Effexor XR & Weight Gain

bameena · 09-26-2009, 12:10 AM

Hi Everyone, I have been on Effexor XR since March and gained about 25lbs. Has anyone experienced weight gain while on effexor xr. Weight gain is not one of the side effects of Effexor xr. Please let me know if anyone had similar side effects. Thanks

Late to the game · 09-26-2009, 12:42 AM

I gained weight too, although I don't know if it was because I was so depressed or the fact that I was in my 40s and going through perimenopause.

VioletVictoria · 09-26-2009, 12:45 AM

Yes, I was on Effexor XR and gained 30 lbs. over one summer. Granted, I was still somewhat depressed and was eating a lot, but I'd never experienced weight gain that rapidly. I'm now on a combo of Lexapro and Wellbutrin and it's been weight neutral. However, changing antidepressants is a big decision, so you should probably talk to your doctor about your options. And not a primary care physician, but a psychiatrist who can try to modify your medications to have fewer side effects.

Hydra · 09-26-2009, 09:36 AM

I took effexor xr in the past for about a year with no weight gain. I had to discontinue it because it activated mania for me.

bameena · 09-27-2009, 06:00 PM

Effexor has been working out great for me so far, except for the weight gain. I donot want to change my meds but definately want to lose the weight. Any suggestions???

Brown Eyed Staccie · 10-03-2009, 02:26 AM

I'm glad I found this...I have been on it for about 2 months - 75 each dose. I gained 10 pounds and although lost 5 in the past three weeks, I have been eating 100% clean and exercising 5 days a week for almost 2 hours for 21 days. I should have lost a minimum of 7-9 for what I am doing and it's very frustrating. I am going to the doctor next week to ask for a different medication, I am not willing to gain weight and/or not lose it since I am convinced one of the reasons I was depressed was because of my weight anyway!

inuxvomica · 10-04-2009, 11:38 PM

That's interesting. When I was on Effexor years ago, I lost 15 pounds in the first month with absolutely no effort. It made me feel like a zombie with absolutely no appetite.

myfavouritebeing · 10-13-2009, 09:20 PM

I didn't eat for the first few days i was on then my appetite came back big time but i was off it two weeks later because it put me on edge the whole time really nervous, erratic i couldn't sleep and just wanted to eat.

mulder1921 · 12-15-2009, 09:44 PM

Effexor has been the only one to work for me. I also have not gained any weight. I really think its just a matter of finding the right one for you. I have been on 8 other antidepressents. Zoloft and wellbutrin both made me gain weight. Good luck finding something that works.

livingoodinthe707 · 01-03-2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulder1921

Effexor has been the only one to work for me. I also have not gained any weight. I really think its just a matter of finding the right one for you. I have been on 8 other antidepressents. Zoloft and wellbutrin both made me gain weight. Good luck finding something that works.

I agree with you that each person needs to find a medication that works for them. Luckily, I no longer have a need for an anti-depressant, but I was on Effexor XR for roughly 4 months during 2006. The weight gain that I experienced during that time and the relationship with food it fostered were the root of my weight gain. I went from 5'6" and 115-125 to 5'8" and 185-205 in the last 4 years. It was not until recently with alot of concerted effort beforehand that I was able to confront my weight gain and deal with it in a way that empowered me to lose the weight and embrace my body as it is now. I am so glad to be done with the whole ordeal.