Venlafaxine (Effexor) is an antidepressant medication used to treat mental health conditions, including depression. It can cause various side effects, including changes in weight, which may vary depending on factors such as treatment duration and individual differences. People can utilize various strategies to help manage weight changes during Effexor treatment.
- Venlafaxine (Effexor) is an SNRI, used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
- Venlafaxine can cause weight changes, although it is considered a weight-neutral antidepressant compared to others.
- To reduce or prevent weight increases, people can implement healthy lifestyle habits and may benefit from professional advice.
Understanding venlafaxine (Effexor) and its weight effects
Antidepressant medications can cause various side effects, including changes in weight. Some are more likely to cause weight gain than others, and this likelihood can also depend on dose, treatment duration, and individual factors.
Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), although it acts more on serotonin than norepinephrine, making it more similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) than other SNRIs. [1]
Research on the effects of Effexor on body weight is inconclusive, though it typically suggests minimal weight changes in short-term treatment, while longer-term treatment may lead to moderate changes. [1][2]
Does Effexor cause weight gain or weight loss?
In short-term treatment of under three months, Effexor is likely to cause minimal or no weight gain and may be more likely to cause some weight loss. For example, one study indicated no weight changes over 12 weeks. [2] Another found slight weight loss within the first weeks of treatment. [3]
However, weight gain has been found to become more likely with longer-term treatments of six months or more, with longer treatment duration being linked to larger weight increases. Generally, venlafaxine is considered less likely to cause weight changes than most other antidepressants. [4]
For example, one study found increasing weight gain with longer treatment duration, including: [4]
- After 3 months: mean weight change of 0.1 +/- 3.8kg and 3% of participants with >7% body weight increase.
- After 6 months: mean weight change of 0.2 +/- 4.3kg and 9% of participants with >7% body weight increase.
- After 9 months: mean weight change of 0.3+/- 5.8kg and 13% of participants with >7% body weight increase.
- After 12 months: mean weight change of 1.2 +/- 5.1kg and 18% of participants with >7% body weight increase.
Effexor vs. Other antidepressantsÂ
Effexor is found to have a lower risk of weight gain than many antidepressants, with initial and long-term weight changes taken into account. [4]
Generally, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are the most likely to cause weight gain, in both short-term and long-term treatments, although this can differ among individual antidepressants. [1][4]
The antidepressants most likely to cause weight gain include: [1][3]
- Mirtazapine
- Paroxetine
- Citalopram
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
The antidepressants least likely to cause weight gain include: [1][3]
- Bupropion (associated with weight loss)
- Fluoxetine (associated with weight loss)
- Vilazodone
- MoclobemideÂ
Who is more likely to gain weight on Effexor?
Various factors can influence the risk of weight changes while on Effexor. Weight gain might be more likely if: [1][2][4]
- The individual’s symptoms prior to treatment included a loss of appetite, which is common among those with depression. Once symptoms are being managed, appetite can return to normal, and therefore can result in an increase in weight.
- Effexor treatment is continued long-term, such as for 6-12 months or more, and in high doses.
- The individual has unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a poor diet, consuming a lot of alcohol, or rarely engaging in exercise.
What to do if you're gaining weight on Effexor
People taking Effexor can utilize various strategies to help prevent or manage weight gain during treatment and may wish to consult a professional for advice. It can be helpful to consider changes in diet, engaging in regular physical activity, ensuring adequate hydration, good quality and quantity of sleep, and utilizing stress-management techniques. [5]
These strategies can all help reduce the risk of weight gain and can also contribute to general improvements in physical and mental well-being.Â
Behavioral therapies can also help to recognize and manage thoughts and behaviors associated with eating, and prevent or reduce weight gain. [2]
Talking to a provider
People taking Effexor might require professional advice and intervention if they have:
- Gained a significant amount of weight in a short period, such as 5% or more of their initial body weight over several months.
- Reached a body mass index (BMI) of over 30.
- Noticed impairments in physical well-being associated with weight gain, such as breathing difficulties, chest pain, changes in heart rate, or digestive issues.
This might require changes in treatment or tests to check for serious health issues. Alternative antidepressant treatment can be implemented. [2]
People taking Effexor should never stop their medication without professional guidance, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms or unmanaged mental health conditions. A doctor can advise on safe tapering and titration onto a new medication.
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