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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Athena0000 on November 16, 2002, at 17:13:46
I recently transitioned from Zoloft to Wellbutrin and have been on Wellbutrin for 5 weeks. I gained 30 pounds while on Zoloft and since starting Wellbutrin have lost 8 pounds. My doc just added Lexapro 10mg. Has anyone gained weight on Lexapro? Thanks.
Posted by Atlrunner2002 on November 17, 2002, at 14:00:22
In reply to Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Athena0000 on November 16, 2002, at 17:13:46
> I recently transitioned from Zoloft to Wellbutrin and have been on Wellbutrin for 5 weeks. I gained 30 pounds while on Zoloft and since starting Wellbutrin have lost 8 pounds. My doc just added Lexapro 10mg. Has anyone gained weight on Lexapro? Thanks.
I've been on Lexapro 8 weeks. I was pretty thin to begin with, and have lost 8 pounds on it. The weight loss is slowing down (thankfully, really can't afford to lose any more) as my appetite is getting closer to normal. The first month on it I had NO appetite. Let us know what happens with you...it's such a new drug, the more info we can share with one another, the better.
Posted by weareblesd on March 20, 2004, at 18:28:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Atlrunner2002 on November 17, 2002, at 14:00:22
I recently was taking lexapro & started on Welbutrin 150mg. I felt great for 1wk then started on 300mg per dr orders. I then "was pushed over the edge" - very fog-headed, dizzy, headache - like when I suffered from the depression. I went back to the 150mg (1day) & am praying it works. Any feedback from the experienced?
Posted by ednababish on July 13, 2004, at 11:34:05
In reply to Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Athena0000 on November 16, 2002, at 17:13:46
Hey all,
I would like to know how many of you have experienced weight gain at 20 mgs of lexapro. Also. i would like to know if any of you have experienced weight gain when combining wellbutrin with lexapro. I am on 20mgs of lexapro, working out harder than ever and nothing is happening--except my middle is flabby. I'm not eating any differently than I ever have.
Thanks,Edna Q. Babish
Posted by LynneDa on July 14, 2004, at 13:42:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by ednababish on July 13, 2004, at 11:34:05
Hi Edna -
I went up to 20 mg of Lex starting in January of this year. I used to be a skinny minnie, never had to watch my weight. It's been creeping up over the last 5 years a bit, as I neared the big 4-0, but my max was 135 lbs (I'm 5ft 7inches). Anyway, in 5 months I've gained 17 lbs. and they won't go away!!!I just went off the Lex a few weeks ago and started on Wellbutrin. The Lex also made me so sleepy. I'm no longer sleepy, but haven't lost any weight. (Inorgasmia is gone completely, tho and that's good!) But, I'm getting a bit depressed, crying for no reason, etc. again so maybe I need a little Lex?
I was told that about a third will gain, about a third will stay the same and about a third will lose weight on Lex.
Good luck Edna, I know it is depressing to gain weight or not be able to lose ... kind of counter-productive!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey all,
>
> I would like to know how many of you have experienced weight gain at 20 mgs of lexapro. Also. i would like to know if any of you have experienced weight gain when combining wellbutrin with lexapro. I am on 20mgs of lexapro, working out harder than ever and nothing is happening--except my middle is flabby. I'm not eating any differently than I ever have.
> Thanks,
>
> Edna Q. Babish
Posted by estrelle11 on July 21, 2004, at 17:32:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Atlrunner2002 on November 17, 2002, at 14:00:22
I was taking Lexapro for about ninety days and within this time I gained about ten to twelve pounds. When my prescription ran out I decided that I would try my luck at no anti-depressant medication, seeing as how I do not like the weight gain factor. I stopped taking Lexapro about three weeks ago and it has been rough to say the least. I have had so many unwelcome symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, extreme light-headed/ dizziness, no energy, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. My doctor told me that because Lexapro works on Serotonin, the main neurotransmitter associated with bowel function, these symptoms are normal and could hang around for a while..... has anyone else had this experience or know what I can do to get through this?? I feel completely miserable and on top of that I think I will have to start up a new anti-depressant..... but not Lexapro. Any suggestions on meds that do not cause weight gain? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Posted by Alyciab on August 10, 2004, at 17:20:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by estrelle11 on July 21, 2004, at 17:32:52
I have taken Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft and finally Lexapro. I was on Paxil and lost weight but going off it I was suicidal and vowed to never take it again. Celexa worked great...for a time then it did help much and I still had the side affects. The Dr. wanted me to try Zoloft which made me so sick I couldn't get out of bed. She then had me take Lexapro which has worked well and has half the side effects for me. But I have been gaining weight rapidly. Two years ago I was 5'8" and 120. Now I am 145 and sickened by myself. I don't eat bad at all and I work out 5 times a week. I am a former athlete and have thin and trim parents. I had thought the gains were because i turned 30. But nothing I do helps me regulate my weight. I keep gaining and gaining. So two weeks ago I decided to stop taking the med to see if it helps. So far I haven't lost any weight. I don't know if I will or how long it will take. The withdrawls with this med have been the least. It helps to take a half a pill two hours after first feeling the effects. Push the nausea longer every time. It will take some time but eventually you will be off it. Good luck!
I was taking Lexapro for about ninety days and within this time I gained about ten to twelve pounds. When my prescription ran out I decided that I would try my luck at no anti-depressant medication, seeing as how I do not like the weight gain factor. I stopped taking Lexapro about three weeks ago and it has been rough to say the least. I have had so many unwelcome symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, extreme light-headed/ dizziness, no energy, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. My doctor told me that because Lexapro works on Serotonin, the main neurotransmitter associated with bowel function, these symptoms are normal and could hang around for a while..... has anyone else had this experience or know what I can do to get through this?? I feel completely miserable and on top of that I think I will have to start up a new anti-depressant..... but not Lexapro. Any suggestions on meds that do not cause weight gain? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Posted by platinumbride on August 11, 2004, at 0:37:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Alyciab on August 10, 2004, at 17:20:34
I hear you!!!! Just started zoloft again and I am terrified of gaining more weight.Wellbutrin does not tend to make you gain weight. Neither does Parnate (though some say otherwise).
You could also ask your doc for either topamax or zonegran. These are known for causing weight loss. But read up on them before you do.
I am hoping that cutting out carbs will help me to lose weight , even while on zoloft. Someone answered another post I made about that and said that someone they knew was on an ssri and a low carb diet and was doing well in the weight department.
I think it is time to get a scale for me :-)
Best of luck,
Diane
> I have taken Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft and finally Lexapro. I was on Paxil and lost weight but going off it I was suicidal and vowed to never take it again. Celexa worked great...for a time then it did help much and I still had the side affects. The Dr. wanted me to try Zoloft which made me so sick I couldn't get out of bed. She then had me take Lexapro which has worked well and has half the side effects for me. But I have been gaining weight rapidly. Two years ago I was 5'8" and 120. Now I am 145 and sickened by myself. I don't eat bad at all and I work out 5 times a week. I am a former athlete and have thin and trim parents. I had thought the gains were because i turned 30. But nothing I do helps me regulate my weight. I keep gaining and gaining. So two weeks ago I decided to stop taking the med to see if it helps. So far I haven't lost any weight. I don't know if I will or how long it will take. The withdrawls with this med have been the least. It helps to take a half a pill two hours after first feeling the effects. Push the nausea longer every time. It will take some time but eventually you will be off it. Good luck!
>
> I was taking Lexapro for about ninety days and within this time I gained about ten to twelve pounds. When my prescription ran out I decided that I would try my luck at no anti-depressant medication, seeing as how I do not like the weight gain factor. I stopped taking Lexapro about three weeks ago and it has been rough to say the least. I have had so many unwelcome symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, extreme light-headed/ dizziness, no energy, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. My doctor told me that because Lexapro works on Serotonin, the main neurotransmitter associated with bowel function, these symptoms are normal and could hang around for a while..... has anyone else had this experience or know what I can do to get through this?? I feel completely miserable and on top of that I think I will have to start up a new anti-depressant..... but not Lexapro. Any suggestions on meds that do not cause weight gain? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on August 11, 2004, at 9:02:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Alyciab on August 10, 2004, at 17:20:34
Hi! Many here are familiar with my story:
On 10 mg of Lex for 2 months, then went up to 20 mg for 7 months. I am also a very thin person (5'7" & about 130 average weight), had to TRY to gain weight over the years! I gained about 20 lbs. from January to June of this year while on the 20mg. I too was horrified!!! The weight just kept coming on at about 2 lbs. per week!!! I weaned off of Lex (no s/e's,went fine) while simultaneously starting on Wellbutrin SR (300 mgs).I stopped gaining, but I didn't start losing the way I thought I magically would :-)! I was told a low-carb diet would help jump-start my metabolism and hopefully it will return to its normal rate again, so that's what I'm trying - just can't completely eliminate carbs, but I'm watching my portions and cutting out most carbs. I'm 40 so I know weight loss gets harder, but this was ridiculous! I've lost about 5 lbs. in about 10 days and feel like my work-outs are starting to make a difference in my size.
So, it's not a myth that Lex makes it easier for your body to add and keep weight! Serotonin production is somehow linked to insulin production which is somehow linked to fat storage and/or a decrease in the production of glycogen. It's apparently worse for women than men.
The Wellbutrin is wonderful for focus and motivation, but not for my PMDD symptoms - still have way too much anger and tears, although not suicidal or deeply depressed. After a few more weeks of "dieting" & trying to change my eating habits(yuck!) I think I may add 5mg of Lex back in and see what happens. I know I need it's anti-depressant effects.
Good luck, let us now how you do with whatever combo you try!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have taken Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft and finally Lexapro. I was on Paxil and lost weight but going off it I was suicidal and vowed to never take it again. Celexa worked great...for a time then it did help much and I still had the side affects. The Dr. wanted me to try Zoloft which made me so sick I couldn't get out of bed. She then had me take Lexapro which has worked well and has half the side effects for me. But I have been gaining weight rapidly. Two years ago I was 5'8" and 120. Now I am 145 and sickened by myself. I don't eat bad at all and I work out 5 times a week. I am a former athlete and have thin and trim parents. I had thought the gains were because i turned 30. But nothing I do helps me regulate my weight. I keep gaining and gaining. So two weeks ago I decided to stop taking the med to see if it helps. So far I haven't lost any weight. I don't know if I will or how long it will take. The withdrawls with this med have been the least. It helps to take a half a pill two hours after first feeling the effects. Push the nausea longer every time. It will take some time but eventually you will be off it. Good luck!
>
> I was taking Lexapro for about ninety days and within this time I gained about ten to twelve pounds. When my prescription ran out I decided that I would try my luck at no anti-depressant medication, seeing as how I do not like the weight gain factor. I stopped taking Lexapro about three weeks ago and it has been rough to say the least. I have had so many unwelcome symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, extreme light-headed/ dizziness, no energy, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. My doctor told me that because Lexapro works on Serotonin, the main neurotransmitter associated with bowel function, these symptoms are normal and could hang around for a while..... has anyone else had this experience or know what I can do to get through this?? I feel completely miserable and on top of that I think I will have to start up a new anti-depressant..... but not Lexapro. Any suggestions on meds that do not cause weight gain? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
>
>
Posted by AmyS1 on August 17, 2004, at 23:01:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Alyciab on August 10, 2004, at 17:20:34
I am so relieved to be reading these posts! I have been on Lexapro for 2 years and have gained 35 pounds. :( I also figured it was because I am now in my 30s and my metabolism was naturally slowing down. No diet or exercise seemed to work to get the weight off, and I am still gaining. I found a website that suggested Omega-3 with Vitamin E supplements and cutting down on carbs. I am ready to try anything.
Posted by nemokitty on August 31, 2004, at 1:04:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain » Alyciab, posted by LynneDa on August 11, 2004, at 9:02:32
I was on Lexapro for about 6 months. I had a hard time keeping the weight off. It DID make me gain weight. I have been on Wellbutrin now for about 3 months. I have not lost any weight at all...just stayed the same!! The wellbutrin does not help as much for depression either.I have tried zoloft,paxil,effexor, etc. All of those helped alot with depression and moodiness, but all made me fat!!! I am looking into a mood stabilizer now. Has anyone had luck with these??
Posted by Alyciab on August 31, 2004, at 18:30:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by nemokitty on August 31, 2004, at 1:04:12
I have been off the weight gaining meds for about a month and still not lost any weight. I work out and eat right but nothing. It is frustrating and depressing. My moods have been for the most part OK. I cry easily and often, especially during the Olympics. My "homicidal" moments are low right now, but if they go up again I will have to take the meds again just to keep my job and friends. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by ednababish on August 31, 2004, at 21:02:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Alyciab on August 31, 2004, at 18:30:21
Stopping the gain and keeping it off has involved increasing my cardio workouts to four half-hour intense ones a week, six to seven 35-40 minute walks a week, two hour-long yoga classes a week, and three sessions of weight lifting a week of 20 minutes upper one day alternated with 20 lower the next. I also make sure I eat three servings of high calcium, lowfat dairy each day, or edamame (boiled unshelled soybeans, available at Sam's Club, that are high in protein and fiber and low in fat). I also use a lot of olive oil for the omega-9's. Sounds dull I'm sure, but each figure saver was added skowly and it works. And to think, my pdoc says lexapro doesn't make you put on weight!
Edna
Posted by LynneDa on September 2, 2004, at 11:04:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by nemokitty on August 31, 2004, at 1:04:12
Hi ladies -
Just chiming in again on the weight gain/loss issue. Nemokitty, I can relate to WB not helping with the depression issues and it certainly has not helped me to lose weight - except that I have more energy than I did on 20mg of Lex so I am more motivated to exercise. I've lost about 7 lbs. by the usual - smaller portions, better choices. I started back on 5mg of Lex out of desperation. I was on 20mg before, but am hoping maybe 5 plus the WB SR will do it?I'll be interested to hear what anyone has to say about mood stabilizers. I am not familiar with them and don't know what illnesses they are usually used to treat.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I was on Lexapro for about 6 months. I had a hard time keeping the weight off. It DID make me gain weight. I have been on Wellbutrin now for about 3 months. I have not lost any weight at all...just stayed the same!! The wellbutrin does not help as much for depression either.I have tried zoloft,paxil,effexor, etc. All of those helped alot with depression and moodiness, but all made me fat!!! I am looking into a mood stabilizer now. Has anyone had luck with these??
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 2, 2004, at 12:32:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain » nemokitty, posted by LynneDa on September 2, 2004, at 11:04:43
Lost 60 pounds on Wellbutrin, unfortunately it did not work for depression. Had to go back on Zoloft which made me gain back all the weight - althought it does work well for depression for me.
Posted by deepdarkhole on September 13, 2004, at 11:50:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Paul_d_234 on September 2, 2004, at 12:32:32
So what are we supposed to do? I have gone from 120 to 147 in 5 months!!!! Does it ever level out or am I destined to be fat, but anixiety free?
Posted by LynneDa on September 13, 2004, at 12:15:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by deepdarkhole on September 13, 2004, at 11:50:56
Hi DDH -
I feel for ya!! I'm the one who is on Wellbutrin SR 300 mg and recently added 5mg of Lex. I haven't been exercising, just trying to watch portions - but I've been really bad on the weekends - and I haven't gained any more weight since going off the 20mg of Lex. After 5 months at 20mg I did level off and stopped gaining. I was exercising only a bit.I topped out at 152 and my normal, prior weight is 135. I'm now pretty consistently down to 145. So, maybe going off the higher dose of Lex and adding something else is the answer. The 5mg doesn't take away all my anxiety/depression but gets it to a manageable level in combo with the Wellbutrin.
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>So what are we supposed to do? I have gone from 120 to 147 in 5 months!!!! Does it ever level out or am I destined to be fat, but anixiety free?
Posted by sebek on September 14, 2004, at 19:27:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by LynneDa on September 13, 2004, at 12:15:08
I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for three months, and have easily gained 5-10 pounds. It's awful! I totally feel for all who posted here. Any suggestions? Something that works well but does not make you gain weight?
Posted by stressed on September 28, 2004, at 19:44:20
In reply to Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Athena0000 on November 16, 2002, at 17:13:46
I take wellbutrin 300mg per day, and I think it makes me less hungry and I can keep weight off easier. I have taken Lexapro, and I felt heavier, so I went back to wellbutrin. My daughter took Lexapro for 5 months, and I swear that's how she gained weight over the summer. I didn't put it together until I found this website, but she's off it now and on Wellbutrin. One thing....the wellbutrin makes her sweat alot. Oh well
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 29, 2004, at 19:55:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by stressed on September 28, 2004, at 19:44:20
Stresseed -
Keep a log / journal as many times some of the side effeccts will pass after the first 2 to 3 months. Hard to tell which side effefts will last during the first 8 weeks.
Bottom line, the sweating may pass.
> I take wellbutrin 300mg per day, and I think it makes me less hungry and I can keep weight off easier. I have taken Lexapro, and I felt heavier, so I went back to wellbutrin. My daughter took Lexapro for 5 months, and I swear that's how she gained weight over the summer. I didn't put it together until I found this website, but she's off it now and on Wellbutrin. One thing....the wellbutrin makes her sweat alot. Oh well
Posted by LynneDa on September 30, 2004, at 8:57:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by Paul_d_234 on September 29, 2004, at 19:55:56
Well, here's an update:
To review, I was on Lex @ 20mg, it helped my depression/anxiety but I gained about 18 lbs. and was sooooo sleepy. Went off of it in August, started 300mg Wellbutrin SR which lifted my fog, but I was still depressed/anxious at certain times of the month (cycle-related).I started back on 10mg of Lex a month ago. Depression is better, no fog and I'm losing weight without really doing anything. I'm down about 10 lbs. So, maybe the combo of Lex & WB will work for some of you. The WB has also kept the sexual s/e's of Lex at bay.
Good luck everyone!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by stressed on September 30, 2004, at 18:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain, posted by estrelle11 on July 21, 2004, at 17:32:52
I'm very happy I found your post. It is nice to know that Lexapro causes weight gain, because I was thinking my daughter was eating tons of food. She is now taking Wellbutrin, and so am I. I love it. It makes me thirsty, but that's ok. She is doing fine, and it's week three of no Lexapro. I'm am wondering when the weight will start to come off. I know some people gain on Wellbutrin. Most will lose five pounds or so. I lost a few. Good luck!
Posted by stressed on September 30, 2004, at 18:54:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin Weight Gain » nemokitty, posted by LynneDa on September 2, 2004, at 11:04:43
My gosh, I'm just figuring out how to use this web site, and it's great!!!! My daughter is trying Topomax for binge eating, as well as Wellbutrin. This is only her first week on Topomax, and the jury is still out. I have been clicking over to Topamax questions and reading alot about it on different site's. I sure hope it helps as a mood stabilizer, she is not bi polar, but depressed and has anxiety. The clock keeps ticking!!
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