[jjensen93]

I am looking for some feedback on the Lexapro. I have been on Celexa for about 2 1/2 yrs now for anxiety, and not until recently have I gained weight. I went off of the Celexa for approx. 6 weeks, when my weight had started dropping again. The Celexa is the only thing I can attribute the weight gain to. I am looking for feedback from those who have gained weight on Lexapro. Had you been on any other SSRI that also caused you to gain weight, or is this the first SSRI you'd been on? Also, if you have gained weight is it a significant amount?

I've been struggling for about 8 months now, been to 4 different doctors, they've even put me on Meridia for appetite suppression which isn't working. I'm working out 1 1/2 hours a day, doing P90X, and additional cardio. I am getting severely depressed. The anxiety is one thing, now I'm trying to combat weight gain and depression.

HELP!!

[Ursusmom]

Originally Posted by jjensen93

I am looking for some feedback on the Lexapro. I have been on Celexa for about 2 1/2 yrs now for anxiety, and not until recently have I gained weight. I went off of the Celexa for approx. 6 weeks, when my weight had started dropping again. The Celexa is the only thing I can attribute the weight gain to. I am looking for feedback from those who have gained weight on Lexapro. Had you been on any other SSRI that also caused you to gain weight, or is this the first SSRI you'd been on? Also, if you have gained weight is it a significant amount?

I've been struggling for about 8 months now, been to 4 different doctors, they've even put me on Meridia for appetite suppression which isn't working. I'm working out 1 1/2 hours a day, doing P90X, and additional cardio. I am getting severely depressed. The anxiety is one thing, now I'm trying to combat weight gain and depression.

HELP!!

Hello,
I took Lexapro for about two weeks and I gained weight right away. I put on aproximately 14 lbs. and I discovered that when I discontinued Lexapro I lost about 7 lbs. which I figured out was due to water retention. I also had very little sleep during that two weeks. I had previously taken Celexa for about six months and I had gained 30 lbs. and was miserable but I slept wonderfully. When the drug was withdrawn I did get back to my original weight. I haven't needed antidepressant medication since then.

[erinkj]

Originally Posted by jjensen93

I am looking for some feedback on the Lexapro. I have been on Celexa for about 2 1/2 yrs now for anxiety, and not until recently have I gained weight. I went off of the Celexa for approx. 6 weeks, when my weight had started dropping again. The Celexa is the only thing I can attribute the weight gain to. I am looking for feedback from those who have gained weight on Lexapro. Had you been on any other SSRI that also caused you to gain weight, or is this the first SSRI you'd been on? Also, if you have gained weight is it a significant amount?

I've been struggling for about 8 months now, been to 4 different doctors, they've even put me on Meridia for appetite suppression which isn't working. I'm working out 1 1/2 hours a day, doing P90X, and additional cardio. I am getting severely depressed. The anxiety is one thing, now I'm trying to combat weight gain and depression.

HELP!!

Unfortunately weight gain is a typical "side effect" with SSRI's. The problem is that in many people the use of an SSRI results in an elevated cortisol level. Excess amounts of cortisol result in fat retention primarily around the middle. The cortisol levels may in turn affect the thyroid function. If you have not had your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels checked within the last year then, you may want to have that done...Changes in thyroid function also affect the ability to loose weight. Good Luck. If I can help further, please let me know...Peace...Erin

[MaisieC]

I'm afraid I've had weight gain with every SSRI I've been on, and I've been on several. I wish I could tell you otherwise.

When you say you're getting "severely depressed," do you mean as a result of unhappiness over the weight gain? Or do you think it's clinical depression? That was not your original diagnosis, right? You were medicated initially for anxiety? If you have developed depression now, that really needs to be looked at by your doctor.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with all this. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are.