I recently discontinued Effexor. I was on a therapeutic does of 300mg and over the past 9 months have tapered off completely. While I was "on" the medication I didn't experience any weight gain. However, since I started to taper off (9 mos ago) I have gained approx. 25 pounds! I have a been working with a dietitian and work out on average 3-5 times a week. This weight will just not come off. Is this a side effect of withdrawal from the medication? Is there reason to hope that now that I am off this medication I will be able to lose this weight?