Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 19:21:17
In reply to Weight gain on ADs » KRM123, posted by medlib on March 30, 2003, at 13:03:15
Thank you so much for replying Medlib. You sound very educated about the meds. I've been learning and researching so much about everyhing- it's driving me nutty. There is so much conflicting information and everyone reacts differently. I have noticed just by reading boards and other sources that there are fewer gainers on Effexor than others but that the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are much worse. Makes me more scared of the drug I think- like it's more dangerous to the brain or something. Are you taking Effexor alone or with another drug??
I am not overweight and work out a lot but when I was on the Zoloft for two months I remember having those "muchies" but working out more than ever and not being able to lose a pound. The drugs lower my metabolism for sure and that upsets me very much. I eat out of anxiety- food is my comfort so obviously the meds weren't keeping me calm.
Trying to keep the faith that something will work out for me. I am very impatient, but have learned from the supportive people on this board to give the meds a lot of time for full benefit. I pray I can be happy someday =)
Thank you for you help!Take care.
> 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:KRM123
thread:214157
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030329/msgs/214554.html