Lexapro-worth a go?

Hey everyoneI'm increasing my calories slowly but surely. I've been hitting 1800 calories consistently for the past week. I feel huge and bloated and just wan to normalize my body! Anyway, I'm considering Lexapro to help with my negetive thoughts and obsessions. Anyone have any experience with this? Also, if you were or are still on it are you able to maintain a healthy weight? I've heard a ton about Lexapro causing exessive weight gain. 

I have negative "obsessive thoughts" and lexapro stopped them about 95%. it also stopped me having nightmares. I did not gain weight..in fact I lost a bit of weight during the time i was on it (on purpose by counting calories). I'm not on it anymore but it really helped me gain control of my life at a critical time.

I'm actually not sure it's a side effect, but it made me really really sleepy. Often to the point where I'd fall asleep (almost pass out) about 10 minutes after taking it. Finally my doctor had to put me on something else as well (which is used for narcoleptics). I'm not taking either now though. I found that I did gain some weight, but like other said, it was worth it to not feel that way.

I was on lexapro for almost a year.  I was on it for uncontrollable emotions.  It made me feel a whole lot better.  But after I had gained 50 lbs I took myself off.  I am still well in contol of my emotions, even with extreme tough times and have been off for 13 months.

I had an uncle that went on it when he was overweight and lost alot of weight.  So I think that it is a very individual thing.

If your doctor says so give it a try and see how it works.

I've been on Lexapro for about 2 years now- I have severe anxiety and depression issues and every time I try to wean off of it its a nightmare.  Weight  gain I don't know sure I gained weight but it could be from not eating right, medication being lazy or just getting old.  I can't really blame the meds

Original Post by charles_angel:

I'm actually not sure it's a side effect, but it made me really really sleepy. Often to the point where I'd fall asleep (almost pass out) about 10 minutes after taking it.

The same thing happened to me, years ago. The doctor switched me to Celexa (that might be spelled wrong) and it was the chemical inverse of Lexapro (if I'm remembering correctly) -- it wound me up to the point of uncontrollable shaking and insomnia.

I ended up settling on Zoloft, which I took for three years.

Vicvic: I'd say, when in comes to any perscription, the side effects are different for every person. You just have to take the time to find out which works for you(and that can take months!).

Be ready for anything and make sure to have at least one supportive and understanding person close to you! It can be rough!

I have been on ad's for 3 years now since one of my children passed away.  I probably should have been on them most of my life - I always had negative thoughts and would think of the same junk over and over - so I am glad that I don't have that problem anymore.

I have tried Lexapro and then Prozac and then back to Lexapro.  I am now on Wellbutrin and must say at first it was a bit rocky - but now I feel great and am loosing the 50 odd pounds I put on during the lexapro and prozac period.  Wellbutrin as controlled my appetite and fixed my thoughts.

Everyone is so different, for me I always do my homework first - I research a medication - because I want to be well informed.  Dr's will often not even know themselves.

If I want to get my brain chemistry right it takes a few things  - exercise is one of the most important I believe - low dose meds and knowing that you will not feel this way forever.

Good luck - it will work out as it is meant to.

i am on lexapro currently. i can't really judge if it has worked or not, because when i took it i was at a really high stress job that i hate, and i am happier now that i am at a better job so i can't really tell if the lexapro played a part in that at all...

i did not gain any weight and in fact went down to my lowest weight while on it.

I tried stopping it but, got massive headaches and so i continue to take it.

My husband has been on it for about a year and has not gained.  He is much easier to live with now tho!  I agree with glendaus, excercise and walking specifically helped me as much as when I was on Prozac.  Good luck!

Lexapro never made me gain weight, in fact, by being less depressed and anxious, it made me lose wieght because I was motivated to restrict calories and up exercise. 

The only side effects I noticed was a dry mouth for a while, headaches for a few days when I upped the dosage, and a little less sex drive for a while.

Lexapro is totally worth it! I say, go for it.