HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Stopped Taking Effexor. Suffering From Low Mood, Fatigue, Weight Gain And Back Pain. Medication?

Posted on Tue, 19 Feb 2013

Question: Hi I've been on effexor 25mg for last 7 months. Just recently weaned myself from it. I've put on heaps of weight, like I'm about to give birth.

I have the following health issues. I am not on any medicatiion besides capsiplex plus
Cholesterol
Insulin resistance

Gallstone
Obesity
Low progesterone
Depression

These are the symptoms that I am suffering:

Bloating
Gassy
shoulder blade pain
Lower back pain
Fluid retention
Fatigue
Low mood
Weak
Light irregular periods

Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (2 hours later)

Hello.....
Thanks for your query. I understand your concern with a myriiad of symptoms. I understand you were on efflexor, Venlafaxine which is a SNRI type of antidepressant. I wonder why you were weaned away from the drugs when you still suffer from low mood, fatigue, weakness and pain symptoms. I am surprised you are currently not on any anti-depressant. I would strongly recommend starting an anti-depressant again. In addition you, would require a medical evaluation and need be started on anti-cholesterol drugs like statins. You would also need to focus on weight loss by a combination of dietary restrictions and graded exercises. Metformin might be a good choice for your problem of insulin resistance.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Neuro-Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (15 minutes later)

I will be doing a saliva test for my hormones. As I believe that there is an underlying issue in terms of my sudden weight gain. And I know that effexor was to blame as well. Being naturally thin it's a bandaid solution and actually creates or exasserbates health issues.

I disagree with your comments about going back on an antidepressant. I actually requested a dr knowledgable in female issues. As I am still investigating whether I am hyperthyroiod, my hormones are in array or anemic.

Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (3 minutes later)

I agree with the fact that venlafaxine does cause weight gain. However, it can always be substituted with an antidepressant with minimal side-effects.Ofcourse, hormonal imbalance particularly hypothyroidism can mimic depression. Neverthless, it requires concerted treatment by an endocrinologist and a psychiatrist in your case considering multiple issues.
Regards
Dr Sundar

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar