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Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Mon, 03/10/2008 - 23:43
I have been taking Lamictal for about a year and a half and Lexapro for a year. The past few months I have noticed I am having weight gain. I don't understand why I am gaining weight because I am a very active person. I go to the gym almost every day and work out for at least 30 minutes or an hour if I take an aerobics class. Some of my weight gain could possibly be muscle since I work out a lot, but I don't think it all is because my jeans no longer fit and I've had to go up a size. Also the muscle tone I had been gaining from working out itsn't as noticible anymore. Its like I have a layer of fat over it. I know it can't be my diet because I usually eat pretty well. I have never had weight problems before so I don't know how to deal with this. I am thinking it could possibly be the Lexapro because I have heard some antidepressants can cause weight gain. The thing I don't understand though is if it is caused by my meds than why am I just now experiencing it? Does certain side effects take longer to show up or does long term use of the drug cause increased side effects? Has anyone experienced this problem with either of these drugs? I can't quit taking my seizure med obviously, but I don't think I really need the Lexapro anymore since the main reason my neuro put me on it was because Keppra made me so depressed and irritable. I haven't taken Keppra in almost a year so I don't believe I need Lexapro anymore. Does anyone have any input on this?

Comments

Re: Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Submitted by kazza on Wed, 2008-10-08 - 05:03
Wow, I cant believe that so many folk have suffered weight gain! Ive been on Lamictal for 8 years and lost it if anything. I do suffer severe dizziness if I take my drugs close together, the odd bout of depression and my bowels do strange things some times!! But never any kind of influence on my appetite/weight. I set the alarm to take my morning dose at 4am so I can stand well when I go to work (believe me it is hard to do so confidently if I take them with breakfast) but this is the only serious side effect I have ever got.

Re: Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Submitted by gemstone1 on Mon, 2009-08-17 - 20:44

This site is great   .... you all have such insight into this matter. maybe if we put our head together we'll be able to figure it out.  It feels good to finally be able to talk to somebody   and get some real information instead of being shooshed about it by my doctors. 

 Peaches...I really do believe it may be the Lexapro that is causing your sudden unexplained weight gain....because that is exactly what happened to me.  Except....It was more when I stopped it cold turkey- I know not smart- ...but I felt so toxic I couldn't take it anymore. I gained the 25lbs and acquired that unnatural "Layer of Fat" look.  so annoying.  and now I can't seem to get rid of it.  My intestines are all messed up too. and god know what else.  I have 'fibromyalgia too.

There just has to be an answer.  I am thinking of trying either Topomax or Lamictal to get my seizures/ or mood disorder whatever it is under control.   _ I used to have petit mals- but was never tested because i didn't have insurance.  I took dilantin-felt great then they took me off it. I don't know why. some side effect maybe?  I feel like a guinne pig. I have insurance now..so  I'm going to try and get an actual real diagnosis from a neurologist.  mine all started from a very bad car accident in which my head got hit and I had severe whiplash. 

This is definatley not fun.  I wish the best to all of you.   maybe topomax is the answer?

Any more info on the glutamine?

 

This site is great   .... you all have such insight into this matter. maybe if we put our head together we'll be able to figure it out.  It feels good to finally be able to talk to somebody   and get some real information instead of being shooshed about it by my doctors. 

 Peaches...I really do believe it may be the Lexapro that is causing your sudden unexplained weight gain....because that is exactly what happened to me.  Except....It was more when I stopped it cold turkey- I know not smart- ...but I felt so toxic I couldn't take it anymore. I gained the 25lbs and acquired that unnatural "Layer of Fat" look.  so annoying.  and now I can't seem to get rid of it.  My intestines are all messed up too. and god know what else.  I have 'fibromyalgia too.

There just has to be an answer.  I am thinking of trying either Topomax or Lamictal to get my seizures/ or mood disorder whatever it is under control.   _ I used to have petit mals- but was never tested because i didn't have insurance.  I took dilantin-felt great then they took me off it. I don't know why. some side effect maybe?  I feel like a guinne pig. I have insurance now..so  I'm going to try and get an actual real diagnosis from a neurologist.  mine all started from a very bad car accident in which my head got hit and I had severe whiplash. 

This is definatley not fun.  I wish the best to all of you.   maybe topomax is the answer?

Any more info on the glutamine?

 

Re: Side effects of Lamictal and Lexapro

Submitted by Peaches78 on Tue, 2009-08-18 - 21:38

Thanks for the reply. I actually have found out since this original post that I have a sleep disorder as well as the seizure disorder. That was actually causing my weight gain! It turns out that even though I am unconcious at night, my brain is constantly waking up so even though I may be out for 8 hours, only half of that may be actual sleep. I starting taking Ambien at night to keep my brain asleep and I take Provigil during the day to increase concentration and focus. It has been a life saver!! I never realized how much difference sleep made in my life. I have gone back down to my usual size and I have so much energy now!

Thanks for the reply. I actually have found out since this original post that I have a sleep disorder as well as the seizure disorder. That was actually causing my weight gain! It turns out that even though I am unconcious at night, my brain is constantly waking up so even though I may be out for 8 hours, only half of that may be actual sleep. I starting taking Ambien at night to keep my brain asleep and I take Provigil during the day to increase concentration and focus. It has been a life saver!! I never realized how much difference sleep made in my life. I have gone back down to my usual size and I have so much energy now!

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