Posted by JANNBEAU on January 30, 2002, at 11:52:18
In reply to Re: My story of Effexor, posted by JAG on January 30, 2002, at 9:19:44
>Hi, JAG. I can't tell you how your body will react to Effexor with respect to weight gain or loss, but IN GENERAL - (please understand that, by "in general" I mean the statistical probability that any given therapeutic or side effect will occur with a given medication) - those who gain weight on one psychotrophic med will respond similarly to most of them, while those who lose weight (often people who are lightweight to start with, have difficulty keeping their weight up, and who react to stress, depression, etc., by further DECREASING their caloric intake will also be the ones who lose weight on a medication. It is my personal opinion that this is some type of "hard wiring" in the brain). Of course this is not invariable. If it were, it wouldn't be a probability, but an absolute and doctors would be able to say "you will lose weight with this medication" or "you will gain". At this point, I don't think any doctor can say absolutely that your body will react in a certain way to any medication. He/she can only say "you MAY do or feel or react in such and such a way" based on what is known about the specific medication from others and from research--
The problem for me seems to be one of medication-induced loss of control over what I eat and how much. I crave carbohydrates and sweets on Effexor and don't seem able to fight this.
On the other hand, if your weight is already up, perhaps you will have hit a plateau and won't gain any more. Then, also, if the medication works for your other problems, you might be able to concentrate better on your physical health and lose weight by cutting calories and increasing exercise. Or, you just might be one of the lucky ones who lose weight.
Good Luck and Hang In There!!
Jannbeau
Hello, I just happened to stumble upon this sight while researching information about the new medication that my doctor prescribed for me. I have a variety of conditions that all mesh into one depressed & anxious person. I have been diagnosed to experience PTSD, OCD, Panic attacks, depression, and Bi-polarism. I have tried to take Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. I am now on Effexor. I found that the other meds lowered my libido and increased my pants size, which in turn was not good for my depression. Since you mentioned weight gain on Effexor, I am concerned. I know that not everyone reacts the same to medications, but I am still worried. My doctor told me that it was least likely that I would gain added weight. In fact, she told me that I would lose the extra weight that I had gained with the other medications. Even if it is not truely the reason that I may lose weight, I was still hoping for a placebo effect. Should I be worried about my weight as I did on Zoloft? On another note, my doctor also wanted to mix Wellbutrin & Effexor for the added response of the libido. I am leary to go on the two meds at the same time, plus I experienced ringing in the ears with the Wellbutrin and am afraid to try it again. If anyone has any insight to these concerns please let me know. I am fairly new to antidepressants and panic disorder meds (9 trial months). It is nice to know that there are individuals that have had similar experiences. Hope all is well, JAG
poster:JANNBEAU
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020124/msgs/92184.html