I have had a few posts over the last few months in regards to my SLOW weight loss. I was perplexed how I could be eating almost perfectly, working out, etc. and simply NOT losing weight.

Well, the reason really was my Effexor. After tons of research I found out that A LOT of women like myself who gained weight while on Bi-Polar, Depression/Anxiety meds - simply cannot lose it while on the meds.

I got off about 2 weeks ago and now the scale is moving again. Not one Dr. can explain why this drug makes it impossible to lose weight while doign everything right - but its a fact. I was on the meds for years and now that I'm off - I feel terrific!

I am seeing a holistic dr as well and we are tring to treat the symptoms of bi-polar naturally.

Also found out that I am pre-diabetic which can cause you to get fat too and so we are working on that as well.

Just thought I would give everyone an update.

Here are some recent pics:

I'm on the left -

me and son below

I am so happy you found out what was causing you to not lose weight and get the scale moving again. That must have been so frustrating.

By the way, you look wonderful in your pictures!

I know first hand how true this is. My gf and I did Atkins 2 years ago for one entire year...she lost over 100 I lost 30....my primary doc said it was likely Prozac. So when I got banded I made the choice to quit Prozac for the month prior and permanently...I've lost 26 lbs in three weeks so I'm thinking you can't lose while on those drugs.

I know first hand how true this is. My gf and I did Atkins 2 years ago for one entire year...she lost over 100 I lost 30....my primary doc said it was likely Prozac. So when I got banded I made the choice to quit Prozac for the month prior and permanently...I've lost 26 lbs in three weeks so I'm thinking you can't lose while on those drugs.

EXACTLY! Dr's and my peeps didn't believe it, but it is true - you CANNOT lose weight when on Psych drugs! Yuck!

beachee...first off, you look great! Is it ok to just stop taking bipolar meds or did you wean yourself off. Does the DR. know you took yourself off because I know that when my friend did this a few years ago she had a terrible manic episode. Take care and I'm glad you're doing so well!

How did you get off of it. I am trying to wean myself off and I get horrible dizzy spells every time I skip a pill, Help!!

Im on effexor and was banded july 19 06 and not having any problem YET.

edie

Same here, Edie. I've been on Effexor XR for about 5 years and am actually 50 lbs lighter than when I started. Are you on the XR (timed release) or the other one?

Denise

I was on the XR, not all people have a hard time, but many, many, many unfortunately do. Do a search of Effexor and weight loss and you will find many, many posts of people who blew up on Effexor and can't lose.

Yes, I talked with my Dr. about weaning myself off and unfortunately, my Dr. was not well informed of the withdrawal effects.

First time off I tried to go cold turkey from 150 mg a day. Bad idea! I was sick, brain tremors, headaches and got a severe cold.

Best way to do it is to slowly over weeks ween yourself. I went from 150 to 75, did 75 mg for a few weeks then went town to 37.5. Then from 37.5 cut pill in half (they are now generic so you can get in pill form) to 18 mg. Them for a few weeks took 18 mg then every other day took it to nothing at all. The first few days after completely stopping the 18 mg I was very dizzy but bearable. A month later I am still dizzy and have brain zaps and dizziness but not enough to make me go back. Every day I feel better and I could not be more pleased.

I will absolutely try new meds if I am too crazy at any time. I am researching the combination of Wellbutrin and Topamax because they are considered "weight neutral" drugs.

I tried Topamax at a high dosage once but I felt totally dumbed down and my cognitive skills were very bad. If I did it again I would do at a much lower dose.

For now I am in therapy twice a week and have really worked on getting very good nutrition in as a way to do better. I also take lots of Vitamins like coq10, Omega 3's, B12, Selennium, and multi-vitamins in addition.

Beachee.....you are right - most docs don't know (because the drug reps don't tell them) of the horrible withdrawal side effects. When many people try to come off they have such episodes that they decide "whoops, I'm still depressed, better get back on my pills." when in fact it's often just withdrawal symptoms.

wow - am I glad you guys posted on here - my doc ma de me go back on the effexor xr 150 mg...dumb me I quit smoking at the same time so had double whammy...have only lost 5 pounds since 23 Oct and am writing everything down that goes into my mouth, exercising, etc., and nothing is happening...

ot one Dr. can explain why this drug makes it impossible to lose weight while doign everything right - but its a fact.

Before being banded

I had huge weight gaain on Paxil. I did every thing right. One thing my doctortold me is the anti depressants even though you are doing everything right, theses drugs slow down your metabolic rate to almost zero hence why the weight gain and no weight loss

My DH takes Effexor, he might go a week and not take it and can't tell any difference, AND he's never had a weight issue. Go figure, LOL.

OMG you have just completely opened a new door to me.. I am in my consulation stage right now with the banding. I am also on effexor and it has clearly been one hell of a struggle with the weight loss while on it, but to get off of it is a pain i here. Are you having any side effects from it?

My daughter takes topamax and it kills the apetite. I have a friend that takes Wellbutrin and Topamax and was told that it would make him lose weight. He just started it but we will see what happens. I know that my daughter was taken Depakote and she gained like 11 pounds in 6 months, at 5 years old. She has been on the Topamax since Sept and has lost 5 of those pounds back off. She was eating constantly, now she eats 2 good meals a day with an afternoon snack. I can't get breakfast in her at all. She says she will try cream of wheat each morning next week if I also give her some fresh fruit, I'm gonna try that, but the topamax does curb the apetite. ~Mandy

I was on Effexor XR and I gained a hell of a lot of weight. It totally stunk. I am off now and the anxiety thing os going OK, but I am still gaining weight:) I agree that they do help you to gain the problem is that sometimes you really NEED to take them.

AHHHH- I am glad I am in good company:)