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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lemon68 on February 18, 2005, at 21:34:22
Anybody out there taking Effexor XR with Wellbutrin SR ( generic - Watson) as an augmentor?
I have been on Effex. for about 4 years now with mixed results ( I think it makes me feel the most "normal" out of all the meds I've tried - and beleive me, I've tried 'em almost all - but it does make me feel a bit anxious, and angry, while also making me feel like I'm supressing my emotions and personality - good ol' flattened affect), and I tried Wellbutrin a long time back in my career as a med guinea pig.
I recently went back to effexor after trying Cymbalta and Abilify for about 4 months ( quit Effexor pretty much cold turkey and jumped on to the Cymbalta train with negligible ill side effects) but quit them both after developing a mean facial rash.
Today I visited my Pdoc in hopes that I could augment Effexor w/ Provigil, as I have read encourging things about it, and just the Effexor alone - I am taking a relatively small dose of 150 mg ( w/ Trazodone 50-100mg at night) wasn't doing much for my lethargy, drowsiness, and lack of motivation/concentration. He advised against Provigil as it is expensive and tough to obtain, and suggested Wellbutrin (100mg in the A.M.).
I'm game, but apprehensive. Anxiety has been a big component in the list of negatives concerning my psychic make-up, but I figure I don't have a lot to lose as I'm definitely not running optimally.
Anyone else out there have any thoughts on this combo who has either taken it or is currently on this med cocktail? I'd really appreciate your comments, and I'll keep the board posted about my progress or ( sorry to sound negative, but ,hey, I just try to be realistic) lack thereof.
Posted by Racer on February 19, 2005, at 14:14:33
In reply to Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by lemon68 on February 18, 2005, at 21:34:22
I haven't tried Effexor and Wellbutrin, because when I was on Effexor, I was told that Wellbutrin was always contraindicated in anyone who had ever had anorexia. I'm now on Cymbalta and Wellbutrin, though, so I'll give you my answer anyway.
Let's see, I have a dx of anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, to go along with depression and (currently active, formerly history of) anorexia nervosa. The Wellbutrin actually seems to help with all of it. Most of my anxiety symptoms are pretty well in remission, and what does come through is usually within the bounds of what I can deal with cognitively.
My full med routine, by the way, is 60 mg Cymbalta, 150mg Wellbutrin XL, and 100mg Provigil.
Hope that helps.
Posted by bart on February 19, 2005, at 16:02:51
In reply to Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by lemon68 on February 18, 2005, at 21:34:22
I just recently made the same exact med change. The wellbutrin did help with fogginess but intensified anxiety and muscle tremors the first several weeks. I didn't like it. so now I just alternate when I take the two
Posted by Phillipa on February 19, 2005, at 17:13:19
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by bart on February 19, 2005, at 16:02:51
When I took wellbutrin, it also increased my anxiety. Maybe I didn't give it a fair trial. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Waterlily on February 19, 2005, at 20:47:16
In reply to Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by lemon68 on February 18, 2005, at 21:34:22
I was on Wellbutrin and Effexor was added to offset anxiety, so it wasn't exactly the same situation as you are in. I liked the combination except for one major thing: Effexor made it nearly impossible for me to sleep. I could stay up for 24 hours and still not be able to get to sleep. My current coctail is 300 mg of Wellbutrin SR (generic) plus 150 mg of Luvox. Works pretty well for me and there are virtually no side effects.
Posted by gadman on March 10, 2005, at 13:11:31
In reply to Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by lemon68 on February 18, 2005, at 21:34:22
I am seriously considering augmenting my Effexor with Wellbutrin. Is there any more info on this?
Posted by justbegun on March 10, 2005, at 13:38:23
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by Waterlily on February 19, 2005, at 20:47:16
I'm on Effexor XR 150 mg plus Wellbutrin SR 100 mg, and have been for about 3 years.
It's been a very good experience (I've been on meds for 13 years). I added the Wellbutrin after a couple of years on Efx and it was like a big sigh of relief... clearly my brain (prone to anxiety and ADD) wanted the Wellbutrin drink of water! Of course Effexor, because it's activating, requires a night-time med like trazodone to sleep, but I just take a trace amount of that.One side note and a BIG caution... I was so happy with the Wellbutrin that I decided to taper down the Effexor... and guess what - vicious, psychotic withdrawal symptoms. I've never been so terrified in my life. Effexor absolutely is addictive, in the sense that your brain desperately craves it. So be careful..... this is one of the features of Effexor that docs and drug companies don't advertise, but it's pretty widely acknowledged on boards like this.
Good luck.
Posted by justbegun on March 10, 2005, at 13:40:40
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by Phillipa on February 19, 2005, at 17:13:19
P.S.
Another plus for Wellbutrin plus trazodone - see thread
Re: wellbutrin XL dosing
Posted by HappyGirl on February 28, 2005, at 17:22:14
Posted by gadman on March 10, 2005, at 14:23:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by justbegun on March 10, 2005, at 13:40:40
This is good to know! I think this may be my next move...
I see the pdoc tomorrow and have been franticly searching for a plan of action!
I may try decreasing my E to 37.5 mg when I introduce the Wellbutrin. (I am at 75 now)
How long for the Wellbutrin to kick in?
Posted by justbegun on March 12, 2005, at 0:22:52
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody? » justbegun, posted by gadman on March 10, 2005, at 14:23:58
Yes, don't give up trying!
I think it took me about a week before the Wellbutrin kicked in strongly, but I felt a difference within a couple of doses. Of course, everyone's brain wiring is unique so you might be different.
Good luck - let me know how your appointment goes!
Posted by gadman on March 12, 2005, at 8:24:41
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by justbegun on March 12, 2005, at 0:22:52
Well the doc agreed whole heartedly to this, but wanted me to go down to 50 mg of E rather than 37.5... The only way to do that is to take the 25 mgs of immediate release b.i.d.
So that is my plan... Go down to 50 mg of E administered twice a day, and take Wellbutrin 75 mg twice a day...
Today is my first day on the E so I am going to wait a few days to start the Wellbutrin (To see how I do on the immediate release Effexor)
gadman
Posted by meds4life on March 12, 2005, at 11:38:29
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by gadman on March 12, 2005, at 8:24:41
Hi,
I haven't been on the board in a while. I tapered off Effexor about 4 months ago and felt fine for about 1. However, I noticed my symptoms creeping back (no appetite, suicidal thoughts, loss of concentration) It was very subtle. So, I went to my Doc and he said he wanted to try Wellbutrin, however I have found Wellbutrin alone (been on for about 7 weeks)does help with the depression, but makes me hostile and I have frequent thoughts of strangling myself or hurting myself. I don't feel prompted to act on them, but they are strange. Also, I have paralyzing morning anxiety. I did fine of Effexor except for the 40+ pound weight gain. I'm thinking I'd rather be fat and happy at this point. Sooo, I was thinking of adding back Effexor at the smaller dosage to see if it helps with anger, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety. Oh, and I take Klonopin for anxiety as needed which is every day! Everyone-keep updated on the Wellbutrin/Effexor mix as I will if I try it! Thanks!
Posted by Phillipa on March 12, 2005, at 14:59:10
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by meds4life on March 12, 2005, at 11:38:29
Yes, the wellbutrin did some strange things to me the week I was on it. I looked and acted manic in my old pdoc's office so he put me in the hospital. Now, I was on klonopin at the time, and although I didn't think it was anxiety it probably was. I told my husband I "staged" the whole thing to get in the hospital and get a new pdoc. Now, as I look back maybe I didn't stage it, maybe it was real. So, watch your reaction to wellbutrin, and make sure there is someone else who can give you feedback. I hope you do well, many others sing praise for wellbutrin. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by gadman on March 12, 2005, at 21:02:02
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by gadman on March 12, 2005, at 8:24:41
Even though I have been given the go ahead and I have Wellbutrin in my Cupboard I am afraid to take it...
Effexor alone is quite activating, as I am finding out tonight (My stress level must be up or the Immediate release is playing games with me). I am afraid that the addition of the wellbutrin might put me through the ceiling *speedy-wise* that is...
Posted by gadman on March 17, 2005, at 12:25:26
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by gadman on March 12, 2005, at 21:02:02
Well so far so good! :-) I have successfully weaned myself down to appr. 45 mg of E and added appr 60 mg of Wellbutrin IR.
I know, that is a way low dose of Wellbutrin but it seems to be helping. So far my mood seems to be a bit more even and I seem a touch more focused.
It has only been a few days though, but hopefully this is my ticket.
gadman
Posted by justbegun on March 17, 2005, at 21:39:03
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by gadman on March 17, 2005, at 12:25:26
Hello again,
I'm glad you're trying out the Effexor plus Wellbutrin combo. Did you have any weird Effexor withdrawal symptoms?
And why are you afraid of the Wellbutrin? Most people I know who take it were pleased because it has an unusually LOW amount of side effects.
Justbegun
Posted by gadman on March 18, 2005, at 7:54:07
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by justbegun on March 17, 2005, at 21:39:03
I did not really experience much whatsoever of E withdrawl... Maybe a few muscle twitches, etc.. But I have gotten those my whole life so that is nothing new to me... The first time around when I lowered my dose of E and was switching to Cymbalta, I got extremely depressed... Not SO this time! I feel great matter of fact.
The only reason I was a bit apprehensive about Wellbutrin was because of its activation effects.. To be quite honest, I don't see it much different than E in that regard. Of course I am on a real low dose...
gadman
Posted by liladybugz on March 24, 2005, at 0:52:08
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by gadman on March 18, 2005, at 7:54:07
I am on 300mg Wellbutrin and 225mg EffexorXR. I have been on both for over a year. Nothing has worked for me except this combination. I have been on various doses of Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and a couple others for depression and Xanax, Ativan, and Buspar for anxiety. I now need nothing but the Wellbutrin/Effexor combo. I have zero side effects unless I miss a dose (the side effects faded after a couple mo's).
Missing a dose can be rough especially if you miss more than one. Missing one dose I have very vivid and intense dreams and night sweats. Two doses and I have a continuous "nodding" or "falling" sensation. My only worry is what the long term effects of all of these meds could be? Does anyone know of any research or studies that have been done on physiological effects (long term)?
Posted by gadman on March 24, 2005, at 6:24:47
In reply to Re: Effexor XR plus Wellbutrin SR - anybody?, posted by liladybugz on March 24, 2005, at 0:52:08
Yep, It's working for me too... I often wonder about the long term effects also.
The sad part is, nobody really knows. But in our world, you must take one day at a time, and do what works today.
This is the end of the thread.
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