Was taking Lexapro and it made me tired and listless. Started Pristiq and I have been on it for 10 weeks. Felt good, better mood , more energy and just better over all. Noticed a slight weight gain. Now, I feel lethargic again and listless and not very motivated. Has anyone taken a anti-depressant that will lift my mood, moral, spirits and give me more energy without weight gain? None of the SSRI or SSNI have effected my sex drive or performance. Any suggestions would help.
Mood, motivation and energy?
- Asked
- 12 Sep 2013 by D C 2013
- Updated
- 27 Sep 2013
- Topics
- lexapro, pristiq, depression, obesity, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, weight, energy
Responses (5)
The only boost in energy I ever experienced with a antidepressant medication was adding on Abilify to my 40mg of Prozac. It was incredible but did cause weight gain (about 15lbs. unfortunately)
Hi, D C! Yes, this can be a problem for a lot of people. It's an unavoidable side effect for some people, and others don't gain any weight at all. Unfortunately, it entirely depends on how it affects YOU, just as which AD best helps your depression.
Lexapro, Effexor, Cymbalta, and Serzone are considered more *weight neutral*, while for some folks Wellbutrin can cause weight loss.
ADs can increase your appetite and/or cause some metabolic changes that tend to make it easier to pack on the pounds. Exercise and a careful diet can help a great deal in some cases, but it's kind of hard to feel motivated and energetic when you're a big, depressed lump. LOL!
There most likely IS a medication out there that will help your mood and not cause weight gain, but you may have to try a few til you find the one that works best for you.
In my own experience, I found that Effexor fits the bill for me. I feel great ~ and I've actually lost weight that I needed to get rid of since I've been taking it. Best wishes, WCV
Hi WCV, I agree, Wellbutrin won't usually cause any weight gain.
Good answer!
Lara
I agree with Lara. You can lose a million pounds
Well, there goes the meth. Thx for reminding all of us, Karen. My choice of drug is 81 mg of aspirin. And oh yeah, coca cola, that is unless you drink it on the street.
Anna, OMG, laughing SO hard! You are hilarious!!
Lexapro made me feel completely lifeless as I progressed in strength. Eventually I went completely off it and switched to Wellbutrin. Lots of energy with Wellbutrin, but depression came back. I am now on a low dose of Lexapro and Wellbutrin. Taken together I am feeling 100% better.

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Really, Hold? I didn't know that.
Yep it was amazing but then I went off both abruptly and didn't feel the same after going on them again a few months later :(