For a while I took Lexapro to help with my anxiety issues. It made me gain 30+ pounds. So then I was depressed about my weight gain and stopped taking the medicine. I really would like to start taking an anxiety medication again without the weight gain. Has anyone had any good results with other medication? Thanks in advance for your help!
Zoloft had really helped me with my anxiety. I haven't gained any weight while on it.
Good luck
I had panic disorder during my college years. I had a script for Xanax that I took only when I really needed it. I also went to a really good therapist who's focus was anxiety problems. Through her I learned some really good relaxation tecniques so I could calm myself down when I started feeling anxious, before it got unbearable. I also read a book she recommended, but for the life of me I can't remember the title or author :(
That was nearly 20 years ago, and I haven't had problems with anxiety since. Best of luck to you :)
I was on Lexapro for over a year. I was able to lose all my baby weight while I was on it. Maybe get your thyroid checked because I dont think weight gain is a side effect to lexapro.
I also was on Xanax for a short time. I have a pretty stressful job- most of the stress coming from my boss. I was on a half tablet of the lowest dose as needed- usually one, once per week. I found it allowed me to not feel overwhelmed or attacked and to just focus on the work I needed to do. I have also worked with a counselor through my church. Sometimes, just having someone who can help identify the real issues and how to work through them can be a tremendous help!
i take clonazapam (sp) PRN at night....took Vistaril for a month based off another mama saying she took it & it was non-addictive, but i didn't see any difference in the knot in my stomach or racing thoughts, so i asked to stick to only clonazapam. don't take it much but very thankful for it when i do. course, i also have anti-depressants, but just telling you about my anti-anxiety one since that's what you were asking about. :)
good luck, finding the right combo for each individual can be lengthy. :)
hang in there....you'll find it. :)
I started anti-anxiety medication about 2 months ago. I actually went into the Doctor's appointment thinking I had high blood pressure. The Doctor said it was uncontrolled anxiety after keeping a blood pressure log for a month. Anyway, he first put me on Zoloft which I liked but it made my sex-drive non-existant. So he changed it to Buspar (Buspirone) which is for anxiety only and did not have the sexual side effects. I take 5 mg in the morning and then again at supper-time. I've been taking it for a month. It has helped a lot. However, if I take it too close to bedtime I have very vivid and weird dreams. Hope this helps!
I am taking the Lexapro and have lost 23 lbs. Have your Thyroid checked. It should not cause weight gain. I believe you have other things contributing to it. If you need meds take 'em.
I am on Lexapro as well and haven't gained any weight from it, I also take Visteral (good for both allergies and anxiety) and Xanax (.5mg low dose) and that helps out with the anxiety and stress. I have also taken clonazapam (.5 mg low dose) and that helped out but with being on that one for 2 years I needed to change to something else.
Like what some of the other posters have said check out your thyroid and see if that is working properly.
Sarafem - I have not really had any side-effects. I take a very low dose, 20mg.
I used to take Lexapro & it worked well for me and my anxiety. After a few years off of it (for pregnancy), my new insurance wouldn't cover it. So, I switched to Zoloft. It's worked well for me too. Good luck.
This is not a question that any one can answer. their is no one special medicine. it may take time to find the right med but keep at it and you will get it. it took me over a year
I'm on 40 mg of fluoxetine for anxiety and ocd. I don't have any weight gain issues but it is really affecting my sex drive. It has definitely helped with anxiety but I see my dr. in a couple of weeks to take about the side effects.
Helps one thing, then hurts another. I hear it is hard to find one that works, but has side effects you can live with.
I take Lexapro (20mg) a day but it's more for my depression - it never really helped my anxiety (it also didn't make me gain weight). I now take Buspar for my anxiety (15mg twice a day). That seems to help but if I need a "quick fix" when the anxiety gets bad quickly, I can take Klonopin, which helps right away but isn't recommended for long term use as it can be addicting.
Best of luck to you. This anxiety stuff is really tough. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or just want to talk. :)
I had that same problem and tried Wellbutrin. I actually lost 30 lbs but at a cost. Wellbutrin is not for everyone. I know some who take it and do great. Their weight stayed steady and it helped with their anxiety and depression.
I didn't do that great. Gave me horrible migrain headaches and I was dizzy all the time. I did not have an appetite. Some days I only ate half a sandwich and had to force myself to eat that.
If you can be one of the people that I mentioned in my first paragraph then it's a great anxiety med. Every drug is different for people. You stated you took Lexapro and gained weight. I found that one works for me. Been on it 6 months and I acutally lost 5 lbs. Kind of trial and error. Good luck to you.
