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Effexor and weight gain

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Posted 6/29/2007 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all!
Is there someone taking effexor over here? I am on effexor 37.5 generic since several years... some 3 years I think. I should say that it is an excellent drug since it has worked incredibly well for my depression but I have gained tonne of weight - some 24 lbs in the past 3 years. I was very surprised since I had read that one of the side effects of taking effexor can be weight loss but weight gain was not mentioned anywhere!! I don't want to put on more weight but I fear that if I get off the drug, my anxiety would return and it may happen that starting effexor again, I might gain MORE weight. Has anyone else had these problems? What did you do or will you advise me to do in this situation?
Posted 6/30/2007 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
SylvFizer

Welcome to the forum,I am very glad that you found us and I am sure you will find the support that you are looking for.

Alot of Anti depressants cause weight gain. I suffered from the weight loss...but my son suffered from the gain.
I contacted is doctor and they switched meds and he was able to get back to a normal weight.
I would call your doctor right away and go in and talk to them.

Shy
Posted 6/30/2007 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Syl.

Have you tried natural alternatives to prescription meds? After trying Zoloft and feeling like a zombie I quit it and tried a natural herb I'd recently heard about, rhodiola rosea. It works great! It's completely alleviated my depression, reduced feelings of stress and anxiety, makes me feel more alert and energized, and is helping me with weight loss. You might want to consider trying it. 5-HTP is also supposed to help with anxiety.

Posted 6/30/2007 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SylvFizer,  I take Effexor XR and have for 2 years now.  I didnt have the side effect of weight gain but I have with all the other medications that I have taken over the years.  It is really frustrating when your dealing with depression and start to notice that your medication is making you gain weight.  It doesnt sit too well with anyone but I think we as women take it harder.

Actually, on Effexor's website you can go in and read the PDF on this med that shows all side effects and trial studies on it.  Weight gain/loss is noted there.  It all depends on the person and how their body chemicals reacts to the medication.  That is exactly why these medications are so different for each of us.

I agree that if the weight gain is something that is bothering you then you should consult with your doctor and inquire about changing meds or something along these lines.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

Posted 7/20/2007 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
hello all im new to this all been reading the forms for the past couple of weeks and thought i might join up...i suffer major depression for seem like a life time and been on so many different medications and seeks help once a month for many years...i take effexor 3.75 X 4 daily and i cant seem to lose a pound iv gained about 35 to 40 lbs and it very upsetting ...i hope i can help out with some of my advice on this site as well as learn im not alone...like I sometimes feel.
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