Hi,

I have a strict diet and training program (training 2 hours a day) but can not shift fat.

Has anyone experience weight gain or difficulties whilst taking Venlafaxine (Effexor) medication?

My GP says there is no connection, but I can not see any other cause for this.

Ta

Dear Skywalker, I had the same discussion with my doctors about Venlafaxine.  I’ve even written about it and my weight gain in my book. 

So I moved onto venlafaxine (Effexor). I was sure this
drug exacerbated my weight gain and the doctor
confirmed this was one of the substantial side-effects
along with: Loss of short to medium term memory; loss
of drive; ambition and personal motivation; deterioration
in eyesight and sexual dysfunction.

I was so convinced that it was this drug that I asked to be taken off it.  Do you still have the list of ‘side-effects’ in the box that you could check?  I feel sure if I remember rightly that it’s even listed on the list.  I take my hat off to you doing 2 hours of exercise a day.  That’s commendable in anyone’s book but given that another side-effect on the list is loss of drive it’s even more so. 

Obviously we are all different and we don’t all suffer all the side-effects.  If we’re lucky we won’t suffer any but in my experience most people I know taking antidepressants (or indeed any type of medication) experience some side-effects.  I’m certainly not recommending you stop taking them.  I don’t know how well you feel Venlafaxine is working for you and what you consider the benefits of taking that over another antidepressant but maybe you could ask your doctor to change your medication.

Only ever reduce or come off medication under the supervision of the doctor. I stopped taking my antidepressants suddenly several times with terrible results. I didn’t think I could feel any worse but was proven very wrong.  Good luck to you.  Best wishes, Helen

Thanks for the info Helen.

What is the title of your book?

Hello Skywalker.

That drug is horrible. I got took straight off it. Burning inside thoughts of going bang. Nasty banned from my doctors.
Good luck get better soon

Paul

Night Helen

My very good friend

Thinking of you Paul x