Posted by Lindsay Rae on February 14, 2004, at 14:03:12
I have read many of the posts about Lexapro and weight gain. I want to add my story to these posts, but I am on a medication that has absolutely, without a doubt cause me to gain weight. So what I want to know is, am I gaining some weight from one drug and more from another? I feel like stopping all meds, one at a time, because I would be a thousand times happier at a normal weight. Here's my regimine:
I am currently on 120 mg Methadone, I was on Zoloft but switched to Lexapro (which one is worse for weight???), I take 1mg Xanax at bedtime which makes me crave sweets insatiably, and I had a baby in September of 2002. I gained the weight after a year on Methadone and AFTER having the baby. I went from 145 down to 120 on a Vodka and Vicodin diet in 2001, and up to 150 with the pregnancy. After giving birth, this past year I've gained upwards of 30 more pounds, and I can't even stand to look in the mirror. I started the Zoloft one year ago. Does anyone think that some of the weight is from the antidepressants? Now that I have Medicaid again, I want to switch to one of those very expensive A/D's that my therapist mentioned (can't think of the names), that don't cause weight gain. As it stands right now, I'm 27 with a 17 month old baby whose dad just died in November, looking for new employment, hopefully at the local mental health/substance abuse facility. My self esteem has all but shattered, and the constipation and stopped menstrual cycle leave me bloated and uncomfortable. I have been happier lately, and I think switching from Zoloft to Lexapro may be the reason. But now that I'm actively looking for jobs that I'll be happy with, a task I've avoided for one reason or another since college graduation, that is a huge contributing factor to my newfound energy and positivity.
So the "chicken or the egg" riddle is what I'm working with now. Does the medication make me feel more confident, or am I feeling good as a result of taking steps towards a new life? I think I should reduce my Methadone dose, try to drop the AD's, and lay down after taking the Xanax, so I'll sleep and not eat cereal till 3 am. If I still don't lose weight, I don't know what I'll do. Something's got to give; does everyone agree that it is a combination of meds and activities that keep me gaining weight?
Sorry for rambling! I'd just like some unbiased input!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
poster:Lindsay Rae
thread:313270
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040210/msgs/313270.html