Lexapro question

[youngpatient]

Has anyone gotten constipation from Lexapro? I don't know if it's my IBS acting up or if it's the Lexapro. I'm only on 5 mg though.

[bunnykinb]

How long have you been on Lexapro and has it made you hungry?

[youngpatient]

I've been on and off Lexapro for about a year and a half. Yes, it has definitely increased my appetite, and has made me gain weight.

[vm]

I have been on it for a few years and haven't noticed constipation, but it may be a side effect for others that I just haven't had. Have you looked at the side effects listed at www.rxlist.com ?

I gained weight on it as well. Bleh! But I was able to lose all of it on South Beach.

[bunnykinb]

Another person I PM has been on Lexapro for 5 weeks now and has lost 15 pounds of the weight she put on with Elavil. But, I know everyone is different. I am getting awful hunger pangs on Elavil but so far haven't gained weight.

[yvette]

I know that both Lexapro and Celexa can trigger an attack of IBS-D.
In particular, SSRI anti-depressants (Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft and Paxil) stimulate serotonin production and can trigger severe IBS attacks in diarrhea-predominant patients, but they may be helpful for constipation. Conversely, tricyclic anti-depressants (such as Elavil) have the best track record of success for reducing diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms, but patients with constipation are usually not treated with these drugs because of the possibility of exacerbating this symptom. Tricyclic anti-depressants tend to be anticholinergic – that is, they block the activity of the nerves responsible for gut motion. The long-term consequences of taking low-dose anti-depressants for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are unknown, and this is a matter that should be discussed with your physician.

[kiffy313]

Hi
I've been on lexapro and celexa both, (not at the same time). I usually have IBS-D, but have not had trouble with it. I think it is because I am also on a pain mgmt med daily, and those usually have the side effect of "slowing down" the GI tract. When I tried anything other than Paxil in the past, I always had diarrhea, so I think it is the pain meds that are making the difference. I have not had any significant weight gain. But, when I am stressed, etc. I tend to not eat...Good luck to you all,
Kan

[jen48446]

The only thing that happened with Lexapro for me was fatigue! Wellbutrin constipated me so bad I had to stop taking it. Hope this helps :angel: :cat: