Posted by jay on March 28, 2002, at 6:05:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me!, posted by Frankie on March 28, 2002, at 3:23:35
> > I have gained about 10 lbs. of bodyfat since I've been on Effexor. I don't overeat and I workout regularly. Any suggestions?
>
>
> I would suggest that you assess whether or not it is the Effexor. I doubt it. Most of those I have studied on Effexor lose weight. Have you actually gotten weighed to see that you have gained 10 lbs.? With me, I sometimes retain water some days, and I look at myself saying to myself "Man, I am fat as a pig!" But, a few days later, I look lean again. And, when I step on the scale, I have remained at the same weight that I was at 2 months ago. In other words, 10 lbs. of fat would not likely be due to Effexor. Serotonin at a high level caused fullness though, and potentially water retention.
>
> If your appetite has increased, I would advise you to cut down your carbohydrates, and increase your protein intake by 2 times. Eat double the protein a day, and half as many carbohydrates. Protein burns more calories when being digested than either of the other two. Not all fats are bad. Unsaturated and essential fatty acids are good to lean with too! So, if you do all this, and still gain weight, I would suggest that you ditch the Effexor, and try either Wellbutrin SR, like the other guy said, or Prozac. Prozac causes about half of the people that take it to lose a lot of bodyweight. I am talking like 20 lbs over a good stretch of time. If you are taking the Effexor for depression, then any substitute will do. But, if it is being taken for OCD or anxiety, do not take Wellbutrin! It will make either one worse! Good luck.
>
> Frankie.
>
> p.s.: I am big into fitness too, and well studied in nutrition.Hi:
I have tried using pure protein powder drinks, and felt *horrible*. I notice they contain a massive wack of l-glutamine, which I happen to be very sensitive to. (And I think many with possible bipolar tendancies are.)
Would Soy products be a good substitute? The fatty-acids didn't work out...they (in their capsule form) are too powerful for me. There are a number of studies that caution the use of pure omega oil capsules in those with bipolar depression. (Not fish oil...but the plant oils..like flax...which sends my anxiety through the roof on a theraputic dose!)
Thanks...
Jay
poster:jay
thread:100577
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/100693.html