrible migranes and stomach issues, but the worst side effect was the depression. I was was so sad all the time. I had really bad dreams and I felt worthless. Me and wellbutrin were not a good match at all.

God Luck to ALL

[abizane]

I am so glad that you said something about Wellbutrin. I have been on it for about 3 weeks, and I think I feel worse than before. I tried to attribute the feelings to PMS, but it is this heavy and horrible sadness. I cry easily. I have no patience with the people at my job. I have even come to question my mothering skills which I have always been able to cling onto as being good. I appreciate your comments so much. How did you get off of it? Is it a weaning process?

Best of luck to you and all of the brave troopers on here. We CAN beat this...

[jkittie]

I have been on 300 mg Wellbutrin & 5 mg of Lexapro for several weeks now. I did have some annoying side effects from Wellbutrin but not enough to go off of it. I have to say I do have some strange dreams and definitely sweating. Also it does make you lose some patience and become a bit edgy, but still not effecting me enough to make me quit it. The main reason is because it is suppressing my appetite. I have been sustaining my weight at 148, down from 155. I hope to at least get to 140, which is somewhat normal for 5'4 height. It is a very slow process...I am really not sure how being on small dosages of prozac and lexapro for a few years has made me gain so much weight (I was 125-130). It has been the cause of so much unhappiness for me. Hopefully this combo of drugs continues to work for me, but I do not want to be dependent of these drugs my whole life....I am so sick of worrying what they might do to me in the long run.  By the way, I am 33.

[traceyz]

Hello to you. About weaning off Wellbutrin. I actually went off cold turkey and within days I felt sooo much better with just the Lexapro. However I don't suugest cold turkey to everyone bcus it may affect you different. I guess I was jus lucky to not have withdrawl sysmptoms. I am now on 10mgs of Lexapro and Buspar and i feel alot better. Trust me though, the sadness and short patience is definately the Wellbutrin. Good luck to you and please let me know what happens.

Take Care

[A*R]

this time of year with the shorter days, darker afternoons and holidays can be tough. just wishing everyone the best of luck.

[JL39]

What to do??? I have a Dr appt tomorrow & I was planning on asking my Dr to switch me to Wellbutrin from Effexor Xl but now I'm not so sure.  Reason I weaned myself off was due to weight gain 15lbs & was hoping the Wellbutrun would help me to lose them & control my anxiety.
Any words of wisdom????

[Tokyoborn]

I have experienced dramatic weight loss on Lexapro over the last 2 months, taking 10mgs daily.  However, at the same time I started an intense diet and exercise regimen, so my weight loss may have been even greater without the drug, I`m not sure.  I eat less than 1900 calories per day and work out intensively for about  6 hours a week.  My muscle tone, increased lung capacity and growth are consistent with the last time I was working out like this, in high school.  I dropped from 160 to about 145 in a month, and I continue to drop weight, but the significant early results are consistent with most other diets so my experience has been the old adage that input<output=weight loss even on Lexapro.  I should say that I am a 25 year old male and some other males have posted that they had less trouble with weight loss too.  Sexual side effects have existed though, it takes forever to come which sucks but my doctors said that was a typical side effect.  Aside from that I am happy with the results  Best to all.      

[Tokyoborn]

I have experienced dramatic weight loss on Lexapro over the last 2 months, taking 10mgs daily.  However, at the same time I started an intense diet and exercise regimen, so my weight loss may have been even greater without the drug, I`m not sure.  I eat less than 1900 calories per day and work out intensively for about  6 hours a week.  My muscle tone, increased lung capacity and growth are consistent with the last time I was working out like this, in high school.  I dropped from 160 to about 145 in a month, and I continue to drop weight, but the significant early results are consistent with most other diets so my experience has been the old adage that input<output=weight loss even on Lexapro.  I should say that I am a 25 year old male and some other males have posted that they had less trouble with weight loss too.  Sexual side effects have existed though, it takes forever to come which sucks but my doctors said that was a typical side effect.  Aside from that I am happy with the results  Best to all.      

[Julie231975]

I was on Lexapro for over a year and gained about 50 pounds. It's horrible. Now I'm off of it, and am not GAINING weight like I was when I was on it, but not losing any either. I'm scared I won't lose it and will stay at this weight, which is not at all what I want. Anyone know if the weight will start coming off?

[traceyz]

Hi JL, I wish you the best of luck on Wellbutrin. I was on it for about a month to six weeks and it made me miserable. I was sad and cried all the time. Of course everyone is different what does not work for me may be GREAT for you! But for me it made things worse. Ask your doc about a drug called BUSPAR. I have only been on it for about 3 weeks but so far im doin well on it. It is not known to make you gain weight and so far I have not. Good luck to you!!

Julie, I am on 10 mg of Lex along with the buspar. When I first started takin Lx I was on 20 mg and I gained a ton of weight!! Since I have reduced the amount I take my weight has come down a little. I know the Lex has slowed my metabolism down. I am a runner and fitness instructor and I am finding that I have to work out even harder to lose even just a little results. The weight WILL come off but unfortunately you are going to have to watch your diet even more and work out a lil harder. Lexapro weight for me is dropping very slooooooooooooooow!! If you are not already lifting, add some lite weights into your routine. Building some muscle will help you burn more calories throughout the day. Hang in there though cus eventually if you put in the work it will come off. Good Luck!!