Effexor, weight gain/lose???

I have been on Effexor xr for about 2 1/2 years now, and my weight just keeps going up. I have gained about 50lbs. I have read that it can cause you to gain or lose weight. My doctor says it doesn't cause weight gain... I was on another anti-depressant years ago that made me gain 50lbs. , as soon as she took me off it, the weight melted off!!!

I had the opposite effect. Effexor made me lose my appetite.
And I had dreadful other side effects that made me go off.. But remember, everyone is different. Maybe its the way your body reacts to AD's?

Originally Posted by emb_78

I have been on Effexor xr for about 2 1/2 years now, and my weight just keeps going up. I have gained about 50lbs.

I have read that it can cause you to gain or lose weight. My doctor says it doesn't cause weight gain... I was on another anti-depressant years ago that made me gain 50lbs.

, as soon as she took me off it, the weight melted off!!!

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I don't know why the hell your doctor would tell you that. Effexor is one the WORST weight gainers in terms of antidepressants that I'm aware of. I've gained weight on every single SSRI I've taken, but thankfully have lost it afterwards.

The last SSRI I took was called Cipralex (Lexapro in the US) and I gained around 20 pounds, which I do need to knock off. I'm starting Weight Watchers at the end of this week, because once I go back to work after my disability leave (hopefully it will end this winter) I will need to fit back into my suits and other work clothing, which did not come cheap. Perhaps you could give Weight Watchers a go? It seems like a reasonable program.

Thanks for all the input!!! I worked at losing weight after I got off the Remeron, but it was so easy to lose it!

When I first started on Effexor, I lost a lot of weight right off. Over the past year, I notice that it is coming back on faster than I can keep it off. Since my eating habits have not changed, I definately blame the medication!

I agree that all the antidepressants can cause weight gain, but they do not do so for everyone. However, Remeron is Known for weight gain! Effexor is supposed to be less likely than others to cause weight gain. So is Wellbutrin.

Weight watchers is a good way to learn new habits for weight control. Please try to discuss this with your doctor again. But also look at your habits-has anything changed? Going out for pizza with your friends more, eating differently in other ways? And compare the benefits with the negative side effects of the medication. Severe depression is nothing to play with! But there are other options than Effexor!

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Beckiboo

I agree that all the antidepressants can cause weight gain, but they do not do so for everyone. However, Remeron is Known for weight gain! Effexor is supposed to be less likely than others to cause weight gain. So is Wellbutrin.

Weight watchers is a good way to learn new habits for weight control. Please try to discuss this with your doctor again. But also look at your habits-has anything changed? Going out for pizza with your friends more, eating differently in other ways? And compare the benefits with the negative side effects of the medication. Severe depression is nothing to play with! But there are other options than Effexor!

Good luck!

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You do have plenty of options available. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist so you can get a decent assessment.

I would agree that side effects are different for everyone. I lost weight with Paxil initially, but then gained almost 30 pounds, which I subsequently lost through diet and exercise. Same thing with Luvox. Weight gain is a very common side effect for many psychiatric meds.

Be thankful you don't have bipolar disorder, because some mood stabilizers are brutal in terms of weight gain (which is why I'm nipping it in the bud by joining Weight Watchers).

Good luck.

Originally Posted by journey

so, after you stop SSRI, do you easily lose the weight? Or do you have to work really hard at it? My goal for the future is to eventually come off Prozac. I am on Weight Watchers right now, and seeing a Naturopath in order to help me come off the drug......

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You have to work at losing the weight. I had to count calories and exercise each time I would gain weight from an antidepressant in order to lose it. It takes time, but it's worth it.

It's good that you're on Weight Watchers, but the doctor who prescribed the Prozac should be the one weaning you off of it.

Erin, I've taken numerous types of antidepressants and I'm on Effexor xr now and I heard that it doesn't gain weight but I'll check on it on the net. I was on Imipramine and if you are on a high dosage of that it does make you gain weight as I did for sure. I have hypothyroidism due to my diabetes and I know its hard to lose weight when that acts up as your thyroid controls your metabolism. I would ask your family doctor to check that just to make sure its working alright. Once my thyroid medication is at the right dosage I will lose more weight as I'll be more energetic. I've only been on thyroid medication now for seven weeks so I still feel the same as before I went on it so my dosage isn't right yet. If you would like someone to talk to about this you can always write to me and I'll help in any way I can. I've been on antidepressants for 13 years now.

I guess i'm weird...few years back i took RX drugs...i gained on Effexor and LOST FAST on Remeron...but now i take nothing!!

Originally Posted by Loveysmummy

I had the opposite effect. Effexor made me lose my appetite

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Same here.... My doctor also said that it's not proven to cause weight gain.

Anyway, I want to go onto something else. I am on 150mg a day and it's been since March and I still can't cope with the side effects It's horrible.

I think all AD's affect ppl differently too

Thanks Taffy!! I am 27 and have been on them since I was 16.. I have had my t4 tested, it isn't that!!