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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sassy on March 21, 2000, at 19:34:18
Hi everyone,
Has anybody played around with the dosage of effexor
to stop the weight gain, or is anyone on a combo with
effexor to treat the depression and halting the weight
gain.This is very important to me because I had to stop it
because I gained 40 pounds and nothing works as good
as this.Can anyone recommend any good web sites which discuss
the weight gain issue?Thanks ahead of time!
Sassy
Posted by Cam W. on March 21, 2000, at 23:54:49
In reply to EFFEXOR REGULATION FOR WEIGHT GAIN, posted by Sassy on March 21, 2000, at 19:34:18
Sassy - This board has flogged that topic to death. Just check in the archives under the Effexor threads in the past couple of months. Sincerely - Cam W.
Posted by Lucy on March 22, 2000, at 14:55:43
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR REGULATION FOR WEIGHT GAIN, posted by Cam W. on March 21, 2000, at 23:54:49
Cam-
"Flogged to death" doesn't seem quite fair- it's a topic that concerns people a lot, and there hasn't been a lot of published research on it--and one of the reasons this board exists, seems to me, is so people can let off steam. The weight gain and SSRI stuff reminds me of when I began taking Zoloft 8 years ago, and patients were experiencing problems with orgasm on SSRIs, and there wasn't a lot of press on that, everyone said "hey, it's low incidence," etc. Personally, I've found the weight gain to be a much worse problem than the sexual stuff. It's more public, it's a problem 24-7, and people don't believe us...
Don't mean to flame you, just saying my piece.
Posted by Cam W. on March 22, 2000, at 20:41:28
In reply to Re: Effexor regulation/weight gain: to Cam W., posted by Lucy on March 22, 2000, at 14:55:43
Lucy - I guess I used the wrong terms. I just meant that in the past month there has been quite a lot written on Effexor's ability to induce weight gain, to cause sexual dysfunction and the withdrawl symptoms that may occur with its use. Also, many people in the past month have given their clinical experience (good and bad) in many postings. Instead of reiterating all that was said and missing some good information, I just thought that Sassy could look back a couple weeks to a month to see some of the threads that were posted on Effexor. That would give her a more complete view of the drug. By "flogged to death" I meant that a fairly complete analysis of what is know about the drug has already been stated and debated. My grasp of the English language isn't the best, at times. Sorry if it looked like I was brushing Sassy off, I wasn't. Sincerely Cam W.
Posted by Lucy on March 23, 2000, at 7:20:05
In reply to Re:Effexor regulation/weight gain: to Lucy Sassy, posted by Cam W. on March 22, 2000, at 20:41:28
Makes sense... thanks for replying!
Posted by Sasssy on March 23, 2000, at 20:39:53
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR REGULATION FOR WEIGHT GAIN, posted by Cam W. on March 21, 2000, at 23:54:49
>
> Sassy - This board has flogged that topic to death. Just check in the archives under the Effexor threads in the past couple of months. Sincerely - Cam W.Hi Cam,
I'm trying to find information to help myself and
those answers I've been seeking haven't been brought up within the last few months.It's just that my specific questions have not
been answered. I'm really trying to conduct a poll, if you will, to see if there is a commonality amoung those that lose and those
that gain on certain drugs. Maybe WE have to provide feedback to the manufacturer in hope that a good medicine by way of trial testing can be produced with this in mind.So far, the comments on effexor shows underweight people, who are already anorexic (from their comments) lose weight.
Best of luck to you!
Sassy
Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 21:24:56
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR REGULATION FOR WEIGHT GAIN, posted by Sasssy on March 23, 2000, at 20:39:53
To All - 1) Who has gained weight and who has lost weight while taking Effexor?2) Were you underweight or overweight when you gained or lost the weight?
Sassy is looking to see if a pattern of weight loss/gain is evident. This should prove interesting (is a good idea). - Cam W.
Posted by Julie on March 23, 2000, at 22:18:47
In reply to Re: Weight gain/loss with Effexor - A Poll, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 21:24:56
Have probably lost a pound or two in the 10 months I've been on Effexor. But I'd gained 35 lb. on Zoloft before I switched to Effexor. I'm about 15 pounds overweight now, I'd say-- I was always fairly slender 'til the Zoloft 35.
Posted by Renee N on March 23, 2000, at 22:58:12
In reply to Re: EFFEXOR REGULATION FOR WEIGHT GAIN, posted by Sasssy on March 23, 2000, at 20:39:53
I lost 30 pounds in about a year and a half before starting stimulants and then stimulants and Wellbutrin. I lost 10 more pounds in just a little over a month when I started the Wellbutrin. I changed my eating habits and eat mostly lowfat foods. I have cancer and heart problems in my family. I myself have had cancerous cells that did not invade. It's been about 9 years since I had surgery, so I am fine. I also have high blood pressure and moderately high cholesterol, so a change of lifestyle was important. I also make sure I exercise.
Anyway, I went on Effexor XR, cut back on both the stimulants and Wellbutrin. I gained about 7 pounds in about two months. This was around the holidays, and I did eat more fatty things than usual. I just don't seem to have the drive to stick to my new ways as well with the Effexor. I am very worried about gaining too much back after working so hard to go from size 16 to size 10. I don't want to have to go back to larger sizes. I actually have muscles now! I can put on any clothes, and know I look fine.
I just went off Wellbutrin completely due to mouth sores that ruined my gums on which I had
already had surgery. I have to have it again next week! Not only is this painful, but costly.(The only silver lining I can see is that I probably won't be wolfing down too much food for a few days afterward!) I feel less energy to excercise since stopping the Wellbutrin.
When I recently saw a psychologist for the TOVA test for ADHD, he suggested that Paxil might be a good med for my anxiety. Now I have read that lots of people have gained like 40 pounds on it! This is all such a pain in the a__!
Sassy, thanks for doing your little poll. How about one on Paxil, too? Oh, yes, I almost forgot...I am 5'2" tall. I used to weigh 164 pounds. I got down to 122.5, which is in the normal range. Now I'm at 128-130, which is, I believe, about 5 pounds overweight. I would like to weigh just under 120 and fit in a size 8.
Posted by bigbertha on March 24, 2000, at 1:58:34
In reply to Re: Weight gain/loss with Effexor - A Poll, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 21:24:56
I think a poll is a succinct and sometimes fun
way to gather information, although one on weight
gain might be skewed because (speaking for myself-
uh, the "big" in bigbertha ain't about my hair!),
more women than men would probably speak out on
this. What if the poll questions were based on
changes in behavior, rather than trying for something
quantitative. For example:1. Before starting on ____, did you eat whenever
you became anxious (depressed, excited...)?
2. What kinds of food did you crave: chocolate,
carbs (bread, cookies,etc), salads (yea, right!)..
3. If you answered yes to Q#1, does _____ prevent
this behavior? Has it increased this behavior?
Do you desire the same type of food(s)
You get the idea
bb
Posted by Cindy W on March 24, 2000, at 10:45:49
In reply to A weighty problem:so many polls,so little Perugina, posted by bigbertha on March 24, 2000, at 1:58:34
> I think a poll is a succinct and sometimes fun
> way to gather information, although one on weight
> gain might be skewed because (speaking for myself-
> uh, the "big" in bigbertha ain't about my hair!),
> more women than men would probably speak out on
> this. What if the poll questions were based on
> changes in behavior, rather than trying for something
> quantitative. For example:
>
> 1. Before starting on ____, did you eat whenever
> you became anxious (depressed, excited...)?
> 2. What kinds of food did you crave: chocolate,
> carbs (bread, cookies,etc), salads (yea, right!)..
> 3. If you answered yes to Q#1, does _____ prevent
> this behavior? Has it increased this behavior?
> Do you desire the same type of food(s)
>
> You get the idea
> bbre: Effexor, I've been taking Effexor for about 3 months, and find my weight has remained stable (about 30 lbs. overweight). I don't feel I'm overeating, just coasting. Eventually, with the OCD and depression under control, I'll try to lose weight. The only med which seemed to make me gain weight (and quickly) was Zoloft--Cindy W
Posted by Sassy on March 24, 2000, at 20:20:33
In reply to Re: A weighty problem:so many polls,so little Perugina, posted by Cindy W on March 24, 2000, at 10:45:49
> > I think a poll is a succinct and sometimes fun
> > way to gather information, although one on weight
> > gain might be skewed because (speaking for myself-
> > uh, the "big" in bigbertha ain't about my hair!),
> > more women than men would probably speak out on
> > this. What if the poll questions were based on
> > changes in behavior, rather than trying for something
> > quantitative. For example:
> >
> > 1. Before starting on ____, did you eat whenever
> > you became anxious (depressed, excited...)?
> > 2. What kinds of food did you crave: chocolate,
> > carbs (bread, cookies,etc), salads (yea, right!)..
> > 3. If you answered yes to Q#1, does _____ prevent
> > this behavior? Has it increased this behavior?
> > Do you desire the same type of food(s)
> >
> > You get the idea
> > bb
>
> re: Effexor, I've been taking Effexor for about 3 months, and find my weight has remained stable (about 30 lbs. overweight). I don't feel I'm overeating, just coasting. Eventually, with the OCD and depression under control, I'll try to lose weight. The only med which seemed to make me gain weight (and quickly) was Zoloft--Cindy WCam,
Thank you for collecting my thoughts and putting
them into words,Bertha,
Good Ideas also, but in respect to med/weight,
I don't believe your eating habits for the most
part have anything to do with it. Don't get me
wrong,however, there has got to be some type of chemistry/metabolic link that we have in common
that our body reacts the way it does.I do want to be convinced that metabolism plays
a party depending on the response. What I'd like
to do with this is some how get the manufacturer
to note this and possibly improve upon the drug.Effexor has been the only thing which has helped
me to feel like a human being, but I can't take
it. I like to feel that I'm part of life rather
than someone in my body looking out observing life.Renee, I wish you the health.
Everyone's comments are appreciated.
Thanks!
Sassy
Posted by Renee N on March 24, 2000, at 23:38:24
In reply to Re: CAM and Bertha's IDEA for Poll, posted by Sassy on March 24, 2000, at 20:20:33
> Renee, I wish you the health.
>
> Everyone's comments are appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> SassySassy,
Thanks for the good wishes! I wish the same good health, mental and physical to all Babblers.
I'm also wondering how age and hormones interplay with all we're discussing. I am 41 and have had some signs of hormone changes since the age of 35. I believe I have usually had a fairly fast rate of metabolism. If you saw what I used to eat, you would swear I should have weighed over 200 pounds. Once I get serious, I can drop weight and build muscle much easier than my sister who excercises at least an hour a day. She has good cholesterol and blood pressure readings. Life fair and makes sense...yeah, right!
Posted by jenna on March 30, 2000, at 16:39:27
In reply to Sassy, posted by Renee N on March 24, 2000, at 23:38:24
Here's my story ( I am adding sex in there too b/c
I think it is another area important to many).Prozac+ Wellbutrin-nooo sex interest or ability, no weight
changesCelexa + Wellbutrin-no sex, 10 lb wt. gain.
Effexor + Wellbutrin-sex is back!! thus far about
5 lb. weight loss. Clearly, I am very happy w/
this combo. so far.never tried paxil.
prozac and wellbutrin combo actually made me strangely
unable to eat alot.I hope this helps someone!! btw, i run, exercise
a lot and tend to be a very healthy eater.
Posted by Cindy W on March 30, 2000, at 20:51:02
In reply to my two cents, posted by jenna on March 30, 2000, at 16:39:27
> Here's my story ( I am adding sex in there too b/c
> I think it is another area important to many).
>
> Prozac+ Wellbutrin-nooo sex interest or ability, no weight
> changes
>
> Celexa + Wellbutrin-no sex, 10 lb wt. gain.
>
> Effexor + Wellbutrin-sex is back!! thus far about
> 5 lb. weight loss. Clearly, I am very happy w/
> this combo. so far.
>
> never tried paxil.
>
> prozac and wellbutrin combo actually made me strangely
> unable to eat alot.
>
> I hope this helps someone!! btw, i run, exercise
> a lot and tend to be a very healthy eater.Jenna, glad to hear Effexor's working for you! So far, with Effexor-XR alone, I can still reach orgasm, but haven't lost any weight (but I'm not exercising and being good, like you!). Glad to hear things are going well for you.
Posted by erica a on October 25, 2001, at 8:41:29
In reply to Re: my two cents, posted by Cindy W on March 30, 2000, at 20:51:02
> > Here's my story ( I am adding sex in there too b/c
> > I think it is another area important to many).
> >
> > Prozac+ Wellbutrin-nooo sex interest or ability, no weight
> > changes
> >
> > Celexa + Wellbutrin-no sex, 10 lb wt. gain.
>
> > Effexor + Wellbutrin-sex is back!! thus far about
> > 5 lb. weight loss. Clearly, I am very happy w/
> > this combo. so far.
> >
> > never tried paxil.
> >
> > prozac and wellbutrin combo actually made me strangely
> > unable to eat alot.
> >
> > I hope this helps someone!! btw, i run, exercise
> > a lot and tend to be a very healthy eater.
>
> Jenna, glad to hear Effexor's working for you! So far, with Effexor-XR alone, I can still reach orgasm, but haven't lost any weight (but I'm not exercising and being good, like you!). Glad to hear things are going well for you.
I would like to tell you this, I'd been on Effexor XR for about 2 1/2yrs, in the first few months I lost about 10 or 15lbs, I'm very health conscience, I work out and eat right, I've since gained about 30 - 40lbs. My doctor took me off of Effexor XR because of all the weight I'd gain and could not successfully take it off no matter how hard I tried. Today so far I feel okay, but I've now been off of Effexor for a week, I've gone through withdrawal hell, yes the medication did wonders for my depression, which I have clinical depression, but it's been terrible on my body, I hate looking at myself. I now weigh about 180lbs, and I'm very hurt, not depressed, but hurt. The side effects listed for this drug said weight loss, not gain. I've always weighed around 140 - 145lbs, which is usually a size 10 for me, which I am happy with. I pray that you all are well, if you ever decide to come off of effexor, be prepared for a nightmare. I need to lose the weight, I have to lose the weight...
Posted by sjb on October 31, 2001, at 14:02:38
In reply to Re: Weight gain/loss with Effexor - A Poll, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 21:24:56
I lost weight in the first two months I FIRST went on Effexor XR (75 mg per day.) I was overweight. Unfortunately, that did not last and as the dosage was increased (up to 450 mg per day) my binge eating and depression returned. I have since gone on it again after a long layoff and my appetite and depression have increased. Seems for me, the VERY FIRST time I used Effexor and Prozac, it had an appetite suppresant effect but it wears off after a few weeks or 1 - 2 months and it never comes back!
Posted by girlie on October 31, 2001, at 19:27:10
In reply to Re: Weight gain/loss with Effexor - A Poll, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 21:24:56
>
> To All - 1) Who has gained weight and who has lost weight while taking Effexor?
>
> 2) Were you underweight or overweight when you gained or lost the weight?
>
> Sassy is looking to see if a pattern of weight loss/gain is evident. This should prove interesting (is a good idea). - Cam W.I was at a weight that I had maintained for years when I started Effexor - right for my height. In the first 5 months I lost weight without trying and my clothes were falling off of me. Starting around month 7 I started gaining weight and am now 15-20 lbs overweight (for the past 5 years on Effexor XR). I weigh more now than I have in almost 20 years and have had to go up a size in clothes (and am close to going up again) for the first time in longer than I can remember. The weight just keeps piling on, no matter what I do.
I was unaware of any weight gain/loss issues when I went on the medication. I am currently weaning off of Effexor, from 300mg, and noticed that, when I went to 225mg for a month, I gained another 5 pounds. My last dose of 37.5 will be on Friday and then I will be done. Since going to 37.5 on Saturday, I've noticed that my appetite has decreased. I'm hoping to lose this weight once off of Effexor.
I'm also hoping to find someone who has had success at finally getting the weight off once getting off of Effexor!
girlie
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