Lexapro and Weight Gain

Has anyone had this same problem? I read on some websites where people have gained 20-40 pounds on it and then I have seen some old posts on here where people have had no problem with it. I have been on it about 6 weeks and I think it is a WONDER drug for anxiety. I take it and Wellbutrin. Lots of stress, anxiety and depression in the last year (hubs had a stroke and I am now the sole supporter)......havent been to the gym in a year, sit on the couch when I get home in the evening, just really become a lazy pig and I have gained a total of 27 pounds back from my very lowest weight.....

I'm one of those ones that did not gain from the Lexapro. I've been on it for a couple of years (again). But.....I have gained 20 or so from my lowest also. Very frustrating!! I think a small part of it is this raging kidney infection I have. And have had for awhile now, and didn't know it. So who knows for sure! All I know is that I want this pounds back off!!! We're in the same boat.....so don't feel like the lone ranger or anything......Try and have a better afternoon!

I've been on Lexapro and Wellbutrin for at least 6 months and haven't had any issues with weight gain. And I even stopped working out for about 6 months because the plastic surgeon didn't want me to lose anymore weight. I was worried about gaining, but so far so good...

The important thing is to find the right drug that works for you.  IMHO, people use the medication as an excuse for the weight gain.  Most of us have gained in our lives when depressed!

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, I hope it gets better.

Michele

This is so true Michele! Most medications that list weight gain as a side effect are talking about a minimal (usually 3-5 pound) gain with the exception of things like prednisone or other cortico-steriods that make you puff up and retain fluid like crazy.

It's usually the underlying depression that causes the weight gain and people want so badly to blame it on something else - like medication. I speak from experience here as I have a long-term history of depression AND I'm a health care provider. I've been there, tried to blame it on the meds, but in the end it was depression and lifestyle changes that were the problem...

Just food for thought...

I've been taking Lexapro since before my WLS and have not had any problems.  That said, if you do gain from it it might just be acclimation from starting a new med.

Hope this works for you - the fact that you're here, posting, means a major step in the right direction, I hope you know that.

Lexapro is I believe the ONLY SSRI which is proven NOT to encourage weight gain.

Good Luck,
Leila