Med Induced weight gain..

I've been on Effexor XR for over 10 years at 225mgs daily. Yes, I have tried others but Effexor does the trick, except it affects the libido and I cannot lose the weight.  I have never used diet drugs or any weight loss type OTC meds. I take multi vitamin everyday with B Vitamins 12 and 6 plus Omega 3 etc. I just do not know what to do to keep the weight down.  Yes, I am very active and I don't binge. I allow myself 1 day a week to eat what ever I want, but not over eat. In other words, I really don't eat alot. My kids worry that I don't eat enough. I can't use the "fake sugars" because I have an allergy to them..my dentures + fake sugar equals a very sore tongue. I don't drink soda at all..just tea and coffee, some juice and water.  Fruits tend to do the same to my tongue..Yes, the doc told me I'm allergic to my own dentures, weird. So, what do I do? I think I would have to run a marathon every day just to lose a lb a month. It's worrying me as I am getting older now (pre-menopausal)and nothing seems to work.  Any suggestions? (I'm in very good health, other then the extra 50lbs)
Nana

[castelfrontano]

You may wish to do some internet research on anti-depressents.  Wellbutrin is well known for promoting weight loss.  The question is whether Wellbutrin is effective as your current medication.  Surfing the internet with questions regarding the drugs you are taking is interesting and informative.  Walking the treadmill 30 minutes a day, five days a week may help.

[lifesux_thenyoudie]

Yes I've put on weight too.

I heard somewhere, and really feel that endep made me bloated (as well as a few other things) I'm on lexapro now and feel too queezy to start exercising or doing anything much at all, So maybe Lexapro's not the right drug for me and I may stop it and see how I cope..just to lose weight and feel better - currently I feel sick which is hardly the point.

Depression makes me lethargic -a loss of energy, thats for sure, so its hard to do much at all and well its not rocket science is it, the antidepressants make me feel well enough to eat - but not well enough to work out  so putting on weight is a natural consequence.

I think we seriously have to work out too - I read  on this forum the amount of exercise one has to do to combat the bloating effects of endep was significant....I believe that - as I once rode my bike for 2 hours solid and weighed the same as when I started!
No I didnt drink much water either !! I cant work that out.

When i quit smoking I read a mantra that went " the weight can wait" I've kept by that - its no good getting upset or relapsing because of weight gain. Maybe keep that in mind in our case too.

Societal expectations are getting worse too. It used to be advised by my national health bureau to exercise 3 days of the week - then it went up to MOST days of the week - now its EVERYDAY of the week! They dont even know what they are doing!

When are we supposed to do that? Just quit work and exercise everyone. Wheres the policeman - He's working out with your surgeon and your dentist!  Sorry but I'm a practical person and theres only 24 hrs a day. Yeh I been called cynical too.

And we are innundated by images of good looking models selling us stuff etc (and they are always so goddamn happy!) Truth is we are all going to die and they are paid to smile

If you are in good health and not depressed  despite your conditions, ask yourself why do you want to lose weight? You clearly dont eat much!  My advice is try not to worry too much perhaps "the weight can wait"

[JG525]

Nana- Also, have your thyroid checked.  Sometimes, we assume it's the ADs, but it might not be.  I've heard of people combining Wellbutrin and Effexor or Wellbutrin and Prozac and that is supposed to help sex drive and weight, but it doesn't work for everyone.  Talk to your doctor.

[Hensley258]

You say that you have been on Effexor for 10 years?

The reason I ask is because I know in my case that 10 years ago (regardless of my meds) it was very easy for me to lose fat and weight.

I'm 40 now and it takes huge effort to lose fat. I blame this more on my age rather than the 4 medications I'm taking.

If indeed Effexor is causing you to retain weight then just do what I did.
I counted my carbohydrate gram and would only allow myself 60 Grams or less a day. Even this 60 grams had to be whole grain (no potatos)

I then replaced the carbs and sugar with more meat. You eat any and all meat you want no limit. Even pork is ok. Cut out all fruit. Then work out 1 hour 4 days a week. Don't be afrade to use weights and do lots of cardio.

Combine those two things and in three months you will drop fat like crazy. The hardest part is the Carb depravation, but after about three weeks you will adjust and the cravings fade.

Doing this forces your body to use fat as fuel rather than carbs because there are no carbs for you body to tap into for energy. That's when the body says "hey, looks like we have to burn this fat for energy." Once that starts to happen you will drop pounds like crazy.

Some people call this a diet, for me it is a lifestyle. There are times when my depression does not allow me to go to the gym. It's harder for us depressed people to get motivated to get up and lift weights or workout, but it can be done if you force yourself to do it.

The key is consistancy which is very hard to do.