Question:
Has anyone gained weight post op with antidepressants?
I had RNY bypass in 2001. I lost 180 lbs and held that steady for 5 years. I went thru menopause and had depression and anxiety. I was prescribed Effexor and have been on it since then. I have gained 60 pounds. I tried to ween off but still needed the drug. Could this be from the drug? Is there another drug that does not cause weight gain? — clairewcouch (posted on January 21, 2009)
January 20, 2009
my only advise for you is to get back with the physician who prescribed the
meds. If he/she will not listen to you, you may want to get a second
opinion. you have worked too hard to just let the weight come back on.
Good luck and I am sure there are med's out there that will not pack on the
weight. I might also Google weight loss products on the internet to see
which ones don't put on the weight. In the end, it is what we eat that
puts the lbs on us. I fight that every day. Some days I win and other
days I lose. I am trying to win more than lose. Susan
— susangielda06
January 20, 2009
I am also on Effexor and losing just fine. Had RNY in Nov and down 50
pounds. So I don't know if it is the drug or if you just fell a little off
the wagon. sorry about that but I just wonder if you have talked to your
doctor about this.
Sheri
— sheri139
January 20, 2009
Effexor DOES cause weight gain according to my GP and psychiatrist, and
they tell me that almost every anxiety and depression med they know of
does. These meds are a HUGE contributor to my weight problems as they
block my sense of satiation/ fullness, and can create cravings. I was on
Epival for years, gaining about ten pounds a year according to my dr...
before I found out Epival is also jokingly referred to as Epi-BLOAT !!!
Now I am considering WLS with my GP dr and specialist but they are both
VERY concerned about the weight gain from my meds (Effexor and
Respiradone). I cannot go off of Effexor, unless they come up with a
comparable med, minus the side effects. Anxiety disorder runs in my family
and I know I will probably need these meds for life. There is a noticeable
behavioral difference between family members who are on meds and those who
are not... I don't want to live like those who are not treating their
anxiety... I have already been there and my life- and stress levels- are
WAY more productive and sane on Effexor... other than the awfulness of
being morbidly obese, I have a very fulfilling life as a single parent,
with a full time career, house, pets, male and female friends, great
community etc. even some dating when I find the time...lol... Without
anxiety meds my life was lived with constant hourly reactive stress,
anxiety, panic attacks, edgy frenetic activity from feeling intensely
pressured, and "tantrum outbursts" when constantly overwhelmed by
my own perceptions of things big or small...then exhaustion and to bed or
the couch in a inert zombie state for hours, and that is what some of my
family members still live with.
There are a couple of meds that have been found to sometimes suppress
appetite in some patients, and cause weight gain in others... I think
Topomax was one of those... but it depended on the patient.
Sorry I don't have a better answer about living with anxiety meds... I have
tried DOZENS for years at a time over the last 20 yrs. I have honestly had
the best results for my mental health with Effexor and Respiradone, and I
don't know how it will interact with WLS, so have not made my own
decision... I was thinking about RNY, but don't know yet. My own doctors
share my concerns, the bariatric ppl I ask seem TOO quick to re-assure that
"it will be fine- now when can we book you?"!!
If anyone can answer further to this issue, I am also interested.
Sarah in GTA, Ontario, Canada
— CinnSareLee
January 20, 2009
Hi, I was on efexxor for 3 years prior to my surgery and I did not
experience any weight gain (maybe differnt for others)I had to stop taking
it because I felt I took it so long it was not helping. I am now taking
Zoloft which is working fine I may need to lower the dosage, because of
weightloss. no weight gain.I am sure you know taking efexxor or any
antidepressment do not just quit taking it I know especially with efexxor
it will make you light headed and possible side effects and I thinking I
was cured HAHA cause I was feeling so good stopped taking meds even
recentlly and then WHAM depression is no fun.Best of luck Tammi
— Tammi Sandoval
January 21, 2009
I take effexor and lexapro. My surgery date is March 6, 2009. Through the
years, I have been on many antidepressants, but these seem to be the best
for me. I have gained a lot of weight and I am very optimistic about the
wls helping me. I hope since I am already on these meds that my surgery
will bring me to my goals and the medicine doesn't affect it.
— janet1150
January 21, 2009
I have been on Effexor for about 2 years, and gained weight, (pre WLS)but I
don't think it was due to that medication. Prior to the Effexor, I was on
Prozac (generic) and it suppressed my appetite. I think it depends on the
patient. Maybe you should ask your doctor to recommend something different.
— deejacobs
January 21, 2009
I know that Zoloft makes you gain weight and keeps you from losing it, but
I believe that Effexor is in the same class. Ask you doctor if you can take
Cymbalta. It does not interfere with your weight.
Good Luck!
Joyce
— joycedev
January 21, 2009
Try to google the prescription online. It generally posts the side
effects. There are very few that do not cause weight gain.
CONGRATULATIONS on maintaining your victory!!!
— bariatricdivalatina
January 21, 2009
Ask about getting wellbutrin and lexapro they are the least likely to make
you gain weight. With wellbutrin you usually loss weight.
— tamica D.
January 21, 2009
I too was on Effexor for a couple of years. I wanted off the medication
due to a number of reasons, one of which was the weight gain. Effexor is
difficult to get off due to the side effects of the withdrawal. My psych
weaned me off with Prozac which worked out great. Good luck. Sue
— yankeefan75
January 21, 2009
Effexor is often prescribed along with another med for weight loss by
physicians. When I was on Effexor I lost weight (it was before my
surgery). I was given Effexor to help me lose weight and although it
helped a little and did not cause any gains, when the FDA issued a warning
about it couple of years ago, my doctor took me off of it due to other
health issues (which I no longer have since my surgery). Anyway, you might
want to look at other areas and also talk to your doctor and surgeon about
this weight gain. Best of luck to you. Cathy
— brindledanes
January 22, 2009
I took Effexor XR after my medic partner was killed and was still on it 4
years later. It does cause weight gain and the side effects of the drug
itself are tremendous. Effexor is a very difficult drug to ween off of
because of the chemical change it has on your body. I ended up switching to
Lexapro (without problems or side effects) and then weening off of that
drug instead. MUCH easier transition and no weight gain with Lexapro. Best
of luck to you.
— Elizabeth J.
January 22, 2009
I would check with your doctor. If you aren't satisfied with the answers
you get, keep fighting until you get the answer for yourself. I'm sure
there are meds you can take that don't cause weight gain. Part of the
problem you are talking about is your illness. I would do everything I
could now before you gain more weight again-60 is easier to lose than 100
or more pounds. Try exercising too. Even a walk daily is helpful. Let us
know what you find out we're listening. Good Luck and God Bless,
vinnigirl, retired RN
— vinnigirl
January 23, 2009
Ask your doc about Wellbutrin.
— MAG
January 30, 2009
i'm not sure but i've been taking zoloft for a yr, & no gain! ask ur
prescriber to switch
— Melissa C.
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