![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2765 to 2789 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Luziluna on May 2, 2003, at 10:40:20
In reply to New to Lexapro - Vertigo, posted by Valerie on May 2, 2003, at 7:43:43
I have had off and on vertigo for years, way before I ever started on any SSRI- your experience sounds just like what I have experienced. It's very disconcerting isn't it? I am on Lexapro- 5 mgs- and had a bit of dizziness with it early on- not actual vertigo, but enough to make me sit down for a minute or so. That has pretty much subsided now- what dose are you on? If you think it's related to the Lexapro- call your doctor- it may be your dosage needs to be adjusted. The one thing I've learned about these meds is that they have very different effects for everyone, it seems!
Also my vertigo was most definitely related to stress and anxiety. I have made many life style changes in my life in the last year- namely leaving a very stressful job situation- and I have seen a marked difference in my vertigo attacks! So, it may be that the temporary increase in anxiety that often accompanies SSRI's contributed to the vertigo.......but definitely call your doctor to check it out... Good luck
Posted by Valerie on May 2, 2003, at 10:49:55
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro - Vertigo, posted by Luziluna on May 2, 2003, at 10:40:20
Yes, I have had anxiety attacks in the past, but nothing severe. I am taking 5mg a day of the levapro.
I just got back from the doctor because the room has been spinning off and on all morning. He is putting me on Valume for the next few days and if it isn't better by tomorrow he is going to stop the levapro. I don't want to stop the levapro because it has been doing so well for me but I can't take this spinning. He had me spinning in his office so badly I almost hurled on him :o)
Thanks for the advise.
Posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:49:47
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH » Dysfunk, posted by DC on May 2, 2003, at 6:41:31
> > Just a comment on pricing of meds: my pharmacist says that until this drug is officially approved by my insurance company, it will be a higher price. I guess that is how all new drugs are. Once they become more commonly subscribed, the price drops. But then, there is always a new one that dr's are pushed by their pharmaceutical reps to subscribe for their patients. It is a business.
>Just to let you know, my insurance picks up I guess you could say most of the cost, but I am still responsible for $17 co-pay or difference. I think that is alot of money!!!
> I am not sure what the normal price is for Lexapro, but I can tell you that my insurance does cover the prescription and I pay $25.00 per refill.
Posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:55:20
In reply to Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
> Help! I have always had a very high metabolism and have maintained the same weight for the last 15 years. I started Lexapro about 3 months ago and immediately gained 10 pounds. The weight gain seems to have stopped but I cannot lose the pounds. Of course, I have never really dieted either but I do have healthy eating habits, sleep enough, exercise, etc. What do I do? I love the medecine and what it has done for me but as a recovering food addict it is very hard for me to to handle uncontrolled weight gain. PS I was a healthy weight before the meds. Now what????
>
> Hello-I started Lexapro in January of this year and have been doing great. At about the same time I started the lex, I started working out like crazy! I read the Billy Philips book, "Body for Life" and started to follow the workout agenda in the book, but add more to it. I also followed the weight watchers eating agenda and lost weight. I lost about 10lbs and have maintained it. My workout included, running in the morning 5 days a week on an empty stomach. Then weigh lifting 3 days a week with 20 min of stairmaster. Then, 3 days a week of horsebackriding for 1 hour per day and then on my days off walking at least 30min to 45min. I think I should have lost alot more weight considering everything I have done. Let me know if this helps you & good luck!
Posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 17:25:48
In reply to Re: Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:55:20
> > Help! I have always had a very high metabolism and have maintained the same weight for the last 15 years. I started Lexapro about 3 months ago and immediately gained 10 pounds. The weight gain seems to have stopped but I cannot lose the pounds. Of course, I have never really dieted either but I do have healthy eating habits, sleep enough, exercise, etc. What do I do? I love the medecine and what it has done for me but as a recovering food addict it is very hard for me to to handle uncontrolled weight gain. PS I was a healthy weight before the meds. Now what????
> >
> > Hello-I started Lexapro in January of this year and have been doing great. At about the same time I started the lex, I started working out like crazy! I read the Billy Philips book, "Body for Life" and started to follow the workout agenda in the book, but add more to it. I also followed the weight watchers eating agenda and lost weight. I lost about 10lbs and have maintained it. My workout included, running in the morning 5 days a week on an empty stomach. Then weigh lifting 3 days a week with 20 min of stairmaster. Then, 3 days a week of horsebackriding for 1 hour per day and then on my days off walking at least 30min to 45min. I think I should have lost alot more weight considering everything I have done. Let me know if this helps you & good luck!
>
Suziq4 - Thanks for the feedback; it does help to hear that weight gain isn't necessary on this drug. You are working out a tremendous amount. I will check out Body For Life. Did you start the regimen because of fears about Lex/weight gain?
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 4, 2003, at 10:56:46
In reply to Re: Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:55:20
> I read the Billy Philips book, "Body for Life" and started to follow the workout agenda in the book, but add more to it.
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 Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
In reply to Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
thanks for letting me share...
Posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
In reply to Re: New user, posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 0:25:20
has anyone else gotten a rash from lexapro?ive only just started it recently,and got a rassh on my forehead after the first two weeks,so my shrink told me to stop it for a week and go back on it.just curious does it normally do this sorta thing,or does it sound like an adverse reaction?
Posted by blkvettes on May 4, 2003, at 19:15:41
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
> has anyone else gotten a rash from lexapro?ive only just started it recently,and got a rassh on my forehead after the first two weeks,so my shrink told me to stop it for a week and go back on it.just curious does it normally do this sorta thing,or does it sound like an adverse reaction?
Hi there, this is a possible side effect and dont know if it will go away in time. The company would know give them a call. Do you have a fever when this happens
Posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
> I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
>
> So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
>
> thanks for letting me share...
I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
Posted by BridgetteK on May 5, 2003, at 8:44:06
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
I am new to lexapro as well. I started taking it about a month and a half ago. I am now up to 20mgs and will probably go up I Still have anxiety not as bad tho. The side effects i've been having is the non stop yawning and no period. It has tho helped my depression tremedously but I do start seeing a therapist next month. No weight gain tho. My weight is always up and down anyways.
Posted by EGR on May 5, 2003, at 8:46:42
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
I haven't gained on Lexapro. I gained while I was depressed and on Effexor and haven't necessarily lost it all. I was taking 20 mgs. of Lex, but now am down to 15.
Re:mkvelocity... I wouldn't worry about seemingly taking more than others... I know of one person who posted here several months ago who was on 80 mgs a day.
EGR
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
Posted by Okpolosi on May 5, 2003, at 9:44:40
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
> has anyone else gotten a rash from lexapro?ive only just started it recently,and got a rassh on my forehead after the first two weeks,so my shrink told me to stop it for a week and go back on it.just curious does it normally do this sorta thing,or does it sound like an adverse reaction?
I had a rash on my back and arms, 2nd and into 3rd week of taking Lex. It did go away along with all the other SE's.
Posted by DC on May 5, 2003, at 10:08:52
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...I am on 20mg of Lexapro daily and it seems as if I have actually lost weight. I am fitting into shorts that were getting tight and no longer are. But, I guess you could say that I am also OCD with my weight and have had past eating disorders. I joke that I am just a walking eating disorder. LOL I probably wouldn't still be taking Lexapro if I had started gaining weight. I haven't been working out as much as I used to either. So, if you are still walking and working out you shouldn't have any problems with weight gain. Best of Luck. DC
Posted by valerie on May 5, 2003, at 10:26:48
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
> I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
>
> So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
>
> thanks for letting me share...
I gained weitght when I was depressed but now I seem to have stabalized and I anticipate losing it when the vertigo subsides. I am currently taking 5mg.
Posted by brandij on May 5, 2003, at 11:31:53
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by valerie on May 5, 2003, at 10:26:48
no weight gain here, i've actually lost several pounds due to not eating for comfort.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:56
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
i have not gained any weight .... maybe lost a little.
been taking 5mg since march 6 and upped to 10mg april 9 ....
30mg seems a little high, but i have read here of folks taking that much before.
seems like at least one was taking more.take care!!!! (hey! to blkvettes)
~ jim
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:21:32
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
Luziluna, Hi! I have the same disorder, body dismorphic...but I have never had eating disorders. Needless to say, I too was freaking out by my Lexapro weight gain. I gained about 8 lbs. Part of me thinks it is constipation. Anyway, I broke my leg and can't work out and was panicky that I would blow up. It hasn't happened! I actually have lost weight (7 lbs). I attribute it to muscle loss, but I think also what happens is that the carb cravings and other unpleasant side effects of Lexapro subside in time. I noticed I am not sweating as much, which is much more pleasant on crutches. Don't worry, try to be aware of what you eat and why. Don't give in to the cravings, and try and stay regular (if you are constipated).
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:22:49
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
I went out in the sun recently for the first time since the fall, and I got a rash only on the right side of my body- arms, legs, stomach. It was strange. I wondered if it was the medicine???
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:29:48
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH » Dysfunk, posted by DC on May 2, 2003, at 6:41:31
On my plan, generics are $10, brand names are $20, but Lexapro is $30!!!!! It is bullshit!
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:33:20
In reply to Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
The medicine tends to slow the metabolism, cause I am in the same boat- work out regularly and gained 8 lbs. I would watch what you eat....see what makes you gain weight- carbs? And cut back on portions until things stabilize. Also, I don't know how old you are, but I have noticed every 5 years or so after 30 I put on weight. Your metabolism could be slowing down.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:38:01
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:49:47
What is so frustrating is when you are switching over to a new medication and have to keep buying different mgs of the same medicine. I was on Effexor for a while and had 3 diff scripts for when I was increasing the dosage and when I was withdrawing. Plus, I am on Prozac (generic- finally). Of course we want relief, so we do it, but do our $180/hr shrinks realize all this trial and error is costly to us patients???
Posted by blkvettes on May 5, 2003, at 12:55:06
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:56
Hi back at you and a special take care also!!!!!!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:01:18
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!! » Luziluna, posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:21:32
> Luziluna, Hi! I have the same disorder, body dismorphic...but I have never had eating disorders. Needless to say, I too was freaking out by my Lexapro weight gain. I gained about 8 lbs. Part of me thinks it is constipation. Anyway, I broke my leg and can't work out and was panicky that I would blow up. It hasn't happened! I actually have lost weight (7 lbs). I attribute it to muscle loss, but I think also what happens is that the carb cravings and other unpleasant side effects of Lexapro subside in time. I noticed I am not sweating as much, which is much more pleasant on crutches. Don't worry, try to be aware of what you eat and why. Don't give in to the cravings, and try and stay regular (if you are constipated).
hi dysfunk,
you broke your leg ?!?! ...oooouuuch!... pobrecita!~!
i feel for you ... seems you're taking it well.for constipation: try metamucil *capsules* ... good stuff.
(although i'm taking them to protect against hemorrhoids .... it works!)kisses to your leg,
~ jim
Posted by leeran on May 5, 2003, at 13:41:09
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!! » Dysfunk, posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 13:01:18
"for constipation: try metamucil *capsules* ... good stuff."
Jimi -
Is this stuff addicting? (she asks, as she takes three different mood affecting medications and one sleeping pill . . . and obviously needs a fifth pill for whatever makes her talk about herself in the third person)
Lexapro creates the most annoying PRESSURE in those nether regions. How can my spirits lift when my bowels are adrift? These are the questions that haunt the two-week Lexapro user.
Anxiously awaiting your reply -
Lee
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.