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.
poster:Racer
thread:584495
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051126/msgs/584585.html