Effexor XR 300mg + Reductil 15mg Co-prescribed

[Purple477]

Hi there, I have been on Effexor XR 300mg for a number of years plus Avanza at night. These meds have been very effective until the last few months when I've slipped a little. I am morbidly obese and that has been getting to me as well. My doctor has now taken me off the Avanza at night and prescribed 15mg Reductil to take with the Effexor in an effort to perk me up a bit and help with the weight.
My own research, the pharmacists concerns etc are making me think that this combination would not be advisable.
As my sugar is also starting to be a problem, I did suggest to my doctor that perhaps metaformin would be a better aid to assist with the weight issue.
I would really appreciate some more informed advice on this subject and the likelihood of serotonin syndrome.

Thank you so much
Toni

[Purple477]

Yes, I've been reading about them. Unfortunately there is always a down side with side effects isn't there! And as I've just returned to university for the umpteenth time, I can't afford to lose cognitive function. Already I can feel that the Reductil is interfering with my gray matter!  Have just come back from having a 2 hour glucose tolerance test and that was really awful too!  Oh for a magic wand!

[azalea82]

Topiramate and Zonisamide are anticonvulsants used off-label for mood stabilization.  Both associated with weight loss, but can cause cognitive slowing as a side effect.  

[Jennifer646]

Hi Purple477,
I would also look at Effexor XR as part of the weight problem as well. I was on the medication for about 5 years. I went from a size 7 to a size 13 in that time. I was not eating more just the same, exersized, and other daily habits had not changed. I do realize that it may not be the sole contributor to weight gain but for me it was. It has taken about a year now to get to a size 9 and I have done nothing different to shed the weight then I did before taking the medication. I gained weight in places I've never gained weight before especially in my chest area and my hips causing the "muffin top" effect. I would suggest talking to your doctor about reducing the milligrams if possible. Effexor is an awful drug to be weaned off of though so make sure to ask your doctor about the risks.

[Purple477]

Hi Azalea,
I suggested Bupropion(Zyban in Australia) but it can only be prescribed for smoking addiction. I agree with you though that research looks promising in this area and it would have been a safer option, but doctors have their own regulations I guess.
Thank you for your advice nonetheless and best wishes.
toni

[azalea82]

Avanza (mirtazapine) is associated with weight gain.  Have you tried Wellbutrin (bupropion)?  It is an antidepressant associated with weight loss.  Wellbutrin is likely safer to use in combo with Effexor than Reductil (sibutramine).