I have taken both in the past. I've read so many reviews lately from people who say they have gained weight on effexor, and people who say they have gained weight on wellbutrin. I thought these were 2 of the antidepressants that are supposed to be "weight neutral"??? This gets so frustrating and adds to my anxiety! Lol
Which is more likely to cause weight gain, Effexor or Wellbutrin?
Question posted by Anonymous on 23 Jan 2016
Last updated on 13 February 2016
Added 24 Jan 2016:
Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be a "transient" side effect.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
3 Answers
Testevenson
13 Feb 2016
I too have some concerns about weight gain. I've been on Wellbutrin 75 mg for about 8 days. I've notice a small change but nothing significant yet. I will see my psychiatrist in 30 days to see how meds are working. She stated depending on my response to Wellbutrin, she may add a Small dose of Effexor. After viewing this forum I'm concerned about adding Effexor and weight gained. However, I'am the type of person who will eat a healthy diet and excercise. But since the depression that's been hanging over me for a year, I was no longer motivated to do the things I use too. The depression cause me too eat, gain weight and I had difficulty participating in life. The last thing I want to do is gain more weight. I will not take meds that are going to make me gain weight. My blood pressure goes up with weight gain and quite simply who wants to be FAT! That will certainly mess with my psyche.
If weight gain becomes a problem then I will ask the Dr about a combination that does not cause a weight problem. Being overweight is another health issue that causes other health problems. It's not my intent to fix one disease that causes another. I will have to find other ways to manage my depression if I must. But weight gain is not an option for me any more. For those who have settled or are ok with bulging waist line etc., I understand and respect your decision. We all have to do what works best for us. But weight gain is part of my depression. My goal is to get my life back minus 20 pounds
WildcatVet
13 Feb 2016
In clinical/field trials 16.3% of Effexor users reported weight gain, and Wellbutrin 13.6%.~ and the great majority of that was clinically insignificant. Here's this: An almost equal number in each group reported weight LOSS.
Remember that what you read is written by the small percentage who did gain a little weight ~ there are millions and millions of users who don't come to Drugs.com to write that they didn't gain weight.
What it comes down to for me, as I said earlier, my mental health is far more important to me than a couple extra pounds.
chuck1957
24 Jan 2016
G mc; great answer from WildcatVet, THESE ones really don't cause a lot of weight gain they both say you can lose or gain which for most put them in the weight neutral zone I have been on both and did not gain one either one. But it also is a matter of how we respond and a bit of watching what we are eating but neither increased my appetite and are very good medications on or for anxiety and depression at one point I was taking both at the same time. But just make sure you bring your concerns to the doctor and decide what you would like to do.Good luck
WildcatVet
24 Jan 2016
G mc, the phrase is actually *more weight neutral* meaning they are less apt to cause weight gain than some of the other AD's. Some people lose weight, some gain weight, some stay weight neutral. It's not the drugs, it's how you personally metabolize them.
Personally, I gained no weight on any of the drugs that didn't work for me. So now I've gained 10lbs on the ones that do work. For me, it's health and happiness over vanity.
BTW, both meds work well for most people as far as controlling depression and anxiety.
Inactive
25 Jan 2016
Thanks for your input. The meds don't make me hungry, as a matter of fact, they curb my appetite. Effexor made me nauseated. With Wellbutrin, I don't eat any more than usual, and I don't have carb cravings. But, for some reason, as time goes on, I put more weight around my middle. Crazy! The last time I quit Wellbutrin, I lost 20 lbs. But I started back on it, and my middle started to get bigger again, and I don't eat that much. I don't eat a lot of sweets or carbs either. I forgot to mention that I had gained 15 pounds on Lexapro last year while I was still working. Oops! Lexapro definitely made me crave carbs! I just didn't realize it till my work shirts and jeans started to get too small, lol. But as I said, I have lost 20lbs since then. The last couple of weeks my weight started to creep up on me, so now I'm up about 4 lbs. and I don't want it to continue to climb. My blood pressure has gone down since I lost all the weight. So it's the lesser of two evils for me, I suppose...
WildcatVet
25 Jan 2016
For most people it's not a matter of increased appetite or overeating ~ or eating in general. These drugs alter several aspects of your metabolism and you gain weight regardless of what you do or do not eat or how vigorously you exercise.
I've gained over 10lbs on lithium and even a starvation diet didn't budge an ounce. For me it's health and happiness over vanity. And since I gain no additional weight... an occasional cherry turnover!
Inactive
25 Jan 2016
Aarrgghh!
Inactive
25 Jan 2016
I get frustrated. But I am going to stick with my wellbutrin because it makes me feel better overall, and I've had better success with this med. than any other that I've taken. Thanks for the encouragement from y'all in my support groups!
Related topics
effexor, wellbutrin, weight loss (obesity/overweight), weight
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.