Pristiq Weight Gain

I have been on Pristiq now since November of 2008...not quite 5 months...and I have put on 15 lbs since starting it. DESPITE working out with a trainer at the gym twice a week weight training, 3 days a week of cardio AND counting calories. My doc assured me that I would also have a decreased appetite on Pristiq, which I have yet to find true...so he has now increased my dosage to 400 mg. Does anyone have anything to add to this?? I'm just frustrated! ## i was switched to pristiq a few months ago and just recently wellbutrin was added - i take 1 of each pill per day - it has done nothing to me in gaining weight - i am continuously losing but i have some emtional things going on right now which i believe the weight loss is contributed too - unfortunately i have run into many that have...

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I started pristiq approx 5 weeks ago and altho my doctor assured me that it was a weight neutral drug I have easily gained 12 pounds and right exactly around the middle. I have been very careful not to consume more calories and have even been more active. I am very concerned that the weight gain will continue or will it just become a side effect that the body gets used to and eventually levels out? I do feel so much better on the drug and this has been my only side effect. I have a small frame however, and a dozen pounds all in the same spot is hard to conceal especially in the warmer weather. If anyone has any thoughts on some solutions other than discontinuing the drug I would greatly appreciate the advice. I sure wish that all these antidepressants did not come with some major trade ...

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I have had an insatiable hunger. I have gained weight and have had a lot of gas, and bloating. Went from Effexor XR to Pristiq, not sure if I made the right choice. Any one else had these problems? ## I cannot stop eating. Thought it was PMS but still waiting for my period, bloated and feel like I'm pregnant. I work out 4dper week at the gym; cardio and weight training, feel like it is a waste for time. ## Pristiq is more commonly known to cause loss of appetite, and weight loss, according to FDA reports, but we are all different, so there is a chance it has caused your issues, though it happens very rarely. The other typical side effects as list as possibly including nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and mood swings. Mary, how much have you gained? Are you on any other medications? Wha...

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I started taking pristiq 5 months ago and since the have gained over 20 pounds! It helps to know that others have had the same problem. It has helped eased my anxiety and really helped the depression but the weight gain makes me more depressed. That's hard to handle. Does anyone have any solutions? ## If you want to stay on the Pristiq, then the best suggestions I can make would be for you to lower your calorie and fat intake, plus to up your exercise. Learn more Pristiq details here. Most medications that act on brain chemicals can cause weight gain and the only thing that will really change it is either switching off of the medication, or being proactive to prevent it. Has your doctor made any suggestions? ## My Dr simply says its not the pristiq. But I have gained 20 lbs since I ...

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I have recently started taking pristiq (one week ago) 50 mgs a day and am very concerned that I may gain weight through taking this medication I am 19 yrs old and one of the main reasons for depression is weight issues etc and I am just wondering if anyone could please let me know if they experienced weight gain or weight loss? Ive lost 2 kilos in 2 weeks but dont know if this is because I started eating smaller portions recently or caused from medication also.. any comments welcome :) ## Hi sheree. I had lots of weight issues before I started pristiq 4years ago for anxiety and now they are worse. Yes my anxiety is gone but I gained 30 pounds practically all in my belly. I get aske if I'm pregnant at least once s month I hate it. I have tried to get off but it is very difficult lots...

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I have been on Pristiq for 6 months. I have been on anti-depressants for major depression for 20 yrs. I have gained 12 pounds in 6 months. Mentally, I feel great; however, I am very depressed at times about my weight. I have never been this heavy in my life. I am not hungry, I eat very little, work out and still don't lose. ## Weight gain is not a normal side effect of Pristiq, it usually causes the opposite, actually, because it normally decreases someone's appetite. It is possible that it is just a completely natural thing, some people do gain weight, as they age, because of metabolic changes that occur, so it may not be the medication, at all. That would also explain why you aren't losing any weight. If the 12 pound gain is a problem, you should speak to your doctor. If y...

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How long has it taken 4 anyone 2 lose the weight after going off of the pristiq?It has been over 1 mth since I have quit taken pristiq and havent lost any weight.I was once on zoloft and gained 20lbs and once I quit taking it I lost the weight n 2 to 3 weeks. ## Have you consulted your doctor? What have you tried to lose the weight? Our bodies do change, with time, so it may not be as easy for you to lose the weight, as it was when you stopped taking the Zoloft and that also means that not all of the gain may have been caused by the medication.

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I weaned myself off Pristiq over the summer and felt fine for a couple months. Then I gained 40 POUNDS in what couldn't have been more than two months. Waist grew 2 inches during that time. Now it's almost March and I've been more depressed over the last couple of months than ever in my life. I rarely have any energy and can't lose the weight. The reason I weaned myself off is because I mistakenly thought I didn't need it any more (the doctor who prescribed it said it "teaches" the brain how to produce whatever it does after a couple years and you don't need it any more). I'm going back on it and praying I feel like myself again - this is a miserable existence. Also, I haven't been able to find weight gain as a symptom of discontinuing Pristiq. ##...

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I HAVE BEEN ON PRISTIQ FOR 2 MONTHS AND I HAVE LOSS 20 POUNDS. MAYBE WEIGHT LOSS OR WEIGHT GAIN DEPENDS ON HOW YOU DEAL WITH YOUR DEPRESSION ## I was on Lexapro for 7 years and have suffered tremendous weight gain. Since switching to Pristiq the first week of August, my appetite has been under control and I'm eating much more sensibly. ## Effexor - the last version of pristiq make me loose weight! ## Yes, Depression is also a very big reason which affects weight loss and gain. ## What Kevin stated is correct, plus side effects can always vary from person to person, we are all different, so the way any given medication affects any one of us can be different. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Pristiq as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth. How are you...

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how long to lose weight after withdrawing from pristiq. I cut sugar and trying to eat less. ## Sugar alone usually isn't the problem in foods that causes weight gain, you also have to watch the total calories and the amount of fat that's in the things you eat. On top of that, you also need to increase your exercise levels. Learn more weight loss information here. Has your doctor provided you with any ideas?

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just want to know if pritiq can cause numbness in the feet and toes ## No, those aren't normal side effects of this medication. If that's what you're experiencing, then you need to talk to your doctor as soon as possible to see what's causing it. That could be the sign of a dangerous reaction, or due to some other medical condition that requires treatment. Learn more Pristiq details here. How often does it occur? ## Pristiq can most definitely cause tingling in the legs and toes. I know because I have it now and since starting this poison. ## Yes, with the generic, I have tingling on the bottom of my feet and left hand. Off and on. I also gained weight, have a numb feeling with thinking, shortness of breath. I was used to the original Pristiq. They want over $400.00 a mo...

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Hi, I am a female 44 years old, started taking pristiq about 4 1/2 years ago, decided to wean off at the beginning of December 2015, way... Too many side effects and body pains and weight gain. It's not easy but it's doable , I am on week 3 of 0 pristiq and my brain zaps and ringing in my ears have come to an end Thank God. Now I am dealing with the sadness and the irritability part which have been there all along but are more frequent now, I can't tell you when it's going to be manageable but I can tell you that it will get better because I believe it is! I have suicidal thoughts even when I was taking pristiq but I have to say they have gotten a bit better, the sadness is what overwhelms me sometimes. I will keep you posted about the weight loss which is a huge concern...

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I've been on 1mg of ability with 50mg of pristiq mainly for PTSD purposes and my and some of my symptoms have worsened anger,hyper arousal,nightmares etc. I have tried other medications such as Zoloft,Prozac,Welbutrin all with no success or symptoms that became worse. Is there anything else that I could ask my doctor about? ## Hello, Cliff! How are you? Have you ever tried Risperdal? It has successfully helped many people for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, schizophrenia and etc. It's very potent so tiny doses are often effective and the FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, somnolence and weight gain. It's an idea to ask your doctor about. Does anyone else have any ideas that may help? ## Try 2 m...

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I have been taking Pristiq now for about 2 years and have experiences side affects mainly weight gain, dry mouth and eyes and sleep disturbances, I do not like being on this drug but I need something to stem my anxiety and it is effective for me. I started out taking 50mg and after a year I tried to taper off, and managed well with one 50mg tablet every second day, I started doing this while on holidays when the stress levels were OK. For a year now I have been on this dose and probably will stay on it as not only does it solve my stress problems but this dosage does not cause me any side affects, if I miss the next dose though on the second day I start to feel dizzy. I still hate this drug but a small dose of 25mg is not as bad for me as the stress. ## Hi Martinigirl, Sorry to hear abo...

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Hi, there, was taking Pristiq for 2 yrs 50mg, was good but very big weight gain. So i decided to come off it. Not too bad. For 5 days i cut tablet in half, for 5 days went to quarter, then stopped. Had a little stomach cramping for a day or so, my head felt a little wobbly at times while on quarter, only down fall is really bad dreams. Been free from Pristiq for about 1 week now and all is well. ## I am about to go to a 1/4 tablet plz keep me posted on how you are going good luck thanks

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I was on Pristiq for nearly four years to help stabilize my mood (50mg). The drug was fantastic in achieving the result I was looking for and really gave me the space in my head to come to terms with my issues and time to reflect. The side effects for me were weight gain (15kg) and loss of libido but overall a small price to pay. I decided in December to come off the drug and read as much information as I could find, both professional and user opinion. I spoke with my doctor initially and his advice was to take the medication on alternate days. I chose to ignore that advice based on the way I felt if I missed a day and reading others experiences. Against manufacturers advice I decided to cut the tablet and reduce my dose a quarter at a time. To start with I spoke with my family to make ...

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I've suffered from anorexia in the past and have severe anxiety. After taking the genomind test I can only take a few medications like pristiq. I've lost 6 pounds so far on pristiq during the last 3 months and can't afford to lose anymore. I thought antidepressants were supposed to help give me my appetite back again and not worry about food. Should I ask to switch to something that will make me more hungry? ## Hello, Alyssa! How are you doing? Has there been any change? Pristiq, as reported by the FDA, hasn't been known to cause significant weight gain or loss in may people that take it. Its typical side effects are listed as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache and dry mouth. Weight loss is listed as an uncommon side effect that you should report to your doct...

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Due to weight gain and dwindle effect, my doctor switched my anti-depressant from Effexor XR. He told me to stop the Effexor XR immediately and start the Wellbutrin XL. He said to take the Wellbutrin XL for one week then start the Pristiq. FOr those of you who have stopped Effexor you probably know what I'm going to say next. It started with dizziness, rhythmic pulsating in my head, nausea and generally feeling like a slug. It's like my brain had a severe case of the flu. It was horrible. Now, I'm having with the dizziness and throbbing in my head, what feels like a hot flash but my face gets flushed and very hot. I feel as though I want to throw up. I called the doctor and stopped the Wellbutrin right away after about 3 days. I also called the pharmacist and he told me to t...

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taking 2 mg of Ability with 100mg Pristiq for severe depression, with weight gain and fatigue now. On this med for 1-1/2 years, not happy with side-effects. Took prozac, cymbalta, and others a they ran their course. Depression better, but not happy with weight gain and tiredness. any other options available now?? Thank You- ## Pretty much all the medications used to treat such conditions can cause weight gain as side effects. Have you discussed the issue with your doctor? The only thing you might be able to do is up your exercise and cut down on your calorie and fat intake. ## Sandy I am also on 2mg. of ability, and 100 mg of pristiq, and am gaining weight, but depression is so much better, and doing more now, talking to people, and ect. So I will try to just control what I eat, so hung...

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I am on 200 a day an I've stoped taking them as I worked so hard to loose 62kg an I was told this drug wouldn't make me gain weight. I am on day 4 without them an I am seriously dizzy an I am wanting to know how much longer till the drug is out of my system? ## Pristiq contains the active ingredient Desvenlafaxine, it is an SNRI antidepressant. The withdrawal effects, if you were taking them for a long period of time, especially at such a high dosage, can take about a month to completely wear off. Though, they will gradually improve and not be so severe, as your body adjusts to no longer having the medication. You should also be careful to watch for rebound depression and anxiety symptoms. Is there anything else I can help with? ## What is prestiqe, and is it make bad side effec...

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