Citopralam or whatever its called and weight gain

[swanthingafteranother]

Dr has put me on 5mg of cipralex for social anxiety and depression, [as well as recommending CBT]
I am feeling very pleased with myself for losing weight recently, running etc (last two weeks) and that has been a positive move forward - feeling more in control etc, better about myself etc.. Is it definitely the case that I will GAIN weight on citalopram - I'm just wondering how to avoid that side effect, because the thought of that is making me anxious now !!!! I associate comfort eating with mild depression and I don't want to fall back into that trap.
Or is it a metabolic change that makes you put on weight?

I actually lost about 5 lb on citalopram- so fingers crossed for you.

Thank you Talking

anyone who gained weight, why do you think that was a side effect? Was it just that you felt hungrier for some reason?

Hi
I think cipralex is escitalopram. It's similar to citalopram but not quite the same thing. Anyway, I've been on escitalopram 10mg for over 18months. I've gradually gained about 2 stone over that time. It has increased my appetite. I've shifted half a stone in the last six weeks but am finding it hard going.
Aparantly weight gain isn't a recognised symptom of this drug but the scales are telling me different.

I've never been overweight before in my life so a 2 stone gain and a bmi that tipped over into overweight is a bit hard to get used to.

I will start running again when I can find the energy and motivation!
That said, I'd take a few extra pounds over crippling depression any day

Good luck with your meds, I hope they work well for you

Thank you accidental, I suppose I just wanted to know if I had to be wary of increased appetite etc.
I'm glad the meds made you feel better. I've found running in a small way to be amazingly satisfying, instant endorphin after a hard slog managing Ikm...and then finding it easier every time. Never been a runner so it is a revelation.

So far I'm only on day 2 of the cipralex which as you say is esc...feeling just nervous it will have side effects. Hoping as you say, that increased cheeriness will make it worth it.

Weight gain isn't a given. You may not gain any. I found escitalopram really good as far as side effects are concerned, the weight gain has been my only problem.

After months of no appetite it was a novel feeling to be enjoying my food. I'd also lost a lot of weight in hospital and dropped to around seven stone. I made up for it big time!! Can't blame the meds entirely they didn't force me to eat a family sized bar of fruit n nut every night

I used to run and really enjoyed it, must start doing it again

2 days is very early days. It took a good few weeks for it to kick in for me.

Hello OP, Im on Lexapro, which is also escitalopram. (Im actually glad to have found some other people taking it as I havent so far!)

ive been on it for nearly a year (god, never thought id say that) but am only taking the minimum dose every other day now as I really want to come off it.

Anyway, what I wanted to say was I didnt put on any weight, and havent really come across any side effects, that Im aware of.

i also second the exercise as a natural mood enhancer!

thank you for your reassurance Daisy. I know loads of people (internet though rather than RL) who have been or are on Citalopram, so don't worry about that.

how is it different in its effects? I thought it was just a variant so that drug companies could re-patent it, and charge more? That's according to wiki, so probably not necessarily true.

i've been on citalopram for nearly 3 weeks now. it's early days, but i found it started working after a couple of weeks, and AT THE MOMENT i think i have a decreased appetite :)
hope you find it works for you, swan