Posted by medlib on March 30, 2003, at 13:03:15
In reply to More weight gain on Effexor or SSRI's??, posted by KRM123 on March 29, 2003, at 19:47:10
Hi KRM123--
Weight gain represents a significant health risk for me, so I can identify with your concern. The antidepressants least often associated with weight gain are Wellbutrin and Effexor. Those most frequently accompanied by weight gain are Paxil and Remeron (at low doses).
I lost about 10 lbs. on Effexor when I first began taking it 3+ years ago, no change after that. However, YMMV (your mileage may vary) is the PB motto, and several Babblers *have* reported weight gain. My impression is that there've been far fewer gainers than losers, though. Serotonin-enhancing meds tend to give one the "munchies", particularly for carbohydrates. Although E. acts primarily on serotonin at lower doses (up to 150 mg./day), at higher doses its primary effect is on norepinephrine.
Wellbutrin often causes weight loss (by reducing appetite); in fact, it is contraindicated for those with bulemia or anorexia. It affects dopamine and norepinephrine. When I added W. to my med cocktail, I lost about 15 lbs., which was very helpful. Do keep in mind that most people find both W. and E. activating-type ADs, so few can (or need to) take them together. Both W. and E. can increase anxiety. In E., this is just a start-up effect; longterm, it often *decreases* anxiety. If W. produces or exacerbates anxiety, though, this SE usually persists.
Hope this helps.---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:214157
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030329/msgs/214427.html