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.

[fitmenot]

I have been on Effexor X 12 months.  gained 12 pounds without change in diet or exercise.  I work out 4-5 days a week without fail.  I eat low GI index foods, and never "pig out".  
Most of the weight is around my middle and butt.

Very depressing.

[amndnoel]

I have been on Effexor XR for two years.  I went on it after my mother switched from Paxil to it and lost weight.  In the past two years, my mood has been great and my anxiety attacks have dissapeared, but I have gained 75 pounds.  My mother however has lost 40.  I honestly think the medication works differently for different people.  In my mother's case it gave her the will-power to lose, but in my case it made me so relaxed I didn't really care what I was eating or about the weight gain.  The one thing I am possitive about is how addictive it is.  My mom and I have both had periods of one or two days where we couldn't get a refill and we both suffered extreme withdrawl symptoms, including migranes, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, body aches, and not being able to hold down food.  And we are just on the minimum dosage.

[justagirl7777]

the first time i tried effexor it was because my zoloft had stopped working after yrs.  i lost all my zoloft weight.  25 poinds!  it was a miracle.  after about four yrs. the effexor stopped working so i tried other anti depressants with no luck.  my md put me back on effexor and now i am a fat slob who can't afford to buy any more jeans!  i went from a size two to a 7/8 in 5 months.  why now?  he said it can go either way.  i am miserable about my stomach.  i'm a small girl with a huge, pregnant looking belly.  i try to joke about it, but i despise looking like this.  speaking of withdrawl... if i miss my dose of 75mg by 4 hrs, i get dizzy.  don't know what to do.  (i just turned 34)

[browneyedgrl]

i think that with drugs like effexor, the only way to lose the weight you gain from them is to go off of them ( i am not suggesting that, esp if it helps you to feel better)- just saying that from what ive heard, as long as they are in your body, they alter your metabolism and make it super slow, making it nearly impossible to lose weight and a sure way to gain weight. i have heard that in some cases they alter your metabolism permanantly, but i am skeptical of that. i'm trying to figure out whether that is actually true.

[stephgt]

I recognize that all people are different and that's why we respond differently to various medications, both in a positive way, or perhaps negative.  This is my experience......
I was diagnosed with depression in January 1999 and started taking Effexor XR.  Eventually my dose was increased to 225mg, and I continued on this dose until recently.  During these years my depression was under control, however my weight steadily increased and I gained about 45lbs.  While I recognize that taking any medication impacts your body, I don't believe that Effexor was to blame for my weight gain.  I have bad habits and I'm not as active as I used to be.  In addition, my metabolism has changed as I age (I'm now 34).  For me, I believe that if I'm honest with myself I attribute my weight gain to all of these things, and not medication.  In fact, last year while I was still taking 225mg I began dieting and lost 17lbs in a short time period by eating more healthfuly, controlling portions, and drinking lots of water.  Unfortunately I "fell off the wagon" and again resumed some of my bad habits which resulted in gaining some of that weight back.  Over the last year I have gradually tapered my medication (under the guidance of my physician) and very, very slowly come off the medication.  I no longer take any medications whatsoever (since Oct/05), and have not had a relapse in my depression.  At this point I am feeling ready to make a committment to my own health and do the work I need to do to lose weight.  I really do belive that it's a lifestyle change.  For those of you who are struggling with depression, don't give up.  While it can be frustrating and discouraging, it is possible to lose weight.  Weight absolutely affects self esteem but don't put pressure on yourself.....You'll get there!
Best wishes and good luck!

[chizel]

Im new to this site- hopefully i will gain some insight from others. i have been sufering fom panic disorder for 10 years. Zanax use to work really well- but it stopped so i was put on klonipin- that worked for about 2 years- so i saw a psychitrist and he diagnoised me w/ social anixiety disorder. Anyway he started me on effexor w/ my klonipin and at first my anixiety was getting better- my dr. increased the effexor to 150mg a day and it helped even more w/ anixiety-but i became 2 laid back- i didnt care a/b my appearance or even getting dressed for the day. I became a couch potato and stayed tired alot. i would take a 3 hour nap and still sleep at night as well. Recently i found myself getting depressed because of how i had changed. my dr switched me to paxil and im concerned about weight gain with paxil. i hae gained about 10pds from effexor- but i was not active either while taking it. I am much more alert with paxil- no naps! I am concerned about weight gain from paxil because ive read alot of post fm others that claim paxil causes weight. Would love to hear some feedback. Thank You......