Posted by Kaysey on October 17, 2001, at 0:48:54
In reply to Re: Effexor/Wellbutrin combo:almost ditto » Kaysey, posted by SLS on October 17, 2001, at 0:13:15
> > Thanks for the information. I have researched Wellbutrin and looked at most of the posts related to it here (I did the same thing with Effexor). I was not surprised by the carb-cravings with Effexor. Though I realize everyone is different, and there are those who report weight gain on Wellbutrin, I have really been surprised by my intense carb cravings with it.
> >
> > Could this be a temporary side effect? Is it a result of some potentiation effect on Effexor? Is there some way I can alleviate it? I am not overweight, and I have generally had pretty good willpower where food is concerned, but the craving is very annoying. Is there a possibility this will diminish at a higher dose (i.e when I reach 300)?
> >
> > Yes, I realize it just might be that my body reacts differently, but could you (or anyone) shed some light on this?
>
>
> Dear Kaysey,
>
> I don’t have anything intelligent to add to what you have already offered as possible explanations and thoughtful questions.
>
> I do have a question or two, though. In what ways are you sure that Wellbutrin is improving your condition? Why are you sure?
>
> One thing that can happen with people as they begin to respond to antidepressant therapy is that they begin to regain the sensation of taste. Food just tastes better. When this happens to me, it is very striking, and I do eat more because of it – at least, at first. If this were to be the case with you, I guess that you would soon reach a balance as the novelty of taste dissipates. I don’t think it makes sense to make treatment decisions based on food cravings at this point in time.
>
>
> - Scott
Scott:
Your questions are reasonable. Considering I just added this med 3 weeks ago (and have only been at 200mg/day for less than a week), I can't honestly say that any improvement is directly due
to WB. However, the fact that I no longer desire to sleep 12+ hours per day and can actually get up early (with only a little prodding)is definitely an improvement--and this occurred immediately when I began taking the Wellbutrin. Prior to that, I could fall asleep so easily that I was almost afraid to drive long distances--and actually planned trips around the Effexor dosage.Effexor alone certainly lifted my depression (yes, I know what you mean by the distinct improvement in all sensory images--taste especially), but the drowsiness was debilitating. Rather than continue increasing the
Effexor beyond 300mg (which I realize is not a bad thing), the decision was made to augment with Wellbutrin. The increased alertness (whether or not it is actually due to the WB at this point) has been sufficient for me to want to continue with this med (at least for now).Sorry, this post ended up longer than it should have. Thanks again for your help.
Kaysey
poster:Kaysey
thread:80615
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81457.html