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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 39. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
I'm trying to get information on patients who have taken Effexor and have noticed a lot of weight gain concentrated in their abdomen. This can be women or men.
I was on Effexor for 3 years and have corresponded with a couple of people who have experienced this strange phenomenon. "Effexor Belly" or something like that. If you have experienced this, please respond.
Also, if you were on Effexor, noticed initial weight loss and then, after a time, gained more weight back than lost, this is interesting to me also.
Thanks.
j-
Posted by oracle on August 9, 2002, at 15:14:51
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
All AD's cause weight gain in some. Most
people gain around the middle, also.
Posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 17:22:19
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by oracle on August 9, 2002, at 15:14:51
Oracle,
While that is true of some, I've been on 6 different AD's in my lifetime and never had weight gain until Effexor. And women in my family tend to gain weight in chest, arms and thighs...never belly.
This weight gain is definitely different. I had to buy maternity clothes because I looked 3-4 months pregnant. My doctors were mystified. I've found a few other accounts online of this weird phenom, wonder if anyone else here experienced it.
j-
Posted by oracle on August 9, 2002, at 18:50:35
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 17:22:19
> Oracle,
>
> While that is true of some, I've been on 6 different AD's in my lifetime and never had weight gain until Effexor.Then you are one of the few that can try 6 AD's
and have no weight gain !
Posted by BekkaH on August 9, 2002, at 20:53:15
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
I had this problem on several AD's. I assumed it was water retention because the "weight"/protruding belly disappeared a day or so after stopping the meds. By the way, I also had this problem on Concerta, which is not really an antidepressant.
Posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 21:32:09
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by BekkaH on August 9, 2002, at 20:53:15
Oracle,
I know...it is unusual.
BekkaH,
I did lose 9 lbs water weight immediately off...but the belly (and just the belly) is still there. 5 weeks later. Weird. The rest of me is normal-sized.
Posted by BekkaH on August 9, 2002, at 21:56:12
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 21:32:09
I'm not sure what to make of this. And I'm not sure my "water weight" theory applies here because I didn't have edema in other parts of my body, like my ankles, fingers, eyelids, etc.
I do know that, in some people, SSRI-induced real weight gain (i.e. weight gain that's not just from fluid-retention) can take quite a while to come off.
Posted by oracle on August 10, 2002, at 17:44:01
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by BekkaH on August 9, 2002, at 21:56:12
I wonder if rapid weight gain has anything to
do with this ? Many do gain quickly.
Posted by Mr.Scott on August 10, 2002, at 18:55:31
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
I absolutely notice this. It's dose related. I have always thought it to be a distension from gas and a muscle spasm like a flexing bicep from too much serotonin in the guts. A swelling of "the guts" rather than actual weight gain. It often is accompanied my a general uncomfortable feeling there as well for me.. So I only take little tiny doses because I won't "do" that side effect. Oh and, also do you notice a slight bloating of the face? I do.Scott
Posted by shar on August 10, 2002, at 19:11:54
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
Yes, I have had similar experience while taking Effexor. I was on it for some years, and it did not happen right away. But, it is definitely what you are describing, and I have not had it with any other AD, and I've been off Effexor for awhile now, and it is not coming off.
I hope/expect that will change.
Shar
Posted by BekkaH on August 11, 2002, at 1:03:33
In reply to SSRI belly face too » jeanmari1, posted by Mr.Scott on August 10, 2002, at 18:55:31
>
> I absolutely notice this. It's dose related. I have always thought it to be a distension from gas and a muscle spasm like a flexing bicep from too much serotonin in the guts. A swelling of "the guts" rather than actual weight gain. It often is accompanied my a general uncomfortable feeling there as well for me..************************************************
I read that about 95% of the body's serotonin receptors are in the gut, so that would explain this problem with SSRI's, but I've experienced it with other, non-serotonergic antidepressants and with Concerta, which is a psychostimulant. I've never been able to figure that one out.
Posted by BekkaH on August 11, 2002, at 1:05:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen » jeanmari1, posted by shar on August 10, 2002, at 19:11:54
and I've been off Effexor for awhile now, and it is not coming off.
>
> > Shar************************************************
Hi Shar,
May I ask how long you've been off Effexor?
Bekka
Posted by Mr.Scott on August 11, 2002, at 15:04:29
In reply to SSRI belly face too - Mr. Scott, posted by BekkaH on August 11, 2002, at 1:03:33
I wonder if it's a liver thing?
Posted by BekkaH on August 11, 2002, at 17:54:32
In reply to Hmmmh? » BekkaH, posted by Mr.Scott on August 11, 2002, at 15:04:29
> I wonder if it's a liver thing?
Oooh! You mean, something like ascites? I certainly hope NOT!!
Posted by LynnPerley on August 11, 2002, at 23:28:44
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
Ohh yes! I thought it was due to initial lethargy making me stop exercising. Then I could not get back on the exercise wagon. Now I am beginning to agree with the abdominal gas type theory. I have gained close to 10 lb since March when I started effexor and it keeps getting worse. I also think I have developed irritable bowel syndrome. I lament that my mind has become whole but my body has gone to s**t. Trouble is my pants/skirt size has gone up almost two sizes but my top size has not.
Posted by shar on August 11, 2002, at 23:53:07
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen -Shar, posted by BekkaH on August 11, 2002, at 1:05:29
A month or 2? 6 weeks? I can't really remember, I should look in the archives because I think I posted when I started the descent into Effexor withdrawal hell.
It really isn't enough time, I'm sure. For one thing, I was sick before getting off Effexor, and then was sick while getting off, so my already limited 'up and around' time went down significantly. I am still not as active as I usually have been, and I think (hope) that will make a difference when I get more active.
An interesting point, when I was researching that very issue (abdominal "fat") I found out that it is referred to as 'morbid obesity' when that is how one puts on weight exceeding a certain percentage of one's ideal weight.
That is also how I first got onto Omega 3 because of its action in regard to adipose tissue. Later (after continuing to learn about Omega 3's) I found out Omega 3 could also be beneficial in depression/mood disorders. However, because I've been so sick for so long I haven't been taking the Omega 3's yet.
I'm afraid my memory ends about there (I don't recall the physiological action involved in how the Omega 3 makes a difference in weight/adipose tissue/etc.).
uh, what was the question??? 8-}
Posted by BekkaH on August 12, 2002, at 0:10:46
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen -Shar » BekkaH, posted by shar on August 11, 2002, at 23:53:07
Hi Shar,
I know this is infinitely easier said than done, but be patient. It WILL come off. When I got off an SSRI, it took about six months before I started to see the scale budge. It's not that long for everyone, though. I've seen others lose weight soon after they withdraw from the SSRIs. But, it will come off and, of course, it helps to exercise, eat healthfully, etc. etc.
I take Omega-3 FA's, too, but I don't know whether they are helping me or not. If they are helping, it's nothing dramatic. I take fish oils, and I'm also taking about 2 Tablespoons of Ground Flax Seed Meal in soy milk or juice at least 4 days a week. I know the essential fatty acids are supposed to be good for many things, not just mental health.
Bekka
Posted by BekkaH on August 12, 2002, at 0:16:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen -Shar, posted by BekkaH on August 12, 2002, at 0:10:46
On some other AD's, I had the big belly, but it went away very shortly after stopping the med. On SSRI's, I had weight gain that was distributed fairly evenly throughout my body, but it took longer to lose. Everyone is different in this regard, and I think it probably took me longer than most.
Posted by jeanmari1 on August 12, 2002, at 10:47:22
In reply to P.S. Clarification, posted by BekkaH on August 12, 2002, at 0:16:47
I should clarify, my "bulge" is not liver or gas or anything from internal organs...I've been examined. It seems to be just fat that has accumulated there and nowhere else on my body that is noticeable.
Posted by nicky77 on June 8, 2005, at 10:47:07
In reply to Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by jeanmari1 on August 9, 2002, at 13:49:08
Hiya!
gee, I realize I'm dragging a very ald and dusty thread from the basement archives of Dr Bob, but I was curious:
jeanmari1, have you since found out anything more on this subject? I have exactly the same problem you see, with the belly. I'm a boy and I look somewhat pregnant. Never realized it could be the effexor untill I read your post. It made me fall out of my chair and all, good thing my big belly broke the fall.
So yeah, I'd be really pleased if you could get back to me on this one.
Thnnx!Nick
Posted by jeanmari1 on June 8, 2005, at 11:31:36
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by nicky77 on June 8, 2005, at 10:47:07
Hi--
I never did get any conclusive information on this one...but I can say that the belly went away when I got off of Effexor (and it was SO pronounced, I had to buy some early maternity clothes). I went on Parnate and had no problem with belly weight gain.
Posted by Nameless on June 8, 2005, at 12:11:21
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by nicky77 on June 8, 2005, at 10:47:07
Wow, so glad you did dig that up Nick! I just stumbled on this site for the first time today and had to register so I could respond once I read your post and the earlier ones.
I've been on Effexor for 2 years after previously trying Lexapro for a year. I've gained about 70 lbs on Effexor. My stomach is huge! So glad to hear it's not just me!!! Thank you!! I've struggled w/ various eating issues along w/ depression, so I kept thinking that my eating must be worse than I'm thinking. I'm getting off ASAP!
-Nameless
> Hiya!
>
> gee, I realize I'm dragging a very ald and dusty thread from the basement archives of Dr Bob, but I was curious:
>
> jeanmari1, have you since found out anything more on this subject? I have exactly the same problem you see, with the belly. I'm a boy and I look somewhat pregnant. Never realized it could be the effexor untill I read your post. It made me fall out of my chair and all, good thing my big belly broke the fall.
>
> So yeah, I'd be really pleased if you could get back to me on this one.
> Thnnx!
>
> Nick
Posted by Mr.Scott on June 9, 2005, at 0:04:42
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen, posted by Nameless on June 8, 2005, at 12:11:21
I'm so glad I got away from Effexor & the SSRI's. What I do now instead would scare most people into thinking I'm truly nuts, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.Maintenance ECT. Moving to once every 2 months. Zero side effects. Head and memory clearer than ever. No sexual side effects. No weight gain. No depression. Nothing!
And I never tried to kill myself or heard voices or was who you might think would have it done. Not hospitilized or anything. I mostly have dysthymia and double depression in the winters. I just got sick of side effects and decided to try it during one of those winter killers. I walked through my fears and it has actually worked.
I lost 40lbs coming off Effexor and then Zoloft and my cholesterol dropped 130 points.
Scott
Posted by ed_uk on June 9, 2005, at 5:52:22
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen » Nameless, posted by Mr.Scott on June 9, 2005, at 0:04:42
Hi Scott!
When did you start maintenance ECT?
Ed.
Posted by Mr.Scott on June 9, 2005, at 8:36:13
In reply to Re: Effexor and Weight Gain in Abdomen » Mr.Scott, posted by ed_uk on June 9, 2005, at 5:52:22
Hey Ed..
I tried it for the first time in January of 2004. The effect took a few weeks to develop, and lasted for about 3-4 months. I believe I had 6-8 treatments. I got depressed again, but kept fighting the idea thinking it "too extreme" and trying the same old meds over and over developing the same old side efects over and over. I have a difficult time tolerating meds rather than having a particularly severe case of depression (although it can get ugly here and there).
So then I decided in February to do it again only this time with a doc who is more of an expert in the matter. I had my records transfered to him. He said less often would work just as well but it would take longer to develop the antidepressant effect. It would just be a matter of time until my brain clicked back into non depressed mode as it had the last time, and doing it this way would be less intrusive. Although I experience virtually zero side effects from it anyways. I started with once a week this time. This time I had a response after only 3 weeks. I reduced to every two weeks. The effect got even stronger. Now once a month. Better than ever.
I'm enjoying the freedom from depression while I can and hoping to get schedule perfecteded over time.
Scott
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