Zoloft weight gain and Effexor weight loss

I have gained almost 20 pounds on Zoloft. I was put on it for post-partum depression. I now weigh more now practically than I did when I was pregnant. I told my doctor that I wanted to quit antidepressants. I am not depressed, just anxious. She told me to try Effexor. I am hesitant to try it because I am afraid of more weight gain. Is there anyone out there who had a lot of weight gain with Zoloft but then switched to Effexor and had success at weight loss? I currently exercise regularly and watch what I eat. Thank you for your answers in advance.

[MMahon]

The thing I think you need to ask yourseff is what is more important, your weight or being anxious?   Anti-depressants are quite effective for anxiety, since anxiety is common in depression.  Most antidepressants have weight gain as a 'side effect'.  A lot of it I think is because when you are anxious and depressed you can lose weight or have poor appetite.
I know that I never knew how well food could  taste until I started on antidepressants many years ago.  And YES I gained weight! :-)
You go to the doctor for their expertise, take their advice if you trust them.
Good luck

[4Maddie44]

I gained a lot of weight on Effexor, so I stopped it.  Then I became really ill with depression, so have been put back on Effexor and am gaining weight.  I will not stop taking this medication now, and it suits me well, I just have to accept that I will gain weight.  I lost masses of weight when I stopped the drug, but was very ill, so I think it better to be well and put on weight

[kathyjo270]

Im going thru menapause, severe depression, first was paxil, but was so dizzy fallin over alot! So effexor, well it bee 1 1/2 yrs, Im not depressed but I have gained 25 lbs, so now Im FAT!!!!!!!!!! Im weaning off, ive been taking one 150 mg every other day , this is the 3rd week, and I feel my world closing in on me yet again, crying.... no reason. Fat unhappy??? thin and misserable, sucidal??????? tough call
I used to be so slim, Im 47, i looked 32..... now Im just fat!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know boohoo.
this is the worst time of life...............

[4Maddie44]

It is such a problem.  Stop the medication and get depressed again, or take it and put on weight. I had same dilemma.  I don't know the answer.

I lost a lot of weight when I came off it but I had completely lost my appetite.  I became very, very, depressed within a year.  Now I am gaining weight, but I feel so well.  My appetite has increased.

All I know, I don't want to be ill like that again.  What a position to be in.  What do we do?

[yvonnealderdice]

Hi,

Its really just trial and error with antidepressants. SSRIs are notorious for weight gain.
Dutonin which is now banned never changed my weight, was put on citalopram and gained 3 stones over many years, although gradually, not instantly. Put weight on with prozac, others lose weight. No weight gain with trazodone although it gave me a fast pulse.
I am currently on setraline/zoloft and so far no weight gain.
I think different ones affect different people in different ways as with the side effects.
Try to persevere or if you have a good doctor ask to try other antidepressants until you find one that suits you.
I know through experience that weight gain makes your depression worse, whether on antid's or not.

All the best.
Yvonne x

[babydollynne]

What do you thnk about fluanxol injections weight gain or weight loss?

[babydollynne]

I use to be sIze 0 now I'm sizE 8 fluaxol injections,sertraline,zeldOx&litium any advise would be help full