Question:
do antedepressants cause increased appetite and weight gain?

can anyone out there help? I'm 3 yrs and 10 mths post op and due to a lot of problems i've been on a prescibed antepressant for the last 2 yrs and 8 mths. I don't know if they have the same name on the drug in US (i'm in Ireland) but the name of them is effexor xl, I'm on 150mg daily. Since i started them my weight loss slowed abruptly, my appetite increased dramatically and i've gained 52lbs!. please throw some light here if you can. many thanks Helen    — Helen B. (posted on May 13, 2004)

May 13, 2004
Although weight gain is not listed as a possible side-effect for this drug, it is still possible. Antidepressants can change a person's appetite in many ways. The best thing for you to do is talk to your doctor about it. I do know that Wellbutrin has the least amount of negative side-effects for an antidepressant, so maybe you might consider a meds switch to this if your doctor is okay with it. I'm not very famailiar with Effexor, though, I just know the newer antidepressants tend to have a lot more side-effects than one should have to tolerate. Side Effects of This Medicine Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: More common Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, decrease in sexual desire or ability, headache Less common Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat , mood or mental changes, ringing or buzzing in ears Rare Convulsions (seizures), itching or skin rash, lightheadedness or fainting, especially when getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position, lockjaw, menstrual changes, problems in urinating or in holding urine, swelling , talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control, trouble in breathing Symptoms of overdose Agitation, convulsions (seizures), drowsiness, extreme tiredness or weakness , fast heartbeat, tingling, burning, or prickling sensations, trembling or shaking This medicine may also cause the following side effect that your doctor will watch for: More common High blood pressure Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: More common Abnormal dreams, anxiety or nervousness , chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, heartburn, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, stuffy or runny nose, stomach pain or gas, tingling, burning, or prickly sensations, trembling or shaking, trouble in sleeping, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting , weight loss Less common Change in sense of taste, muscle tension , yawning After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects: Changes in dreaming, dizziness, dryness of mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea, nervousness, trouble in sleeping, unusual tiredness or weakness Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Last Reviewed: 03/07/2003 http://health.yahoo.com/health/drug/202764/precaution
   — Teresa Green

May 13, 2004
I have used Effexor after experiencing an increased appetite with Paxil. A friend, who is a nurse, recommended Effexor because it is weight neutral. If you really think it is affecting your appetite and causing you to overeat, I think you should definitely see your doctor. There are lots of other medications to try. It's just a matter of finding the one that's right for you. -Gina
   — Gina C.

May 14, 2004
Effexor is weight neutral as one person wrote. My doctors in the past prescribed it to me hoping it would actually help with my weight issues. But if you are looking for a change I would suggest Zoloft and Wellbutrin if your concerns are weight gain. Again, talk to your doctor to find out the side effects, but most people I know who have been on either of these have had no problems.
   — Angela B.