dropping the Effexor/Lexapro weight gain

[bubeleh]

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

[CafeAmericano]

What did you do to shock your metabolism back to normal?

[CafeAmericano]

Tell me exactly what diet you followed.  High protein also?  I tapered off 10 mg of Lexapro in 2 weeks simply because of the FAT!  I was so thin and I'm furious to think that the jerks I work with who are the reason I had to take anti-anxiety now also took my thinness away from me.  The doc said…nobody will feel sorry for you because your BMI is still in range. Well, I don't care…I want what I had back … I worked hard for that.  I tapered off without telling the doc.  I don't want on this stuff ever again, though it did work and I felt good on it but I got off for the weight gain.  Had headaches and still have some dizziness…it's been 3 weeks totally off and the scale hasn't budged.  Went on Nutrisystem and gained on the Fast 5!  So, what is the best way to do this?

[lonsgirl]

I wanted to purchase it but see it is about $150!!!

[ktbeme23]

I tapered off Lexapro after I gained 20 pounds in 6 months. It was all belly fat, and I've never had a belly in my life (I'm 29). I had an insatiable hunger... it couldn't be controlled, and I thought it would go away after I got off the medication. Nope!! It's been 6 months and I still have to eat 24/7. I crave sugar (again, never been a huge problem for me) and carbs. I tried dieting, juice cleanses, working out... the weight wouldn't budge. After 6 months of being off Lexapro, I figured this is just how life was going to be. Then, on a last ditch effort, I tried a low carb diet. IT WORKED. I don't eat anything over 2% carbohydrates, and nothing over 3 grams of sugar. It's all super high in fat. I eat as much meat and dairy as I want... tons of it, and the weight is shedding off, all in my belly, TOO!! I hope this works for other people. The first week I lost 4 pounds. I hope it keeps up. I feel and look so much better already. I don't plan on eating this way forever, but for now I'll take it!

[Lil_P]

Hey, I tried to talk to my dr about stopping the Lexapro because I was groggy and a little bit less active than I was before- kinda didn't care about doing much.. like oh my hair, yeah its fine ill put it up in a pony- when before I was a shower every morning, full hair and make up- now 10 minutes before leaving for work is my schedule haha.. well he gave me the Bupropion  Wellbutrin, it does help balance and everything, but I felt myself being like super happy about pretty much anything- focus was a huge Plus! but one glass of wine, forget it.. im on my butt! I stopped taking all of it- I saw from Lexapro I may have gained 5 or 6 pounds.. im pretty groggy and I feel like I can sleep forever. It has been day 3 since not taking any of them. if your looking for a balance with Wellbutrin, I thought It worked well but I don't want to take a bunch of things forever.

[kellybrown]

I started lexapro in August of 2014 for severe panic attacks. I am 5'6 and weighed 125-130 pounds when i started taking it. I came off of it a month ago because I gained about 30 pounds on it, now weighing 155. I was going to try and not be on any medication but realized today I need to be on something because the panic is not going away. I have been taking .25 xanax everyday for the past few days now. Does anyone have suggestions for anxiety medicines to try that will not cause this weight gain? Also does anyone know how long it will take until this weight comes off. I eat healthy and exercise regularly  and the weight just isn't coming off.