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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 4WD on September 10, 2004, at 22:34:25
In reply to Effexor and weight gain?, posted by Racer on September 10, 2004, at 20:01:58
> I'm just curious about this, since SSRIs cause weight gain and norepinephrine is also involved in feeding and weight. I haven't seen weight gain mentioned with Effexor, but I distrust that.
>
> When I was taking Effexor, it was augmented by 10mg of Prozac. I did gain about 50 pounds, but it could have been either drug, or the combination. Can anyone who's been on Effexor all by itself tell me if it caused weight gain?
>
> (This is not because I'm considering Effexor again, by the way. Just wondering about Cymbalta.)
>
> Thanks!I was on Effexor for about five years. During that time I gained about five pounds but I don't think it was *from* the Effexor. The Effexor actually helped me to eat more in a weird sort of way. Because I am/was bulimic, I was maybe a little too thin (5' 4" 114-115 lb) when I was on Prozac because I purged most of what I ate. While I was on Celexa, the eating disorder went away and after switching to Effexor it stayed away until I discontinued the Effexor for the first time. After resuming the Effexor, I was able to eat more normally (resuming Effexor plus a lot of hard work dealing with the ED). I think I gained weight because I was starting to be able to eat and keep it down, not because I was on Effexor.
So far on Cymbalta, I haven't noticed any increase in appetite. I guess I'll find out about weight gain as I go. I won't be eating more so if I do gain weight, it will be a metabolism thing.
Have you noticed any weight or appetite changes on Cymbalta so far?Marsha
Posted by starlight on September 10, 2004, at 23:58:41
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by 4WD on September 10, 2004, at 22:34:25
Marsha,
Congrats on dealing with the eating disorder. I had severe bulimia in my late teens and early twenties, for about 7 years. And I am totally free of it now and have been for about 10! I'm so glad, that disease had me in its like no ones business. Bulimia is soooo hard to deal with. I'm very happy for you and keep up the good work!
starlight
Posted by Sad Panda on September 11, 2004, at 12:57:53
In reply to Effexor and weight gain?, posted by Racer on September 10, 2004, at 20:01:58
> I'm just curious about this, since SSRIs cause weight gain and norepinephrine is also involved in feeding and weight. I haven't seen weight gain mentioned with Effexor, but I distrust that.
>
> When I was taking Effexor, it was augmented by 10mg of Prozac. I did gain about 50 pounds, but it could have been either drug, or the combination. Can anyone who's been on Effexor all by itself tell me if it caused weight gain?
>
> (This is not because I'm considering Effexor again, by the way. Just wondering about Cymbalta.)
>
> Thanks!
>
>Hi Racer,
I have gained no weight on Effexor alone or combined with Remeron. Prozac was one that upset things for me. It did bad thing to my thyroid levels.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by Racer on September 11, 2004, at 14:12:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by Sad Panda on September 11, 2004, at 12:57:53
Hello, my dear Great Panda from Oz,
Here's a question for you, then. The SSRIs cause weight gain. Effexor and Cymbalta are both selective reuptake inhibitors of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Does the addition of NE to the 5HT counteract the weight gain? Or shouldn't the 5HT reuptake inhibition continue to cause weight gain on the dual action drugs?
(Yes -- a bit obsessive of me. I know. It's partly the whole thing with me and weight, but it's also because we're not talking about these drugs having caused me to gain a couple of kilos -- we're talking from 21 to 31 kilos of weight gain! There's an argument to be made that it's better to be fat and happy, than to be thin and miserable, but it's not a very good argument from where I'm standing. For comparison, this morning I was 46 kilos on our scale, so that's between one half and two thirds of my baseline weight.)
Also, I kinda figured the weight gain on SSRIs would be related to the amount of 5HT that is active in the gut and never gets to the brain. Any real explanations?
Thanks!
Posted by Camille Dumont on September 12, 2004, at 12:53:51
In reply to Effexor and weight gain?, posted by Racer on September 10, 2004, at 20:01:58
Effexor actually made me lose aroudn 10 pounds in about 1.5 years. It may not seem much but I have a insanely stable weight in general. I'm 5 feet 1 inches tall and I went from around 115 to 105. Gained a bit back when I went off the Effexor though.
I found that Effexor just made me "not hungry" in general ... I would end up eating tiny amounts of everything all throughout the day and never really be up to a "real meal" most days.
Posted by saw on September 13, 2004, at 1:03:16
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by Camille Dumont on September 12, 2004, at 12:53:51
I have been on Effexor 150mg for a little more than a month and have gained 5 kilos in that time. This is a huge crisis for me. I am now 57kg (1.59m tall) and think I look like a giant hippopotomus even though I can still fit into a size 8. Hate what I look like, but need to live around this as the Effexor has helped so much for the depression. It's really such a paradox!
Sabrina
Posted by Sad Panda on September 13, 2004, at 5:58:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » Sad Panda, posted by Racer on September 11, 2004, at 14:12:29
> Hello, my dear Great Panda from Oz,
>
> Here's a question for you, then. The SSRIs cause weight gain. Effexor and Cymbalta are both selective reuptake inhibitors of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Does the addition of NE to the 5HT counteract the weight gain? Or shouldn't the 5HT reuptake inhibition continue to cause weight gain on the dual action drugs?
>
> (Yes -- a bit obsessive of me. I know. It's partly the whole thing with me and weight, but it's also because we're not talking about these drugs having caused me to gain a couple of kilos -- we're talking from 21 to 31 kilos of weight gain! There's an argument to be made that it's better to be fat and happy, than to be thin and miserable, but it's not a very good argument from where I'm standing. For comparison, this morning I was 46 kilos on our scale, so that's between one half and two thirds of my baseline weight.)
>
> Also, I kinda figured the weight gain on SSRIs would be related to the amount of 5HT that is active in the gut and never gets to the brain. Any real explanations?
>
> Thanks!
>
>Hi Racer,
I have no explanations. I was taking Remeron & now Amitriptyline, probably two of the AD's most likely to give weight gain, but neither has caused me to gain weight or increase my appetite.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by Racer on September 13, 2004, at 11:17:09
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » Racer, posted by Sad Panda on September 13, 2004, at 5:58:21
Now *that's* distressing. I know it's not attractive, but I really hate hearing that other people didn't gain weight from these drugs. The weight gain from them has been such a problem for me, and it's reduced the benefits of the treatment so much, that I get to where I don't even want to think about taking them because of the risk of weight gain.
On the other hand, for your sake, I'm glad they're not causing you the same sort of distress they cause me.
Thanks, Paul.
Posted by 4WD on September 13, 2004, at 20:46:04
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by saw on September 13, 2004, at 1:03:16
> I have been on Effexor 150mg for a little more than a month and have gained 5 kilos in that time. This is a huge crisis for me. I am now 57kg (1.59m tall) and think I look like a giant hippopotomus even though I can still fit into a size 8. Hate what I look like, but need to live around this as the Effexor has helped so much for the depression. It's really such a paradox!
>
> Sabrina
I have a question. Does the weight gain happen because the drug makes you hungry all the time so you have to eat more or different things? Or does your intake stay the same but the weight comes on anyway?Marsha
Posted by Sad Panda on September 13, 2004, at 21:22:44
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » Sad Panda, posted by Racer on September 13, 2004, at 11:17:09
> Now *that's* distressing. I know it's not attractive, but I really hate hearing that other people didn't gain weight from these drugs. The weight gain from them has been such a problem for me, and it's reduced the benefits of the treatment so much, that I get to where I don't even want to think about taking them because of the risk of weight gain.
>
> On the other hand, for your sake, I'm glad they're not causing you the same sort of distress they cause me.
>
> Thanks, Paul.
>
>Ooops!, sorry for my tactlessness. :) I weigh 3x what you do & can't afford to gain any more.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by saw on September 14, 2004, at 0:48:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by 4WD on September 13, 2004, at 20:46:04
Hi Marsha
Interesting question. I *do* get more hungry but have kept my eating under control to a large extent. I crave salty things and junk food all the time. Instead of giving in, I try to munch on fruit and fresh vegies. (I have the odd "moments" though). I also drink a lot of water. I haven't changed my eating habits since starting Effexor. Though I don't understand how, I would want to venture a guess and say it's the drug and not my eating habits that are causing my weight gain.
Sabrina
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 14, 2004, at 6:05:08
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » 4WD, posted by saw on September 14, 2004, at 0:48:42
On Zoloft, I've gained 70#'s (190 -> 260#) and that is with going to the gym 4x per day and doing the low-carb diet. Nothing seems to stop the weight gain. Been gaining about a pound to 2 pounds each month since switching back to Zoloft from Welbutrin/Serzone combination.
Going to try to switch to Cymbalta next week to see if that helps.
Weight gain on ADs is well documented - does not happen to all - but if it does weight gain tends to be huge - in the range of 20% plus above baseline.
Posted by Racer on September 14, 2004, at 11:09:03
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » Racer, posted by Sad Panda on September 13, 2004, at 21:22:44
> > Now *that's* distressing.
> >
> > On the other hand, for your sake, I'm glad they're not causing you the same sort of distress they cause me.
> >
> > Thanks, Paul.
> >
> >
>
> Ooops!, sorry for my tactlessness. :) I weigh 3x what you do & can't afford to gain any more.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
>Dear Paul, it wasn't tactless. I'm just nuts when it comes to weight. And I'm curious about why some people just don't seem to gain from some of these drugs.
When I started Paxil, I was in an active anorexic phase, eating very little and working out extensively on a daily basis. Before the AD effects even kicked in, the weight started coming on in a big way -- with the only real change being that I was having a lot of trouble finishing my workouts, because I was so lethargic. I guess I'm just not lucky when it comes to weight.
I'll just envy you a little, and be happy that you don't have the same trouble. I forgive you for not gaining weight.
xoxo
Racer
Posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 14:04:37
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » 4WD, posted by saw on September 14, 2004, at 0:48:42
> Hi Marsha
>
> Interesting question. I *do* get more hungry but have kept my eating under control to a large extent. I crave salty things and junk food all the time. Instead of giving in, I try to munch on fruit and fresh vegies. (I have the odd "moments" though). I also drink a lot of water. I haven't changed my eating habits since starting Effexor. Though I don't understand how, I would want to venture a guess and say it's the drug and not my eating habits that are causing my weight gain.
>
> SabrinaThat *truly* sucks. I too crave salty stuff. Fatty, greasy, salty stuff. The funny thing though is that Effexor helped me control my bulimia (though not as well as Celexa or Paxil. With both of those, the bulimia completely disappeared with no effort on my part!) I've been so anxious lately though the only thing I can eat is salad. If I had to guess I'd say Cymbalta will be an appetite depressant.
Marsha
Posted by Camille Dumont on September 14, 2004, at 23:28:37
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » Sad Panda, posted by Racer on September 13, 2004, at 11:17:09
> Now *that's* distressing. I know it's not attractive, but I really hate hearing that other people didn't gain weight from these drugs. The weight gain from them has been such a problem for me, and it's reduced the benefits of the treatment so much, that I get to where I don't even want to think about taking them because of the risk of weight gain.
>
> On the other hand, for your sake, I'm glad they're not causing you the same sort of distress they cause me.
>
> Thanks, Paul.I think the whole issue of weight gain is just sooo overlooked by doctors. I mean its not like there is a lack of alternative meds. I'm lucky I saw a private sector psychiatrist and she asked me if weight gain was an acceptable side effect, I said no and she gave me meds that would not make me gain weight or at least the ones that had the least propensity to do so. Thats why she augmented with Celexa instead of Paxil which is pretty nasty at that.
Doctors should really address this as its no use giving someone meds that they won't take because the side effects are too distressing. Its just counterproductive.
Posted by saw on September 15, 2004, at 1:12:00
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » saw, posted by 4WD on September 14, 2004, at 14:04:37
*Sucks* it does! As for appetite surpressants. Umm, I have an addiction to the real kind!@! Not that they even help any more
Sabrina
Posted by saw on September 15, 2004, at 1:16:48
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by Camille Dumont on September 14, 2004, at 23:28:37
Hi Camille
I do agree that doctors overlook this very important issue. My doctor was kind enough to ask me how I felt about myself and weight gain/loss issues before deciding to prescribe Effexor. She obviously did not think it would have any substance in terms of weight gain. Actually, she said that it was NOT known for weight gain as a side effect. Well, I shall be telling her otherwise when I next see her.
Sabrina
Posted by Sad Panda on September 15, 2004, at 5:12:05
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » Camille Dumont, posted by saw on September 15, 2004, at 1:16:48
> Hi Camille
>
> I do agree that doctors overlook this very important issue. My doctor was kind enough to ask me how I felt about myself and weight gain/loss issues before deciding to prescribe Effexor. She obviously did not think it would have any substance in terms of weight gain. Actually, she said that it was NOT known for weight gain as a side effect. Well, I shall be telling her otherwise when I next see her.
>
> Sabrina
>
>Hi Sabrina,
AD's can be very hit & miss for people & also do different things to different people. Statistically, Effexor & Prozac are least likely to cause weight gain, while Remeron is most likely to cause weight gain (roughly 50/50 chance). Some people hate Effexor but I have had the best time on it. I am trying to reduce my intake of Effexor because it is causing me apathy. Effexor makes me so happy that I just couldn't care less if I gained weight on it & overall I have found that the happier I am, the less I binge eat. Also, get your thyroid looked at, these meds can alter your metabolism as well as increase your appetite. One of Hypothyroidism's side effects is depression.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by jessie77 on September 15, 2004, at 10:18:19
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain? » saw, posted by Sad Panda on September 15, 2004, at 5:12:05
hi guys
ive been following this thread and wanted to ask about Prozac and weight gain? i was recently diagnosed with an eating disorder, although i am not yet in therapy and having a tough time right now. i was on paxil at one point (like someone else was saying, i was working out, dieting/low carb, still gaining weight) and gained about 20 pounds which sent me into a tailspin mentally. i swore off all ADs for a year until its become necessary for me to do something, as my depression is currently so bad. my doctor tried me on Cymbalta but i found it very constipating (sorry to be gross!) and now she switched me to prozac.i am very anxious about gaining weight on prozac. i am on 20mg. ive heard a lot about a "reversal" when people dont gain initially but then suddenly there is 20 pounds sitting there. sorry to be a nut but my husband does not understand this when i stress about it.
thanks
jessie
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 15, 2004, at 11:05:00
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by jessie77 on September 15, 2004, at 10:18:19
Sometimes just because you gained weight on one SSRI does not mean you will gain weight on another SSRI or Effexor.
With that said:
Welburtin may actually help you lose weight but for me while I lost weight i could not take the irrability, anxiety - needed to add an SSRI.Desprimine a TCA may help with no / low weight loss.
Parnate (MAO) also may help with no / low weight.
If you are feeling lousy now - its best to probably get the depression under control with an agent that you know will work and then work on the side effects later (i.e. it may be easier to switch meds once you have the depression under control rather than searching for somethig that might work).
Posted by BJM on September 19, 2004, at 8:21:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by jessie77 on September 15, 2004, at 10:18:19
I've found, at least for me personally, that Prozac sometimes causes weightloss and sometimes weightgain. More often weightloss (especially the first few times I took it). The weightgain can come after long term use and can also be dose related. It can be very helpful for the depression associated with eating disorders and can be pretty activating (which can help keep your mind off the obsessive thoughts). One down side of the activation is it can increase anxiety. I've taken anywhere from 5 mgs to 60 mgs over the years and I've been able to get great benefit from 20 for awhile but find that now I get the most benefit from 10mgs with the least side effects. I'd say it is worth a try and just ask if you can start low and go slow and see how you do. Don't base the weight gain risk on Paxil because that can be notorious for it. I know that for someone with an eating disorder it can be torture to try something with the risk of weight gain looming over you. Give it a shot and if you start to notice anything just tell your doctor right away before it gets out of control. There are more ways around the weight gain now and you may find that you are pleasantly surprised. Hang in there! You'll find the right med!
Posted by jessie77 on September 20, 2004, at 9:18:58
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by BJM on September 19, 2004, at 8:21:22
> I've found, at least for me personally, that Prozac sometimes causes weightloss and sometimes weightgain. More often weightloss (especially the first few times I took it). The weightgain can come after long term use and can also be dose related. It can be very helpful for the depression associated with eating disorders and can be pretty activating (which can help keep your mind off the obsessive thoughts). One down side of the activation is it can increase anxiety. I've taken anywhere from 5 mgs to 60 mgs over the years and I've been able to get great benefit from 20 for awhile but find that now I get the most benefit from 10mgs with the least side effects. I'd say it is worth a try and just ask if you can start low and go slow and see how you do. Don't base the weight gain risk on Paxil because that can be notorious for it. I know that for someone with an eating disorder it can be torture to try something with the risk of weight gain looming over you. Give it a shot and if you start to notice anything just tell your doctor right away before it gets out of control. There are more ways around the weight gain now and you may find that you are pleasantly surprised. Hang in there! You'll find the right med!
Thanks! that was really helpful - and i appreciate your understanding. i know i should be focusing on feeling good, not gaining weight from the meds (as my husband says) but that is easier said than done! my mind keeps wandering back to the weight, although im trying really hard to defer those negative thoughts.thanks for the support!
Posted by jujube on September 20, 2004, at 17:20:44
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by 4WD on September 10, 2004, at 22:34:25
> > I'm just curious about this, since SSRIs cause weight gain and norepinephrine is also involved in feeding and weight. I haven't seen weight gain mentioned with Effexor, but I distrust that.
> >
> > When I was taking Effexor, it was augmented by 10mg of Prozac. I did gain about 50 pounds, but it could have been either drug, or the combination. Can anyone who's been on Effexor all by itself tell me if it caused weight gain?
> >
> > (This is not because I'm considering Effexor again, by the way. Just wondering about Cymbalta.)
> >
> > Thanks!
>
> I was on Effexor for about five years. During that time I gained about five pounds but I don't think it was *from* the Effexor. The Effexor actually helped me to eat more in a weird sort of way. Because I am/was bulimic, I was maybe a little too thin (5' 4" 114-115 lb) when I was on Prozac because I purged most of what I ate. While I was on Celexa, the eating disorder went away and after switching to Effexor it stayed away until I discontinued the Effexor for the first time. After resuming the Effexor, I was able to eat more normally (resuming Effexor plus a lot of hard work dealing with the ED). I think I gained weight because I was starting to be able to eat and keep it down, not because I was on Effexor.
>
> So far on Cymbalta, I haven't noticed any increase in appetite. I guess I'll find out about weight gain as I go. I won't be eating more so if I do gain weight, it will be a metabolism thing.
>
>
> Have you noticed any weight or appetite changes on Cymbalta so far?
>
> MarshaDear 4WD,
I am late joining this thread, and relatively new to the board. I was wondering if you could tell me about your experience on Celexa? I had been on Effexor XR for 6 months and, after this time, I am basically unmotivated, apathetic, lethargic and apprehensive. Just how badly I was responding to Effexor became apparent shortly after I got my first Depo Provera shot, which has heightened all the negative side effects I have been experiencing on the Effexor. I was put on Effexor just before I was diagnosed with significant iron deficiency, which remained unresponsive to treatment for many months, and during which time I had little energy. I am now so worried about having another negative experience on an AD. Anything you, or anyone else, can tell me would be appreciated. Thanks.
Tamara
Posted by BJM on September 20, 2004, at 18:16:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by jessie77 on September 20, 2004, at 9:18:58
Not to over do it but....I've been in your shoes. Alot of people say that you should be focusing on getting better and that worrying about the weight gain is being petty. You know, I know, and anyone else who has had an eating disorder knows that we would like to believe that but it does matter. You are looking for total wellness and that is what you deserve. If you gain weight you WILL get more depressed whether anyone else thinks that matters or not. Its your quality of life that is your concern. DO WHATEVER YOU NEED TO TO GET WELL AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE!!!!
You've got my vote and my support!!!
BJM
Posted by jessie77 on September 20, 2004, at 22:33:00
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain?, posted by BJM on September 20, 2004, at 18:16:21
> Not to over do it but....I've been in your shoes. Alot of people say that you should be focusing on getting better and that worrying about the weight gain is being petty. You know, I know, and anyone else who has had an eating disorder knows that we would like to believe that but it does matter. You are looking for total wellness and that is what you deserve. If you gain weight you WILL get more depressed whether anyone else thinks that matters or not. Its your quality of life that is your concern. DO WHATEVER YOU NEED TO TO GET WELL AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE!!!!
> You've got my vote and my support!!!
> BJMthanks- you are awesome:)
This is the end of the thread.
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