I have gained so much weight while on Lexapro, when will it go away?

[bamagrl2419]

I recently just realized the reason for my 40 lb weight gain in only a year.  LEXAPRO!!  That evil evil drug.  But the thing is, I have been so happy while taking it.  I went to the doc this week and when I stepped on the scale I almost had an anxiety attack right then and there.  I dont weight myself regularly but I knew I had gained ALOT of weight but geeze I weight 182.2.  WTF????   When my doc asked me if I thought the weight gained correlated with when I started the lex, I thought and said no.  Theres no way because I have always been told that Lexapro did NOT cause weight gain.  Anywho, I am 5'10 and usually weight around 150.  Well then I began to think on the ride home about the last year and a half.  Hmmmmm   I was so perplexed for so long, now it all makes sense.  Heres my story.  Around Jan of 2007 after being on Wellbuturin for some time, a Dr switched me to Lexapro 10 mg because I felt like I was starting to feel depressed again.  At that time I was around 150 lbs.  So I began taking the Lexapro and within a few weeks I could tell that all of my pants were tight.  It never crossed my mind that I was gaining weight from that stuff.  I havent always been as in tune with my body as I am.  Well over the summer of that year I moved to Virginia and really felt happy and secure so I just stopped taking the Lex cold turkey with absolutely no side effects.  Over the next 2 months I started loosing weight effortlessly with absolutely no exercise.  Got down to a size 6 (140 lbs) and Ive never ever been that little.  I was eating out a lot and drinking a lot of beer too.  Weird I know.  Well I maintained my new skinniness for 6 months.  During that time I went through a very bad break up that made me go crazy.  I refilled my Rx for Lexapro 10 mg and It helped me through that time.  No weight gain.  Then I got my Rx increased to 20 mg and within a month and half or so I went from a thin and cute size 6 to not even able to button and 11.  Still I did not correlate the weight gain with the medicine.  Since then I have been so down about my weight.  Ive dieted, exercised but cannot stop the weight gain.  After this weeks doctors visit, I started to research this idea and my goodness at what Ive discovered.  I can not believe how many people out there are going through this mess.  I have become a hermit and never wear anything but scrubs.  All those cute clothes just collecting dust in my closet.  I refuse to buy bigger clothes.  I tried on a 12 at Old Navy and left feeling like I was gonna be sick because I could not get them over my hips.  This is insane.  I cant take it anymore.  I havent taken any Lexapro since Wednesday.  I never want to take that stuff again.  Now I am scared to death that my metabolism is screwed up forever.  When will the weight start to leave?

[bamagrl2419]

This is my third day lexapro free and Im doing ok.  I am experiencing the electric zaps in my brain a little.  Im sure it will get worse before it gets better.  I did notice myself getting teary eyed over silly news stories and tv shows.  I think its funny because I can recognize that its not real, its just the medicine leaving my system causing me to be a little emotional.  Im actually pretty excited to feel emotions again.  Should be interesting.  We shall see!

[bamagrl2419]

Dude google Lexapro and weight gain......you will be shocked!!

[blksapphire]

I have been on lexapro for about 2 years and have gained about 80 pounds since I have been on the drug.  I was contributing it to my thyroid. Now I'm not so sure.  I might stop it myself.

Do anyone else has issues with lexapro.


Keep us posted.

Take care