Ive been on Effexor for about three weeks and I lost about ten pounds. My question is if people have success stories on this drug? (Either emotional or with weight) And if you did lose weight- did it continue or did it stop after a while?
So far I’m less anxious, feel more like myself, but I do get tingles down my right arm throughout the day- almost like pins and needles. I’m on 75mg but debating going higher cuz I still have a problem with crowds
Effexor for anxiety and weight loss- For anyone that lost weight on Effexor?
Question posted by jrmeans09 on 11 March 2018
Last updated on 10 October 2023 by Sj1982
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
18 Answers
Sj1982
10 Oct 2023
I just started on Effexor a week ago. I’ve lost 5 pounds this first week. I have to take it in the morning and still have trouble sleeping. However that is getting better. I’m starting to feel less anxious. No tingles, but I do feel a little jittery at times. Hopefully that will go away.
waterlover
30 Sep 2021
I also lost weight- about 8 lbs. It was the best thing about the drug, which I am now off. Was on for 8 months-first 5 months noticed increased energy, better mood but then didn't notice much and it did raise my normal blood pressure occasionally. I decided I didn't need it any longer. Going OFF this drug was HORRIFIC. I had to have a liquid made to taper slowly (very expensive) and even that didn't prevent horrific dizziness and brain zaps during withdrawal periodically AND almost constantly for 3 weeks after DC'ing-it got so there were times I considered going back on as I was so sick of the brain and body zaps. I used fish oil, vitamin B complex and the antihistamine dimenhydrinate (dramamine OTC) at beditme which helped with symptoms. 4 weeks with no drug and my body is STILL adjusting. Brain zaps are completely gone but still occasional dizziness, fogginess and increased BP. NEVER AGAIN will I take a drug like this.
I was warned by my doctor about withdrawal and it served a purpose, but I'll stick to healthy diet and increased exercise. By the way, I gained all the weight back during the withdrawal. At least I'm not in agony while I diet to take it off.
Lahoftx100
28 March 2021
I took Effexor for quite awhile. I did lose some weight, but not a lot. I definitely didn’t gain weight.
mamamia7
28 March 2021
This medication is not prescribed for weight loss. It is for anxiety and depression. If you lose weight, which varies from patient to patient, consider it a plus if you are a bit obese, otherwise concentrate of the effects of what it was intended to do.
Trallyn
28 March 2021
I can understand that, the key goal is to feel better. What I've learned so far and I take escitalopram, the side effects for most gets to you starting out but as the meds start to work it gets better. Always update your doctor on your journey.
Bee07
3 Dec 2020
I have been on Effexor xr for 20 years its been fantastic for my panic and depression, sadly no weight loss
mamamia7
29 March 2021
I was on Effexor two years until my insurance refused to pay. I have PTSD from my mother's mental and at times physical abuse my entire childhood. On Effexor, it took all memory of what upset me away, I called it a miracle drug. I would actually try to remember episodes with my mother and just as i started to visualize, it would abruptly go away... i was amazingly surprised yet very saddened once my insurance claimed it was too costly and stopped pay. They put me on another drug for about six months and it did nothing so I took myself off it... but yes while on Effexor, i went from about 220 down to 160 in weight... i do not feel it is a diet pill... but it blocked out any horrible memories which caused me anxiety and being upset to where id run to food for my calm... now i am over 220... without Effexor, I am lost... screw the US medicaid system... they will give non Americans free surgeries... but wont pay for Americans medications.. Its all politics!
mamamia7
29 March 2021
I was on Effexor two years until my insurance refused to pay. I have PTSD from my mother's mental and at times physical abuse my entire childhood. On Effexor, it took all memory of what upset me away, I called it a miracle drug. I would actually try to remember episodes with my mother and just as i started to visualize, it would abruptly go away... i was amazingly surprised yet very saddened once my insurance claimed it was too costly and stopped pay. They put me on another drug for about six months and it did nothing so I took myself off it... but yes while on Effexor, i went from about 220 down to 160 in weight... i do not feel it is a diet pill... but it blocked out any horrible memories which caused me anxiety and being upset to where id run to food for my calm... now i am over 220... without Effexor, I am lost... screw the US medicaid system... they will give non Americans free surgeries... but wont pay for Americans medications.. Its all politics!
mamamia7
29 March 2021
I was on Effexor two years until my insurance refused to pay. I have PTSD from my mother's mental and at times physical abuse my entire childhood. On Effexor, it took all memory of what upset me away, I called it a miracle drug. I would actually try to remember episodes with my mother and just as i started to visualize, it would abruptly go away... i was amazingly surprised yet very saddened once my insurance claimed it was too costly and stopped pay. They put me on another drug for about six months and it did nothing so I took myself off it... but yes while on Effexor, i went from about 220 down to 160 in weight... i do not feel it is a diet pill... but it blocked out any horrible memories which caused me anxiety and being upset to where id run to food for my calm... now i am over 220... without Effexor, I am lost... screw the US medicaid system... they will give non Americans free surgeries... but wont pay for Americans medications.. Its all politics!
IsabelMar
24 Oct 2020
HISTORY:
I’ve been on and off this 3 times total in the last ten years. The time spent on it was wonderful, when I go off all my symptoms and weight come rushing back and worse. I have decided this time will be the last time I go off of it, I will continue taking it indefinitely.
WEIGHT LOSS and Positive Effects:
I’ve always had issues with food. When I was younger I wouldn’t eat at all, I would avoid food and was sooo skinny and frail. As I got older I couldn’t stop eating and would binge eat. So this medication has made my appetite and stress eating eating completely manageable. It’s very normal now. When I stop per the medication the last time I gained 35+ And could not control my eating. I was so depressed and sad, I would have treats and comfort meals non stop trying to feel better, and I have been on it for about 8 months now and have lost 25 pounds.
I don’t think about food anymore, I just notice if I’m hungry and will eat and enjoy it and move on with my day.
As well as, I feel so much better, I can have normal interactions with people without anxiety, I don’t break down in tears constantly, I have motivation to go to the gym and do my hobbies again, and I don’t have panic attacks anymore. I was diagnosed with depression and Generalized anxiety disorder.
DOSE:
I am very sensitive to meds so I am on 37.5 mg and might increase to 75mg later on. I tried 75 before and I was almost too hyper, and kept me awake at night. But so far this lower does is perfect works for me. My mom is also on the same dose and has been for 10 years so I assume I will be like her.
NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS:
I had a hard time starting it: constant nausea and vomiting at times. I took a gravol with it and would sleep through the sickness. After two weeks I had no issues anymore.
While take it: I have very vivid dreams and can’t sleep sometimes. That’s why I went off it before (among other reasons). I take it early in the morning to avoid this, and so by the time I go to bed, I’m not getting the peak of the medicine and my body has had time to adjust.
Going off: I get brain zaps, dizziness and general unwell feeling. And since I’m on the lowest does I had a hard time “tapering”. I have the capsules full of beads, and would break them open and remove some of the beads, a little more each day, over a month-long period. They should really make smaller doses specifically for starting and tapering off this med.
TLDR:
Anyway it can be a hell of a drug... good and bad... but if it does work it works amazingly well, and I love it! It’s not for everyone though!!
Randirichman
26 Jan 2020
Please only stay on Effexor short term. Long term use causes problems but most important- the withdrawals are hell and can do permanent damage. Short term only!
dshupe89
26 Jan 2020
What is this sorcery of people loosing weight on this pill? I weighed 145lbs when I started of it, now I’ve gained 15+ pounds. TMI, but this pill gave me the worst gas I’ve ever had (like, I couldn’t stand to be a room with me, it was disgusting.) I could have a few tablespoons of peanut butter and I’d bloat up and start gassing. I’ve stared a new medication for anxiety and I’m praying some of my excess weight comes off. I can’t really afforded a new wardrobe on top of everything else. I too want to tell people to run away from this pill.
Minnie 1110
18 Dec 2019
I started taking 75 mg in July the 1st month i lost 10 pounds and felt great. The second month i started having side effects and started gaining weight. 5 months on effexor now and i am taking myself off of it due to the fact that in 4 months i have gained 20 plus pounds. I think it has different effects on everyone and it is great if you found the med that helps you! For me right now coming off is in my best interest and hopefully will find one that works well for me without horrible side effects. Wishing you the best
Lu72
18 Aug 2019
I’m on venlafaxine (Effexor) since coming off amitriptyline on which I gained approx 3 st. I noticed my weight plateauing on 112.5mg and came back from a weeks holiday at the same weight I went. However last Tuesday my neuropsychiatrist increased the dose to 150mg and from Wednesday to now (12 days ago) I’ve lost 8lb partly due to me having no appetite. I’m overjoyed and hope it continues as I have a bad back which will be helped with losing the weight plus my mood has improved as I feel better about myself! I feel a bit jittery and find I’m sometimes trying to bring my teeth but I can live with both.
Simba222
4 April 2019
I was on 37.5 of Effexor for 1 month and felt good. I was also prescribed Buspar. Dr just upped Effexor to 75. I have lost 12 lbs and still seem to be losing because I have absolutely no appetite. I am however feeling a bit jittery and a more anxious since the increase. It’s like all the side effects I felt when I first started are all back with the increase so keep that in mind if you plan on increasing your dosage!
angelaconnelly25
10 March 2019
I am actually getting on this now. I was on Lexapro due to the loss of my son in April. I have no emotions and feel like a robot. Hopefully this will at least let me have some emotions back.
virgie1211
16 July 2018
I’m taking 37.5 & didn’t want to increase to 75. I was a chicken so I only take half of pill in the evening & debating to increase to 75. I’m did loose about 10lbs too. And your right I’m still not ok with crowds. Can anyone help if that’s will get better? I just want to be alone.
Mrscisson4
16 July 2018
I’m just starting on it for fibromyalgia. Since I need help with weight loss I’m hoping that it has that effect on me. How are you currently doing with it? I noticed you said you had religious meetings. I was wondering if you were a JW.
Big H
5 Dec 2018
I was wondering how you are getting on with Effexor as I too have been put on it a few weeks ago due to the anxiety and depression I have with fibromyalgia. I'm keep reading about the withdrawals and they terrify me.
Inactive
19 March 2018
I miss being excited about Effexor. I’m now trying to come off it. Ive gained all the weight back and more and I feel like crap. I wish I could stand in front of pharmacies and stop anyone from starting it. The withdrawals coming off it are the worst. I just feel awful. Brain snaps and nausea no matter how slowly I come off it. My greatest advice to anyone is “stop it, stop it now!!! ” It’s not Effexor loosing the weight, it’s you.
I’ve only been on it for 3 months and I’ve had to stop my entire life to try and get off it.
amaraeuq
19 March 2018
Like your honesty. I wanted to say something similar . But did not. I did stop a friend from taking it. ( i provided what is independent info / my ordeal ..and he made an informed decision to not take it. I wish someone had done that for me . ( not pity... just my blind trust in an idiot. )
jrmeans09
19 March 2018
Why did you have to come off of it? For the first time in years I was able to interact with my family at a gathering without second guessing my actions and how I come across. And it’s not a placebo effect because I used to act like this, but after I got pregnant and had post partum depression I became a shadow of myself. Also, the weight loss isn’t because of me. I’ve done nothing different. I always try to avoid sugar, unhealthy fats, and other empty calories. The weight loss has definitely slowed down from the first week, but I’m not gaining like I normally do.
7a2jtie
17 Nov 2018
My life story ^^^^ on Halloween
I’ve been taking Effexor for about 2 months now and I’ve seen improvement in my depressed mood.
Minnie 1110
29 Dec 2019
Sounds exactly what my experience with this med as well. On week 2 of coming off and... ugh..this is the devil's drug ..
Minnie 1110
29 Dec 2019
Sounds exactly what my experience with this med as well. On week 2 of coming off and... ugh..this is the devil's drug ..
Related topics
effexor, weight loss (obesity/overweight), anxiety, weight, drug
Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.