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Midwest Alice · 05-10-2009, 07:36 AM

Hey MJo, Is lexapro covering the depression? If so you need to weight out the weight gain and the depression relief. Weight gain is a side effect of many antidepressants but some may be worse for you than others. We have many choices, just like we have many chemo choices its just finding the one that works best for you.

I gained a lot of weight on lexapro. Then depression started breaking through and I was desperate for relief .I changed to effexor because it worked years ago when I went through my divorce. I now have lost 16 lbs of the 40 I put on. My life is so much better since I went back on effexor I kind of wish I would of done it years ago.
Effexor is from a different drug family and is considered a step up from the lexapro family. I read somewhere that effexor may lessen the effect of chemo, but it was guessing not fact.
I am sorry I am running on about this…. Anyway… If you decide to look for different meds a good Psychiatrist is worth their weight in gold.
At some point I need to learn about a new drug I heard about in 08. They were saying this new drug was showing great success for cancer survivors because it not only had benefits for depression but also anxiety.
We have another thing in common MJo; I too have to have my antidepressant.
Make it a great day!

05-10-2009, 07:36 AM	#2
Midwest Alice Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 455	Hey MJo, Is lexapro covering the depression? If so you need to weight out the weight gain and the depression relief. Weight gain is a side effect of many antidepressants but some may be worse for you than others. We have many choices, just like we have many chemo choices its just finding the one that works best for you. I gained a lot of weight on lexapro. Then depression started breaking through and I was desperate for relief .I changed to effexor because it worked years ago when I went through my divorce. I now have lost 16 lbs of the 40 I put on. My life is so much better since I went back on effexor I kind of wish I would of done it years ago. Effexor is from a different drug family and is considered a step up from the lexapro family. I read somewhere that effexor may lessen the effect of chemo, but it was guessing not fact. I am sorry I am running on about this…. Anyway… If you decide to look for different meds a good Psychiatrist is worth their weight in gold. At some point I need to learn about a new drug I heard about in 08. They were saying this new drug was showing great success for cancer survivors because it not only had benefits for depression but also anxiety. We have another thing in common MJo; I too have to have my antidepressant. Make it a great day! __________________ Alice 04/08 age 50 III IBC Her2+++ ER/PR-8cm 14/14 Double M, Body and Brain CT/PET clear, ? on spine,Muga 53 06/08, 4 A/C, Neulasta 08/08, Herceptin/tax 12 every week 10/08, CT/PET clear, ? on pelvis, hips, MUGA 43, started Enalaprial for heart, Herceptin every 3 weeks 11/08 33Rads; 12/08 MUGA 48 2/09 MRI spine and bone scan, old mets to spine, Chest x-ray, blood work, IV NED,regular CPAP use,Zometa x6, first -flue like symptoms 2 days;Herceptin x3; stage 2 lymphoedema..sleeve and glove 4/09 Brain MRI - CLEAR; MUGA 54 7/09 chest ultrasound, 10/09 PET, brain and spin MRI NED Herceptin only. MUGA 59!!! 1/11 Hip replacement 7/11 Hip 2 replacement 4/12 4 years!! Herceptin 6/12 start reconstruction finish in 12/12 2/14 Herception - 6 years!!! 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."