SSRI

[catters]

Is ssri weight gain dose dependent? I am an 5 mg of Lexapro and concerned about weight gain on such a low dose, I gained a bit on 10 mg

[Funwithsharps]

SSRIs can cause weight loss during short term use--however, they are known to cause weight gain after long term use.  This is what happened to me.  At first I lost about 5 pounds-then after about 6 months the weight packed on uncontrollably.  I went from a size 4 to a size 14 in a year and a half.  I was a ballet dancer and active-plus, I am a vegetarian who doesn't overeat.  My chest went from a small B to almost a D.  I am so ashamed of my body that I don't want to dance anymore.  I am tapering off of celexa and beginning to  exercise 2 times a day.  In order to keep from gaining even more weight while I was on my full dose, I had to restrict my diet to 1,200 calories a day and exercise for at least 2 hours a day.  That was just to keep from gaining more weight.  TO lose I had to up my exercise to over 2 hours a day.  Celexa was not worth it.  

[Paxiled]

Actually, they really have driven me nuts.  Literally.  

[catters]

UHHHHGG it drive me nuts!!!

[Paxiled]

And for me, Lexapro didn't start me gaining weight until they upped me to 30mg because it isn't working.  But now I am gaining.  These drugs are peculiar, and everyone has a different experience.  It's impossible to generalize it.

[catters]

Thanks guys, I have been on 5 mg for about 6 months now and havent gained. But I was on 10 mg and gained about 10 lbs last year. maybe it is dose dependant, or I was just on too high of dose. I am working out like a monster as I did last year....hmm..

[md135]

it depends on the person and the drugs interaction with them! it CAN NOT be said that certain drugs put weight on or take it off.... i am on 10mg of lexapro at the moment and i have lost 15 pounds... after 4 months! frankly, if thats cos of the drug, im happy! but in all honesty it has changed my mood and made me think differently thus changing me eating and energy levels, and that is more likely to change weight not the pill itself, im not saying it can't im saying it is different for each individual and there individual drain chemistry and the drugs interaction with this...

[Paxiled]

I guess I disagree here, I gained a lot of weight on Paxil and was very active and didn't eat any differently.  My psychiatrist says they slow metabolism.  But cj is right about everyone being different, so whether you gain weight or not can't be foretold.

[cj29]

In my opinion, it really depends on the person.  Some people are bothered by weight gain with SSRIs, but I actually lost 15 pounds when I was on one.  The medication does not make you gain weight, in my experience if you watch what you eat and ensure you are exercising regurlarly, you should be fine.  Quite often when mood improves, take advantage of it and become more active...let us know how it goes!