Posted by girlie on October 1, 2001, at 9:40:06
In reply to 7 skinny months on XR - gained 20 lbs. by month 15, posted by Weaner on September 30, 2001, at 20:07:43
I'd be interested in an answer to this question too! When I first went on Effexor I, too, lost a bunch of weight. I never questioned it because I'm not one who is going to question weight loss without trying LOL! After about 5 months I started gaining weight.
I've been on Effexor XR for about 5 years and I've never been able to get that weight off. In total I've gained about 15 pounds that I've carried ever since. I weigh more now than I have in 15 years and, for the first time in longer than I can remember, I've had to buy clothes in a size larger than I've been in for years.
I'm currently weaning off of it and am down to 75mg/day from 300mg/day. When I went to 225mg I gained 5 pounds in 4 weeks - while exercising and cutting out sweets and junk food! I went down by 75mg until I got to where I am now (since early Sept). The weight isn't exactly falling off of me, but I don't think I've gained any more, and may have even lost a couple of pounds (I go by my clothes, as I'm terrified of the scale!)
When I went on Effexor, I was never told of the weight gain possibility, and have only recently figured out that the drug is a likely contributor to the gain. From what I've read here, it is typical for the weight loss at first and then, after a few months, the weight gain. My new doctor (I've moved since first going on) confirmed the weight gain side effect too.
I plan to get totally off of Effx after my wedding and honemoon this month, so I'd like to hear from someone, too, whose gone off of it if the weight loss is actually possible.
I will add that, despite the weight gain, Effexor XR saved me and, even in hindsight, I would have still chosen to go on it.
girlie
poster:girlie
thread:79959
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010927/msgs/79971.html