Posted by Elizabeth14 on October 10, 2000, at 21:44:01
In reply to Has anyone tried combining Wellbutrin and Prozac?, posted by malynne on October 10, 2000, at 10:00:12
Malynne - I took Prozak and Wellbutrin together for three years - for depression. I moved twice during that time and different doctors and psychiatrists told me it was quite a sophisticated combination. Whatever that means. I started with the Prozak which resolved some problems but not all. Then a psychiatrist added the Wellbutrin four months later it and seemed to complete the circle. I felt more like myself than I had in years.
Now, here's the down side. It didn't last forever. Maybe a year and a half later problems gradually creeped back in. I was involved in a lot of life changes so I just chalked it up to that and kept going. But recently (after say 2.5 years of the combo) I really started having problems that I couldn't ignore. SLEEP was the BIG one. Insomnia and then not waking up until noon. Not good for a single working woman! I would say I had bad sleep maybe the year before but not nearly that bad. My doctor tried Sonota. Then I got a psychiatrist and she gave me Trazodone. I used each a little and they only helped the first and second time. I was also leary to take a sleeping pill for fear I wouldn't wake up on time which was already a problem.
I tapered off the Prozak on a hunch that it was the culprit of the sleep problem. Somewhere in there I cut down my wellbutrin dose a little too and my sleep has gotten much better but not completely. Listening to you I can't be sure if the Prozak or Wellbutrin is the culprit of my sleep problems.
More on the combination...The second problem I have is weight gain! Both Prozak and Wellbutrin tend to be the best for initial weight loss but I've heard recently that later Prozak can cause weight gain. So far, no weight loss and I'm very, very discouraged about that! I understand that Prozak takes a long time to wear off so I hope there is still hope. Anyone out there know about losing weight after taking Prozak for a long time and quitting???
It's really up to you. I wish I had the answer. I'm still searching myself. Combinations appear to me to be a great way to catch all your problems. However, any problems the meds may cause can make it very confusing when determining which med is the culprit. It just means you have to add and subtract one at a time which lengthens the time to resolution.
How much Wellbutrin are you taking. Maybe if you combine the two, you can cut back the Wellbutrin dose and reduce your sleep problem. What makes it worse is that they never seem to want to rule out any of the side effects from any of the anti-depressants.
I don't think I've been much help. I can only give you my story. My best advice is that you are closest to your body. Make yourself the expert by asking doctors, nurses, friends and researching and then go on your instincts and KEEP TRACK of your meds, side effects, dates, dosages in a spreadsheet if you can. It really helps.
While I'm at it... anyone have any advice on my situation? How do I get rid of the weight and where is it coming from this last year? Too extreme for just natural aging weight gain. I'm 27. I'm so discouraged and yes, depressed, about the weight! My looks are important to me and hey, I like to meet someone and marry. This weight is really breaking my confidence.
poster:Elizabeth14
thread:46057
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000926/msgs/46094.html