Weight Loss/gain with Meds?

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Registered: 03-28-2003
Weight Loss/gain with Meds?
8
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 3:30pm

Has anyone had weight loss or weight gain while on meds??

What med and what affect did it have on you?

I've read that some people gain on effexor - but there are also studies that show a good percentage of people that take it experience a significant weight loss.

Does anyone know anything about this?

Valerie

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Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 7:55pm

Valerie, I've never taken Effexor.

Sheri Ann

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Registered: 03-28-2003
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 8:36pm

I'd love to say I'd take a few pounds in exchange - but it would honestly probably make it even worse on me.. since i'm already over wight and very disturbed about it. But - that happens i guess.

I had noticed on the product sheet that came in the box that it said it should not be used for strictly weight loss and on wikipedia (sp) it said that there have been cases of significant weight loss.. thought it was worth asking about. :)

Thanks Sheri Ann

Val

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Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 10:28pm
I have had weight troubles for along time, but not due to the meds, Valerie. I have heard lots of anecdotal evidence of weight ups & downs. They discuss it alot on Antidepressant Meds board. Here's the link:
 

 


 



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Registered: 03-22-2003
Sat, 03-18-2006 - 2:39am

Wow!

Sheri Ann

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Registered: 03-15-2006
Sat, 03-18-2006 - 4:16am

Valerie,

My GP warned me when he put me on the Effexor that it would cause stomach upset for a bit until my system got accustomed to it. Another friend who has been on it for a while has lost 20 pounds without really trying too hard. I've been on it a week and after the first two days something odd happened - I feel mildly hungry all the time, but when I eat I can barely eat just a few bites. Then I'm hungry again in about 20 minutes. I've lost about 4 pounds in a week, and I'm really trying to make myself eat. This morning 1 scrambled egg and a slice of rye toast were a struggle even though I was hungry. I'll keep you updated on how it's going :)

~Meghan

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Registered: 03-28-2003
Sat, 03-18-2006 - 8:45am

Thanks everyone for the information!!! Meghan - I've kind of had some on and offs with hunger... but I did experience alot of stomach pains the first few days - but honestly i'm use to that since i have suffered from IBS for a long time. I think my pants werew a little looser yesterday - but i haven't weighted myself..

I know that I'm an emotional eater... I eat when I'm sad or anxious. I've thought about going to weight watchers... I agree about the inactivity being a issue. I don't mind excercising actually but when my heart starts pumping really hard and pounding in my chest it freaks me out and always makes me very nervous... even though I know that's normal my brain says = oh it shouldn't do it that fast - somethings wrong with your heart... stop it stop it stop it. .... lol - silly i know - but that's w hat happens. had a membership to a gym and the only time i was ok was when I was taking a class with several other people and the lady would have us count our pulse - mine was somewhat high usually but not a dangerous high according to her.

I have thought about going to weight watchers... my OB says it's the best program if I can stick to it. so we'll see. My ten year reunion is in May - I don't want to go because I don't want people to see me as a fat girl. lol

Anyways - thank you all..

Val

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Registered: 05-26-2003
Sat, 03-18-2006 - 4:18pm

Valerie, I have taken effexor in the past and had no problem with weight, it did cause me other problems though and I had to go off of it.

Judy

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Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 03-18-2006 - 7:17pm
I, as well as others have reported the fear of their heart racing during exercise. Probably a learned response since that is one of the first signs of anxiety/panic. I just wanted to add, Val, that I was in the best shape of my life when I walked the pool lanes @ the Y 4 times a week. The water resistance is a great way to burn calories & increase stamina & muscle strength. It fends off bone loss, too. It's a lifesaver for people with aches & pains in joints & muscles. Best of all, the pulse increases but for me it never pounded or scared me in anyway. HTH (((hugs))) jan