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Cipralex(Lexapro) and weight gain

After reading these posts and I am starting to put two and two together and they are definitely looking like they are adding up to weight gain from Lexapro. I started on Lexapro in early July. I weighed in at about 178 at that time - 5'9 and worked out almost every day. While I was experiencing the start up side effects from Lexapro (about 4 weeks) I didnt work out but didnt gain any weight during that time. Anyway long story short - in the last month to 6 weeks I have put on about 12 lbs. Now granted I had a bad bought with bronchitis in October that set me back on my gym schedule for about 4 weeks but I am now back at the gym everyday for the past two weeks and really watching what I eat and still it appears like nothing is coming off. In fact I am gaining a bit again. Could it be muscle weight? perhaps but I am going to conduct a test over the next two weeks to see .....and chronicle the results here

1) Double cardio workouts 3 times a week - 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening (1 hour each) (approx 400 calories burned each)
2) Weight training - 2 times a week (no cardio on those days)
2) High protein - low carb diet - complete removal of complex carbs
3) Low sugar low fat

If I am unable to drop any weight after following this regime for 2 weeks then I am fully convinced it will be due to the med and will begin the process of weaning off it....

I will keep everyone posted.







2 Responses
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1118884 tn?1338592850
Lexapro and most antidepressants cause weight gain.  It is an unfortunate side effect/
My memory of the week or so I could tolerate it, was a relief from pain.  A good thing, as I could resume an exercise routine. In my case it caused diarrhea...as an anal cancer survivor...this was enough to stop it immediately.

Ask your doctor which medicines are least likely to have this unwanted side effect.  Every system  is different and it may be that another drug would work for you without weight gain.

Last thing: it is a bit mysterious to me how some antidepressants cause an immediate bloaty weight gain (Elavil), and others sneak up on you ...Effexor gave me 50 lbs of extra weight in a year's time..lol.
Helpful - 0
1937063 tn?1324239589
Lexapro was probably the shittiest drug I've ever taken besides Cymbalta.  I gained 8 pounds in 2 weeks and I knew it was the Lexapro because my eating habits haven't changed.  I talked to my doctor I got switched to Wellbutrin. It's not and SSRI but it is an appetite suppressant and seemed to have helped me more than the SSRIs I've taken.
Helpful - 0
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