![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 13:19:14
Hi there -
It's been a while since I've posted. I started on 10mg of Lex about 3 months ago and is have gained about 8 lbs. I am a distance runner and have never had any issues with weight gain in the past. I work out about 5 days a week, so I am definitely not being lazy....hmph...any suggestions?
Also, my sex drive is non-existant STILL...6 months of SSRI's later, and still anorgasma..grrr. This is VERY challenging as well.
I feel great on the Lex except for these issues. Maybe I can adjust to 5mg's...is it worth testing out since I started at 10mg? Also, does anyone know whether 5mgs will have any effect at all?
Thanks.
Bea
Posted by Mariposa on August 23, 2004, at 20:12:16
In reply to Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 13:19:14
Currently @30mg, 16+ mos. on Lex.
Lost 10 lbs. initially, but have gained it back. In the other area, It took a long while but gradually things have returned to normal. In the beginning, it took 9 weeks before I noticed that Lex had started to work.
Overall I would have to say I am verry happy w/results of taking Lex.
Best of luck.~~~8|8
Posted by beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 21:47:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Mariposa on August 23, 2004, at 20:12:16
Yeah it took between 8 and 9 weeks for it to kick in for me too. How much longer did it take for your sex drive to return to normal? It's been about 4-5 months for me and no change...hmmm. I am actually considering going off completely, I have already decreased to 5mg/day...I feel a little stuck on this one...hmmm.
Thanks for your post.
Bea
Posted by captain on August 24, 2004, at 8:38:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 21:47:43
Hi Beatrix,
I am exactly where you are. I have been on 10mg of Lex (started at 5 and increased) for about 3 or 4 months. In the past month I have noticed that I have gained about 5 pounds that i CANNOT get rid of. I am training for a half marathon and running about 15-20 miles a week and I also teach a weights class at my gym once a week - so this is very odd for me. I think it is slowing down my metabolism, which it can do.
I did suffer from the lack of orgasms for the first few weeks but after about 6 -7 weeks they came back. It isn't as easy as it used to be before the lex but thankfully they are there. I am sure it is different for everyone.
The end result is that I decided last night to cut back to 5mg for a while and see if I can taper off. I am taking it for generalized anxiety and hoping that I worked through the anxiety ridden patch I was in and won't feel that way once I am off the lex. If i feel it creeping back I will probably get back on it. I am still a size 2 with the five pounds but I don't like not seeing the effects of my hard workouts that I would see off of the lex! I also wonder if I will continue to gain as I continue to take it.
Best of luck to you with your decision. let's keep in touch to see how this goes!
Captain
[email protected]
Posted by Mariposa on August 24, 2004, at 10:09:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 21:47:43
> Yeah it took between 8 and 9 weeks for it to kick in for me too. How much longer did it take for your sex drive to return to normal? It's been about 4-5 months for me and no change...hmmm. I am actually considering going off completely, I have already decreased to 5mg/day...I feel a little stuck on this one...hmmm.
>
> Thanks for your post.
>
> BeaAt around 7 mos. things started to improve, I would say at 1 yr. I was back to *normal*, takes a little longer, but hubby seems to enjoy THAT.~~~8|8
Posted by Beatrix34 on August 24, 2004, at 12:42:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Mariposa on August 24, 2004, at 10:09:10
Yeah, that's SO weird. I am still a size 6 but cannot for thelife of me lose the extra 8 pounds (sounds like I am a little bigger than you Cpt in general :) ). It is really hard to not see the effects of all that hard work. I agree. I just completed my 3rd 1/2 this summer and have added the 2 other sports and weights...and nothing. Grrr. I feel REALLY tired today, it is day 2 at 5mg's. Yesterday I felt OK except for some chills mid day, but that was it...oh yeah and I was a little more irritable.
I too am taking lex for GAD and specifically to help with a huge transition in my life, move, marriage, death, change of career...I am hoping that I can handle to decrease but I too will go back on if I feel the anxiety and depression creeping back in...fingers crossed. Let's definitely stay in touch through this.
Thanks for the post.
Bea
Posted by captain on August 24, 2004, at 12:58:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Beatrix34 on August 24, 2004, at 12:42:23
Hey Beatrix -
It does sound like we are in the same boat. The biggest side effect I am worried about is dizziness. I have heard that is a common one and dizziness is basically what put me on the lex in the first place. I was having pretty bad bouts with vertigo and still have them off and on. That dizziness just sets my anxiety off into full blown anxiety attacks (which I am sure does NOT help the vertigo). I am actually going to go see a vertigo specialist. (they hypochondriac in me thinks it can't be vertigo - that is too easy!).
Congrats on your third 1/2 marathon! My farthest run is 7 so far - the race is on Oct 2nd. I have done a few 10K's but am excited about this.
It sounds like we started the lex for some of the same reasons. One of my best friends mothers died unexpectedly and then my other best friend may lose her mom in the next few months and I am very very close to my family and cannot imagine life without them so I began to worry non stop. (i have been this way in the past). And then i worried about my own health - which i have always done - and just became one big ball of worry.
Again - feel free to email me anytime.
By the way, do you take xanax or anything as needed for anxiety?
Captain
Posted by Beatrix34 on August 24, 2004, at 15:41:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by captain on August 24, 2004, at 12:58:55
Thanks for the congrats! Good for you for taking the next step in the running world! 1/2's are a great distance, really fun and painful enough. 7 miles and the race is in October, you're going to be at 13.1 miles no problem :)
It's wierd, I have never been perscribed anything except anti depressants for my anxiety. I was on Paxil years ago and then they tried me on Effexor XR and that was really bad for me, I felt all spun out, and now I'm on the Lexapro. Have you taken Xanax before? I don't know very much about it.
One thing that I do notice in training for distance and endurance sports is that I have had anxiety attacks while running. Usually if the run is not going well. I actually hyper ventilated a couple of times on my first 1/2. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself...gee I wish I could take my own advice :)
Well, I'm half way through my second day and other than a bit of a haze I feel totally fine. How are you feeling today?
Posted by captain on August 24, 2004, at 16:33:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Beatrix34 on August 24, 2004, at 15:41:26
I feel good today. No complaints! (except for maybe a LITTLE twirly lightheadedness, but i don't know if that is different from any other day!)
As far as the running goes, I have noticed that I am more hungry than normal throughout the day. My boyfriend is doing a full marathon so his training is much harder and he is hungrier too - which his coach said is expected. At first I thought that was where the weight gain was happening, but quicly realized a few extra bananas, yogurt or apples after running 4.5 miles before work was NOT the culprit!
I hope that I feel good in the next few days. I have to fly a TON for work in sept., and one fun personal trip, and I hate flying. I probably should have waited until October to get off it, but i do have xanax. I have been taking that as needed for years (although I have actually gone years without needing it!) b/c of anxiety attacks. It really helps to calm to my nerves big time when attacks occur. You should ask your doc.
Keep me posted on tomorrow's effects! By the way - how the hell do you cut these things in half?!?! :)
Captain
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 25, 2004, at 3:21:21
In reply to Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 13:19:14
Been on Lexapro for several months now. I gained 5-6 pounds without eating an extra crum. Sex drive is low. Orgasm is hit, miss, and not existant. Never know what will happen.
Posted by Mariposa on August 25, 2004, at 9:54:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by captain on August 24, 2004, at 16:33:51
>
> Keep me posted on tomorrow's effects! By the way - how the hell do you cut these things in half?!?! :)
> CaptainThey are scored down the middle....place on flat surface, score up, place thumbs on either side and press down on the outer edges, should pop in *half*, sometimes you'll get a bit uneven.~~~8|8
Posted by Beatrix34 on August 25, 2004, at 11:40:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's » captain, posted by Mariposa on August 25, 2004, at 9:54:21
So far so good today. I feel a little chilled this morning and definitely still hazy but no anxiety yet, or depression, or nausea thankfully. I'm happy so far. The main thing that is getting me is this fatigue. I could sleep for hours and hours. I hope that feeling goes away soon but I think I'm in for it for a couple more weeks anyway.
I have still be doing my workouts though, rode to work this morning and running home tonight so it is just effecting me mentally I think and not so much physically. That is also a good thing.
Tonight I am going to try and get a good 8-9 hour sleep and see if that makes any difference, not change yet in the sex drive but I have a great weekend away at a resort this weekend with my husband... so there will be ample opportunity to test that one out :)
How are you feeling today?
Posted by Beatrix34 on August 25, 2004, at 11:42:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's » captain, posted by Mariposa on August 25, 2004, at 9:54:21
Oh yeah...I have been having a bit of a hard time getting the pills in half too...will try the suggestion from Mariposa...thanks for that. They don't tast very good when you have to eat the dust...ick.
Posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 11:56:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by Beatrix34 on August 25, 2004, at 11:42:15
Hey Beatrix - a weekend away is probably just what you need! Don't think about the lex - just relax and have a good weekend!
I have no complaints now on day 4 with 5mg. I am really happy. I have noticed I really can't drink coffee in the morning (or very little) because it really makes me too excited and i don't want that to turn into anxiety. I am already a really excitable person!
I have noticed my sex drive coming back in full force. It was always there but I think it is telling me "Hey- I am back! You have been ignoring me!" haha - so that is good.
I have been REALLY tired the last few mornings as well but have found that the case off and on during the lex. I don't give in to it if I can help it, especially today because I had to teach a class at my gym at 6am!
Did you notice that you were sweating more than normal while on the lex? I would sweat a TON more than normal while working out and noticed today that it wasn't as bad as it has been. I think that is a s/e.
Glad to hear things are still going along well for you too! Let's keep our fingers crossed! So far so good!
Captain
Posted by KXo on August 26, 2004, at 0:54:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 11:56:33
I just started taking Lexapro tonight. I took 10mg. I am so anxious about it and about other things that I can´t sleep. I already tried Klonopin 1mg but it didn´t help me sleep.
I am speacially preocupied on how it will affect my sexual drive and if it will work for my anxiety and depression.
Good luck for you!
KXo
Posted by captain on August 26, 2004, at 8:40:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by KXo on August 26, 2004, at 0:54:20
Hey there - did you start right away on 10mg? Usually you start at 5mg (just break it in half) and go up to 10mg after a few days.
I took 10mg the first night by accident not knowing to build up, and i could NOT sleep. I tossed and turned all night. So I am sure that is what you were feeling last night.
You should expect some anorgasmia during the first month or a little longer. I have heard MANY say that is wears off, and it did for me. I do not suffer from depression but I have heard that it is great for that as well. It also helped my anxiety a great deal.
You really just need to give it some time - at least 8 weeks or so as it takes a while to kick in.
Good luck!
Captain
Posted by KXo on August 27, 2004, at 10:15:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's -KXO, posted by captain on August 26, 2004, at 8:40:24
> Hey there - did you start right away on 10mg? Usually you start at 5mg (just break it in half) and go up to 10mg after a few days.
Hi! I started right away on 10mg. My doctor never tells me to take less at first and than up the dosage and I feel confortable with this.
> I took 10mg the first night by accident not knowing to build up, and i could NOT sleep. I tossed and turned all night. So I am sure that is what you were feeling last night.
That´s it!! :) Now I remember! It happened when I started SSRIs before. It will go away soon!
> You should expect some anorgasmia during the first month or a little longer. I have heard MANY say that is wears off, and it did for me. I do not suffer from depression but I have heard that it is great for that as well. It also helped my anxiety a great deal.
I am young male and I am having the sexual side effects since some hours after the first pill. The same as with other SSRIs. It is so hard to deal with it!!! But I decided that by now, it is better to have problems with sex than having problems with everything. If I don´t take the pills, I don´t have sex either... It is SO HARD!!!! I think I won´t stand it for much time, as it happened before!!! Anyway, you said you had heard it wears off for many people. I knew about a few people... did you see this problem wearing off for male??
> You really just need to give it some time - at least 8 weeks or so as it takes a while to kick in.
I started it two days ago and I am already starting to feel better (still not best!). I have readen the posts here and it seems that it can happen. I am sure it is not a placebo effect. With other SSRIs I tryed, I had response in about 10 days. Hopefully, in 8 weeks I will be at my best again after so long!! (unfortunatelly, again without good sex).
> Good luck!
> CaptainThank you! The same for you!
I have been in need to write about these thoghts and feelings.
KXo
Posted by beatrix34 on August 29, 2004, at 23:18:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro...sex drive s/e's » captain, posted by KXo on August 27, 2004, at 10:15:34
OK, I had a great weekend away. It was what I needed. I did, however, feel a little anxious and a bit teary today...it has been one week tomorrow at 5mg. I do have PMS though and I hope that's what most of the axiety, worry, and teary-ness were about...fingers crossed. I guess I will know soon enough if it is related to PMS.
I am glad to hear Ctn that you are totally off the meds now. Wow, that's great! I hope that the good feelings keep up for you :)
Bea
Posted by captain on August 30, 2004, at 10:18:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro..back from the weekend, posted by beatrix34 on August 29, 2004, at 23:18:18
Hey Beatrix! I am glad the weekend went well! I am sure it was nice to get away!
I am about 100% convinced that your tearyness is PMS! Don't let yourself think too much about it being the lex - you know what PMS does to your body and I am sure that is all it is.
I still feel great being totally off the meds and have already lost about 2-3 pounds in the process. I am also sleeping better!
Keep me posted!
Captain
Posted by beatrix34 on August 30, 2004, at 21:09:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro..back from the weekend, posted by captain on August 30, 2004, at 10:18:04
Wow! I can't believe that the weight is coming off so fast. That's great! I did a crazy 12 mile run in the mountains on Friday, wow was that tough but felt good! I have taken a couple of days off since then. Back to the grind tomorrow with a bike and run.
Maybe I will try to skip a day altogether and go to every other day for the next week. Thanks for the reassurance. I need it :) I am going to skip my dose tonight and see how I feel, if all is good I may just go off as well! Yay! I can't wait to be med free! I hope that I am as lucky as you have been, although I just turned 35 this month so the weight may take a little longer to come off...we'll see! I'll stay in touch and you too, I need the inspiration! :)
Posted by JenStar on August 31, 2004, at 12:56:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro..back from the weekend, posted by beatrix34 on August 30, 2004, at 21:09:44
you guys are both so inspirational (Captain & Beatrix). I'm impressed with the running & work-out that you do! It makes me feel pepped up to head to the gym.
thanks for the motivation!
Bea, I know I haven't posted too much to you, and I don't know your history, but good luck with tapering off the meds (sounds like that is your plan.) So far I've been off of LEx for about a month; the first 2 wks were rought but now I feel GREAT. Can't wait for more weight to start coming off! Even if it's all mental and I'm causing the weight loss by THINKING I'll lose weight (this is what one friend told me) ...it's still weight loss...and I'll take it. :)
JenStar
Posted by beatrix34 on September 2, 2004, at 9:11:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro..back from the weekend » beatrix34, posted by JenStar on August 31, 2004, at 12:56:46
I was taking the Lex for GAD that worsened by circumstances, and a ton of change that went on early this year (marraige, leaving career, moving to another country, death in the family). It is day 3 with no Lex for me and I feel pretty good!
I am looking forward to losing some of this weight, hopefully I don't need to change a thing just keep doing what I'm doing and watch my junk food intake (I'm a sucker for candy...bad).
Fingers crossed on staying off the Lex, I have had a couple moments of excess worry but that has been it so far.
I'm glad to hear that you are doing well without the meds too! Stay on the exercise thing, take it one step at a time, that's what I did. If I tried to accomplish too much at once I would get defeated and give up so I took it slow and it's been great! I just got a road bike yesterday and I'm SUPER excited to test it out :) Riding in the mountains...here I come :)
Posted by captain on September 2, 2004, at 11:29:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro..back from the weekend, posted by beatrix34 on September 2, 2004, at 9:11:00
Good for you Beatrix! That is great! I am probably around day 6 or so with no lex and still feel a few swoopy sensations in my head but I am sure they will pass. I am headed to Gulf Shores,AL for a vacation getaway with my college girlfriends so I have been SUPER anxious about the hurricane. I am praying it doesn't hit us, or anyone else for that matter! It doesn't look like that will happen though!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Captain
Posted by misspam on September 24, 2004, at 8:32:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's, posted by beatrix34 on August 23, 2004, at 21:47:43
> Yeah it took between 8 and 9 weeks for it to kick in for me too. How much longer did it take for your sex drive to return to normal? It's been about 4-5 months for me and no change...hmmm. I am actually considering going off completely, I have already decreased to 5mg/day...I feel a little stuck on this one...hmmm.
>
> Thanks for your post.
>
> BeaHey Bea! New to these boards but anxious to here if the sexual side effects have subsided. I can't orgasm at all. Can get excited but no "cookies". Have you heard if this goes away. I feel great on Lex other than that. I have just started by 9th week on this and hope this gets better or I am going back to the doc to see if he can either give me something else or add something to help me. Thanks for your response
Posted by Mariposa on September 25, 2004, at 10:05:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro...weigt gain sex drive s/e's » beatrix34, posted by misspam on September 24, 2004, at 8:32:41
been on Lex 16+ mos., currently @30mg. Sexual se did go away for me but took a while, 10 mos. or so....but DID get over it.
Hang in there!!~~~8|8
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.