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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by allibaba on June 30, 2005, at 4:57:43
Has anyone gained a lot of weight taking Effexor and had success taking it off? I love the way Effexor makes me feel, but I hate the weight gain. I'm not eating any differently but I've put on 25lbs in 5 months!! I wouldn't dream of going off of it because it's been a miracle for me, but this weight gain is unnacceptable. Any solutions...because dieting isn't cutting it. Thanks!
Posted by Racer on June 30, 2005, at 12:54:41
In reply to Effexor and weight gain solution?, posted by allibaba on June 30, 2005, at 4:57:43
From what I've read, Topomax or Glucophage are possible solutions.
Otherwise, my advice in this situation is to keep a food journal for two to four weeks, and take that in to your doctor. The food journal -- which should list every bite you eat, and the amounts -- is to avoid having that talk with your doctor where you have to say things like, "No, doc, really -- I'm not eating everything in sight, it really is the medication!" A lot of doctors will start off saying that you "just have to eat sensibly and exercise regularly" and so on. We know they're wrong, and some of them know it,too. That doesn't mean that they won't start off that way, since there's not a lot they can do about this really horrible side effect. The food journal gives you some concrete proof that you're not overeating. (I usually approach it as, "Gee, doc, I'm so ignorant so I kept track of what I ate to see what the problem was..." Since I'm anorexic, the food journal usually helps a lot...)
The good news I can offer is that I lost almost all my Effexor weight when I went off of it. I didn't change a thing, didn't think about it -- just gave myself up to being fat forever -- and one day stepped on a scale to find that I was at a "normal, healthy weight for my size" -- which was still higher than I would have liked, but I'm anorexic, so what do I know?
I hope that helps, and am only sorry I can't offer better news. (Although it might be worth trying Cymbalta, which has a similar action but seems more weight neutral...)
Posted by allibaba on July 1, 2005, at 4:04:40
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain solution?, posted by Racer on June 30, 2005, at 12:54:41
Thanks for your reply! I've never heard of those other drugs...are they appetite suppressants? I'll definitely look into your suggestions. Glad to hear the weight came off after you quit taking Effexor. It's funny because my heavy friend lost about the same amount of weight that I gained with Effexor...I guess everyone reacts differently to things.
This is the end of the thread.
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