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.

[tumsum]

Hello,

I recently have been switched from Cipralex (SSRI) to Effexor (SNRI), to manage my major depression and anxiety that has been ongoing for the last 5 years.

And while I was on Cipralex, I had the worst experience and symptoms, which were: weight gain, periods of highs and lows, vivid dreams, cold sweats, irritability, etc. As for Effexor, I have yet to experience any negative side effects. It literally has done wonders for me personal. I've been able to lose weight, mental clarity, surplus amount of energy, mental focus, etc. And I'm currently on the low dose, 37.5mg.

[southernokie828]

I don't know of anyone that has lost weight on it, but everyone i know has gained it including me, anywhere from 33-60 pounds. I gained 40 have been off it a week and hope i can take the weight off. It may be good for anxiety but terrible in every other way.

[Talimu]

Hi,
When you went of effexor cold turkey you had nasty withdrwal, but did you stay of or did you go back to the docter to wean off?

[nclui01]

I'm sorry but you are SO wrong! Look at all the other comments on here, and you will see that about 95% of people have GAINED weight from taking Effexor!!  I gained about 30 lbs. the first year I started taking it, without any lifestyle or diet changes (well, actually, I DID try and eat Better!).  Also, the worst part about it is, it makes you lose your appetite, so you are actually eating LESS, but you GAIN more weight because it slows down your metabolism.  This drug is AWFUL, and now I'm hearing that a lot of doctors are trying to push this drug off as a 'dietary supplement'!  Doctors are paid well to push drugs from greedy, uncaring, selfish pharmaceutical companies, you know...they get BONUSES from selling the crap!  It's true..I've done TONS of research on the topic, and not to mention, have personally been on Effexor for about 5 yrs. now..I can't get off it because it IS addictive, like crack.  Please be careful and try to rely on natural alternatives, instead!  Don't believe these so-called doctors..they ONLY care about making their $150,000/yr. salaries!

[AstraStarr]

I would like to note something since I have been on effexor for 3 years and  it is probably something many of you are overlooking. Instead of thinking, "does it cause weight loss or gain?" think- both. When I started I lost 20 pounds in 2 months... the new drug in my system, the NRI effect, energy, etc killed my appetite. THEN after another year, I got used to it ans started to gain.... I gained that 20 plus another 20. I CANNOT get this off. I have tried to 'pop' that stimulation period by jumping from 300 to 75, then the reverse. NOTHING. I have decided the only way to lose it is to go off. But for those that lost weight- I did too, at first.... give it a few years.

[Dar868]

I started taking Effexor 3 months ago.  At that same time, I joined Weight Watcher's, because the extra weight was part of my depression.  I made up my mind to fix my body and soul!  I have been following the program exactly, exercising, etc.  I am happy to report that I have LOST 20 pounds since Sept 17th!  I have to wonder if the people who gain weight on the drug are just feeling so much happier and better about things that they eat more?  I'm curious if they feel ravenous while taking the drug?  It has not been the case for me, actually the opposite.  I DO still enjoy eating, but I'm not so preoccupied with it, AND I can control my portions and snacking much better.  I just wanted to add this comment, since so many were talking about the horrible weight gain on the drug.  I am doing great!