Medications
 
 

Effexor Weight Change

 Effexor® (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a prescription drug approved for treating depression and preventing depression relapses in adults.
 
In clinical studies, a number of side effects were reported with Effexor. Weight change was reported as a possible side effect. At least 1 percent of people who took the antidepressant experienced weight gain.
 
Weight gain appears to be a much more common side effect of Effexor. On average, people lose about one to two pounds when they begin taking this medication. However, it is also possible for people to lose large amounts of weight. Although weight loss may be a desirable side effect for some people, too much weight loss can be a problem.
 
(Click Effexor and Weight Gain and Effexor and Weight Loss for more information about weight changes on Effexor and to find out what you can do to help with any weight gain or weight loss that occurs.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD