Lexapro question! PLEASE answer. =(?
Answer:
Unfortunately, weight gain is pretty common with Lexapro. In fact many of these types of meds result in weight gain.
Given that they often seem to slow the metabolism and leave you lethargic, or at least less energetic than you ever were before, they make weight loss extremely difficult too.
I've shown just one link to information on lexapro below. It's one of my favourite sites, mainly because it's got a sense of humour. ;-) It's also written in plain English. They've also got a forum to discuss medication issues only, but it appears to be down at the moment.
I'm sure that if you search Yahoo Groups for the specific condition for which you are talking Lexapro, you'll find many support groups for it. Shop around and you're bound to find one that you like. There'll be many people there with the same issues and problems. Maybe someone will have figured out how to beat the Lexapro weight gain problem! (Though I doubt it. {sigh})
I suspect that the only way you *might* lose weight while taking Lexapro is with a LOT of exercise and a healthy, calorie reduced diet. Your diet should be supervised though and your blood monitored, because of your medication. You do not know how the meds are affecting the way your system processes your food intake.
Some antidepressants do cause excessive weight gain. I didn't have that problem on lexapro, but I know people that have. I'm currently on Wellbutrin - if you're concerned about your weight, ask your doctor if you can be on it instead. I've lost about 15 lbs on it so far, and I've been on it 3 weeks. Definitely make an appointment to talk to your doctor ASAP, if you're really concerned about it.
Lexapro (Escitalopram) may cause weight gain in certain people. See here for more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lexapro#sid...
While weight gain certainly is _possible_ from lexapro, it is quite _improbable_. The vast majority of people who take it do not experience more than a 10 lbs weight gain, so a 50 lbs weight gain is highly unusual.
Anytime someone experiences a symptom that might be a side effect, the first question to be asked is "is it a common, uncommon, or unusual side effect?" If it is unusual, strong consideration should be given to the possibility that it is _NOT_ related to the medication at all. After all, since the reported side effect rate to placebo is not much lower than most medications, it is reasonable to assume that, in general, 30-50% of "side effects" reported are unrelated to the medication.
Consider also that changes in appetite and eating patterns are quite common in people with problems with depression, worsening depression, or those who recover from depression. In addition, you are not the same person you were a year ago--you are a year older, and you may have other new health factors that affect your weight.
I'm not saying the lexapro has not contributed to the weight gain--there's no way I could tell you this for sure. The problem is, there is no way ANYONE could tell you this for sure, and if you go about your life assuming it is due to one, and only one cause, you are likely to be wrong, because your life and health are complicated. Rather than blaming one thing or yourself, what you need is a _plan_ for weight management, and this should be discussed with your physician by all means, not here.
The medicine and health information post by website user , ByeDR.com not guarantee correctness , is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
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