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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KRM123 on March 29, 2003, at 19:47:10
Well I am about to try Effexor because I have come to the conclusion that SSRI's mess up my metabolism enabling me to lose weight now matter what I do!! I know a lot of people don't believe this cause I don't think there's enough info out there or research done. Here is a link on a study done http://www.mvelectric.com/inositol/METABOL.HTM
The only SSRI's I've tried were Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro and gained a little bit of weight immediately and was not able to lose at all! It is so weird but the drugs lower my metabolic rate. I've only been on Lex for 2 weeks but am quitting because of the tiredness (so no weight gain and haven't been able to work out).
I was just wondering if anyone experienced weight gain on Effexor and were you underweight or overweight when you started and what were your eating habits and exercise routine?? Any feedback is much appreciated!!
Thank you! I'm struggling here and feeling hopeless that nothing will work for me without making me fat =( HELP!
Posted by medlib on March 30, 2003, at 13:03:15
In reply to More weight gain on Effexor or SSRI's??, posted by KRM123 on March 29, 2003, at 19:47:10
Hi KRM123--
Weight gain represents a significant health risk for me, so I can identify with your concern. The antidepressants least often associated with weight gain are Wellbutrin and Effexor. Those most frequently accompanied by weight gain are Paxil and Remeron (at low doses).
I lost about 10 lbs. on Effexor when I first began taking it 3+ years ago, no change after that. However, YMMV (your mileage may vary) is the PB motto, and several Babblers *have* reported weight gain. My impression is that there've been far fewer gainers than losers, though. Serotonin-enhancing meds tend to give one the "munchies", particularly for carbohydrates. Although E. acts primarily on serotonin at lower doses (up to 150 mg./day), at higher doses its primary effect is on norepinephrine.
Wellbutrin often causes weight loss (by reducing appetite); in fact, it is contraindicated for those with bulemia or anorexia. It affects dopamine and norepinephrine. When I added W. to my med cocktail, I lost about 15 lbs., which was very helpful. Do keep in mind that most people find both W. and E. activating-type ADs, so few can (or need to) take them together. Both W. and E. can increase anxiety. In E., this is just a start-up effect; longterm, it often *decreases* anxiety. If W. produces or exacerbates anxiety, though, this SE usually persists.
Hope this helps.---medlib
Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 19:21:17
In reply to Weight gain on ADs » KRM123, posted by medlib on March 30, 2003, at 13:03:15
Thank you so much for replying Medlib. You sound very educated about the meds. I've been learning and researching so much about everyhing- it's driving me nutty. There is so much conflicting information and everyone reacts differently. I have noticed just by reading boards and other sources that there are fewer gainers on Effexor than others but that the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are much worse. Makes me more scared of the drug I think- like it's more dangerous to the brain or something. Are you taking Effexor alone or with another drug??
I am not overweight and work out a lot but when I was on the Zoloft for two months I remember having those "muchies" but working out more than ever and not being able to lose a pound. The drugs lower my metabolism for sure and that upsets me very much. I eat out of anxiety- food is my comfort so obviously the meds weren't keeping me calm.
Trying to keep the faith that something will work out for me. I am very impatient, but have learned from the supportive people on this board to give the meds a lot of time for full benefit. I pray I can be happy someday =)
Thank you for you help!Take care.
> Hi KRM123--
>
> Weight gain represents a significant health risk for me, so I can identify with your concern. The antidepressants least often associated with weight gain are Wellbutrin and Effexor. Those most frequently accompanied by weight gain are Paxil and Remeron (at low doses).
>
> I lost about 10 lbs. on Effexor when I first began taking it 3+ years ago, no change after that. However, YMMV (your mileage may vary) is the PB motto, and several Babblers *have* reported weight gain. My impression is that there've been far fewer gainers than losers, though. Serotonin-enhancing meds tend to give one the "munchies", particularly for carbohydrates. Although E. acts primarily on serotonin at lower doses (up to 150 mg./day), at higher doses its primary effect is on norepinephrine.
>
> Wellbutrin often causes weight loss (by reducing appetite); in fact, it is contraindicated for those with bulemia or anorexia. It affects dopamine and norepinephrine. When I added W. to my med cocktail, I lost about 15 lbs., which was very helpful. Do keep in mind that most people find both W. and E. activating-type ADs, so few can (or need to) take them together. Both W. and E. can increase anxiety. In E., this is just a start-up effect; longterm, it often *decreases* anxiety. If W. produces or exacerbates anxiety, though, this SE usually persists.
>
> Hope this helps.---medlib
Posted by fairnymph on March 31, 2003, at 0:52:12
In reply to More weight gain on Effexor or SSRI's??, posted by KRM123 on March 29, 2003, at 19:47:10
I lost weight on Effexor. I am naturally thin but I did lose a significant amount on it -- but it wasn't unhealthy or anything. I was on an average dose of 300 mg for about 5 months...and I was eating lots and exercising lots as is my normal routine on and off AD's. I also took Effexor a second time for about 2 months and lost weight then also.
I haven't taken any other meds that I lost weight on...
Gained insignificant amounts on prozac and zoloft, gained a whole lot on Remeron (god it was awful).
Didn't gain or lose at all on reboxetine or wellbutrin.
Good luck with the Effexor....I found it to be a great med.
fn
Posted by KRM123 on March 31, 2003, at 2:47:25
In reply to Re: More weight gain on Effexor or SSRI's??, posted by fairnymph on March 31, 2003, at 0:52:12
Thank you fn for the inspiration. Right now I'm scared shitless to try Effexor because I've heard so many horror stories from withdrawals and what not. I gained of Zoloft and Prozac before. I am naturally thin also and work out everyday. When I was on the SSRI's I couldn't lose weight only gained. Why did you go off Effexor? And how were the withdrawal symptoms? And what are you currently taking if you don't mind me asking?? Thanks for your help!!!
KRM
Posted by fairnymph on April 5, 2003, at 20:32:02
In reply to Re: More weight gain on Effexor or SSRI's?? fairy, posted by KRM123 on March 31, 2003, at 2:47:25
Sorry I'm just getting back to you now -- I was away on spring break!
I went off Effexor because it stopped working for me (I kept having to up the dose, then after a while it would stop working and I would up it again, until eventually I was at the max dose...and then I went off it). I have OCD and I don't think the serotonin aspect of Effexor is strong enough for OCD...or that's my theory. :)
The withdrawal symptoms were, for me...some dizziness, a bit of fatigue (but very berable), feeling a bit out of it in general, and electric shocks. However, the electric shocks only really happened when I went down too quickly in dosage when I was coming off, so if I started getting them I would just take a small chunk of an effexor tablet and they'd go away. Then I'd stay at that dose for a few more days before tapering down further. OH, and one more withdrawal effect....I was a horny sex fiend and multiple orgasmed really easily!! I had really intense sexual dreams and even woke up masturbating one morning (never happened to me before!)!
I'm not taking anything right now. To be honest, I don't fancy losing my ability to orgasm and the only effective meds for me totally killed that. I think I'm doing OK at the moment but if things get tough again, I'll probably go back on prozac, which is a drug I had lots of success with. I would even consider giving effexor another go...I thought it was great while it worked.
Best of luck,
Julia> Thank you fn for the inspiration. Right now I'm scared shitless to try Effexor because I've heard so many horror stories from withdrawals and what not. I gained of Zoloft and Prozac before. I am naturally thin also and work out everyday. When I was on the SSRI's I couldn't lose weight only gained. Why did you go off Effexor? And how were the withdrawal symptoms? And what are you currently taking if you don't mind me asking?? Thanks for your help!!!
>
> KRM
Posted by mmcasey on April 6, 2003, at 12:09:36
In reply to More weight gain on Effexor or SSRI's??, posted by KRM123 on March 29, 2003, at 19:47:10
I lost a little weight on effexor - about 5 pounds. I've never gained weight on any antidepressant, but I'm worried now because I started Paxil about a month ago and I've heard that most people gain a lot of weight on that. So far I haven't but I am definitely fearful about the potential weight gain!
This is the end of the thread.
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