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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by valerie on May 5, 2003, at 10:26:48
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
> I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
>
> So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
>
> thanks for letting me share...
I gained weitght when I was depressed but now I seem to have stabalized and I anticipate losing it when the vertigo subsides. I am currently taking 5mg.
Posted by brandij on May 5, 2003, at 11:31:53
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by valerie on May 5, 2003, at 10:26:48
no weight gain here, i've actually lost several pounds due to not eating for comfort.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:56
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
i have not gained any weight .... maybe lost a little.
been taking 5mg since march 6 and upped to 10mg april 9 ....
30mg seems a little high, but i have read here of folks taking that much before.
seems like at least one was taking more.take care!!!! (hey! to blkvettes)
~ jim
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:21:32
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
Luziluna, Hi! I have the same disorder, body dismorphic...but I have never had eating disorders. Needless to say, I too was freaking out by my Lexapro weight gain. I gained about 8 lbs. Part of me thinks it is constipation. Anyway, I broke my leg and can't work out and was panicky that I would blow up. It hasn't happened! I actually have lost weight (7 lbs). I attribute it to muscle loss, but I think also what happens is that the carb cravings and other unpleasant side effects of Lexapro subside in time. I noticed I am not sweating as much, which is much more pleasant on crutches. Don't worry, try to be aware of what you eat and why. Don't give in to the cravings, and try and stay regular (if you are constipated).
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:22:49
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
I went out in the sun recently for the first time since the fall, and I got a rash only on the right side of my body- arms, legs, stomach. It was strange. I wondered if it was the medicine???
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:29:48
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH » Dysfunk, posted by DC on May 2, 2003, at 6:41:31
On my plan, generics are $10, brand names are $20, but Lexapro is $30!!!!! It is bullshit!
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:33:20
In reply to Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
The medicine tends to slow the metabolism, cause I am in the same boat- work out regularly and gained 8 lbs. I would watch what you eat....see what makes you gain weight- carbs? And cut back on portions until things stabilize. Also, I don't know how old you are, but I have noticed every 5 years or so after 30 I put on weight. Your metabolism could be slowing down.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:38:01
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:49:47
What is so frustrating is when you are switching over to a new medication and have to keep buying different mgs of the same medicine. I was on Effexor for a while and had 3 diff scripts for when I was increasing the dosage and when I was withdrawing. Plus, I am on Prozac (generic- finally). Of course we want relief, so we do it, but do our $180/hr shrinks realize all this trial and error is costly to us patients???
Posted by blkvettes on May 5, 2003, at 12:55:06
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:56
Hi back at you and a special take care also!!!!!!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:01:18
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!! » Luziluna, posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:21:32
> Luziluna, Hi! I have the same disorder, body dismorphic...but I have never had eating disorders. Needless to say, I too was freaking out by my Lexapro weight gain. I gained about 8 lbs. Part of me thinks it is constipation. Anyway, I broke my leg and can't work out and was panicky that I would blow up. It hasn't happened! I actually have lost weight (7 lbs). I attribute it to muscle loss, but I think also what happens is that the carb cravings and other unpleasant side effects of Lexapro subside in time. I noticed I am not sweating as much, which is much more pleasant on crutches. Don't worry, try to be aware of what you eat and why. Don't give in to the cravings, and try and stay regular (if you are constipated).
hi dysfunk,
you broke your leg ?!?! ...oooouuuch!... pobrecita!~!
i feel for you ... seems you're taking it well.for constipation: try metamucil *capsules* ... good stuff.
(although i'm taking them to protect against hemorrhoids .... it works!)kisses to your leg,
~ jim
Posted by leeran on May 5, 2003, at 13:41:09
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!! » Dysfunk, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:01:18
"for constipation: try metamucil *capsules* ... good stuff."
Jimi -
Is this stuff addicting? (she asks, as she takes three different mood affecting medications and one sleeping pill . . . and obviously needs a fifth pill for whatever makes her talk about herself in the third person)
Lexapro creates the most annoying PRESSURE in those nether regions. How can my spirits lift when my bowels are adrift? These are the questions that haunt the two-week Lexapro user.
Anxiously awaiting your reply -
Lee
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:43:01
In reply to LIL JIMI!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on May 5, 2003, at 12:55:06
> Hi back at you and a special take care also!!!!!!!!
thanks blkvettes!
we're taking good care here .... i'm doing good.what's our latest blkvettes update, anyway? ....
i always look forward to your posts ... ... i can almost hear you shouting TAKE CARE !!! ... and that is always SO Right!
lexapro is working so good for me, i tell people i should do commercials for them .... then i think i should just introduce you (and Bill L. and okpolosi) and let you do your testomonial .... you inspire me, man!
(folks with panic/anxiety or SP / agoraphobia, blkvettes' posts are one heartwarming tale of the success possible with meds, lex in particular.)
so .......
TAKE CARE !!!!!!!!!! (ha! i love that!!)
~ lil' jimi,
but you can call me "jim"
Posted by leeran on May 5, 2003, at 13:45:45
In reply to Re: LIL JIMI!!!!!!!!!!! » blkvettes, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:43:01
Lil Jimi -
What is the SP in this combo? "panic/anxiety or SP / agoraphobia"
Lee
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 14:05:08
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!! » lil' jimi, posted by leeran on May 5, 2003, at 13:41:09
> "for constipation: try metamucil *capsules* ... good stuff."
>
> Jimi -
>
> Is this stuff addicting? (she asks, as she takes three different mood affecting medications and one sleeping pill . . . and obviously needs a fifth pill for whatever makes her talk about herself in the third person)
>
> Lexapro creates the most annoying PRESSURE in those nether regions. How can my spirits lift when my bowels are adrift? These are the questions that haunt the two-week Lexapro user.
>
> Anxiously awaiting your reply -
>
> Leehi lee,
no, it is not addicting .... i was worried about the same issue, because we get warned about getting addicted to laxatives... (and herion?)
... but the laxative warning stays with us (?)all metamucil brand products are (reading from my metamucil label) (now i should do the commercials for metamucil!) ..."100% Natural Psyllium Fiber"....
it's all psyllium husks and then the gelatin that makes up the capsule.
it is indicated for either constipation relief
OR
as Fiber Supplement, which is how my gp recommended it to me, hence i'm taking it everyday without any problems ....
though, i don't take it with any of my meds or other supplements.if i was in distress, i might opt for the metamucil powder dissolved in orange juice .... seems to provide quicker results, if need be .... i use both kinds, but the caps are more convenient
hope i replied quick enough! ACK!!
love you, lee! you're a Joy!
~ jimip.s.
of course, eating a couple of apples and drinking Lots of good water can do wonders, too and should go well with any metamucil ... i hear fibercon is equally mild, but i haven't tried it. Good Luck!~ j
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 14:11:33
In reply to Re: LIL JIMI!!!!!!!!!!! » lil' jimi, posted by leeran on May 5, 2003, at 13:45:45
> Lil Jimi -
>
> What is the SP in this combo? "panic/anxiety or SP / agoraphobia"
>
> Leehi lee lee,
"social phobia"
peace,
~ ol' jimi
Posted by leeran on May 5, 2003, at 14:21:45
In reply to Re: LIL JIMI!!!!!!!!!!! » leeran, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 14:11:33
Jimi -
SP = Social Phobia.
Oh yeah, I have that, too.
Thanks for the words of wisdom on Metamucil. I'm using some kind of colon cleanser capsule from a health food store, but I think I need to go mainstream. Years of corporate research (versus pappy's proven relief) seems to be what's needed at this juncture.
You're the real joy.
Lee
Posted by oldhand on May 5, 2003, at 14:46:28
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
> I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
>
> So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
>
> thanks for letting me share...
I have not gained weight on the Lexapro, but actually have lost 30 of the 50 pounds I gained on a Celexa/Remeron combination. Seems I can eat pretty much what I want and keep this up. I get only sporadic exercize (and feel much better when I do) but I also quit drinking beer, or anything for that matter. That has probably helped alot with both weight and efficacy (sp?) of the meds. Hope this helps.
Posted by blkvettes on May 5, 2003, at 14:49:59
In reply to Re: LIL JIMI!!!!!!!!!!! » blkvettes, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:43:01
> > Hi back at you and a special take care also!!!!!!!!
>
> thanks blkvettes!
> we're taking good care here .... i'm doing good.
>
> what's our latest blkvettes update, anyway? ....
>
> i always look forward to your posts ... ... i can almost hear you shouting TAKE CARE !!! ... and that is always SO Right!
>
> lexapro is working so good for me, i tell people i should do commercials for them .... then i think i should just introduce you (and Bill L. and okpolosi) and let you do your testomonial .... you inspire me, man!
>
> (folks with panic/anxiety or SP / agoraphobia, blkvettes' posts are one heartwarming tale of the success possible with meds, lex in particular.)
>
> so .......
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!!!!!!! (ha! i love that!!)
> ~ lil' jimi,
> but you can call me "jim"Hello Jim, my name is Wayne!!!!!!!! But like blkvettes!!!!!!!! Almost 12 weeks on lexapro, depression left a long time ago. But still get depressed about some things like everyone living. Panic attacks left long ago also. Still got some anxiety, but this lessens as I face all my fears. Went to a wedding this weekend and to my surprise it went well with only minor anxiety. Am very pleased, I should say grateful and thank GOD everyday. I went up as high as 10mg but felt more anxiety and dropped back down to the 7mg level. I take a little xanax still, less than .5mg a day. I think I take it more out of habit than anything. So I guess I have to say lexapro has been very very very good to me. I am glad you are doing well Jim!!!! As always TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Okpolosi on May 5, 2003, at 15:22:58
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by oldhand on May 5, 2003, at 14:46:28
Been on Lex 3+ mos., 10mg. I had actually lost about 10lbs. until this past week. I noticed increased carb cravings and got my period and I ate like a pig. It looks like I gained 8 of the ten BACK IN A WEEKEND!! Am so upset, and noticed I don't seem to be getting the same relief I was from My symptoms.
Have been waiting to see the DR, and want to ask to go to 20mg.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 15:31:36
In reply to Re: LIL JIMI!!!!!!!!!!! HERES 12 WEEKS FROM VETTES, posted by blkvettes on May 5, 2003, at 14:49:59
> > > Hi back at you and a special take care also!!!!!!!!
> >
> > thanks blkvettes!
> > we're taking good care here .... i'm doing good.
> >
> > what's our latest blkvettes update, anyway? ....
> >
> > i always look forward to your posts ... ... i can almost hear you shouting TAKE CARE !!! ... and that is always SO Right!
> >
> > lexapro is working so good for me, i tell people i should do commercials for them .... then i think i should just introduce you (and Bill L. and okpolosi) and let you do your testomonial .... you inspire me, man!
> >
> > (folks with panic/anxiety or SP / agoraphobia, blkvettes' posts are one heartwarming tale of the success possible with meds, lex in particular.)
> >
> > so .......
> >
> > TAKE CARE !!!!!!!!!! (ha! i love that!!)
> > ~ lil' jimi,
> > but you can call me "jim"
>
>
>
> Hello Jim, my name is Wayne!!!!!!!! But like blkvettes!!!!!!!! Almost 12 weeks on lexapro, depression left a long time ago. But still get depressed about some things like everyone living. Panic attacks left long ago also. Still got some anxiety, but this lessens as I face all my fears. Went to a wedding this weekend and to my surprise it went well with only minor anxiety. Am very pleased, I should say grateful and thank GOD everyday. I went up as high as 10mg but felt more anxiety and dropped back down to the 7mg level. I take a little xanax still, less than .5mg a day. I think I take it more out of habit than anything. So I guess I have to say lexapro has been very very very good to me. I am glad you are doing well Jim!!!! As always TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
> WAYNEhi wayne,
so, in just 12 weeks, you went from generally freaking out and not being able to leave the house (and even if you were not the big Corvette lover, that would bum anyone out) to ....
GOING TO A WEDDING!!(!) Awesome!
(i doubt i could make myself go to a wedding.... but for me it's just lame, ho-hum, laziness ... more like social disinterest, on my part.)
and i read you're handling the regular bummers of our world without it amplifying into a major catastrophe .... that's healthy, too.
from how far down you used to be, well, i am impressed and grateful to have you hanging in so well .... especially since i have read how the anxiety can get worse with the transition-to-lex SEs ... the panic/anxiety. GAD, SAD, SP folks have to tough that out, if they can ...
hey, how's that 'vette running?
i am doing well ... thanks for the encouragemet!
and thanks for the update on you! Way To Go!!
stay in touch
and
TAKE CARE !!!! (!!)
~ "lil' jimi"
aka
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 16:42:03
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Okpolosi on May 5, 2003, at 15:22:58
> Been on Lex 3+ mos., 10mg. I had actually lost about 10lbs. until this past week. I noticed increased carb cravings and got my period and I ate like a pig. It looks like I gained 8 of the ten BACK IN A WEEKEND!! Am so upset, and noticed I don't seem to be getting the same relief I was from My symptoms.
>
> Have been waiting to see the DR, and want to ask to go to 20mg.hi okpolosi,
the carb craving, munchie mongering syndrome is so typical of med effects, hormonal / menstrual response, dope smoking, etc, that it makes me think ... well i have a theory that it's a form of self-medication where we are trying to adjust our neurotransmitters by carbohydrates ... (another theory: a leading cause of alcoholism may be trying to adjust neurotransmitters with alcohol) .... so at least with starches we can have less risk than with alcohol.
one support for my theory is an article i saw in scientific american:
"Sweet Medicines; July 2002; by Thomas Maeder; 8 Page(s)
Sugars play critical roles in many cellular functions and in disease. Study of those activities lags behind research into genes and proteins but is beginning to heat up. The discoveries promise to yield a new generation of drug therapies
File size: 204 KB"
at
http://www.sciamdigital.com/cart_http.cfm?ARTICLEID_CHAR=2C57E6C6-8565-435C-9111-9C641ED2B53unfortunately, folks at scientific american want to charge at least $5 to download the whole issue..... sorry.
so i'm offering you my Guess that one's period tips the neurotransmitter balance, which has been so neatly balanced by your lexapro, back over into .... that carb-craving imbalance.....
for whatever that's worth.perhaps we should investigate nutrients to support menstruation, to help prevent or lessen the neurochemical impact?
now 8 pounds in one weekend.... wow ... i wonder if i even eat 8 pounds in one weekend ... i'm trying to imagine swallowing 8 pounds in one weekend .... well, i understand why you are upset ... may i suggest metamucil capsules, fresh fruit, and lots of water? ... this is my "new" wonder cure for everything (!) (wink, wink!) ... well, it shouldn't hurt anyway ....
good luck anyway
and
TAKE CARE !!
~ jim
Posted by Okpolosi on May 5, 2003, at 16:49:37
In reply to Re: weight gain ...on Lexapro!!? (carb-cravings) » Okpolosi, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 16:42:03
> > Been on Lex 3+ mos., 10mg. I had actually lost about 10lbs. until this past week. I noticed increased carb cravings and got my period and I ate like a pig. It looks like I gained 8 of the ten BACK IN A WEEKEND!! Am so upset, and noticed I don't seem to be getting the same relief I was from My symptoms.
> >
> > Have been waiting to see the DR, and want to ask to go to 20mg.
>
> hi okpolosi,
>
> the carb craving, munchie mongering syndrome is so typical of med effects, hormonal / menstrual response, dope smoking, etc, that it makes me think ... well i have a theory that it's a form of self-medication where we are trying to adjust our neurotransmitters by carbohydrates ... (another theory: a leading cause of alcoholism may be trying to adjust neurotransmitters with alcohol) .... so at least with starches we can have less risk than with alcohol.
>
> one support for my theory is an article i saw in scientific american:
> "Sweet Medicines; July 2002; by Thomas Maeder; 8 Page(s)
> Sugars play critical roles in many cellular functions and in disease. Study of those activities lags behind research into genes and proteins but is beginning to heat up. The discoveries promise to yield a new generation of drug therapies
> File size: 204 KB"
> at
> http://www.sciamdigital.com/cart_http.cfm?ARTICLEID_CHAR=2C57E6C6-8565-435C-9111-9C641ED2B53
>
> unfortunately, folks at scientific american want to charge at least $5 to download the whole issue..... sorry.
>
> so i'm offering you my Guess that one's period tips the neurotransmitter balance, which has been so neatly balanced by your lexapro, back over into .... that carb-craving imbalance.....
> for whatever that's worth.
>
> perhaps we should investigate nutrients to support menstruation, to help prevent or lessen the neurochemical impact?
>
> now 8 pounds in one weekend.... wow ... i wonder if i even eat 8 pounds in one weekend ... i'm trying to imagine swallowing 8 pounds in one weekend .... well, i understand why you are upset ... may i suggest metamucil capsules, fresh fruit, and lots of water? ... this is my "new" wonder cure for everything (!) (wink, wink!) ... well, it shouldn't hurt anyway ....
>
> good luck anyway
> and
> TAKE CARE !!
> ~ jimA lot of GREAT info.....Thanks a bunch.
I think some of that 8lbs. is from water retention, feel like a whale, but clothes still fit.
Funny thing is that this is my 3rd period since starting Lex, and I didn't have the same problem for the other 2, in fact I generally ate less, and felt full. That's probably how I lost the weight in the first place.
Posted by Luziluna on May 5, 2003, at 17:36:11
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!???? » mkvelocity, posted by DC on May 5, 2003, at 10:08:52
Thanks for all who posted follow ups to my panic-stricken posting about gaining weight on lexapro. I realize now that I am also about to get my period and I always feel fat and get a little more obsessive during that time....Although I must say, the lexapro has helped a lot with that PMS exacerbation thing too!!!
Jim, I love your postings- you sound like a pretty cool dude, I must say!! While I don't suffer from the constipation thing, I will remember the metamucil cure-all !! LOL!
So, I haven't gained any weight on Lexapro after a month and have actually noticed a decrease in appetite so, I don't expect I'll gain weight unless I change my eating habits or stop exercising as much....so I'm just going to calm my little 'ol self down and say "adieu" for now...and thanks again to you all out there!!
Posted by sussus on May 5, 2003, at 17:57:30
In reply to Re: Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!! » sussus, posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:33:20
Dysfunk - I just turned 36 and I hear what you are saying about age/weight. It has been so sudden though; I gained 5 more pounds in the last week - same food and exercise. Today I cut back from 10 to 5 mgs.o of Lexapro. Maybe that will help cut side effects, though I realize it may also cut the efficacy of the drug for the depression. I'll just keep plodding along - thanks for the support - I see you on Voy too.
Posted by Donia on May 5, 2003, at 18:16:42
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
I have been on 10mg of lexapro for four months now and have not gained any weight. At first I lost some and have not gained it back.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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