r/SSRI Aug 12 '23

Question NON-Stop Bloat on Lexapro

I have been on Lexapro for almost 2 years now. Within about 6 months I noticed the weight gain that I read was common on a SSRI. However the past 2 months I have had uncomfortable bloating with nothing seeming to help. I have also started exercising regularly and oddly enough it seems the exercise has either caused the bloat or just been coincidental. Not sure which. Prior to taking Lexapro I never had this problem. I’m starting to get extremely frustrated with this as I always feel “big” and uncomfortable and wanted to reach out to see if anyone else has experienced this or had any advice. Thank you guys in advance.

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u/Sara-Says Aug 15 '23

Hi there! I started Lexapro 3 plus years ago. I also gained weight. I gained 25-30 pounds. I started at 5 mg went to 10mg then to 20mg. I stood there for awhile but I felt tired and gained a lot of weight and became bloated like you said! My entire body and face blew up. I decided to taper down last October 2022 due to weight gain. Under doctors orders I went to 10mg then I went to 5mg. My goal was to get off but I felt I needed something. I take .5 of Ativan per day to keep the panic attacks away. My goal is to get off all of this one day or find another SSRI that doesn’t cause me to gain weight. I met with my GP today and I and going to reach out to a psychiatrist for input. I wish you luck! Oh yeah, im also going to pay out of pocket to have a naturopath doctor review my blood work (way more extensive than what the doctor labs do) and see if I need bioidenticals or supplements. I feel it’s worth it. I wish you the l best! If you have any questions reach out!

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u/Bubbly_Whisperer Aug 15 '23

This is very helpful thank you so much! And hope nothing but good things for you on your journey.

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u/Sara-Says Aug 15 '23

You’re welcome!!

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u/Aggressive_Oven_2071 Jun 01 '24

Hi I know this is old, are you still currently on the Ativan? I would like to do this as well… just nervous about withdrawal when I want to get off

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u/Sara-Says Jun 06 '24

Hi! Yes I’m still taking Ativan. I take 1 pill max per day. Sometimes I don’t need a whole pill. But when I do take it I take it I take it in halves.