Effexor - weight gain or loss?

tlvasa
tlvasa Posts: 60 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
My doctor said I might consider taking a low dose of the rx drug, Effexor, to help combat hot flashes. While it is most commonly prescribed as an anti-depressant, a reduction in hot flashes has been a pleasant side-effect to those in menopause. My doctor said most patients report it gives them more energy during the day and weight gain is not a "usual" side effect. However, I was Googling.... and see some who have experienced weight gain on this drug. Wondering if anyone out there takes Effexor (venlafaxine) and curious to the changes in your weight - good or bad.

Replies

  • amberxy
    amberxy Posts: 35 Member
    Hello :)

    I take 75mg of venlafaxine once a day and I have taken it for over two years now. It has neither caused me to gain or lose.

    Be warned, when you first start taking it you will most likely feel quite nauseous, but it will pass within 3 - 4 days. I actually started it off at night so I would sleep through the nausea and be OK for work the next day. At first, I did find my appetite diminished but this may have been because it helped with my depression, therefore I wasn't craving my comfort food.

    I am overweight, but this weight came on before I started taking Effexor, and I have been losing weight steadily since focusing on my health.

    Hope this helps :)

    ETA: the side effects I experienced at first were loss of sex drive, nausea and slight dizziness. These went away after about two months. Weaning off Effexor can also be difficult, and I find if I forget to take one dose, I will experience what can only be described as 'brain zaps', feels like lighting is striking within your head. Not painful, but unpleasant.
  • tlvasa
    tlvasa Posts: 60 Member
    Thank you. I have heard from others - (not on MFP) - about the withdrawals. For this reason & others, I have decided this is not the route I want to take.

Categories