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Is Drastic Weight Gain The Side Effect Of Effexor?
I have been on Effexor, not XR, for a couple of months. I am now at 150mg. I have gained 15lbs in one month. I thought Effexor s side effect was more common weight loss. I eat a high protein,low fat,low carb diet. Recently I have had problems with stomach bloating and distension. Other meds I am on are Linzess390mg, suboxone 16mg, tapering off valium - now at 17.5mg, and Prempro .0625/2.5mg - I am in menopause. I don t eat Gluten, occasionally have candy, no bread,pasta,or other carbs. I drink protein shakes and protein bars, all are soy/whey protein and have no sugar,gluten,lactose, 2 grams fat,and little to 0 carbs. why is my stomach so huge? I am also concerned about Effexors effects of increasing cholesterol and triglycerides.
Wed, 11 May 2016
Hello,
Effexor can change appetite and thus may cause weight changes as a side effect. While some patients may lose weight, others can gain weight. It can also cause stomach upset which can be responsible for the bloating and stomach distension you are experiencing. However, all antidepressants can cause one or other side effects. The doctor prescribes these medicines when their benefits for health overweighs its side effects. So if these side effects are not too troublesome for you, you can continue with them and have its benefits that are more important for your health.
These symptoms are seen in patients with menopause, too. So you can discuss these issues with your gynecologist in your next regular appointment.
You can do diet control and regular exercises to control the weight gain. Drink a glass of water before meals and do not overeat at a time. Rather, eat small portions with a gap of 2-3 hours.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Let me know if you have follow up questions!
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
Effexor can change appetite and thus may cause weight changes as a side effect. While some patients may lose weight, others can gain weight. It can also cause stomach upset which can be responsible for the bloating and stomach distension you are experiencing. However, all antidepressants can cause one or other side effects. The doctor prescribes these medicines when their benefits for health overweighs its side effects. So if these side effects are not too troublesome for you, you can continue with them and have its benefits that are more important for your health.
These symptoms are seen in patients with menopause, too. So you can discuss these issues with your gynecologist in your next regular appointment.
You can do diet control and regular exercises to control the weight gain. Drink a glass of water before meals and do not overeat at a time. Rather, eat small portions with a gap of 2-3 hours.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Let me know if you have follow up questions!
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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