O/T Lexapro

[GoneForever]

So my physc wants to start me at a very low dose. Like 5mg and work my way up. Here is the problem, if it is gonna cause weight gain thats outta the question for me. Now i've been reading and get mixed reviews about lexapro. Some say you cannot gain weight from just the drug, it would be an increased appetite or cravings that would cause the weight gain, but then some say they kept same diet and gained weight. I'd like to hear your expierence's. Now, if it does cause weight gain, how? Lower metabolism? Lower thyroid, lower test levels?

 

[terryd5150]

So my physc wants to start me at a very low dose. Like 5mg and work my way up. Here is the problem, if it is gonna cause weight gain thats outta the question for me. Now i've been reading and get mixed reviews about lexapro. Some say you cannot gain weight from just the drug, it would be an increased appetite or cravings that would cause the weight gain, but then some say they kept same diet and gained weight. I'd like to hear your expierence's. Now, if it does cause weight gain, how? Lower metabolism? Lower thyroid, lower test levels?

I did not gain weight, although I did reduce total calories per day as well.


The only side I noticed was it took much longer for me to achieve an orgasm. But, I wasn't hearing any complaints.


Also, if you drink alcohol it will hit you a lot faster and harder when the Lexapro gets in your system- so use caution if you're the type that likes to go to the clubs or bars.

 

[GoneForever]

Im mainly curious as to why it could cause weight gain. For ex, maybe it lowers natural test levels which is no prob cuz im on trt, or maybe it increases appetite and that can be controlled. B/c no product can just cause weight gain, there has to be a specific reason behind it, and I want to control it so its not an issue.

 

[terryd5150]

Im mainly curious as to why it could cause weight gain. For ex, maybe it lowers natural test levels which is no prob cuz im on trt, or maybe it increases appetite and that can be controlled. B/c no product can just cause weight gain, there has to be a specific reason behind it, and I want to control it so its not an issue.

I was going through a very difficult time in my life when I took Lexapro, so I can't say that my loss of appetite was due to the drug itself or the situation I was going through. As I stated above I didn't have any weight gain issues, but I was also taking in less calories daily than I had been. For me, when I'm going through extremely stressful times my appetite will decrease on it's own, without any type of anti-depressant being involved. Maybe some of the people you have heard "weight gain" from are folks whose appetite increases during stress?

As far as effects on natural test levels, I can't say for certain. I did not experience any loss in sex drive, but I also didn't have any bloodwork done during that time that would verify it either way. Also, I was not "on" when I took Lexapro.

 

[Retriever]

My friend told me Lexapro made him care a lot less about bodybuilding. So while it may not directly cause weight gains or muscle loss, you won't feel guilty when you cheat and you won't be pushing yourself in the gym.

At 20mg a day you may find yourself sitting in your comfy chair watching tv all day, eating junk food while feeling very happy.

If possible try natural ways to reduce stress of all kinds e.g. cut all caffeine and other stimulants for a while, focus on the important things in your life, take humanofort to reduce cortisol, think positive, change your workout routine a bit, make sure you get enough sleep.

 

[Tnoel]

Been lurking on this board for years -- guess I will jump in on this one. I was put on a low dose of lexapro a few months ago. I have experienced weight gain as a result. My diet remained the same. I asked my doctor's nurse about the weight gain, but she didn't have an answer for me. I have to address it with my physician. I would love to hear anyone elses experience with this.

I started LBA's about two weeks ago and my weight is slowly coming back down -- I am sure it has to do with lower caloric intake.

 

[Blenderate]

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[njpooldude]

My Gf is on lexapro... she started at 5mg, then to 10, 15 and now 20mg
wait gain was in the beginning... She does eat pretty clean, and still put on 15lbs..

it increased her appitite as well...

i think if there is something else u can do, to cheer you up besides a drug i would try that first... read joel osteens book " become a better you"

Im a recovering addict, so i know ALL about using drugs to make u feel better... this guys book is amazing!! ( not saying in any way taking lexapro has anything to do with being an addict or abusing drugs...or anything like that)

 

[Tnoel]

That's about what I put on -- about 15lbs.

Blenderate -- someone just mentioned the low testerone issue to me a few moments ago. I think I will have that checked.

 

[VictorZ06]

My mother was on that stuff, she put on maybe 20 lbs. of water.

 

[joe4fsu]

Zoloft

I have been actively taking Zoloft since '04... once you get past the first 3 weeks of any seritonan inhibitor (your body adjusting).. you will return to normal.. 5 mg is not much for Lexapro... I tried them all until I found one with the least sides both sexually and emotionally...

You will be fine... a small loss of appetite for a couple of days but you will be much happier once its in your system... I started mine when my wife, at the time, separated from me...

 

[IRON37]

as far as weight gain from lexapro, i think I have gained some from my regular appetite returning. Cant really say its water weight it seems. Just getting my drive back to workout harder.

 

[GoneForever]

This is fucked up that people are gaining weight off lexapro. My dr. said there is virtually no side effects other than some nausea and upset stomach.

 

[IRON37]

This is fucked up that people are gaining weight off lexapro. My dr. said there is virtually no side effects other than some nausea and upset stomach.

all i really got was the slight nausea and taking forever to reach orgasm. The latter isnt so bad. Just be ready for some battledamage lol

 

[ryjenn]

lexapro was the only anti dep that gave me no side effects at all,all the others i had weight gain and the sexual side effects(took way too long)
i stopped them though and went on hrt and feel just as good

 

[terryd5150]

Yeah, I forgot that part...

all i really got was the slight nausea and taking forever to reach orgasm. The latter isnt so bad. Just be ready for some battledamage lol

Umm...do friction burns count as "side effects"?

 

[GoneForever]

GREAT, it already takes me a while to bust due to aas use, so now this is gonna be a real treat. I better always stay on proviron and cabergoline

 

[GoneForever]

So today I talked this this bigtime top notch physc who is really well known and asked him about the whole weight gain issue on lexapro. He said there is no type of hormonal change or anything physically occuring that causes weight gain on lexapro. He did say that appetite is effected. Some lose weight on lexapro b/c appetite goes down but many get a big appetite increase and that is why there is weight gain. It also helps people with ocd and people who are always watching what they eat may be a bit more lax, but its nice to know it can be controlled and isnt a hormonal thing. He said most of those meds are that way and very few actually cause weight gain through something the person cannot control.

 

[ScottMcD1]

No weight gain here. It has only enhanced my well-being and quality of life which in turn makes me a much better bodybuilder.

Same, I didn't notice much in the way of physical changes but I'd take some extra fat/water if it means being healthier and happier any day over slightly leaner and still depressed.

 

[hellraiser27]

I did not gain weight, although I did reduce total calories per day as well.


The only side I noticed was it took much longer for me to achieve an orgasm. But, I wasn't hearing any complaints.


Also, if you drink alcohol it will hit you a lot faster and harder when the Lexapro gets in your system- so use caution if you're the type that likes to go to the clubs or bars.

I take paxil, a very similar drug to lexapro, and these are exactly the same sides i have. Exactly.