Posted by Kaysey on October 16, 2001, at 18:37:16
In reply to Re: Effexor/Wellbutrin combo » Kaysey, posted by pellmell on October 16, 2001, at 17:07:07
> Kaysey,
>
> Ok, I've had another week to try to find this elusive med balance, and I'm a little closer than before.
>
> Right now I'm sticking with 75mg Effexor XR in the morning, 100mg Wellbutrin SR at noon, and another dose of Wellbutrin around 7.
>
> Moving my first Wellbutrin dose from breakfast to noon has helped the most. I actually felt groggier than ever when I took it in the morning. Maybe it's a circadian rhythm thing. I'm sleeping a whole lot better now, remembering my dreams, but I still don't feel quite right. I feel more awake, but also more anxious; I wonder sometimes if boosting my Effexor dose significantly, all the way back up to 225, would be a good thing, with the Wellbutrin as balance. On the other hand, I feel more aware, more alive on 75mg. Maybe the drop in the Effexor dose was all I needed? Maybe the Wellbutrin is hurting more than it's helping? ..sigh..
>
> So, like I said, I'm closer...but not quite where I'd like to be.
>
> When you get a chance, let me know how you're doing. I'd like to hear.
>
> Best,
> -pmHi!
Except for the Effexor dosage and a few other idiosyncracies that I have experienced, we seem to be pretty much in the same 'boat.' I reduced the Effexor dose down to less than 225, am now back at 225, and considering going back up (started at 300 when I added Wellbutrin two weeks ago). I am now at 200mg Wellbutrin (had to slowly get there, but now seem to be doing okay--still have extremely dry skin and some urinary and fluid retention and therefore drinking lots of water.The increased alertness has been a real plus, but like you, the Wellbutrin makes me sleepy in the AM--makes me want to go back to bed. I'm trying to take it about mid to late-morning and early evening--doesn't interfere with sleep. However, I seem to be 'down'--more so than I know I should be--anxious and overly concerned, etc. That is the reason I was considering increasing the Effexor again.
I am also curious as what type of potentiating effect the Wellbutrin might have on the Effexor. Effexor has always exacerbated the carb cravings that I have with PMS, and this has been even more pronounced with the addition of the WB. Though I have been more alert and somewhat more active, I certainly have not experienced any of the appetite and weight loss, etc. that many people report. I never did with Effexor either, and it seems that the Wellbutrin magnifies this. While this is not a health problem, it is really annoying.
I guess I will continue to 'tweak' the dosage here and there, but there isn't much else to try unless I go up to 300 on the Wellbutrin, which I am reluctant to do at this point. Stay tuned and good luck. Keep in touch.
Kaysey
poster:Kaysey
thread:80615
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81425.html