Posted by shadows721 on December 17, 2003, at 11:31:07
In reply to Re: I'm getting fat off Lexapro!, posted by Mrs. R on December 16, 2003, at 14:25:32
I wonder if the weight gain has to do with the dosage. I am on 5 mg per day and have not had the weight gain (yet). Doc didn't want to increase, because I have had such a terrible sexual side effect on this dosage. Luckly, I am female, so I can still physically have sex. I just don't have any orgasms at all. Doc actually argued with me that I don't get anything out of sex. I told him it is like that part of my body doesn't work. If I were male, this would be a chemical castration pill. This has been bad enough as a female. It's like that part of my body that stimulates an orgasm has no feeling and has actually gotten smaller. This must be absolute devastation for men.
In regard to weight gain, I don't have the raging appetite either. I can go without eating. So, is the weight gain related to increased appetite or the slowing down of the metabolism? It could be the actual length of time one is on this med. This drug makes most very tired, so that could be a factor in the weight gain issue too. I wish I knew the answers. I am definately on the look out for the weight gain. I gained 15 pounds on Prozac almost immediately. I didn't need it either and I hated it.
Also, I wish that the people studied these drugs for more than 8 weeks. I would like them to be studied for a year. Then the real side effects and withdrawal would be clearly noted. Maybe, people would lie for a 2 month time about sex drive and ability, but I doubt if they would for a year. (Especially if they were in a relationship). I darn well know that the weight gain issue would be reported immediately. I don't know many people who would want a 20+ pound weight gain. That's a large amount of weight! That can really change one's appearance. I sure wouldn't want that either. Most of America is overweight already. One in 5 Americans is obese. The weight issue is a serious one. Once you get fat cells, they never go away. They can shrink when you loose weight, but they don't go away. Increased weight lends to a risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. It places more strain on the joints like the knees and ankles too. Plus, it makes you feel tired carry around an extra 20+ pounds. You are very correct in saying this is a health issue. I can really understand your concern. It is extremely valid. Thank you for reporting this. This is an issue we should all monitor when taking these types of medication.
Furthermore, I get really angered when docs just read the reports by the manufactures and disregard the facts reported by those actually taking the meds. I hate to hear a patient say doc says I just need to exercise more. The fact remains that most antidepressants do cause weight gain. Paxil and Remeron are the worst offenders of weight gain and there are still docs in the dark about the current research. They are too busy prescribing and not reading research work on these meds. That's a dangerous recipe. I tell my doc the research. Doc says, "You are making my job difficult. I say, "No, I am the patient and I damn well need to know what you are prescribing for me to ingest, because you aren't taking time out of your schedule to read the literature." Doc says, "I don't have the time." I say, "That's dangerous practice." Personally, I am considering another doc on that note.
poster:shadows721
thread:290309
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/290946.html