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Effexor and Weight Loss/Gain
Has anyone taken Effexor and, if so, did you experience any weight related side-effects.
I am worried about gaining weight and will not take this medicine until I find out. I'm just scared because SSRIs cause gain. Even though this is not an SSRI, it could cause weight gain.
I am worried about gaining weight and will not take this medicine until I find out. I'm just scared because SSRIs cause gain. Even though this is not an SSRI, it could cause weight gain.
I started on 75mg of effexor5 years ago, then upto 150mg, then to 300 and then finnally upto 450mg per day for several years. During this time I also took lomax for 12 months and a small dose of Zyprexa 2.5 - 5mg for about 3 years. Over time the effexor became less and less effective and eventually even the 450mg was doing nothing. Doctor changed the 450mg of effexor for 150mg of Prstiq.
While on effexor I gained 20KG over all. I especially gained weight while taking effexor and Zyprexa together. I have stopped the Zyprexa as I thought that it was responsible for the weight gain and refuse to take it.
My psyc has told me that it was more then likely the high dose of effexor that caused the weight gain and not the small dose of Zyprexa.
I am still on the Pristiq and Zoloft in the am and now trying Tegretol at night. I am sick and tired of taking all these medications and pumping chemicals into my body and my bipolar does not seem to get any better.
I wish there was just one tablet to treat this condition. I tried Respiridone, Side effects nearly killed me, Tegretol doesn't seem to be doing much. Now having liver problems from all the chemicals it has had to cope with over last few years.
The only time I ever felt good was while taking Zyprexa. It is a miracle drug and kicked in after only 2 days. Thinking about dropping everything else and just taking Zyprexa.
While on effexor I gained 20KG over all. I especially gained weight while taking effexor and Zyprexa together. I have stopped the Zyprexa as I thought that it was responsible for the weight gain and refuse to take it.
My psyc has told me that it was more then likely the high dose of effexor that caused the weight gain and not the small dose of Zyprexa.
I am still on the Pristiq and Zoloft in the am and now trying Tegretol at night. I am sick and tired of taking all these medications and pumping chemicals into my body and my bipolar does not seem to get any better.
I wish there was just one tablet to treat this condition. I tried Respiridone, Side effects nearly killed me, Tegretol doesn't seem to be doing much. Now having liver problems from all the chemicals it has had to cope with over last few years.
The only time I ever felt good was while taking Zyprexa. It is a miracle drug and kicked in after only 2 days. Thinking about dropping everything else and just taking Zyprexa.
My Doc. just precribed me the generic form of Effexor XR, It's called Venlafaxine hcl er 75 mg cap. It was $145.00 but My insurance covered it. If you get an rx card from cvs or even through an online source for free it can cut the price in half. My Doc. said it will give me energy and help me lose weight as well as help my chronic pain and depression. Good luck :)
The suckiest part of this side effect of Effexor is that you lose your appetite but gain weight. I have been on Effexor for 6 yrs. now (37.5mg), and I eat the least amount of food that I have ever eaten in my life, but gained 30 lbs. and weigh 205 now!!! I've also read (on the warnings label) that it can actually make you anorexic!!! Think of that, a fat anorexic person! But hey, I guess anythings possible, right?! LOL!
Anyways, if you can, please avoid taking ANY prescription drugs--Especially psychological drugs!
Anyways, if you can, please avoid taking ANY prescription drugs--Especially psychological drugs!
Ive never had a weight problem. I was on Lexapro for years and it never caused a bit of weight gain. It was truly a miracle drug. 2 years ago, it stopped working and I had to find a new antidepressant. I tried Wellbutrin, zoloft, cymbalta, but nothing worked until Effexor. I didn't think much about weight gain, I have always had great control over my weight. I was taking Effexor with abilify. I started gaining weight with no change in eating habits. It was apparent that my metabolism changed. I was taken off abilify and put on a new treatment addition for depression -- levothroxizine. I had my weight down a little. Then I blew up in a matter of weeks. Going from 120 to 138 in 7 months. I am ashamed to leave my house. None of my clothes fit and I am more isolated than ever. My breasts, arms, back and stomach have become so big. I also have become lethargic.
Not only don't I eat more or have a bigger appetite, I follow a rigid diet. It's as though my metabolism is non-existent. Even with a thyroid medicine and Dexedrine add medicine which speeds metabolism on its own.
I have come to believe that it is the Effexor. My Weight gain is so severe that my quality of life is pitiful. I don't want to have sex with my fiancé because I feel so unattractive. It's been months. I stopped leaving my house altogether. Exercising in my home mini-gym. The problem is the Effexor works.
I am so unhappy. Has anyone successfully switched meds from Effexor to another anti-depressant and lost weight?
Not only don't I eat more or have a bigger appetite, I follow a rigid diet. It's as though my metabolism is non-existent. Even with a thyroid medicine and Dexedrine add medicine which speeds metabolism on its own.
I have come to believe that it is the Effexor. My Weight gain is so severe that my quality of life is pitiful. I don't want to have sex with my fiancé because I feel so unattractive. It's been months. I stopped leaving my house altogether. Exercising in my home mini-gym. The problem is the Effexor works.
I am so unhappy. Has anyone successfully switched meds from Effexor to another anti-depressant and lost weight?
Thanks for the time frame to expect this weight to come off after quitting Effexor. You said 6 months. I took Effexor for 8 mos.
I've been off for 2 , and still nothing(re weight loss). I gained 20 lbs on this in 4 months! Brought me to 142 lbs. The heaviest I'd ever been in my ENTIRE life (high school) was 127. Im 39 years old. Now I'm 142 lbs. Wtf? Weight neutral they say? Up urs
!( at shrink) "well it getting older..." We GRADUALLY get older. ie You don't go from 16yo to 50 yo in 2 months! The Medical Community needs to come off their high horses.
I read from another lady (also my age, weight, and healthy lifestyle) ) who goes off and on Effexor . She said its always 3-4 months for weight to normalize and that it just rolls off. If I don't see some improvement at 4 months I'm getting thyroid checked. On a positive note- Effexor DID zap my anxiety. So kudos there. It's unfortunate this weight came with it. Thanks to all on this board for sharing.
I've been off for 2 , and still nothing(re weight loss). I gained 20 lbs on this in 4 months! Brought me to 142 lbs. The heaviest I'd ever been in my ENTIRE life (high school) was 127. Im 39 years old. Now I'm 142 lbs. Wtf? Weight neutral they say? Up urs
!( at shrink) "well it getting older..." We GRADUALLY get older. ie You don't go from 16yo to 50 yo in 2 months! The Medical Community needs to come off their high horses.
I read from another lady (also my age, weight, and healthy lifestyle) ) who goes off and on Effexor . She said its always 3-4 months for weight to normalize and that it just rolls off. If I don't see some improvement at 4 months I'm getting thyroid checked. On a positive note- Effexor DID zap my anxiety. So kudos there. It's unfortunate this weight came with it. Thanks to all on this board for sharing.
Hey guys,
I just wanted to let the people on here know that everyone is different and their bodies respond differently to certain medications. You need to go by what your doctor says and what your body is telling you. My three cousins have gained a tremendous amount of weight while on this drug and are finding it very difficult to lose. It is mostly because they have insane cravings for junk food. This could be because they are no longer depressed and aren't so stressed that they can't eat. Those who lose weight might be the ones who eat more when they are depressed, so they lose weight when they aren't. We just have no way of knowing what the body's response will be. I used to hate the idea of antidepressants, but I will never doubt my need for them again. I am on Wellbutrin and have lost 17 pounds in the last year. I am glad that the weight loss has been gradual, because it will be easier to keep it off. I was a stress eater and had to have food in my hand at all times or I became anxious. Now, I am able to eat and be satisfied. I don't think about food 24/7 anymore. When I was on lexapro, it was the opposite, all I could think about was food. Just give what your doctor says a try, even if it is effexor. If it doesn't work for you, talk to your doctor. Communication is very important. Your doctor will understand that weight gain can lead to further depression...if he/she doesn't, find a new doctor.
I just wanted to let the people on here know that everyone is different and their bodies respond differently to certain medications. You need to go by what your doctor says and what your body is telling you. My three cousins have gained a tremendous amount of weight while on this drug and are finding it very difficult to lose. It is mostly because they have insane cravings for junk food. This could be because they are no longer depressed and aren't so stressed that they can't eat. Those who lose weight might be the ones who eat more when they are depressed, so they lose weight when they aren't. We just have no way of knowing what the body's response will be. I used to hate the idea of antidepressants, but I will never doubt my need for them again. I am on Wellbutrin and have lost 17 pounds in the last year. I am glad that the weight loss has been gradual, because it will be easier to keep it off. I was a stress eater and had to have food in my hand at all times or I became anxious. Now, I am able to eat and be satisfied. I don't think about food 24/7 anymore. When I was on lexapro, it was the opposite, all I could think about was food. Just give what your doctor says a try, even if it is effexor. If it doesn't work for you, talk to your doctor. Communication is very important. Your doctor will understand that weight gain can lead to further depression...if he/she doesn't, find a new doctor.
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