Hi all, was on Paxil last year for a year and it worked great for my anxiety! No side effects except the dreaded weight gain. Within that year I gained 20 pounds easily ! Anyway I went off in Aug and of course the anxiety has returned and I am just not a happy person to be around--I am a SAHM of 4 kids under age 8 incl 3 yr old twin girls and I can't stand that I yell so much and am so impatient. My Dr has told me to try LExapro 10mg that the weight may stay off but I am worried--anxiety of course--- is it better to be fat and happy? I still am about 10 pds over from the Paxil too. I also am on Topomax for migraines and I know that that can cause some weight loss--whata bummer-any advice would be great-thanks so much CHris

Hi Chris,
I'm going through the same thing as you right now...with the yelling at kids and I'm just not my bubbly self.
I would gladly pack on a few pounds in exchange for less anxiety. I've tried several AD's and they gave me AWFUL side effects. My doc will not prescribe any benzo's so I'm screwed until I see a psych in April.
I would definatley say yes it is better to be fat and happy. But who knows, you might not gain a pound!

Kristi

I have been on Lexapro for almost 8 weeks now...no weight gain, actually some loss, but I have been watching my diet as well. My appetite has been reduced.

I gained an inch on Lexapro (I do not weigh myself as a recovering anorexic), but I was taking 20mg a day. I asked my dr. to cut my dose to 10mg, and then add Wellbutrin during the day to help me lose weight and not be so tired. I think I am starting to lose the weight now. I think most of the weight gain was because I was so sleepy at night that I reduced my exercise after work. But you never know - individual reactions to medications are different. Good luck! Anxiety is not fun, and I'm glad that it has been significantly reduced for me through medication and meditation.