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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rxcuriousity on March 27, 2002, at 12:59:10
I have gained about 10 lbs. of bodyfat since I've been on Effexor. I don't overeat and I workout regularly. Any suggestions?
Posted by TSA West on March 27, 2002, at 18:53:41
In reply to Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me!, posted by Rxcuriousity on March 27, 2002, at 12:59:10
Go on Buproprion SR: "Preliminary studies suggest that Bupropion SR, approved for depression and smoking cessation, is an effective adjunct to diet for weight loss. We conducted a 6-month multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to test the safety and efficacy of Bupropion SR as an adjunct to a balanced energy-restricted diet and lifestyle program to treat obese adults. We enrolled 327 women and men, aged 18-65 years, with BMIs of 30-43. We excluded subjects who had a history of seizures, anorexia, bulimia, depression, psychosis, cigarette or substance abuse. After a 2-week run-in period subjects were randomly allocated to placebo, 300 mg/day, or 400 mg/day Bupropion SR. The lifestyle intervention included an energy-restricted diet (600 kcal deficit), use of 2 meal replacements/day, recording miles walked (pedometer), and a lifestyle diary. Subjects received dietetic counseling every 2-4 weeks. Retention rate at 24-weeks was ~70% and was similar in all groups. The weight loss (% of initial weight) and loss of >5% at 6 months (intention to treat analysis) are summarized in table."
--Diabetes, June 2001: "Buproprion SR Significantly Enhances Weight Loss When Used with a Moderate-Intensity Lifestyle Intervention"
Posted by Frankie on March 28, 2002, at 3:23:35
In reply to Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me!, posted by Rxcuriousity on March 27, 2002, at 12:59:10
> I have gained about 10 lbs. of bodyfat since I've been on Effexor. I don't overeat and I workout regularly. Any suggestions?
I would suggest that you assess whether or not it is the Effexor. I doubt it. Most of those I have studied on Effexor lose weight. Have you actually gotten weighed to see that you have gained 10 lbs.? With me, I sometimes retain water some days, and I look at myself saying to myself "Man, I am fat as a pig!" But, a few days later, I look lean again. And, when I step on the scale, I have remained at the same weight that I was at 2 months ago. In other words, 10 lbs. of fat would not likely be due to Effexor. Serotonin at a high level caused fullness though, and potentially water retention.If your appetite has increased, I would advise you to cut down your carbohydrates, and increase your protein intake by 2 times. Eat double the protein a day, and half as many carbohydrates. Protein burns more calories when being digested than either of the other two. Not all fats are bad. Unsaturated and essential fatty acids are good to lean with too! So, if you do all this, and still gain weight, I would suggest that you ditch the Effexor, and try either Wellbutrin SR, like the other guy said, or Prozac. Prozac causes about half of the people that take it to lose a lot of bodyweight. I am talking like 20 lbs over a good stretch of time. If you are taking the Effexor for depression, then any substitute will do. But, if it is being taken for OCD or anxiety, do not take Wellbutrin! It will make either one worse! Good luck.
Frankie.
p.s.: I am big into fitness too, and well studied in nutrition.
Posted by jay on March 28, 2002, at 5:47:37
In reply to Re: Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me! » Rxcuriousity, posted by TSA West on March 27, 2002, at 18:53:41
I see your point, and like most "weight loss" meds, it is the anger, anxiety, and hellish mental anguish that I and know others who are sensitive to it, have caused. Welbutrin is classified as a mild CNS stimulant, so all the side effects that go along with the others, likely go along with this one.Sorry to sound negative, but like with many meds, there are some who have had some very horrible experiences with them. My advice is try some caffiene tablets, and if you get to 'irritated' on them, then forget Welbutrin. A pdoc of mine gave me that advice. I didn't listen, of course, and I paid the price.
IMHO..YMMV..etc..
Jay
> Go on Buproprion SR: "Preliminary studies suggest that Bupropion SR, approved for depression and smoking cessation, is an effective adjunct to diet for weight loss. We conducted a 6-month multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to test the safety and efficacy of Bupropion SR as an adjunct to a balanced energy-restricted diet and lifestyle program to treat obese adults. We enrolled 327 women and men, aged 18-65 years, with BMIs of 30-43. We excluded subjects who had a history of seizures, anorexia, bulimia, depression, psychosis, cigarette or substance abuse. After a 2-week run-in period subjects were randomly allocated to placebo, 300 mg/day, or 400 mg/day Bupropion SR. The lifestyle intervention included an energy-restricted diet (600 kcal deficit), use of 2 meal replacements/day, recording miles walked (pedometer), and a lifestyle diary. Subjects received dietetic counseling every 2-4 weeks. Retention rate at 24-weeks was ~70% and was similar in all groups. The weight loss (% of initial weight) and loss of >5% at 6 months (intention to treat analysis) are summarized in table."
>
> --Diabetes, June 2001: "Buproprion SR Significantly Enhances Weight Loss When Used with a Moderate-Intensity Lifestyle Intervention"
Posted by jay on March 28, 2002, at 6:05:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me!, posted by Frankie on March 28, 2002, at 3:23:35
> > I have gained about 10 lbs. of bodyfat since I've been on Effexor. I don't overeat and I workout regularly. Any suggestions?
>
>
> I would suggest that you assess whether or not it is the Effexor. I doubt it. Most of those I have studied on Effexor lose weight. Have you actually gotten weighed to see that you have gained 10 lbs.? With me, I sometimes retain water some days, and I look at myself saying to myself "Man, I am fat as a pig!" But, a few days later, I look lean again. And, when I step on the scale, I have remained at the same weight that I was at 2 months ago. In other words, 10 lbs. of fat would not likely be due to Effexor. Serotonin at a high level caused fullness though, and potentially water retention.
>
> If your appetite has increased, I would advise you to cut down your carbohydrates, and increase your protein intake by 2 times. Eat double the protein a day, and half as many carbohydrates. Protein burns more calories when being digested than either of the other two. Not all fats are bad. Unsaturated and essential fatty acids are good to lean with too! So, if you do all this, and still gain weight, I would suggest that you ditch the Effexor, and try either Wellbutrin SR, like the other guy said, or Prozac. Prozac causes about half of the people that take it to lose a lot of bodyweight. I am talking like 20 lbs over a good stretch of time. If you are taking the Effexor for depression, then any substitute will do. But, if it is being taken for OCD or anxiety, do not take Wellbutrin! It will make either one worse! Good luck.
>
> Frankie.
>
> p.s.: I am big into fitness too, and well studied in nutrition.Hi:
I have tried using pure protein powder drinks, and felt *horrible*. I notice they contain a massive wack of l-glutamine, which I happen to be very sensitive to. (And I think many with possible bipolar tendancies are.)
Would Soy products be a good substitute? The fatty-acids didn't work out...they (in their capsule form) are too powerful for me. There are a number of studies that caution the use of pure omega oil capsules in those with bipolar depression. (Not fish oil...but the plant oils..like flax...which sends my anxiety through the roof on a theraputic dose!)
Thanks...
Jay
Posted by Frankie on March 28, 2002, at 11:51:42
In reply to Soy/Protein...For weight loss? » Frankie, posted by jay on March 28, 2002, at 6:05:56
> > > I have gained about 10 lbs. of bodyfat since I've been on Effexor. I don't overeat and I workout regularly. Any suggestions?
> >
> >
> > I would suggest that you assess whether or not it is the Effexor. I doubt it. Most of those I have studied on Effexor lose weight. Have you actually gotten weighed to see that you have gained 10 lbs.? With me, I sometimes retain water some days, and I look at myself saying to myself "Man, I am fat as a pig!" But, a few days later, I look lean again. And, when I step on the scale, I have remained at the same weight that I was at 2 months ago. In other words, 10 lbs. of fat would not likely be due to Effexor. Serotonin at a high level caused fullness though, and potentially water retention.
> >
> > If your appetite has increased, I would advise you to cut down your carbohydrates, and increase your protein intake by 2 times. Eat double the protein a day, and half as many carbohydrates. Protein burns more calories when being digested than either of the other two. Not all fats are bad. Unsaturated and essential fatty acids are good to lean with too! So, if you do all this, and still gain weight, I would suggest that you ditch the Effexor, and try either Wellbutrin SR, like the other guy said, or Prozac. Prozac causes about half of the people that take it to lose a lot of bodyweight. I am talking like 20 lbs over a good stretch of time. If you are taking the Effexor for depression, then any substitute will do. But, if it is being taken for OCD or anxiety, do not take Wellbutrin! It will make either one worse! Good luck.
> >
> > Frankie.
> >
> > p.s.: I am big into fitness too, and well studied in nutrition.
>
> Hi:
>
> I have tried using pure protein powder drinks, and felt *horrible*. I notice they contain a massive wack of l-glutamine, which I happen to be very sensitive to. (And I think many with possible bipolar tendancies are.)
>
> Would Soy products be a good substitute? The fatty-acids didn't work out...they (in their capsule form) are too powerful for me. There are a number of studies that caution the use of pure omega oil capsules in those with bipolar depression. (Not fish oil...but the plant oils..like flax...which sends my anxiety through the roof on a theraputic dose!)
>
> Thanks...
>
> Jay
Hi Jay,Ironically, L-Glutamine seems to really mess me up too! I have not been diagnosed with any type of bipolar tendencies, but I do have GAD. This condition will make one very sensitive to vitamins, herbs, etc... I have much trouble with many supplements that I take too. Soy Protein might be a good option for you. But, whey protein is a better one! If you can take it. Any health food store sells it. Also, vitamin E will lean you out. About 800 I.U. daily. It won't cause any type of sensitivity either.
Frankie.
Posted by sanfran on August 17, 2004, at 15:43:04
In reply to Re: Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me!, posted by Frankie on March 28, 2002, at 3:23:35
Hmmm... that's difficult to offer advice to someone as to whether their medication is causing their weight gain. Heck, even the scientists who design these medications are at a loss for why people react so differently to them. We all have different systems and react as individuals to medications. Even twins react dramatically different to the same medication (I am a twin and experience this all the time). There is absolutely no scientific evidence that just because 8/10 people on effexor lose weight, then the medication cannot be the cause of your weight gain. It simply means that of 10 people tested, 8 of them appeared to lose weight in that time period they were monitored. Applying a statement like that to a population and generalizing is dangerous and is what is causing so many people anguish in these 'unheard' side-effects.
I would point to the postings on this site as evidence that anything and everything can result from taking these medications. It is a double edged sword that unfortunately has many upsides as well as downsides. The emphasis should be on listening to your own body and how you feel from a particular medication, and realizing the advice of their doctors & the pharmaceutical companies is just that, advice.
Posted by jenn007 on August 18, 2004, at 9:53:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Weight Gain / Help Me!, posted by sanfran on August 17, 2004, at 15:43:04
well i have been trying to lose my post baby weight and the scale has been stuck in the same spot since i have been on effexor. this week i have not taken my med and i can proudly say i have already lost some. i think the med just makes it easier to gain and harder to lose. also diet and exercise play a part too. i eat good and as a nurse, i run around the ER for 12 hours periods (literally, i mean run usually - lol) so that helps. i am hoping to lose some more now that the med is not an issue :)
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