Effexor and Weight Loss/Gain

[Jenlynne]

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.

[trump55]

I found this discussion after looking for a correlation between effexor and weight gain.  I am glad to see I am not the only one.  I started taking the generic version of effexor (venlafaxine) about a year and a half ago after experiencing prolonged post partum depression.  It had been a year after giving birth to my fourth child.  I was steadily losing the baby weight.  As soon as I started taking this pill I havent lost a pound since and only gained.  I'm 32 yrs old and in the past have had issues with bulimia and anorexia, but for a long time i've been on a good course of diet and exercise.Now the only thing making me depressed is my weight and lack of libido.  When i started effexor i weighed 155 and now i'm at 172.  I'm not a couch potato.  I have 4 four kids between the ages of 3 and 8.  I do zumba twice a week and cardio and weights other 2 days.  I cook at home from scratch, no processed crap.  I've had blood work and tests done, thinking it was my thyroid, but its not.  The only thing thats left is that pill.  I have decided to come off this med and see how it goes.  I am fearing the side effects, because I've experienced them before when I went away for a long weekend and forgot to take my meds with me.  Thank you to all for sharing.  I will post again with any updates.

[tmayj]

I got the generic one because I also have no insurance, it was only $14.00

[vasilea]

Yes, I agree. My sister gained a lot of weight and I lost weight on effexor. It's different for everyone.

[catatack]

Well I have read almost every comment starting from a few years back up to 2011 end. I take Lexapro which has been a great drug for me since I have been on almost all thats out there. I have been suffering with depression most of my life and right now I am 54. Lately my depression is getting worse its not the holidays its other things and I have been trying to avoid going on other meds because Im really trying to not do that. However in the last couple of months I have been experiencing this gloomy feeling starting at around 6-7 at night. I hate the feeling it makes me feel like something bad is going to happen, or will happen, a horrible guilt feeling. xanax does take the edge off that feeling, but its gotten to the point that I know the feeling is coming and I have been taking xanax earlier to avoid the whole onslaught of it. Yesterday I went to my psych. dr., and he said my depression is getting worse and he added the effexor to take with the Lexapro,100 mg. to start. My biggest fear is weight gain, having just lost alot of weight from 255 to 175. I know I need to lose more since I want to be at 140. After reading the posts Im going to still try the effexor, but be more aware of the possibility of gaining weight. I never went on a diet when I lost weight, I changed my eating habits. Instead of three meals a day I eat 6 smaller meals a day. No soda, no alcohol, no red meat, staying away from to much sugar and carbs, carbs turn into sugar. Exercise is important, as well as staying active. When I started feeling better instead of turning to food I turned to other things, hobbies, group activities, in my case I volunteer at my church and help people who dont have food, get food. I also agree that medication does affect everyone differently. So if you try something and you dont feel it working let your doctor know right away. I wouldnt to presume to try and tell anyone they shouldnt take any medication, we are not doctors. I pick up my script up today, and I will start it. If it doesnt work I will let my doctor know, and quit it. I have quit many antidepressants that havent worked. Im not going to take a pill if its not working. But I encourage everyone to try a medication if your doctor says to and stop if it doesnt work and let your doctor know. I wouldnt try or stop any medication based on what is being said on the internet. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New  Year. Remember the reason for the season, and if it wasnt for the Lord I personally wouldnt be where I am at today. If anything He is also a great antidepressant.

[nurselisa159]

Thank God for this site! I have been suffering from insomnia and my MD said it was stress related and prescribed effexor.  I was scared to take it so I came here to check it out.  I have 4 kids, and could not imagine suffering through withdrawl someday.  Also, I have a hard enough time trying to stay at 130 pounds let alone gain more weight.  I need to fiure something else out, Effexor cannot be the answer.

[mag8402]

is killing me. I should never consider to take this drug.