Me + Effexor XR = BAD!!
 

After speaking with my doctor, we have determined that me being on Effexor XR was a MAJOR contributor to my weight gain. Last year alone I gained 30+ lbs. I have sinced weaned off the Effexor XR and am now on a low dose of Lexapro which is working well. Too bad the weight isn't falling off at the rate that it attached itself to me, but that is why I am here and why I joined WW 2 weeks ago.

Meds & Weight Gain
 

Hello! I feel your pain, and I have a suggestion for you.

First of all, I was on Lexapro last year for about 8 months. I gained 20 lbs. and felt disgusting. Had to buy all new clothes. I am only 5'4 so 20 lbs. is a noticeable weight gain. I went off of it October 2008 and still did not lose weight even being off of it for months.

I just went on Wellbutrin 4 days ago and it IMMEDIATELY took my appetite and any food cravings away. I already feel lighter! Plus it gives me tons of energy to go to the gym, because it is a stimulant as well as an anti-depressant.

I would SERIOUSLY recommend Wellbutrin for weight loss.

:)

I took effexor for several years. When I started to come off of it I felt horrible for about a month or two. I had those brain shocks and would just start crying for no reason. :dizzy: I'm taking a low dose of lexapro now. Good luck with your weight loss. :)

Yep . . . twice . . .
 

Hi there. I had the same issue with Effexor twice! I was prescribed it for depression several years ago . . wasn't overweight to start with . . . and gained 30 lbs in 3 MONTHS! Came off the meds and it all came off in 3 months. Fast forward to four years later and a new psychiatrist that convinced me to try it again . . . so I did . . . wasn't overweight this time either . . . and again 30 lbs in 3 MONTHS. Switched to Lexapro and the weight came off. My current doc agreed that I should NEVER take Effexor again. I now take Cymbalta, have been for 11 months and have maintained the same weight within 5 lbs. So, you are not alone!

I was on Effexor briefly, for maybe 2 months or so. A very high dosage...then I noticed I was more depressed than before being on it. So I made the brilliant decision to stop cold turkey. Bad idea. I had those brain shocks or tremors (whatever you want to call them). It was almost as if I was going into mini-convulsions. It felt as if I were being zapped by a bolt of electricity. It was horrible. Long story short, I ended up in the emergency room and had a day stay in the hospital. I had serious withdrawal symptoms. I will never...repeat NEVER take Effexor again. It should be banned I think.

Brain Zaps. Yes. STILL get them and I've been off EVIL effexor for almost 2 years.

I gained ALL my weight back in less than a year whilst on Effexor. That and trying to drink myself to death (but I attribute at least 50lbs to effexor and the other 20 to being out of control food and drink wise).

If you need a/d's then I do hope the Lexapro works for you. I have also heard great things about Wellbutrin. Definitely talk to your doctor if you can't lose (and are honestly following WW to the "t") and see if you can switch again. I didn't talk to my doctor about my weight gain and the inability to lose and I regret that.

all the best to you!

Hi all -- not on Effexor or any other meds, but I CAN tell you that these forms of antidepressants CANNOT be stopped cold-turkey without serious side effects. From the Effexor website:

When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR XR.

This is because chemical receptors in your brain are affected by the medication -- the drug makes these receptors more LESS receptive to serotonin and norepinephrine (the neurotransmittors in your brain that regulates mood). The result -- there is more circulating serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. IF you suddenly stop the drug, you WILL experience side effects.

So, as the Effexor website says:

Your daily dose of Effexor XR should be lowered gradually by your doctor. This is called "tapering" the dose, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your doctor's instructions and how you respond.
Just my 2 cents worth!
Kira

I was on Effexor XR for about 6 months, and lost like 20 lbs doing nothing - other than it made me not hungry and I didnt eat as much. He had to take me off it as it raised my blood pressure too high. And when I went on Paxil after that, and gained weight while taking that.

Good luck with your wl, and glad that the lexapro seems to be working better for you!

ugh Effexor, i was Effexor for over 2 yrs. with a very high dose. I had horrible withdrawal symptoms and went into a mini coma when i missed a dose. My doctor just prescribed me Prozac and so far so good, but she told me she hardly ever prescribes Effexor anymore because of the severe withdrawal symptoms.