Posted by Cam W. on December 5, 2001, at 20:36:36
In reply to Cam, question on effexor, posted by Margaret on December 5, 2001, at 19:33:23
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Margaret. To tell you the truth, I did not gain weight on Paxil (paroxetine) either. I think that this was because it made me so groggy that I couldn't find the kitchen. Also, I only took it for 2 months, and I find that significant weight gain only occurs after about 4 months. I do find that weight gain with Paxil seems to be linked to clinical effect. The better effect, the more weight gain (but this isn't a universal tenet).
People taking Effexor (venlafaxine) do seem to gain less weight than those taking Paxil. This could have something to do with Paxil's blockade of muscarinic and histaminergic receptors, which has been linked to weight gain. The blocking of these receptors, and the fact that Effexor blocks norepinephrine uptake slightly more potently than Paxil, could be why Effexor seems less sedating.
I should warn you though, that just because you have responded to Paxil, may not mean that you will respond to Effexor. There is a good chance you will, but it is not guaranteed. Be sure to talk to your doc about this. Also, many people who do switch from Paxil to Effexor do not lose the weight that they have gained. Also, some people do gain weight taking Effexor. I don't want to scare you, just to let you know.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:86102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011202/msgs/86107.html