I started this drug less than a month ago after having an accodent 3 months ago in which I lost all sense of taste and smell, hence no appetite did I have. Since starting thismediation, my appetite HAS increase although I have yet to regain my senses. I think you made a ery valid point that it is a stimilant when it comes to our bellies and hunger.
Lexapro has helped with my depression but my appetite is definately higher. And I notice I want sweeter, high fat foods. I just don't know what to do anymore. It seems the doctor won't be completely forthright with me about side effects...she plays a cat and mouse game with me ( ME:Does Lexapro cause weight gain, I am hungrier and am gaining weight? HER: It shouldn't. ME: So Lexapro won't have an effect on my appetite, on my weight gain? HER: It shouldn't.).HELP.
I've been on lexapro for about a year now and I can see that it has made me eat and i gain so much weight... yes it helped my anxiety and depression but I didn't need all of this weight either..
Lexapro caused me to gain about twenty pounds. It did help my feelings of anxiety and depression, but then I was depressed about the weight gain. I've been off of it for about six months. The worst part of Lexapro is going off. I had extreme dizziness, panic, uncontrollable fear... Although it really helped me, I wouldn't take it again. The withdrawals were terrible. I can only imagine what kind of damage it did to my body. I wouldn't take it again. The anxiety was bad, but not as bad as the withdrawals. If you decide to go off, make sure you do it VERY gradually. It might take a month to do it right -- but make sure you do it right. Oh, and I still haven't been able to lose the weight.
OH YEAH.. I started taking lexapro for panic disorder 3 years ago. I was up tp 30mg daily.
I gained 50 lbs in 2 years... I just seemed to always be STARVING and it was for things that I didn't used to like. I just wanted donuts and things... it was crazy.
That being said..... I wouldn't trade lexapro for the WORLD. I don't have depression and I used it for panic disorder. It really made a difference in my life.
I think that the weight gain was worth it.
I am now weaning off and have lost 8lbs in the last month. I would take it again if needed.
My psychiatrist said that it does cause you to crave carbs and to be aware of that. I think that if people know what to watch for then it will be OK.
Blessings.
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