Posted by Kaysey on October 28, 2001, at 0:35:18
In reply to Re: Effexor/WB combo: update and ask for help, posted by Dreamy on October 27, 2001, at 17:13:24
> > > >
> > > > 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!
> > Kaysey
>
> Hey 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!!!
> DreamyDreamy--I guess one thing that has come from this is I have one heck of a collection of hats! And, yes when the hair grows back in, it is weird looking, as I have longer than shoulder length blonde hair---and all of sudden there are these little spikes coming up at the crown and at the front, etc. Might as well laugh at these things, I guess.
Still I would like your or other's 'long-term' (i.e greater than 6-8 weeks) experience with Wellbutrin --or a Wellbutrin combo (mine being with Effexor) (I know that you have recently had a good experience with adding the Effexor)--does the weakness fatigue subside with the Wellbutrin though--or did you even experience that?
Thanks again.
Kaysey
poster:Kaysey
thread:80615
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82469.html