Posted by captain on September 1, 2004, at 11:39:40
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 21:56:37
Hey Mystic! I actually did gain weight on lexapro and am probably a good example of what happens. If you read the fine print, these drugs have the ability to slow down your metabolism (not everyone, but many people). As you may know, that is what determines how much fat you burn when you are resting (which means when you are not working out). Your metabolism already slows as you age, which is why it is so much harder to lose weight when you are 50 than when you are 20.
I am 28 and am training for a half marathon and teach a weights class at my gym. I have not had weight issues in the past 6 years since I got out of college and wasn't ordering pizza at 3am every night! I have gained about 5 pounds since starting the lex three months ago and I can tell it is because my metabolism has slowed drastically. I am running about 20-25 miles a week and I know my body really well and its reaction to exercise and this is abnormal.
I got off of the lex about a week ago after tapering down and have already lost about 2 pounds and expect to see a change in my metabolism in the next 2 months. It can take as long for it to change back as it did to initially change it. I know many think I am nuts to quick lex over 5 pounds, but that is a lot on my frame and causes my clothes not to fit and for me to not be very happy! I love food and I hate to puke so I would never have an eating disorder! I just like to be in charge of my weight thru fitness and the SSRI's messed that up! :) Besides, having only been on for three months wasn't giving me much hope of what was to come weight wise in another year of taking lex!
So it rarely has to do with a lack of exercise or feeling better so you are eating more - it is more about how it effects your metabolism. Many are fighting an uphill battle while on SSRI's.
Again, this is my story and my knowlege from being a certified personal trainer so take it for what it is worth!
best of luck to you!
Captain
poster:captain
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040830/msgs/385226.html