Lexapro and Weight Gain

[Mac2016]

Hi all,

After being diagnosed with KS last summer, I ended up with severe depression. I couldn't sleep or eat. It was a horrible place. My doc prescribed Lexapro. Things got better. It really did. I begged for a higher dose and then a higher dose. I loved it. I felt like me again. BUT, I found I could eat at the drop of a hat. Haagen Dazs became my best friend. At 5'8, I was nearing the 200 pound mark. Yeah, I was happier, but none of clothes fit. I wore sweats everywhere. This wasn't me. I use to take pride in my appearance.

So, last week, I decided to quit cold turkey. After a few brain zaps and some headaches, I actually feel better again. Some insomnia....but not too bad. I'm not depressed anymore, life is good. I've even lost a pound or two since last week. I'm on a good track.  I have to say, Celexa was worse withdrawing from. Lexapro was a bit easier.

Am I recommending that others try this?.....NO. I've been dealing with anti-depressants since 2010, I knew what to expect. I do recommend talking with your doctor to see what he/she thinks. Withdrawal from these pills can be tough. I don't know if it's true or not....but I heard that  anti-depressants block insulin in the body....hence the weight gain. I can't afford this, as diabetes runs in my family.

If you're thinking of stopping anti-depressants....get a doctor's advice first. They can wean you off a little at a time. Next, I just have to stop drinking diet soda.

Thanks for Listening,

Robbie

[BT65]

Robbie, not all antidepressants cause weight gain. I have been on Wellbutrin for years, plus Prozac and have not had weight gain.

Robbie is correct in people who want off antidepressants not stopping cold turkey. Robbie I'm not sure why you did this either, but you seem to be doing well.  If someone is on an antidepressant and wants off or to change, please consult with the doctor prescribing it.  Thanks.

Betty

[Mac2016]

Hi Betty,

Thanks for your response! I tried Wellbutrin in 2012. It was like being on speed for me. The Celexa slowed me down and made stress tolerable. I became argumentative on Wellbutrin.

I have a problem with thinking I know more than my docs. When I was diagnosed with HIV in 2010, I thought I didn't need meds....I just thought I could wish it away. How naive. I guess I still have a lot to learn. I'm still doing the same thing to an extent.....only with my mental health. Although, I would never stop my HIV meds. I'm super compliant.

This past summer, the KS really threw me. There were lesions everywhere....including my face. I freaked. I became reclusive. I even went as far to find out where to get a beekeeper's mask so people wouldn't know what I had. HIV became real. It wasn't just an invisible illness. This is what I had to deal with.  I was petrified. I thought every pain and every cough would mean my demise. I lost my armor. The Lexapro gave me what I lost. I was told my HIV meds would take care of the lesions....which for the most part it has. They're fading. I've realized how precious life is to me, and I now need to cherish my health. Yes, it was a wake up call. I stopped smoking and decided to take care of myself. Maybe I found the silver lining to HIV...if there is such a thing. I will do whatever it takes to preserve my gift of life. (please excuse the corniness).

Thanks for listening,

Robbie

[BT65]

Robbie, we all have struggles with acceptance of our having HIV.  I've been positive for almost 30 years.  When I was diagnosed people were dying all around me.  I personally went through the wasting syndrome. I was 5'10" and got down to 80 lbs. I had Hospice care, had drawn up a power of attorney and made arrangements to have someone tale my daughter, who was 7 I believe. 

I took the meds back then as well as I could, which was very difficult. The meds were not what they are today.  I couldn't be 100% compliant because of the harsh side effects. Now I am compliant with my meds. 

I'm glad you're doing well. KS is a bitch, everything untreated HIV can cause is a bitch.  I'm glad you chose life.

Betty

[Mac2016]

Hi Betty,

I am so glad you are still here....and things got better. I shouldn't complain at all. My struggles have been nothing in comparison to yours. 30 years ago the meds were questionable and scary.  Today, we are lucky we have what we have.

So, I had lesions! It almost seems laughable. HOW VAIN!! At least my viral load was going down and my CD-4 level was slowly rising. It was a small price.   I am slowly learning what's important and what isn't.  Everyday, is a life lesson. I'm trying to learn to no longer take small things for granted.

Again, I'm glad you're here, to calm us nervous newbies. I've read your posts and they are comforting and informative. We are all lucky to have you as a resource.

Thank you,

Robbie 

[RobbyR]

I just cannot tolerate anti depressants at all. My body chemistry just hates them. I tried Paxil, it made me a sweaty, hazy mess, and I couldn't go to the bathroom for days. I tried Zoloft, it made me feel wired and grinding my teeth all the time, and couldn't sleep at all. Then, Lexapro. By far the best of the three, made me feel great, but the nausea was pretty bad initially. Then I just couldn't get any sleep on it and I was forgetting everything. I also felt really wired on it. Couldn't think straight, was kind of like I was moving in fast-motion. I also got a ton of belly fat and couldn't go to the bathroom on it.

So now I just refuse to take any anti depressants. A low dose beta blocker and xanax as needed work well and I feel in control. And have gotten lean again!

[harleymc]

Hey Mac, glad the corner has been turned.
Depression and anxiety had caused me to stop ART, so getting motivated about KS was a sign that I was ever so slightly getting ready to re-engage with the world on my terms.

KS was a wake up for me too. It faded fast after I recommenced my antiretrovirals but it's taken three years to get back into wearing short-sleeves and shorts in summer.

Good luck for the future.

[Mac2016]

Me too, I couldn't shake the depression to save my life. The Lexapro got me through. I started to tolerate stuff better than I did.

I've weaned myself off as of last month. I was gaining way too much weight. I'm wondering if it's the Lexapro or the Triumeq....as the weight is very slow coming off. My tolerance for stuff is better. I try to keep busy.

I'm basically eating one meal a day.  I'm losing the belly. Still a 32W. My clothes are all 30W. It's slow.

I need to start running again!

Cheer me up!

Robbie

[owt]

I'm on the same situation, i just can't believe there's a lot of people out there taking HAART and doing their life very easy.

in my case i'm on Paxil and Klonopin... since 5 years ago,  i used to take 20mg of Paxil and 1mg (half pill) of klonopin and i was feeling ok but since i started HAART my depression and my anxiety went very bad, and i just cant stop eating. i had to increase my depression meds to 40mg of paxil and sometimes 2mg or 3 mg of klonoplin! (because of insomnia) my doc is ok with that, but i just cant feel like the old me, im always so tired, starving, depressed all this since i started the HAART.

i know i need to get an adjustment of my psychiatric meds so i'm seeing a new doc very soon but i don't know what's the problem if i have to get used to live tired and depressed the rest my life.

so sorry for being such negative, but it is the way i feel

Hector.

[Jim Allen]

Hector,

I would expect some weight gain to be normal as you only started HAART recently and have had a bumpy road, you body is still working on recovering, and adjusting.

Focus on the good side and keep taking your medication and continue treatment for the other issues your facing.

Do however keep engaging with your Doc and make sure to let them know how you are feeling and doing mentally as well as physically. Mental health and well being is very important. Also some meds and combination can really have an impact on your mental well being so do flag this.

Jim