antidepressants

I gained a lot when I was on Lexapro. It really helped with the panic attacks but my self esteem took a dive bc of the fast weight gain. Im currently on Celexa and that has really helped with the weight loss. When I first started it I had no appetite. I was actually naseaus for 2 weeks or so. Now its all good (:

How long did it take you to get your appetite back? I'm taking fluoxetine.

that stuff worked for awhile and then it flucked me up.

How long did it take you to get your appetite back? I'm taking fluoxetine.

I'm on fluoxetine too, it lowered my appetite for about 1 1/2 months then it came back with a vengance and i gained 14lbs

I'm on fluoxetine as well. When I first started it I also noticed a decreased appetite. My appetite did come back, but I can't remember how long it took.

In the meantime, try to eat some calorie dense foods when you can eat - peanut butter, avocado, full fat cheese. That should help some.

I didn't lose my appetite on fluoxetine or any other antidepressants, so I dunno.

I'm on Cipralex which I think is the Canadian equivalent to Lexapro.
I found for the first month or so I could barely eat anything but now I eat normally. Usually anti depressants take 1-3 months to get adjusted to.
I have gained a bit of weight but I think that's due mainly to the fact that I was eating only every two or three days when I was depressed and then when I got used to the Cipralex I started eating properly eventually.

I'm on Cipralex which I think is the Canadian equivalent to Lexapro.

Correct...same drug just marketed with different names

Fluoxetine has been associated with weight loss in studies, as opposed to other SSRIs. It also has a longer half life, as well, so it kind of sticks around longer.

I have been on Citalapram for about 2 years..and it doesn't mess with your head, you don't feel like your in a fog, you still have your own feelings..just not the depression type feelings..it has been amazing for me..gave me the energy to get off my *kitten* and start getting my life back..

I take effexor cr for anxiety and it is pretty good. No weight gain. Been on it for years. Maybe if you still experience the problem
You might as about it.

I was once prescribed an antidepressant that made me nauseous. Not just a little, but I would take it and feel queasy and like I was going to throw up for HOURS. I lost 10 pounds in less than 2 weeks because I wasn't eating because the mere thought of a meal made me want to vomit. My doctor decided I was intolerant and took me off immediately. Some people have side effects that are just side effects....but your system could really hate what you are taking. Talk to your doctor and don't quit taking the medicine until you do.

I thought this would be helpful for some people searching (as I have done myself):
It took me a little while to decide to take it after reading side effects and I thought I had made the wrong decision during the first two days but I'm very pleased with the results on day 3.
With respect to diet- it curbed my hunger. I can understand why this is a drug for anxiety and OCD- it kind of chills you out. If binge eating is a result of your depression I think it will stop. However if you tend to eat more when you are happy then I believe you may gain weight. Side effects are different for everyone. I disagree with many people that Cipralex will make you gain weight. I think it depends on the root cause of your eating and exercise habits.
I am an emotional eater and I only exercise when I'm happy. This helped temper my emotions to stop binge eating and made me feel a lot better- less anxious and able to get out of the house and move.

My experience:

Background: Chronic depression, OCD (washing hands, cleanliness, orderliness), ED (prior anorexia, bulimia and binge eating). Have been able to manage all in the past and none of them too prominent but there is a rare occasion where they will surface.
Medication: Cipralex 5mg/day
Reason for taking it: Depression - unable to leave bed, unable to do work and binge eating.

Side Effects:

Day 1-2: Dry mouth, feeling "high", lethargy, yawning, dizziness, "zombie" effect (All slight but serious enough to not be able to work). Noticeable numbness to general social anxiety. Apathy. Appetite suppressed. Don't really know the difference between tired or hungry. Slight nausea.

Day 2: Realization that my OCD has disappeared and able to cope better in social situations. Stopped obsessing and actual inability to dwell on one idea.
Feeling more positive about my body-image. Inability to dwell on negative thoughts.
I notice that I didn't even realize how much OCD I still had. I thought I had recovered/ successfully managed it because I didn't wash my hands constantly anymore and I didn't seem to notice my hyper-cleanliness as a problem. I didn't think it got in the way of my work/lifestyle. However, on Cipralex I notice that I don't even think of those things anymore. I can handle a sink full of dirty dishes and not feel compelled to clean it right away or feel dirty or guilty for not cleaning it right away.
I also notice that I do not think about food anymore or obsess about it. I used to spend a lot of time thinking about food (what to eat, how much to eat, counting calories, finding something that would satisfy my craving, figuring out WHAT I was craving etc). I notice I don't experience guilt around food. I don't feel bad for eating something not nutritious. I don't overeat and I don't restrict my choices to food (more willing to try new options or options I would not have been willing to try before).

Day 3: Feeling amazing. Not sleepy and a lot of energy without caffeine. Motivated to get up and get out of the house. Much more social and want to connect with people. Still not doing work (in fact, I'm writing this instead).
I am finding social situations easier and I have more competency in navigating normative social situations. Talking in a cheerful manner much more easy.
Feeling of hunger returns and I notice that I can eat for nutrition again. I don't feel like overeating. I feel fine about not finishing the food on my plate.
I feel more social. I want to see people and feel good talking to them.

Yeah, when I was on Zoloft it made me really jittery and have no appetite whatsoever. Weight came off easily without me even trying.

When I went on Remeron, however, it made me gain 20 pounds in 3 months. Supposedly Remeron is what they give to anorexics to eat more. I just went on it because its anti-anxiety effects are AMAZING, and I actually slept through the night for once. Once I went off it, though, my weight came off quickly. I went from 160 to 138 in a few months. My anxiety got worse though. I don't know...I guess there's a trade off.

I've considered going back on some form of medication again, but I'm kinda too scared to mess with my brain. I like feeling normal and not "numbed" to the world like I was. Not to mention the sexual side effects were just awful.

I coul have written this post. I take Ativan as needed and that's all I take now.