The data I was able to review suggests that in the short-term (2 to 3 months) weight gain is not a major problem. However, side effects, like therapeutic effects, are very individual so it is difficult to know for sure what you will experience. It is also difficult to know whether long term use causes weight gain or is just associated with it. However, there seems to be lots of stories provided by users of Effexor that weight gain is a problem. You may simply have to try it to see what happens and then you will have to decide whether the benefits outweigh the negatives.   Rick Wirtz   Rick Wirtz is a Psychologist, not a psychiatrist or medical doctor. Although the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medications or give you specific advice about them, they typically have experience working with patients who take a variety of medications. The response above is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own physician.