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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:14:13
Hi! I'm new to this list as I am new to antidep. drugs, so bare with me!
I just started using Lex about 2 months ago and recentely upped my dosage to 15. Although my Doc suggested this and even thinks I should maybe do 20, I'm experiencing some side effects that are driving me nuts (ha ha). I can't stop yawning and I could sleep forever, which is very unusual for me as I'm usually an insomniac. I took a 4 hour nap after work the other day!! I also have noticed some weight gain, about 5 lbs in the past weeks since I went up to 15, and I don't usually gain weight like that. I'm thinking I should go back to 10, as I wasn't doing too bad on that and I hate being tired all the time!! Any suggestions???
Thanks!
Posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:24:47
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
Hey Nicko,
Glad to hear from you. Sounds like you have your mind made up about meds. That's okay and of course you are still welcome on this board. Alot of us actually talk on the social board because Dr. Bob gets upset since this board is to discuss medication. Many of us have become quite close since coming here and we really have a great group. Please feel free to join us over on the social board. I will look for you there. Congratulations on finally "coming out". I have no experience to share with you there unless you count coming out about my mental illness. I guess that it can be considered a similar thing. I always wanted everyone to believe that I was so "together". That's the front I have always used. Inside I have been a mess. That is until I found my new friends here and realized that I have nothing to be ashamed of. It's great to know that you can still be loved for who you are! I'm sure you are feeling that too. What an exceptional mom you have! Homosexuality has never really bothered me at all either. If my two daughters grow up and realize that they are gay I can't imagine loving them any less. Of course I know that some people are not as accepting and I am sure that you have encountered some discrimation because of being who you are. I hope that you can find the happiness you are looking for and that you will still join us here from time to time. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:29:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 13, 2004, at 17:19:05
Hey Mo, good luck at the doc tomorrow. Check in with how you are doing and what was discussed. Yes, we are very nosey and if you don't check in we will worry beyond belief! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:32:58
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
Hey Leira, welcome to the board! I have not experienced any weight gain on lex nor have I ever been sleepy because of lex. Sorry that I can't help you there but I'm sure someone else will come forward with some suggestions. I have been on Lex for 9 months now. Started at 10 and have been at 20 for about 2 months. My worst side effects were nervousness and facial twitches. They have since gone away and it's been pretty smooth sailing. Good luck to you, Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on June 13, 2004, at 23:52:45
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:32:58
Hey Girl,
Man when I first started taking lexapro (10mg)the only thing I like about it was weight loss. I mean I went from a size 4 to a size 2 in a heartbeat. I never wanted to eat and actually dreaded eating. My weight eventually evened out and I still was not seeing a lot of improvement from Lex. My Pdoc said that none of the doctors seem that impressed with 10mg, so she upped me to 15mg then to 20mg, well I did not feel like I was eating a lot but my jeans got tigher and tigher. My size 4 clothes were even getting snug... I got on the scale, I was 133 which of course is not wear near "fat" but still with lex I was 118 and my "normal" weight that I am happy at is between anything under 125. I am now back down to 10mg and at 128, thinking I will cut down to 5mg pretty soon as I would like to be off by september.
Now let me say something about moving up to 15 or 20 mg. I moved to 15 and in about two weeks felt so much better, like night and day (I got depression from a birth control pill, then got so anxious that I would become depressed, it was like a week long panic attack...I finally started on Zoloft, which was the most awful experience ever, then moved on to lexapro which was a lot easier for me to handle). I then moved up to 20mg, and it did not do that much but made me irritated and aggitated and the weight came on. Sorry to be so long winded but I just wanted to give you some advice.. I know when I was knew (Ive been on the board for the entire 5 1/2 months I have been on lex) I wanted as much help and advice I could get!!!
Good luck..feel free to join the "Yo Yos" as we call ourself over in Psychobabble, we are a great group of ladies who love to help each other out!!
Lexy
Posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain ..Leira, posted by sexylexy on June 13, 2004, at 23:52:45
Hey Lexy ...how ya doing??...Do you do any kind of excersise I know that I'm worried as I climb the lader of the lex that I'm going to gain the weight as well...I do work out at least 4-5 days a week..I do arobics 3 days and lift weights 2 days..Is it in fact inevidible as we go higher with the lex that we are going to gain the weight..I have just upped my dosage to 17.5 and very worried about this...Also worried that my memory is just shot..I cant remember anything like what I did yesterday...Is this something that will go away?..anyone else had this problem?...thanks everyone...Take care...Your friend...Mystic
Posted by MoTucker on June 14, 2004, at 7:41:13
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
When my anxiety came on last year I lost about 10 pounds because I couldn't make myself eat. When I started taking Paxil I slowly put the 10 pounds back on, and then 10 more. It was a 20 pound weight gain in a very short period of time. The 10 mg of Lexapro didn't change things at all... I stayed about 10 pounds over my ideal weight.
Considering the problems my family has with weight, I consider 10 pounds over ideal to be pretty good. So I haven't fought too hard to loose it. I do exersize, though. I don't know what your preferences are, Mystic, but Kickboxing did make me feel great. I didn't loose weight, persay, but I lost size. Lots of good muscle tone. And the type of activity really complimented the meds. Very vigorous... self-defense type action. Made me feel very capable and self-assured.
It seems likely my dose is going to go up - and from the sounds of it - so will my weight.
I've been on Lex for at least 12 months now. Anyone out there been on it longer? How long has the drug been out? Do people plateau at a certain dose, or do you have to keep climbing?
Mo-T
> Hey Lexy ...how ya doing??...Do you do any kind of excersise I know that I'm worried as I climb the lader of the lex that I'm going to gain the weight as well...I do work out at least 4-5 days a week..I do arobics 3 days and lift weights 2 days..Is it in fact inevidible as we go higher with the lex that we are going to gain the weight..I have just upped my dosage to 17.5 and very worried about this...Also worried that my memory is just shot..I cant remember anything like what I did yesterday...Is this something that will go away?..anyone else had this problem?...thanks everyone...Take care...Your friend...Mystic
Posted by MoTucker on June 14, 2004, at 7:45:42
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
Hey Leira,
I can relate to the sleepiness. It does go away. Sometimes you have to fight the urge to nap and make yourself do something so it will pass. Just walk around the block or pick up the kitchen - you won't feel like doing it. But you'll feel better when you don't have the guilt of sleeping away the evening. When I go down for a nap - TROUBLE. I can lie there all day.
M.T.
> Hi! I'm new to this list as I am new to antidep. drugs, so bare with me!
> I just started using Lex about 2 months ago and recentely upped my dosage to 15. Although my Doc suggested this and even thinks I should maybe do 20, I'm experiencing some side effects that are driving me nuts (ha ha). I can't stop yawning and I could sleep forever, which is very unusual for me as I'm usually an insomniac. I took a 4 hour nap after work the other day!! I also have noticed some weight gain, about 5 lbs in the past weeks since I went up to 15, and I don't usually gain weight like that. I'm thinking I should go back to 10, as I wasn't doing too bad on that and I hate being tired all the time!! Any suggestions???
> Thanks!
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 9:51:43
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
Hi Nicko -
I'm just catching up on all the weekend's postings. Lots went on! Congratulations to you on coming out! I have several gay friends and most of their parents were more understanding than they could have imagined. I'm glad yours fell in that category.You have been under a lot of stress! Maybe the time is not right for you to try meds if they make you too anxious. The natural stuff can be helpful too. Look on the alternative babble part of the site for guidance in that area. It took me a year of trying meds, trying natural alternatives then deciding I was ready to try meds again. I'm pretty happy now, but it took some time. You'll get there :-).
Keep in touch and let us know your progress!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thank you Mrs, C and everyone else,
> Yes i still read some of the posts and I'm really glad and thankful for everyone's help, it has meant alot to me.
> But yes i had decided to get off the drugs, i wont be taking them anymore, i decided enough was enough and i am now on the road to facing my demons.
>
> Firstly after 30 years i finally came out and told my parents i was gay, WOW big one.lol, see one of the reasons my anxiety started was because i got sick a while back, and i thought i had a dreaded disease, HIV or similar, let me tell you that week of wait nearly killed and because no one knew about me being gay! i couldn't share my fears or concerns with anyone, all my results came back negative thank god but i was then told it isn't conclusive for 13 weeks and that i would need to be retested, so for 12 long weeks i worried, panicked, cried and put on a brave face infront of everyone, cause no one knew, but i started thinking negatively, im gonna die, i felt ashamed of myself and guilty. Well i got my results back again and all were negative again YAY but for some reason i couldn't let it go, what if its wrong, what if they made a mistake etc. I guess because thinking i was going to be positive for 13 weeks.
> So i had a deep and meaningful with my mum, i thought it was about time, i even told her about the months of worry and fear i felt!, she basically cried, more at the fact that i went through all that alone, she wasn't upset i was gay, she even made a joke and said GOOD i didn't want any more grandchildren.LOL Its weird to think after all these years of worrying, omg what if my parents find out, what if i see someone i know while im out with my parents etc, what if they hate me, what if it sickens then.
>
> So i have finally after all these years accepted i am what i am, i use to hate myself, i use to cry and say i don't want to be gay, but the truth is no one choses this, its just the way you are born or something, ive always known.
> I just cant explain the weight off my shoulders, It feels good.
> I know i have a long way to go, but i will get there, I might try some natural stuff and see how it goes, maybe St johns wort, But i feel most of the pain and suffering had a reason, it has been a tough year and i want to stop living this lie and see what happens, if after a few weeks or months i don't start to feel better, I'll go back to the dr for meds.
>
> I'm so glad i found you guys, you have helped me more then you know, giving you all a cyber HUG, would it be ok if i stay in touch?
>
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 10:17:30
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
Hi Leira ~
I did notice an increase in fatigue and weight gain when I increased from 10mg to 20mg. I've been on 20mg for 5 1/2 months and have now scaled back to 10mg, using 20mg only during my "bad" days of the month, associated with my period. The weight gain has stopped thank goodness, but I haven't been able to lose.I finally made an appt. with my doctor for this Friday to discuss alternatives. I thought I was tired due to insomnia. Well, the insomnia is gone, I'm sleeping well and I'm even more tired during the day than before - which means I have barely any energy for exercise. I'm not normally a gainer either, so this weight gain is an unwelcome surprise. I'll let you know if he finds a good solution for me!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi! I'm new to this list as I am new to antidep. drugs, so bare with me!
> I just started using Lex about 2 months ago and recentely upped my dosage to 15. Although my Doc suggested this and even thinks I should maybe do 20, I'm experiencing some side effects that are driving me nuts (ha ha). I can't stop yawning and I could sleep forever, which is very unusual for me as I'm usually an insomniac. I took a 4 hour nap after work the other day!! I also have noticed some weight gain, about 5 lbs in the past weeks since I went up to 15, and I don't usually gain weight like that. I'm thinking I should go back to 10, as I wasn't doing too bad on that and I hate being tired all the time!! Any suggestions???
> Thanks!
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 10:27:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:29:13
Ditto what Mrs. C. said!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey Mo, good luck at the doc tomorrow. Check in with how you are doing and what was discussed. Yes, we are very nosey and if you don't check in we will worry beyond belief! Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 10:38:03
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
Hi Mystic - I'm with you on the weight gain and memory issues. I would think with as much as you work out, you'd be able to maintain your current weight. Also, there are people like Mrs. C. who increased and haven't gained weight! My therapist says it's a 1/3 split: 1/3 gain, 1/3 stay the same and 1/3 lose (because they feel better so they don't eat junk and can work out). So, you may be in the other 2/3, not in the gain group! It's amazing how well 20 worked for me Mystic. Even now that I go back and forth between 10 and 20. I started feeling down & anxious Saturday evening, and realized it was 10 days out from my period - one of my "bad" times of the month hormonally I guess! So I took 20mg that night & yesterday, as my doctor instructed me. I felt better within a few hours and today I am fine. I'm over the hump for this month, so will go back to 10mg tonight.
The memory thing I don't know what to do about. I couldn't for the life of me remember the word bandana the other day. There's stuff like that and then bigger things that I blank out about. I'm not sure if it's getting better since I've gone back to the 10mg for most of the month.
Good luck and I truly hope you start feeling better soon. I think the increase will help you, I know it did for me!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by sexylexy on June 14, 2004, at 11:45:42
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
Hey Mystic,
I used to excercise a lot, run, do the elipitcal, spin classes ect. I do admit that since the end of grad school I have not done all I could do, I think part of my problem is that once I stopped excercising I also stopped eating well. I do think that lexapro had a part in weight gain but I have been able to loose weight too...
As for memory, I know for a while, mine was shot to hell, I had no memory recall...I could not remember someones name to save my life. I am not really sure when it got better but it did ...Hope I was of some help...my parents moved out of state today so I am totally out of it.
Love ya
Lexy
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 14, 2004, at 17:58:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 13, 2004, at 17:19:05
> In the meantime I've gotten my "The Language of Letting Go" book back out. That's one fantastic book...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 14, 2004, at 18:19:58
In reply to RE:: Nicko, posted by mystic on June 13, 2004, at 14:05:37
> Firstly after 30 years i finally came out and told my parents i was gay...
>
> nickoSorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups not about medication to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040611/msgs/356689.html
> I want you to come over to social..which is the Redirected Lexaproers as you are not on meds..Dr Bob will redirect you for talk other than or along with meds...
>
> mysticFYI, Redirected Lexaproers is another thread over at Psycho-Social-Babble:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/323847.html
But I didn't want to assume that follow-ups regarding coming out should be redirected there, so I started a new thread...
Bob
Posted by Leira on June 14, 2004, at 18:30:21
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by MoTucker on June 14, 2004, at 7:41:13
Wow! I had no idea I would get so much support here. Thanks so much, I've been dealing with these med ups and downs by myself, as it's hard to describe to my bfriend or someone who hasn't been on these meds. No one believes me when i tell them my dreams are CRAZY now. But I do appreciate the advice. I've gone back down to 10 as I'm just not interested in the weight gain and insane exhaustion and yawning. I'm gonna try that for a while, and hopefully I won't crash in the process. I'll let you all know how that's going!
Posted by Scribbler on June 15, 2004, at 9:46:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:29:13
Greetings -- I moved up from 10 mg of Lex to 15 mg last week and have been experiencing vision problems in one eye, dryness and blurring. No other side effects from the increase but I'm wondering if the eye-thing is worth seeing an opthamologist? If I weren't worried about my eye, I'd be feeling a whole lot less anxious!
Posted by captain on June 15, 2004, at 11:27:34
In reply to Lexapro and vision problems?, posted by Scribbler on June 15, 2004, at 9:46:32
> Greetings -- I moved up from 10 mg of Lex to 15 mg last week and have been experiencing vision problems in one eye, dryness and blurring. No other side effects from the increase but I'm wondering if the eye-thing is worth seeing an opthamologist? If I weren't worried about my eye, I'd be feeling a whole lot less anxious!
I actually just started on Lexapro 8 days ago and have had some weird vision problems in my right eye. A little blurry, not the dryness though. I moved up from 5mg to 10mg (I didn't think about the coincidence of that until you said it) so maybe that is what it is. It has caused me to be anxious too. Although I can tell the medicine must be working because normally that would cause me to have a full blown anxiety attack! I have a dr. appt in a few weeks - I will ask her about vision then - although I did read on the lexapro site that it is rare but blurred vision can be a side effect.
Posted by Allie26 on June 15, 2004, at 19:11:41
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by TJO on May 31, 2004, at 15:54:44
Hello...
I am hoping that someone could possibly help me. I am a recovering addict, taking Seroquel for severe insomnia (I have had it since 1997). I take about 350mgs. I have put on about 10 pounds from the Seroquel. I have tried almost all other non addictive sleep aids (trazadone, etc) and have no luck. I am so incredably depressed from the Seroquel weight gain. I am completely obsessing about it. However, I simply cannot sleep without it. I am really watching my diet, and I work a 60 hour week, but I am trying to exercise. I recently tried to add Topamax to help with the weight gain but I felt absolutely emotionally awful on the Topamax. Is there anything else anyone else out there has done? I am so depressed over this weight gain. Any advice would help. Thanks, Allie
Posted by sexylexy on June 15, 2004, at 19:31:52
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Allie26 on June 15, 2004, at 19:11:41
Allie,
I do not know a lot about Seroquels properties on the on apptite or metabolism, so I will give the only advice I can. I Finished called college two years ago and had gained 25lbs. I was "dieting" and felt as if I were gaining not losing weight. I started on Weight Watchers and learned that what I thought was dieting really was not. It is a very easy program because you can eat whatever you want, it just teaches you how to eat. I remember when I was "dieting" eating salads ect and not realizing how fattening they actually were... I would have been better off eating a burger in a lot of cases. It really just teaches you how to eat, and change your life style... I still ate chocolate cake every week, mexican ect but learned how to eat. I dropped all my college weight.
I am on lexapro and when I went up to 20mg I started gaining weight, I have dropped down to 5mg (as my situational depression is over and I just need help with anxiety) but have gotten back on the weight watchers and am watching the weight drop off again.
Good luck, God bless
Lexy
Posted by Ishrafael on June 15, 2004, at 20:09:37
In reply to Re: Poop out , posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 22:37:46
Delayed ejaculation... If I had been warned about this, I might have opted out of this program. I'm not pleased with this side-effect, and neither is my girlfriend.
I'm 36, and never had a problem like this. I started on Paxil, and this problem began. My doctor recommended Lexapro for its noted benefit with regards to this side effect --- but I notice no difference.
Sorry if this seems on the inflammatory side. Tis only my experience. :)
Now, the question is, how the heck do I get off of Lexapro. I went cold turkey WITHOUT lexapro, and got extreme dizzy spells. My doctor insists that I continue my treatment. (I've been taking it for nearly 10 months.)
I'm nearly ready for a new doctor.
~Mark
Posted by captain on June 16, 2004, at 7:31:00
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on June 15, 2004, at 19:31:52
Allie - I know weight gain is very depressing. I actually take 10mg of Lexapro for anxiety and although I haven't had the weight problem yet (only 10 days in and am hoping I won't) - I am also an instructor part time at my gym. I teach at 6am before I go to work. I also work long hours and that is the only time I can go. If you are committed to losing weight - I can give you a few quick tips. 1. Work out early in the am. You will feel great all day and it will keep you from wanting to "undo" the fact that you got up early by eating crappy during the day. 2. Lift weights! I know that a lot of people think that makes you bulky - but it actually burns a ton more fat than cardio. you should do both, but make sure you lift a few days a week. 3. Don't eat carbs at night. Just each chicken, a salad (no creamy dressings), veggies - whatever. Just no carbs as they turn into fat while resting.
I think if you can make a committment to those three things you will see a major difference in just a few weeks! Best of luck to you!
Posted by Allie26 on June 16, 2004, at 13:05:27
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by captain on June 16, 2004, at 7:31:00
Wow! Thank you all for your advice and help on the problems I am having with Seroquel. The suggestions are wonderful. I am hoping that I am able to implement them into my life.
Just FYI, about Lexapro, I took it and lost weight from it. I am not sure if it was from the Lexapro or because I was depressed and not eating, but I did lose weight. I am considering going back on it for this effect, paired with making diet and exercise changes.
Thanks again for all the suggestions and help...Allie
Posted by Tweek on June 16, 2004, at 15:37:10
In reply to Re: New Lex user » nicko, posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 9:51:43
Well, I'm finally on Day 8 (actually day 7, switched from evening to morning dose, but close enough), and starting to feel "funny" again. I had a good weekend, no funny feelings, but last night I started getting moody and just feeling strange. Woke up from weird dreams feeling agitated (not as bad as before, but enough to ruin my morning). I'm still on 5 mg/day. Is this normal as I keep adjusting to Lex? Or maybe my dosage is too low, even though it's only been a week? I'm seeing a therapist tomorrow, so maybe it's something that will just clear up after a bit of therapy. Been facing issues that had actually brought on the depression/anxiety that caused me to go on the Lexapro, so maybe it's just that. Hmmm...
Posted by Leira on June 16, 2004, at 15:45:30
In reply to Re: Day 8, new dosage?, posted by Tweek on June 16, 2004, at 15:37:10
I noticed after about 2 weeks on just 10mg that I was starting to get the "funny" feeling again and my Dr. suggested upping to 15 and then maybe even 20. He said that often 10 is too low for people, so I would definitely up to at least 10 or even 15 if you are only on 5. But definitely see what your dr. says first. i'm back down to 10 now bc of the side effects, so we'll see how that goes . . .
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