losing weight after effexor

[vrinaldi]

I gained 20 lbs in the last 3 years that I was taking Effexor. I have tried everything. I'm eating less & working out more. I started taking Paxil but that didn't work at all as I have anxiety issues. Anyhow Effexor did wonders for my attitude however after 3 years I am now convinced that it was the cause for all the excess weight. Anyhow I was wondering if the weight comes off after I get off the meds? or am I stuck with excess weight forever in which case I will be contacting my doctor because they lied to me.

[slenderbodysolutions]

I'm Emma Holden.I'm new and I'm excited to be here. Hoping to learn more about living a simple but productive life.
Also hoping that I can share some tips that have helped me with others!

[nessygirl]

Not the best place to advertise whatever you're trying to sell. I can see how coming to a forum where there are desperate people willing to try anything to get back to the life they had before taking this drug would seem like a great place, but perhaps, find some humanity. Not everything is about the all mighty dollar.

[Marshamarsha]

I have been in Effexor for 7 years now and have recently decided to ween myself off. 2 weeks at 75 from 150 and now at 37.5 for 2 weeks. Having withdrawals of course and severe back pains. Anybody else having this issue with their back? Also, over the course of 7 years I have put on 30 pounds. I do my best to jog or power walk 20 miles a week.

[Ghazal1]

i am on effexor since 1 year.  but with ablify as well.  i gained 25 kg.  i dont know is it the effexor or the ablify or its is the mix of both, probably it is the worst mix for weight gain.  i am now off effexor since only two weeks.  still planning that i get off the ablify.  it seems from all comments even if i stopped all medication there is nothing magical that will get me back to my original weight :(  yes drs dont acknowledge its the effexor, but they sure admit the ablify is the cause, but i beleive that both did this to me.  now i am stressed more from weight gain than my depression.  i promise if i get any better in weight loss i will post again here.

[CafeAmericano]

I made the same mistake with Lexapro…worst thing I ever did and totally afraid I will never be able to lose this weight.  I've been totally off for 3 weeks and no change on the scale.  I am still kind of hungry but not as intense as I was when weaning and the first 2 weeks off.  I just don't seem to have the will power I've had in the past.  So, it must be the cravings from this horrible class of medicines.  What I can't believe is that the doctors won't believe it and they don't weigh in (no pun intended) on how to lose this lousy weight.  Mine said, nobody will feel sorry for you, your BMI is still in range and that REALLY ticked me off.  I worked hard to be the weight I was and had stayed at 118 pounds for 8 years…then I went up to 134 on this ridiculous Lexapro.  I did feel great and not anxious at all but when I realized none of my clothes fit, that itself made me anxious. So I went off on my own..no doctor consultation.  I weaned from 10 to 5 mg for 2 weeks and then off.  Had some headaches and dizziness (still dizzy) but I think the worst of that is over (I hope).  Now, why doesn't the weight just fall off…why can't they tell us how to make that happen?  Lousy medicine and lying doctors!

[robbiqu]

I was taking venlafaxine for 2 years and went from 135 to 175lbs. I've now been off for 2 months and have already gone down about 8lbs without even trying. I can especially notice the puffiness in my face has subsided. Venlafaxine was great for giving me this "not a big deal" attitude all the time but I didn't realize by me using this to ease out on my low frame of mind I was sacrificing any highs I ever feel. I really believe it should be taken off the market, I have a couple of friends who are on it and their vibrant personalities are now dulled out. Getting off venlafaxine was the best thing I've ever done for myself, I know now how to identify my hapiness and thrive on it without taking those moments for granted.

[chasinSF]

back in the spring, i made the bold decision to begin weaning myself off on Effexor with my doctor's guidance.  i had been taking 150 mg for close to 10 years with 100 mg of Wellbutrin chaser.  Wellbutrin was the first to go in the spring.  no horrible side effects.  then i begin phasing out of Effexor.  150 mg to 75 mg to 37.5 mg with a full month on each reduced dosage.  not an easy journey.  the headaches and brain shivers were horrible at first, but things have leveled off for now.  well, i am down to 37.5 mg... BUT my weight has gone UP 15-20 pounds since june! it's unbelievable how much weight i've packed on.  i've gone from 165 to 180+ in a matter of weeks!  the triumph of getting off Effexor has been overshadowed (literally) by my EVER-growing backside.