Effexor and Weight Loss/Gain

[Jenlynne]

Has anyone taken Effexor and, if so, did you experience any weight related side-effects.  

I am worried about gaining weight and will not take this medicine until I find out.   I'm just scared because SSRIs cause gain.  Even though this is not an SSRI, it could cause weight gain.

[Mikhala]

I believe that what the studies show is that it initially can cause weight loss and then gradually over time will slow the metabolism. I'm the same - on it for 10 years and I'm quite sure it caused my insulin resistance. I am now weaning off because pregnant.
I'm pregnant and losing weight!

[Svann]

I am in the same boat, disgusted with my body now. I have been on Effexor for 4 months and look due any day now and not to mention my backside!!!! I haven't weighed myself in over a week, but had put on 10lbs in 3 months. Never had a weight issue before!  Deplorable!  Makes me angry and depressed more!

[fizzattack]

Hello!

I lost 25 pounds on it immediately.  I guess I was eating and feeling depressed because of my weight.  My doctor told me that it just depends on what people do in depression...some eat and some don't.  Now that I'm coming down off the meds (from 325mg to 75mg) after 3 years, I actually gained 15 pounds!

It just depends on you.  I actually want to go back and increase my dosage because I think I've been stress eating and my anxiety has manifested in memory loss.  

Hope this helps?

[indianfeathers2]

I was on Effexor for 4 years.  I'm a female, 49 years old.  I gained 40 lbs from it.  I thought it was because of all the stress in my life....NOPE!  In August 2014, I started weening myself off it.  I decreased my dose each week for 8 weeks.  I've been completely off all medications for 4 weeks now.  I'm walking daily and watching my calorie intake.  ( I always have....I eat around 1500 calories a day and switch up my activities).  So far, the scale is the same.  Can anyone who's LOST weight AFTER going off effexor, tell me how long it took?  When did your metabolism start to work again and did you ever get back to your pre effoxor weight? Thanks! :)

[lexyxxoo]

I have been on effexor for 5 years and about a year ago i switched my dosage up to 175. I have gained almost 50 pounds in the last four years.

After reading these comments i can't help but feel i need to get off of it.
Going to make an appointment later and see if my Xanex can hold me over until the withdrawls stop.

[honestflt1]

Hi this is honestflt
How did you feel when you went off of it and did the Dr ween you while having you try something else?
I have heard bad side effects when you come off of it but not sure if any of them tried something else while doing this or just went cold turkey,
Hope to hear back from you
thank you