My husband lost weight, I gained. Lexapro has helped us both out so much...I will keep my happiness...and maybe work out a bit more. I gained 8lbs in a year.
I think with Lexapro, my brain and thoughts have stopped racing a mile a minute. If we consider that anti-depressants usually reduce anxiety and generally make us more relaxed, then we may find ourselves slightly more inactive. Inactivity with reduced stress and anxiety would most likely be a recipe for weight gain. To me, it makes sense that, if I'm generally more comfortable in my own skin, then I'll gain happy weight. I've gained 30lbs since starting Lexapro over a year ago. My doctor says I look healthy and that the fuller me is more appealing. Anxiety and depression robbed me of my appetite. I'm one of those who does not eat when stressed.
Lexapro is the most awful medication on the market. I began lexapro at 120 lbs I ballooned to 142 in just three short months of the poison. I have always been an athlete and active, lexapro took away my motivation for everything, including getting out of bed. I have been off the medicine for about 3 weeks now, I have been working out like my normal self, high intensity a lot of cardio. My normal body would have dropped weight very fast due to this activity, not so much now. DO NOT FALL INTO THE TRAP THAT YOU NEED TO STAY ON THIS TO FEEL HAPPY. I began this medication at a very bad place in my life I will say I feel extremely better and my GAD is completely gone. DO not feel the need to stay on it for extended periods because I can only imagine the weight gain at that point. My therapist tried to sway me to stay on the medication for at least 6 months to see results, I wonder if she was willing to pay for all of my new clothes?? Its extremely hard being this weight I often feel depressed because of the way I look. Thanks lexapro for helping my GAD but causing me depression!
Did you ever stop the lexapro I took it for 2 years and gained 30 pounds. I've been off almost 6 months havent lost the weight yet
I have gained 20lbs do p90x 5x a week.
I stop taking it when my clothes get too tight. I drop weight immediately. I go 3 or 4 days without lexipro then get sad and take a pill. It's become a cycle for me. But f**k gaining 50lbs, I'm trying not to be depressed, not worsen it.
I’m only commenting because I have been searching the internet about this same issue. Maybe this will help someone feel less alone. I started Lexapro on December 31st, 2020 at 10mg. Moved to 20 about 10 days later. I weighed 135 when I started (34 yo female- active and 5’5) and now weigh 145 or more depending on the day. It’s only been 3 months! My bras don’t fit, my shirts are tight, none of my pants fit. even my underwear are tight! I don’t think I’ve ever been this heavy. Nothing else in my life has changed but the addition of this medicine. I haven’t felt a huge benefit either. To me, it’s not worth it. I’ve always been lean and had a flat stomach. Now I feel embarrassed and flabby. My stomach always feel bloated and sticks out. Even my booty and upper thighs literally have fat that I’ve never had before. I don’t recognize myself. I’m weaning off.
My issue is my work says you can't smoke or be fat and I'm so overwhelmed I hate life. But I won't take a drug that makes me gain weight because of work and insurance. I don't know what to do.
Health Hero
1626 posts
Hello.
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed with your work's policies regarding smoking and weight. It's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being, and not let external pressures dictate your decisions.
While it's understandable that you don't want to take a medication that may cause weight gain, it's important to note that not all antidepressants cause weight gain, and the potential benefits of medication for your mental health may outweigh the potential side effects.
It may be helpful to talk to your doctor about your concerns and to explore alternative medication options that may not have weight gain as a side effect. Additionally, there are non-medication-based treatments for depression, such as therapy, that may be effective for you.
Regarding your work's policies, it's important to remember that discrimination based on weight or smoking status is not acceptable. You may want to consult with a lawyer or your HR department to better understand your rights in this situation.
Remember to prioritize your mental and physical health, and seek support from healthcare professionals and loved ones.
Good luck.
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed with your work's policies regarding smoking and weight. It's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being, and not let external pressures dictate your decisions.
While it's understandable that you don't want to take a medication that may cause weight gain, it's important to note that not all antidepressants cause weight gain, and the potential benefits of medication for your mental health may outweigh the potential side effects.
It may be helpful to talk to your doctor about your concerns and to explore alternative medication options that may not have weight gain as a side effect. Additionally, there are non-medication-based treatments for depression, such as therapy, that may be effective for you.
Regarding your work's policies, it's important to remember that discrimination based on weight or smoking status is not acceptable. You may want to consult with a lawyer or your HR department to better understand your rights in this situation.
Remember to prioritize your mental and physical health, and seek support from healthcare professionals and loved ones.
Good luck.