Posted by LynneDa on August 11, 2004, at 9:02:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Alyciab on August 10, 2004, at 17:20:34
Hi! Many here are familiar with my story:
On 10 mg of Lex for 2 months, then went up to 20 mg for 7 months. I am also a very thin person (5'7" & about 130 average weight), had to TRY to gain weight over the years! I gained about 20 lbs. from January to June of this year while on the 20mg. I too was horrified!!! The weight just kept coming on at about 2 lbs. per week!!! I weaned off of Lex (no s/e's,went fine) while simultaneously starting on Wellbutrin SR (300 mgs).I stopped gaining, but I didn't start losing the way I thought I magically would :-)! I was told a low-carb diet would help jump-start my metabolism and hopefully it will return to its normal rate again, so that's what I'm trying - just can't completely eliminate carbs, but I'm watching my portions and cutting out most carbs. I'm 40 so I know weight loss gets harder, but this was ridiculous! I've lost about 5 lbs. in about 10 days and feel like my work-outs are starting to make a difference in my size.
So, it's not a myth that Lex makes it easier for your body to add and keep weight! Serotonin production is somehow linked to insulin production which is somehow linked to fat storage and/or a decrease in the production of glycogen. It's apparently worse for women than men.
The Wellbutrin is wonderful for focus and motivation, but not for my PMDD symptoms - still have way too much anger and tears, although not suicidal or deeply depressed. After a few more weeks of "dieting" & trying to change my eating habits(yuck!) I think I may add 5mg of Lex back in and see what happens. I know I need it's anti-depressant effects.
Good luck, let us now how you do with whatever combo you try!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have taken Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft and finally Lexapro. I was on Paxil and lost weight but going off it I was suicidal and vowed to never take it again. Celexa worked great...for a time then it did help much and I still had the side affects. The Dr. wanted me to try Zoloft which made me so sick I couldn't get out of bed. She then had me take Lexapro which has worked well and has half the side effects for me. But I have been gaining weight rapidly. Two years ago I was 5'8" and 120. Now I am 145 and sickened by myself. I don't eat bad at all and I work out 5 times a week. I am a former athlete and have thin and trim parents. I had thought the gains were because i turned 30. But nothing I do helps me regulate my weight. I keep gaining and gaining. So two weeks ago I decided to stop taking the med to see if it helps. So far I haven't lost any weight. I don't know if I will or how long it will take. The withdrawls with this med have been the least. It helps to take a half a pill two hours after first feeling the effects. Push the nausea longer every time. It will take some time but eventually you will be off it. Good luck!
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> I was taking Lexapro for about ninety days and within this time I gained about ten to twelve pounds. When my prescription ran out I decided that I would try my luck at no anti-depressant medication, seeing as how I do not like the weight gain factor. I stopped taking Lexapro about three weeks ago and it has been rough to say the least. I have had so many unwelcome symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, extreme light-headed/ dizziness, no energy, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. My doctor told me that because Lexapro works on Serotonin, the main neurotransmitter associated with bowel function, these symptoms are normal and could hang around for a while..... has anyone else had this experience or know what I can do to get through this?? I feel completely miserable and on top of that I think I will have to start up a new anti-depressant..... but not Lexapro. Any suggestions on meds that do not cause weight gain? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
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poster:LynneDa
thread:127954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040811/msgs/376357.html