Posted by Dreamy on October 27, 2001, at 17:13:24
In reply to Re: Effexor/WB combo: update and ask for help » Dreamy, posted by Kaysey on October 26, 2001, at 19:11:02
> > >
> > > Hi:
> > >
> > > I am preparing to start 300mg (2x150mg-up from 200mg 2x100 perday) Wellbutrin SR next week (with my 225mg Effexor). I say 'preparing' because I am concerned about the continuing fatigue. As compared to the Effexor alone experience, I am somewhat more alert, and my depression control is good. However, I have this dull fatigue and some muscle weakness that doesn't seem to want to subside (i.e I'm alert but certainly not energetic or strong).
> > > I have gone through the archives (especially about Wellbutrin), to see if this dissatisfying side-effect ever subsides alone (or with increased dosage).
> > > On Effexor alone I kept increasing the dosage to see if the fatigue and drowsiness would ever subside--went to 300mg and then doc and I agreed to add the Wellbutrin. Fortunately some of the hair loss and edema seems to have subsided--but the fatigue is at times almost as debilitating as the depression was.
> > > When I was on Prozac (and when it was working), I never suffered this kind of fatigue (some sedation, but no fatigue). Anyone have anymore suggestions. They are certainly welcome!
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > > Kaysey
> >
> > Yeah...I am on that combo right now...although not
> > that much effexor...
> > I feel great...wake early want to excersize...etc.
> > AND I was totally lethargic!
> > AND let me tell you something else...I have had
> > a ton of hair fall out prior to using effexor...
> > since starting effexor...it's like my hair is
> > actually sticking in...its totallly weird.
> > May I ask you why you were losing hair?
> > I am a female and it was totally devestating and
> > horrifying for me to lose my hair...
> > Now I look like buck wheat with a TON of new hair
> > growth.
> > Let me know!
> > Thanks,
> > Dreamy
>
> Hi Dreamy:
> I associated the most recent hair loss with the addition of Wellbutrin SR. I say 'most recent' because I have had it happen before: when I have changed oral contraceptives (or gone off them), when I began effexor, and now it has coincided with the start of Wellbutrin SR a little over a month
> ago. I am one of those people who, if there is an unpleasant side effect, I am darn sure going to experience it. I had no energizing effect from Effexor, no loss of appetite and no energy--craved sweets and wanted to sleep every 3-4 hours. Ditto the Wellbutrin except I am more 'alert' and only get drowsy a little after taking it. However, I have my fingers crossed that these WB (SR) negative side effects may be subsiding---and that is the reason I asked for im- put. I don't want to feel 'sped up,' I just want to be able to not worry about driving and/or falling asleep at inappropriate times. I will also add that I am very thankful for the control of the depression.
> Dreamy--you mentioned that you were on the same combo, except for the dosage of Effexor. I take it (based on some of your other postings) that you have decreased it? What dosage are you on? I have reached a point where, if the WB SR turns out to be OK, I will try to further titrate down the Effexor. What has been your experience?
> Getting back to the hair loss, again. Yes, it is distressful, but the first time it happened I was 23 and I just about freaked! It has happened several times since then-- at times I have used Rogaine for women,-- and now that I am 43, I just take it in stride. My husband has seen me with bald spots, with sunsburned scalp and a receding hairline that looked like a man's--he is still with me, but even if he had split, I would have dealt with it. There are worse things in life, I have found out over the past two decades.
> Get back with me regarding your experiences. I appreciate your imput.
> Thanks and good luck!
> KayseyHey Kaysey!
No...I have not decreased off of effexor...I am
on 75mg although my doctor prescribed 150mg...
I am worried to take the prescribed amount if
it is as bad as all these people make it sound.
So...I am holding off.
The first week of taking the effexor was the worst
of it for me...leaving me real drowsy etc. But
all that went away and I now am more active and
more energetic than I was w/out it.That's a horrifying story about your hair loss.
And I know exactly how you have felt.
And I agree...there are worse things that can happen!
I too had a VERY burnt scalp for the first time
this year...it was awful when it was flaking!
Its growing back though and I now look like buck-
wheat!!!Oh-well...live and learn right?
Take care and Good Luck to you too!!!
Dreamy
poster:Dreamy
thread:80615
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82446.html