I’m on my 5th month with Effexor , doing really good after going through a very hard time at the beginning, adjusting to the medication was no fun but I was able to manage it . Anyway, I have lost about 15 -20 pounds since I stopped lexapro and started Effexor . Has anybody else experienced this ? In my case I’m ok with ur since I was about 30 pounds overweight so i am in good shape now ... I’m just curious if this is normal ... i have to admit that I was always in shape until I started with AD’s for the past 9 years ... now with Effexor I’m back at the weight I was prior to AD’s . FYI , my dosage is 187mg . Other side effect is constipation but I deal with it by eating more fiber and sometimes otc meds as needed .
Is it common to lose weight with Effexor ?
Question posted by Frank001 on 8 May 2019
Last updated on 15 May 2019 by WildcatVet
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3 Answers
WildcatVet
15 May 2019
Hello, Frank! Effexor is considered "weight neutral" because an equal number of people will either gain or lose weight. To answer your question:
"Common (1% to 10% of users): Decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight gain, weight loss"
In your case, you're in that lucky 1-10%.
crazygirl66
15 May 2019
I was on Effexor for a year, I only stayed on it because it’s so hard to come off of. Anyway, it did nothing at all for my depression but I did lose 25lbs. I started noticing about 2 months after I was finally off of it that I started gaining weight back (unfortunately). That was the only positive I had from that med! Glad it’s working for you.
Neededsomthing
15 May 2019
Hi I am really glad that you’re feeling well, the quick answer is no it is not common to lose weight on Effexor. I have seen complaints about weight gain with it and personally it made me a slug in the beginning so I think I put on weight. Possibly you are just eating better and moving more because it works well for you. I have heard that it is weight neutral for many.
Related topics
effexor, depression, weight loss (obesity/overweight), major depressive disorder, weight, medication
Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
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