I have a "muffin top" thanks to Lexapro

[sidandspencersmom]

Anyone else have midsection weight gain due to Lexapro? Are weight loss attempts even worth it? This is the first time in my life that I have gained weight- meaning, this is the heaviest I have ever been. It seems that my body has morphed into something I don't even recognize. I am used to being able to eat/drink anything I want, in any amounts with no weight gain. Exercise did not have an effect on my weight, I would weigh the same whether I am exercising or not.

I know this turned into a vent-- but it's really bothering me.

[mom0810]

Ssri's do slow your metabolism somewhat. So yes, it could be from that. How long have you been on it? What is your dose?

The thing is, even with the side effects, if you need the medication, you just do. The weight usually comes off as soon as you stop taking it and your body revs back up again. Lexapro is actually one of the LEAST likely to cause weight gain, but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

I gained weight on zoloft, too, but I took the meds because I really needed them. I am working on losing the weight now. It's hard. But hopefully it will happen. DON'T stop the meds abruptly, though, and don't stop them due to weight gain. If they are working for what they were meant for, keep on it until you have been feeling better for at least a year.

[nick&jonmom]

Originally Posted by sidandspencersmom

Anyone else have midsection weight gain due to Lexapro? Are weight loss attempts even worth it? This is the first time in my life that I have gained weight- meaning, this is the heaviest I have ever been. It seems that my body has morphed into something I don't even recognize. I am used to being able to eat/drink anything I want, in any amounts with no weight gain. Exercise did not have an effect on my weight, I would weigh the same whether I am exercising or not.

I know this turned into a vent-- but it's really bothering me.

YES, I have gained weight, esp midsection, since taking Lex. It really sucks! I too could eat what I wanted and as long as I stayed active, would stay slender...now, no way! I have to practically starve myself and execise alot to lose any weight at all, whcih I was until I got pregnant. The way i did it was only eat carbs (and protein, fruits, veggies) in the morning and ealry afernoon, then just protein, veggies and fruit all evening, and of course exercise EVERYDAY! I lost about 8-10 lbs like this but it was slow going compared to beofre Lex. Good luck!

[emaye_to_2]

I posted almost the exact post a few months ago I've been on lexapro for about 14 months and in that time I have gained about 15 pounds of flab! The worst is the muffintop that I never had before this! I went up two sizes and none of my clothing fits me now. I hate it!!

The lexapro was/is working well for my anxiety but I'm slowly weaning myself off of it now. June 20mg, July 15mg, August 10mg.. due in part to a hope that I can lose some of this flab.

Sorry you're going through these body changes, but if it is working well for your mental health, that is really important. Good luck!

[Surfacing]

Hi sidandspencersmom, I am not taking Lex but another SSRI and have had weight gain with it. Sucks. Sucks sucks sucks. But like Mom0810 says, I am staying on the meds because it doesn't matter if I'm slim and look good, but I feel like a worthless mother, and no body in my family wants to be around me because I'm a raging miserable sod!!!

I did Weight Watchers for awhile and that helped. I lost 25 lbs. Right now I started cycling to the subway station in the morning enroute to work, and that seems to have helped reduce that muffin top some. Also like nick&jonmom, I am working on more protein and veg, and less carbs. Good luck! Must run baby crying

[goodygumdrops]

This is me too. It's so frustrating. I am still 20 pounds above pre preggo weight. I worked out for two months, hour and half a day, 5 days a week and I lost ten pounds. I went on vacation for three weeks and gained it all back.: I haven't worked out since...I'm so irritated. I have actually been thinking about doing weight watchers because I feel like the weight gain is mostly from eating too much.

[sidandspencersmom]

i have come to the realization that for me to be happy, i have to be fat and anorgasmic!

[bjorker]

Originally Posted by sidandspencersmom

i have come to the realization that for me to be happy, i have to be fat and anorgasmic!

:

I've gained weight on Celexa, yes. But I'm living life, I feel like I can be me (and it's not just the drug talking), and so on and so forth. It's hard to come to terms with, but that's just the way it is. In a way, you just have to be selfish. It's all about what YOU think, so just concentrate on f'ing what the rest of the world might think, and being as happy and comfortable in your own skin as you possibly can be. Self esteem is a tricky beast, but it can be tamed.

[Surfacing]

Originally Posted by sidandspencersmom

i have come to the realization that for me to be happy, i have to be fat and anorgasmic!

I hear ya! I'm still struggling to come to peace with the difficulty-having-orgasms part. Sigh. But again, something for something.

[sidandspencersmom]

Just had to share this..... while picking up DS#2 from Pre-school, his teacher from last year came up and asked if i was expecting! seriously?? I was wearing a flowey maxi dress, which could be interpreted as a maternity dress, but man..... how am i supposed to feel now? I can still fit into my size 4 shorts that i bought at the beginning of the summer.......I just have a little "roll-over" now.

[trinity6232000]

Originally Posted by sidandspencersmom

i have come to the realization that for me to be happy, i have to be fat and anorgasmic!

I've been on Effexor for 5 years now. I've been slowly (very slowly, cause it's been really hard on my head) getting off the drug for over a year now.

I can't help anybody on the gaining weight problem, I've gained 40lbs while being on this drug and while I can loose 10 pounds here and there, it always comes back quick.

BUT I had been reading a herbal book, and it said to take ginkgo biloba if having sexual problems while on antidepressants. It works. It helped almost immediately. I then told 2 friends who had complained about the same problem, and it worked for them too.

[sidandspencersmom]

thanks! off to the store I go...I am willing to try anything!