Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 66584

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effexor and weight gain?

Posted by Robin s on June 15, 2001, at 15:44:14

I have just weened off zoloft and have started effexor xr. Has anybody had success with this for anxiety disorder? I am also extremely afraid of gaining weight. I know it sounds vain, but if I gain weight I will stop using this drug. My doctor says there is very little weight gain, but than I read stories where a lot of people gain weight. Please help!

--robin

 

Re: effexor and weight gain?

Posted by Kristi on June 15, 2001, at 18:50:53

In reply to effexor and weight gain?, posted by Robin s on June 15, 2001, at 15:44:14


Hi!

I have seen both first hand.... people who have gained weight, people who have lost.... so it obviously is not the same for everyone. For me, I lost weight.... and I'm tiny and couldn't really afford it. Just watch those carbs!!!! Take care, Kristi


> I have just weened off zoloft and have started effexor xr. Has anybody had success with this for anxiety disorder? I am also extremely afraid of gaining weight. I know it sounds vain, but if I gain weight I will stop using this drug. My doctor says there is very little weight gain, but than I read stories where a lot of people gain weight. Please help!
>
> --robin

 

Re: effexor and weight gain? » Robin s

Posted by SalArmy4me on June 15, 2001, at 23:22:45

In reply to effexor and weight gain?, posted by Robin s on June 15, 2001, at 15:44:14

If one of these drugs works for you, you shouldn't care if you blow up like the Nutty Professor. Believe me, for certain people, very few medications work for their mental problems, and Effexor might be the only one that works for you. It might just have the best chance of working for you, because:
*It has the possibility of affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, _and_ dopamine--more chemicals--thus increasing your chances for relief.
*It has no anticholinergic side-effects.
*Sexual disturbances are reported less than with SSRIs.
*It has gained the acceptance of psychiatrists worldwide in less than 8 years of U.S. FDA approval.
*It has few significant interactions with other medications.
*The idea of it being addicting due to withdrawal effects is unfounded; if it had any chance of being addicting, it would have been labeled at least a Schedule IV substance by the U.S. DEA.


 

Re: effexor and weight gain?

Posted by rmshed on June 17, 2001, at 10:04:09

In reply to effexor and weight gain?, posted by Robin s on June 15, 2001, at 15:44:14

> I have just weened off zoloft and have started effexor xr. Has anybody had success with this for anxiety disorder? I am also extremely afraid of gaining weight. I know it sounds vain, but if I gain weight I will stop using this drug. My doctor says there is very little weight gain, but than I read stories where a lot of people gain weight. Please help!
>
> --robin

Robin: I am afraid of the same thing. I am already overweight. I gained over 100 pounds over the last 12 years, it started with xanax and doxepin. I think there were more reasons for the weight gain than the medication. I actually felt better and had a better outlook on life so I had a good appetite. I think that some of the side effects with weight gain are very real, but on the flip side, if the medication works, you may begin to feel better and your appetite may resume to normal. I have lost 67 of the 100 pounds, but I have to watch what I eat and refrain from emotional eating. I know that I can loose all of this weight. I have only taken effexor xr for 2 days, and my I lost my appetite. Sounds good to me! Everyone's body chemistry is different, so why not try it and see what happens. I already feel much more alert.

Good luck.

Becky

 

Re: effexor and weight gain? » Robin s

Posted by Seraphim on June 17, 2001, at 22:35:09

In reply to effexor and weight gain?, posted by Robin s on June 15, 2001, at 15:44:14

Robin,

I gained weight on Effexor, and not just a little. Never had problems with weight before taking Effexor, in fact I have always been in great shape. It was the main reason I stopped the Effexor (worked for depression for a while), but couldn't stand the way I looked. The withdrawal has been a true nightmare, but I'm losing the weight, which has also boosted my spirits.

Warnings:
Never miss a dose or take one late
Weight gain is a reality for many
Withdrawal is AWFUL!

Good luck with whatever decision you make, just make sure it is a very informed one. Wish I knew then what I do now.

Seraphim


> I have just weened off zoloft and have started effexor xr. Has anybody had success with this for anxiety disorder? I am also extremely afraid of gaining weight. I know it sounds vain, but if I gain weight I will stop using this drug. My doctor says there is very little weight gain, but than I read stories where a lot of people gain weight. Please help!
>
> --robin


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