About Dr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D. Expertise I can answer a broad range of questions related to community pharmacy practice. My particular
interests include childrens` health and safe medication use for seniors. As the mother of two small children, I am quite knowledgable on many parenting issues from how to handle
a baby with colic to how to get kids to take their medicine. With regards to medication use in seniors, I can answer questions about adverse effects, drugs to generally avoid
in that population, and disease management issues.
Experience I entered the world of pharmacy as a technician for approximately six years. I then went on to receive my Doctor of Pharmacy degree and now work for the Federal Government as an outpatient pharmacist.
Publications Drug Topics Feb.2006 edition ("Why a Kiddie Corner Makes Sense"),
I also recently submitted an article to Pharmacy Times entitled "How to Help Parents Cope With Colic" which is scheduled for publication in the near future.
Education/Credentials B.S. Biology (Old Dominion University 1997)
Pharm.D.(Virginia Commonwealth University 2002)
Question i am to start lexapro this week. i used to take Effexor XR a few years back and i was fine with that medication and gained no weight at all. i'm just afraid to start the lexapro because 3 people i know that take it have gained 20 lbs plus. i am now 100 lbs. is it a fact that you will definitely gain weight or is it every individual is different? thank you, nicole
Answer Dear Nicole,
Weight gain with antidepressants is a concern for many people. The good news is that I really do not see that much of it. There are some drugs, such as Paxil, that tend to increase appetite more than others. Lexapro, in fact, often causes weight loss.
A lot of eating is psychologically motivated. For instance, in some people, once they are happy again they eat less. In others, when they feel happy and ready to take on the world, they eat more.
Bottomline: You may or may not gain weight with Lexapro. Chances are, however, that you won't.
