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.

[Rhonda1239]

I'm on Effexor as well...and in response to what feels like your heart racing could actually be your heart just working overtime because your dehidrated...also it could be low blood pressure. But it does "feel" like you're heart is racing....I just started back on effexor because I've gained 20lbs in a few months(which I've strangely done before), along with depression relief, I'm hoping to lose weight. The last time I had started effexor I dropped 17lbs in a month in a half....hoping that will happen again. To fight off any side effects I'm going to stay hydrated with water...no soda

[laurarmws]

i have been on effexor for a few years and i found there was no weight gain at first, BUT then after they got my mood stabilized I couldn't lose weight. I was over weight when I went on BUT it eas and all over weight. After a while I started gaining weight just around my mid-section. I look like I am about to have a baby and am now off Effexor and yes it was a horrible detox to come off the medication. I am not on anything as of yet but I appreciate finding out I don't want an SSRI either. Anyway I am looking into a new medication but haven't found anything else as of yet....I wouldn't go on Effexor if you are trying to lose weight my doctor told me it was not one of the side effects either but let me assure you it is it is not from and increase in appetite. I have been aware of my weight for some time but now i weigh more then after i had my 5 kids

[Kristiek82]

I too gained 35 lbs within about 8 months on Effexor and if I went in between refills would get body aches and like restless leg syndrome. It was miserable. Then when I finally went off it was like I had a week long flu! But the body aches lasted nearly 2 weeks! And I can't lose the weight either very depressing to say the least. This stuff should be banned.

[zetamomof2]

AstraStarr, how about an update? Are you completely off the Effexor now, and have you seen any significant weight loss? I've been on it for 8 years and gained 40 lbs. I started tapering off a month ago. The withdrawal has triggered some bizarre and very intense cravings so I'm not seeing any weight loss yet and I don't expect to until I get completely off it. How are things going with you?

[lynne9977]

Hi, I was wondering if you have experienced any positive weight loss since your last post?  Have you heard from other's experiences?  Please email me at ***@****
Lynne

[spongedebfatpants]

I gained 30 pounds in 4 months on paxil. That was 13 years ago. I still haven't lost it :|