Hi all,

It's been a while since I've been here!!

I've been on Effexor now for almost a year. I've gained about 30 pounds!! Did anyone else experience weight gain on Effexor?

Also, does anyone have some good exercises that will burn calories and fat without landing me in bed for three days?

Any responses are appreciated,
KC

I've been on so many different anti-depressants over the past 12 years, effexor is just one of them. I have gained almost 50 pounds since 1993, sometimes some of it goes away, or course it always shows back up. I have started on Slimfast again, it helped alot before, I do it whenever there is something coming up, I have a wedding to go to and an Aunt's 90th birthday all whithin 6 weeks. I hope to lose at least 20 pounds. A friend of mine has stopped her Sprite, drinks, KoolAid and crystal light usuing splenda to sweeten them, and has gone from a size 12 to a 6, she also lies on her bed on her back with her head hanging off and uses 1, 1 pound weight, taking it over her head and back down to her side. I tried it a while and it seemed to be working, but then of course my right arm starting killing me so I stopped. Swimming, doing arthritis exercises and playing in the pool this past summer helpes some too.
There all also some anti-depressants that weight gain isn't a side effect, cymbalta-which studies show helps with fibro pain-is one of them, don't know which others.
I hate the weight I've gained. I used to never gain weight, alsways stayed about 120 or there abouts, but would hate it worse if I didn't have the meds I need. I've actually lost a little bit since I started the cymbalta, but not oo much and am now also on Elavil, which gives me a sweet tooth, but am cutting down on my Dr. Peppers, so maybe at least I won't gain any more even if I don't lose any more either.
April

KC the weight gain with fibro must be legendary. I have gained so much and am having a devil of a time getting it off. The key to the whole thing seems to be getting your heart rate up. First make sure your thyroid is in good shape so your metabolism will allow you to burn calories.

The easiest thing I have found to get the old heart rate up is sitting on an exercise ball and bouncing up and down (not high) and then swinging your arms above your head as in jumping jacks. You are actually doing a jumping jack sitting on the ball. You don't have to swing your arms over your head, just move your arms at shoulder level back and forth (like you are hugging yourself) anything to get the heart rate up.

The ball is bouncy and you aren't straining any joints or muscles (except the arms) and you can do it for a long period of time or take a few minutes several times a day. The ball should be large enough to sit on but small enough that your legs are bent like you are sitting on a chair. I only tell you this because I am short and the trainer told me to get a smaller ball at the gym and to be sure the one at home is the correct size.

Of course the right diet etc. but I am sure you know all that. You ask for simple the ball sure is. I do things at the ladies 30 min workout I belong to and that is not to bad either. The circuit is simple and you work at your own pace and I take the exercise classes (low impact aerobics) and I like them. I do have to be careful though, they can make me very sore.

Good Luck

Glojer

Glojer, Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been walking on the treadmill for the last year because I know how important cardio exercise is for someone with fibro. But my legs hurt soooooo bad when I am done. I borrowed my high school daughters' exercise ball and tried your workout today and amazingly my heart rate got up without any stress on my legs. I have been reading this board for a couple of months and have found the best information here. I have been fighting fibro for about 5 years (I also have lupus), but just recently my doctor has been able to put a name to it. So thanks to all who have given me so much wonderful information. I hope someday that I will be informed enough to contribute. Have a blessed day!

Kathyd, you are so welcome. I am sure you have a lot to contribute. Welcome to our board, I just noticed you are new. I am so glad the exercise works for you, it is so simple. I too have the treadmill and have joint problems from lupus and the treadmill makes my hips sore so I was glad when this exercise was shown to us in class.

Keep up the good work of taking care of yourself.


Glojer