Honestly? I gained 50 lbs the first year I was on effexor. It didn't help that I just didn't care how I was eating then or the fact that I stopped working out as well and was pretty much trying to drink myself to death. However, I've been off it for a year now and I haven't lost anything really, save for a few pounds.

That said, it's only recently that I've taken this seriously again. I can not say for sure if it's really the effexor or not. Just stick to your eating plan, whatever you are doing, and keep an eye on your weight. Obviously, it's important that you feel good and are not depressed. You have to take care of yourself and if it puts your weight loss on hold it's probably still worth taking the meds.

I took Effexor for one year.. In the first 3 months I lost 40 lbs. I attribute a lot of that to the medication. Was I eating because I was depressed,? I don't know. I quit taking effexor because of my migraines and gained all my weight back.

I have just started on Effexor. Actually, it will be two weeks tomorrow. I am also on Wellbutrin. I have not experienced any side effects as of yet, nor has it given me any relief from my depression. I know it is too early to have kicked in yet but whenever I try a new med I'm always anxious to see if this is THE one. Hopefully no side effects means no weight gain. I know I would never be lucky enough to lose on it.:-)

Carla