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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 10:12:14
Hello,
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg for 5 weeks now for anxiety and depression. I am an elite athlete and workout 4 hours each day. I have experienced noo appetite whatsoever since being on Effexor. Most days I eat only an egg, 2 salads, veggies, an apple, and a small granola bar. Amazingly, I have more energy than I ever have, but also I am gaining weight, about 5 lbs. This does not suprise me because I gained 20 lbs in 5 months on Wellbutrin. This also occured with Paxil and Buspar. (These drugs did not relieve anxiety or depression.)
The Effexor has relieved some anxiety and depression, yet I feel flat, unemotional almost. I'm not sure what to try now. Is it possible that SSRI's or SSNRI's change one's metabolism? I definitely am not overeating or lack physical activity. Is there a chance that another medication will not cause weight gain, or am I fairly like to gain since I have on the others. I was thinking of Cymbalta, since it's similar to Effexor, or maybe Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro. Any suggestions?!
Posted by cablegirl on December 2, 2005, at 11:05:14
In reply to Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 10:12:14
Hi there,
Weight gain from these meds. is so frusturating! Everyone is so different, but here is my experience.....I was on Lexapro for about 4 months and gained 15 LBS. without changing my diet and still exercising 3-5 days a week. A month ago my doctor switched me to 150 mg. Effexor and now I have lost 3 LBS!!!...I am not as hungry and I don't workout for 4 hours like you do, so it is so strange that you have gained weight on the same dosage of Effexor as me.....I guess it just proves that everyone is affected differently! Lexapro might work for you, from what I have read on this board....it is all "trial and error"....just keep having the doctor switch meds. until you find one that works for your depression AND weight gain!!!
Good Luck and Hang in There!!!
Posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 11:24:34
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now? » jealibeanz, posted by cablegirl on December 2, 2005, at 11:05:14
I'm not sure if I should just give up on meds, or try another. I am very sensitive about my weight and appearance. I work hard to stay in shape and would like to see benefits from what I do. Just out of curiosity, why do you suggest Lexapro?
Is there anyone out there like me who gained on many meds, but has found one that works?!
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 2, 2005, at 11:32:30
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 11:24:34
Hey there, well welcome to pbabble! :o)
In regards to your question about weight gain, I personally found Prozac to be the best pure SSRI for weight - in fact I lost a few pounds, mainly because I was nausous from the side effects! I think I have heard rumours about it being used to help people with weight loss, but these are just rumours and have no idea if they are true!
Effexor caused weight gain for me as well. Celexa also caused weight gain, and extreme apathy. However, when I added reboxetine (a SNRI) to celexa I found weight gain was halted, and I couldn't put on anymore weight.
Weight gain from SSRIs sucks! Its awful, isn't it!?
Other people here might have different experiences.
Good luck!!
Posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 11:38:25
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 2, 2005, at 11:32:30
What is reboxetine? Could you give me more info on this?
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 2, 2005, at 12:51:25
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 11:38:25
Hey again!
Well reboxetine is a SNRI meaning instead of acting on serotoin it acts on noradrenline (or Norepinephrine if you are in the US). Unfortunately its not available in the States, apparently something to do with pharm company politics.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reboxetine if you want some technical info.
Or you can search the archives here, I know when I was taking it I posted quite frequently.
I found it really good for panic and anxiety but not so good for depression.
Posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 13:01:42
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by Meri-Tuuli on December 2, 2005, at 12:51:25
OH OK that's why I haven't heard of it. I'm from the US. Any other suggestions?
Posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 13:34:04
In reply to Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 10:12:14
> Hello,
>
> I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg for 5 weeks now for anxiety and depression. I am an elite athlete and workout 4 hours each day. I have experienced noo appetite whatsoever since being on Effexor. Most days I eat only an egg, 2 salads, veggies, an apple, and a small granola bar. Amazingly, I have more energy than I ever have, but also I am gaining weight, about 5 lbs.OK, I have to say it -- that's not a healthy diet. It's too low in protein, and way too low in carbs. I'm guessing it's in your best interests to get treatment for an eating disorder.
You don't mention how old you are, what sport you're involved in, nor what your body composition is. I'm guessing your BMI would be down below 17. Clinical guidelines suggest hospitalization at a BMI of 16 or below.
>This does not suprise me because I gained 20 lbs in 5 months on Wellbutrin. This also occured with Paxil and Buspar. (These drugs did not relieve anxiety or depression.)
>
> The Effexor has relieved some anxiety and depression, yet I feel flat, unemotional almost. I'm not sure what to try now. Is it possible that SSRI's or SSNRI's change one's metabolism? I definitely am not overeating or lack physical activity. Is there a chance that another medication will not cause weight gain, or am I fairly like to gain since I have on the others. I was thinking of Cymbalta, since it's similar to Effexor, or maybe Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro. Any suggestions?!Back to your actual question:
I had the same sort of emotional flattening on Paxil, and, to a much lesser degree, with Effexor. Cymbalta, which I'm on now, doesn't seem to do that, but I'm now on a tiny dose, because I couldn't stand the side effects, and I can't say it's doing much of anything. I also take Wellbutrin, which does help with depression, but not anxiety.
The best I ever found for anxiety was a beta blocker. I'm not sure that's an option for you, because of the exercise.
WEight gain from meds? Yep, Paxil, nortriptyline, Effexor/Prozac combo - I gained weight on all those. The current combo may be more weight neutral, but I can't tell. I'm being treated for AN, so the weight gain may be from that, or the drugs may help. I can't tell.
Sorry I can't help. The best I can say is that it's better to get that ED treated sooner than later. It took me nearly 30 years to get treatment, and I wish like mad that something was done much sooner.
Posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 14:27:19
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 13:34:04
My weight is perfectly healthy. Without medication it's between 110-115lbs, on a small 5'4'' frame. Right now I'm between 120-125 lbs. I don't have an eating disorder. I'd normally want much much more food than that. It's just that my stomach always feels full on the medication, I feel no hunger, and don't even feel a lack of energy from eating so little. That's why I think it must slow my metabolism, otherwise I'd be starving.
The Cymbalta does seem like an idea to consider. Right now I over the past few days have become very unemotional and not terribly motivated. I sometimes just stare off into space. I'm relaxed to the point where I don't care to study or do school work. It doesn't bother me to put it off. Not a good thing with finals coming up in a week!
Posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 15:49:00
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 14:27:19
Heh -- I had such a problem with that amotivation thing that we lowered the Cymbalta to 20mg just because I couldn't handle that anymore.
Everyone is different.
Your mileage will vary.
That it happened to me does not mean it will happen to you.And besides -- as I recall, it was MUCH MUCH worse on Effexor...
Cymbalta is probably worth a try. Another option, though, if the Effexor is working for you otherwise, is to take to your doctor about one of the options to mitigate weight gain: the two bigs are Topomax and metformin.
Good luck.
Posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 15:55:07
In reply to The Bad News » jealibeanz, posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 15:49:00
What dosages did you try on Effexor and Cymbalta? Does symbalta effect norepinephrine at any dose? Will this help with apathy?
Posted by ShellyM on December 2, 2005, at 16:51:55
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 13:34:04
Hey Racer
What beta blocker have you found works best for anxiety / panic (I can't take benzos at all).
Thanks
Shelly
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg for 5 weeks now for anxiety and depression. I am an elite athlete and workout 4 hours each day. I have experienced noo appetite whatsoever since being on Effexor. Most days I eat only an egg, 2 salads, veggies, an apple, and a small granola bar. Amazingly, I have more energy than I ever have, but also I am gaining weight, about 5 lbs.
>
> OK, I have to say it -- that's not a healthy diet. It's too low in protein, and way too low in carbs. I'm guessing it's in your best interests to get treatment for an eating disorder.
>
> You don't mention how old you are, what sport you're involved in, nor what your body composition is. I'm guessing your BMI would be down below 17. Clinical guidelines suggest hospitalization at a BMI of 16 or below.
>
> >This does not suprise me because I gained 20 lbs in 5 months on Wellbutrin. This also occured with Paxil and Buspar. (These drugs did not relieve anxiety or depression.)
> >
> > The Effexor has relieved some anxiety and depression, yet I feel flat, unemotional almost. I'm not sure what to try now. Is it possible that SSRI's or SSNRI's change one's metabolism? I definitely am not overeating or lack physical activity. Is there a chance that another medication will not cause weight gain, or am I fairly like to gain since I have on the others. I was thinking of Cymbalta, since it's similar to Effexor, or maybe Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro. Any suggestions?!
>
> Back to your actual question:
>
> I had the same sort of emotional flattening on Paxil, and, to a much lesser degree, with Effexor. Cymbalta, which I'm on now, doesn't seem to do that, but I'm now on a tiny dose, because I couldn't stand the side effects, and I can't say it's doing much of anything. I also take Wellbutrin, which does help with depression, but not anxiety.
>
> The best I ever found for anxiety was a beta blocker. I'm not sure that's an option for you, because of the exercise.
>
> WEight gain from meds? Yep, Paxil, nortriptyline, Effexor/Prozac combo - I gained weight on all those. The current combo may be more weight neutral, but I can't tell. I'm being treated for AN, so the weight gain may be from that, or the drugs may help. I can't tell.
>
> Sorry I can't help. The best I can say is that it's better to get that ED treated sooner than later. It took me nearly 30 years to get treatment, and I wish like mad that something was done much sooner.
Posted by cablegirl on December 2, 2005, at 17:15:37
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now?, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 11:24:34
> Just out of curiosity, why do you suggest Lexapro?
> Oh, the only reason I said Lexapro, is because it did not work for me, yet the Effexor (which is NOT working for you) is working for me!......Long story short.....what DOESN"T work for one person...may work for someone else.Best of Luck!
Posted by Gee on December 2, 2005, at 18:01:04
In reply to Re: Effexor weight gain/diappointment... what now? » jealibeanz, posted by cablegirl on December 2, 2005, at 17:15:37
I found effexor to work for me... but it took a long time to get the dosage right, and for it to start working, but now (like a year later) I'm really noticing that it is working
Celxa caused me a really really bad allergic reaction... one of those 1 in a million things, but it worked really fast for me
Posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 18:51:24
In reply to Re: The Bad News, posted by jealibeanz on December 2, 2005, at 15:55:07
Let's see, I started Cymbalta at 30mg, went to 60, then 90. 90 was a nightmare of inactivity and sedation. 60 was better, but still not very good. (Keeping in mind, though, that I was being treated for AN, and going through some aspects of refeeding syndrome, which complicates the picture a lot.)
I'm only taking 20mg now, and that doesn't seem to be a problem. Although my current cocktail ain't doing so good anyway. I also take WB XO 300mg.
Posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 18:51:53
In reply to Beta BlockerRacer, posted by ShellyM on December 2, 2005, at 16:51:55
I was taking propranalol, and loved it. But it did cause some amotivation...
Posted by Phillipa on December 2, 2005, at 22:57:36
In reply to Re: Beta BlockerRacer » ShellyM, posted by Racer on December 2, 2005, at 18:51:53
Wierdly my wt stayed the same on all ad's. Fondly, Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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