I really need to be on Lexapro for anxiety but I'm terrified I'm going to gain weight. What can I do?

Question

I exercise 5x a week for an hour and I eat fewer calories than I need. Is this going to be enough?

I'm already on it now, but I had wanted to go off. So even when I'm on it, I worry about weight gain. Personally, I'd rather be anxious than not have any control over my weight despite exercise and healthy eating.

Answer 1

Weight gain can be an unfortunate side effect, although it's relatively rare. If you find that Lexapro is causing you to gain weight, ask to be switched to a different anxiety medications. Since they don't all have the same chemical makeup, they won't all give the same side effects.

Answer 2

It MIGHT. Typically, antidepressants can intent a few minor weight attain. I'm beautiful certain there are not any meds so as to relatively make you attain a obvious quantity of weight.. until it is a capsule supposed to take action. Try watching up "facet influences of lexapro" on google.

Answer 3

Like someone else just posted, look into using another SSRI such as Zoloft or Prozac. If the weight gain is causing you increased anxiety, then perhaps it is not good for you anyway. I would ask your doc about a benzo such as Xanax or Ativan to take on an as needed basis for anxiety...since those have no weight gain side effects. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

Yes, all the drug does is make your body feel like it needs more energy ie: Carbs. so if you keep exercising & watch what you are eating and drink tons of water you can lose weight. But you may want to consider trying to get off the meds and try an alterative method such as acuputure. Anxiety is a normal part of life and can be used to your advantage.

Answer 5

Don't starve yourself, Hollywood has enough eating disorders to make up for the rest of the population. If your doctor has discussed this with you then I'd keep in close contact with them so that if you do need to discuss weight gain then they can already be aware of your worries about the medication. If you are adamant about the weight gain then I'd suggest talking to your doctor about alternatives like Klonopin or Ativan.

Answer 6

When it comes to your mental well being I think you should really consider putting aside your vanity a little bit. What are a few pounds compared to being able to feel calm and put together instead of feeling wired, anxious and stressed out all the time. Is keeping of a few pounds really worth it?

Answer 7

so what if you gain some weight its better than being a mess. you are already panicking about taking this med and you haven't even started taking it. I think you need it.