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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:41:23
I am reading and thinking that a combo of Wellbutrin and Effexor MIGHT be the way for me to go. The Effexor is working quite well for me - I am on 225 mg. EXCEPT for the sexual side effects and the "no feelings", too calm feeling. (Does that make sense? I can't laugh, cry or anything...) I am hungry all the time and although I don't have weight issues, I am beginning to now. The constipation is not a good thing either. My partner just does not understand that sex doesn't even come up on my radar screen. (Right now, my marriage is a train wreck...) And yes, we are getting counseling.
This is causing stress on top of stress. My depression is better though. I cannot drink while on Effexor as it undoes the "good" effects.
Should I call my Dr. (Psychiatrist) and ask that he add Wellbutrin to the mix and lower the dose of Effexor? Was it a "stressful" transition for those of you who made it? How long before you "felt better"?
Please, I really appreciate all of your feedback.
Still living in the land of Oz,
TinMan
Posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 11:36:51
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
> Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
I did have trouble sleeping at night for the first couple of months, but trust me you have to give your body time to adjust and things will go back to normal...I now sleep better than I used to. That was actually one of the first things I noticed after starting to take Wellbutron/Effexor..that for the first time in years I didn't feel that same tired as Ihad before, I was tired becasue I wasn't sleeping great but I could really tell the difference between been tired from not sleeping and the tired I was before..the funny thing is that I didn't even know feeling that tired wasn't normal until it was gone!!
Posted by PamA on August 13, 2005, at 11:42:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
I did take antidepressants while taking sepia, I was taking 100mgs of zoloft per day. You can buy it on-line or maybe at a health food store. I saw an actual homeopath who mixed it for me but my mom purchased her's on-line but I'm not sure where. I prefer the liquid to the pill but I think they must be similar.
Best of luck, if you can't find it let me know and I'll see if my homeopath can suggest something in your area.
Regards
Pam
Posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 13:52:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
The sexual side effects are very uncomfortable on the Effexor.. you just basically aren't interested. I, too, am on 225 mgs. When you combine this with feeling quite tired, it's a horrible combination. My husband, too, has trouble relating to my lack of drive. When I was on Wellbutrin, I had none of these issues. I had a good amount of energy, normal appetite and the sex was great. I haven't started the reduction process yet but I am not too scared. My Dr. told me to reduce by 37.5 over a one month period and to take Ativan, as needed, for discomfort. I just keep telling myself that as long as I feel better than before I started everything will be o.k. Any short term pain will hopefully be worth the long term gain. I will say that starting on Wellbutrin was very uncomfortable (for me) - it's pretty agitating. However, my Psychiatrist wrote me a Rx for 5 mg. valium which I took when I was just coudln't take it any more. I probably only needed to take about 3 tablets a week but, I am over-cautious of these things. If I have to choose between the two, I would choose the excess energy from the Wellbutrin over the semi-zombie state of the Effexor. I'm sure that everyone doesn't feel this way.
Good Luck!
Posted by jj_mom on August 13, 2005, at 15:33:28
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 6, 2005, at 1:42:26
Hi, I am so happy for you that the Wellbutrin and Effexor are working. I am (was on) Wellbutrin 300mg and Effexor 150mg for almost 3 months and really can't tell any difference. I have stopped the Wellbutrin and am in the process of stopping the Effexor because of the way I am feeling, which isn't good. My energy level is about 3 or 4 out of 10 and I would have to say that I only had 2 or 3 good days in those 3 months. I have tried many other meds which was a waste of time and am just ready to give up and see what happens with out any. My doctor put me on this combo for menopause and depression. The hot flashes are decreasing but it also could be that I am getting over it after being menopausal for over 5 years. My main concern now is my fatigue, I do have some insomnia and was prescribed Lunesta which either knocks me out or takes forever (45 minutes one night) to work. I have to say that this sucks big time and my husband & I are at the end of our ropes trying to figure out what will work for me. I also think my doctor feels the same way as she is just throwing everything she can at me to see if anything will work. I am so tired of being a guinea pig. Also hate the whoozy and lightheadness that I have right now. My sleep pattern is all shot, sleepy all the time and not able to go to sleep until 4 or 5 am. Basically I am just a total wreck, but still hopeful.
Posted by mek on August 14, 2005, at 11:03:57
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » canuck22, posted by jj_mom on August 13, 2005, at 15:33:28
> Hi, I am so happy for you that the Wellbutrin and Effexor are working. I am (was on) Wellbutrin 300mg and Effexor 150mg for almost 3 months and really can't tell any difference. I have stopped the Wellbutrin and am in the process of stopping the Effexor because of the way I am feeling, which isn't good. My energy level is about 3 or 4 out of 10 and I would have to say that I only had 2 or 3 good days in those 3 months. I have tried many other meds which was a waste of time and am just ready to give up and see what happens with out any. My doctor put me on this combo for menopause and depression. The hot flashes are decreasing but it also could be that I am getting over it after being menopausal for over 5 years. My main concern now is my fatigue, I do have some insomnia and was prescribed Lunesta which either knocks me out or takes forever (45 minutes one night) to work. I have to say that this sucks big time and my husband & I are at the end of our ropes trying to figure out what will work for me. I also think my doctor feels the same way as she is just throwing everything she can at me to see if anything will work. I am so tired of being a guinea pig. Also hate the whoozy and lightheadness that I have right now. My sleep pattern is all shot, sleepy all the time and not able to go to sleep until 4 or 5 am. Basically I am just a total wreck, but still hopeful.
YOu guys are so helpful. I am still uncertain whether this is for me. this is only my second week and on onlyh 75 mg of effexor xr. Should I really be this undecided about taking this? It just doesn't feel right. I am not depressed, have a wonderful life. The only thing it is doing for me is I seem to hold alot of stress in my neck and shoulders and that seemed to be helping but as far as the hot flashes I think I am sweating more. The sexual side effects are starting to kick in which I do not like. Should I be taking this or is there another solution. Just seems like alot of hassle to get off of it to. Help me decide. Has this been as big of a decisoin for everyone else.
Posted by LynnPerley on August 14, 2005, at 22:20:07
In reply to Jaw tension yawning, posted by rayn26 on August 9, 2005, at 8:44:17
> I have been on Effexor for 3 weeks (75mg)--It seems to be working --my only side effects have been yawning constantly and jaw tension--The yawning seems to be tapering down, but I am concerned about the jaw tension because this was one of my physical symptoms of anxiety and Effexor seems to be prolonging it. Has anyone had this symptom and does it go away (the yawning too)?
The jaw tension side effect for me on Effexor was better than the similar side effect from Prozac. It decreased after about 8 weeks or so and I think it also did not come back as badly when my dosage increased. I have been taking effexor xr for the better part of three years now and I have taken dosages ranging from 75mg to 300mg daily.
I found that Buspar (buspirone) is a cheap and gentle med that relieves the jaw clenching - when it was bothering me a lot I took buspar about a hour before bedtime. It won't zap you out as much as a flexeril as well.
Posted by KMM on August 15, 2005, at 3:31:41
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 14, 2005, at 11:03:57
I never felt depressed either. I just had chest pain that wouldn't ease and wasn't related to any other health problems (I had every test under the sun). It took me two years to face up to the fact that it was coming from stress and that it wasn't a cop out to take anti-depressants. The pain began to diminish almost immediately on the Wellbutrin. I still feel embarassed that I have to take them. I always thought that I was the type of person that could take care of any problem I had by myself...I suppose that it was got me into this mess in the first place.
Posted by mek on August 17, 2005, at 5:55:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 15, 2005, at 3:31:41
KMM- you sound exactly like me. Not depressed but do have stress from everyday life. I still do not understand what is in the wellbutrin to help with depression since it has the same thing in it that the med has to help people quit smoking. Well I finally Monday decided to drop the Effexor. Didn't have any side effects yet but maybe I wont since I wasn't on it that long. If things get all tense again I do have wellbutrin here maybe I would try that. I do have some weight to lose maybe that would help that to
Posted by gramma on August 17, 2005, at 10:11:35
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I have been on effexor 75 mg since shortly after my hysterectomy in 1999. I tried it to help with my mood swings and fibromialgia. It has helped with the mood swings. I take it once daily. I went off of it cold turkey a few summers ago (I was frustrated with problems with my prescription insurance) It was a wrong move! I felt like the wicked witch of the west! Anyway, I have gained weight, but have always battled weight so I can't really blame it on the medication.
Nice to read about others reactions to this med.
Gramma
Posted by SandiDee on August 17, 2005, at 17:52:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by gramma on August 17, 2005, at 10:11:35
Just wanted to let everyone know how life on Effexor has been for me. I have been taking it for about 1 1/2 months now, things are going fairly smooth. I like that it has quieted alot of my anxiety, though I still have anxiety over certain things. I HAVE had alot of the side effects to go along with the good, the dry mouth, constipation, sexual stuff, some blurred vision, and always seem tired, especially after 5 p.m.. I am going to my dr. next week and ask for welbutrin, as that seems to be the next step, I am also going to ask about the tiredness, I am fairly active, and have slept well with tylenol p.m., until the effexor, now I don't sleep well at all. My boyfriend has a hard time understanding the sexual side effect part, I am at a loss to explain it to him, so I invited him to read some of these posts. I think this med is a double edged sword for me right now, I don't want to stop it because of the anxiety and depression that will come back, but I don't want to damage my relationship bacause of it either, hopefully my Dr. will give me a script for welbutrin. Anyone with any other suggestions, feel free. This thread has become a comfortable place for me lately. (Special thanks to MtnMama for encouraging me to start the effexor in the beginning when I was having second thoughts.)
Posted by aha on August 17, 2005, at 18:21:57
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
Okay...my 2 cents. I went on Effexor XR (time-released)on 4/03 for mostly hot flashes and the fact that I was crying over anything and everything and that is not my personality. It was getting very embarassing. I read about Effexor XR in a magazine and they said it stopped hot flashes and intense hunger from menopause. The dr. said if it was hormones making me cry that after around 3 days of taking effexor I would stop flashes and crying. He was right on the money. I've been great ever since. I only take 75 mg. and have never increased except once. Bad news...had weird side effects such as brain quiver that the doctor called a seizure. Never did that again. I want to try getting off of it now but I hope I don't go through a bad time from 75 mg. but I know I have forgotten to take it for a couple of days and I was a mean antsy woman and it didn't feel good. Hope taking 37.5 mg. for a while will work. Anybody try that before? thx
Posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
OK, thanks to all of your posts, I am going to talk to my Dr. about going to Wellbutrin as well as the Effexor. Lately, I have been so very exhausted. I sleep late every morning and am still tired. I didn't have this side effect in the beginning but I do now. I do like how Effexor is so calming. Hate the sexual side effects.
TinMan
Posted by LynnPerley on August 17, 2005, at 21:16:53
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
> OK, thanks to all of your posts, I am going to talk to my Dr. about going to Wellbutrin as well as the Effexor. Lately, I have been so very exhausted. I sleep late every morning and am still tired. I didn't have this side effect in the beginning but I do now. I do like how Effexor is so calming. Hate the sexual side effects.
>
> TinManI can't take wellbutrin because I have a history of a seizure. I am taking effexor plus prozac now instead.
Posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 3:24:17
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by aha on August 17, 2005, at 18:21:57
Can you describe your brain quiver? On Wellbutrin, I had some tremoring on the left side of my body so I stopped taking it. On Effexor, I have something like goosebumps on the right top half of my scalp occasionally. Is this what it felt like?
KMM
Posted by PamA on August 18, 2005, at 5:57:16
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 3:24:17
Ekk I hope those aren't seizures. I often have, what I call chil bumps, on my scalp and sometimes just on one side of my body. I did this well before effexor.
BTW. I've increased to 75mgs a day after a week and a half or feeling better then started crying and feeling worse. I am still hopeful. As my step children come this weekend, I really want to be a good step-mom (had a bad one myself and don't want to be like her) but without the meds it was BAD.
Love to all.
Pam
Posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 6:16:05
In reply to effexor/brain quivers, posted by PamA on August 18, 2005, at 5:57:16
I get goosebumps on one side of my body only as well. This never happened before I started either the Wellbutrin or the Effexor. I didn't feel great for quite awhile after starting the Effexor so hang in there. It's tough with kids, whether they are yours or step. I don't know how old they are but, I find one thing that really helps is engagin them in some activities for awhile and then if they are old enough, for you to take a little nap or read a book quietly in the afternoon. My kids are 6 and 2 and the little break helps a lot. You just need quiet after awhile.
Good luck this weekend and remember if it's not great there's always next time!
Kris
Posted by mek on August 18, 2005, at 13:19:58
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 3:24:17
good question. I was wondering what brain quivers was to.
Posted by MEJ on August 18, 2005, at 14:39:30
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 18, 2005, at 13:19:58
> good question. I was wondering what brain quivers was to.
>Brain Shivers...do you take Effexor? If you do, miss a dose or two then you'll know what the brain shivers are, it is hard to describe unless you have never felt them. If you don't take effexor...the best way to describe them is like someone running several volts of electricity through your head...some people report that that the electric shock sensations run right to the tips of their fingers...VERY intense and unpleasant (I DON'T ACTUALLY ADVISE YOU TO MISS A DOSE JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY...CAN MAKE SOME QUITE SICK.)
Posted by PamA on August 19, 2005, at 6:51:46
In reply to Re: effexor/brain quivers, posted by KMM on August 18, 2005, at 6:16:05
Thanks Kris, you're sweet. It gets crazy on our extended kid weekend that's for sure. I have 4 chilren of my own ages 16, 12, 6 and 5 and two step children ages 12 and 9. We're a blended family.
As for the Wellbutrin, I first asked my Doctor to change me to it from Zoloft. He told me that he wouldn't use it again because he had a patient that had a seizure. He changed me to effexor instead. From what I've read it seems like a really good aid to the other anti-depressants but I dunno, he's a family doctor. I intend on seeking out a psyciatric doctor soon to work through some things so maybe he/she will have more advice. My family doctor is just like a family member, and he'd NEVER take chances no matter how slim so I understand his point and appreciate it.
Sorry to ramble, OH! and one last thing, hubby's ex phoned last night and wants to change weekends. Probably a good thing since I'll have another week of meds in my system.
Pam
Posted by lhd on August 19, 2005, at 12:05:06
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » mek, posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
I also get the hot flashes while taking Effexor 75 mg. I am also 38 and I never had them before until taking this med.....but like they say...if effects people in different ways.
Good Luck!
Lori
Posted by lhd on August 19, 2005, at 12:18:49
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
I am also very tired on Effexor 75mg thatI take once a day when I get up. I have to make myself get up to eat just to take it. I am so tired and just want to pull the covers over my head and not deal with anything. My husband thinks I'm lazy and does not understand me right now.
Posted by LynnPerley on August 19, 2005, at 14:02:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » TinMan, posted by lhd on August 19, 2005, at 12:18:49
> I am also very tired on Effexor 75mg thatI take once a day when I get up. I have to make myself get up to eat just to take it. I am so tired and just want to pull the covers over my head and not deal with anything. My husband thinks I'm lazy and does not understand me right now.
>It sounds as if you are still depressed and your dosage needs adjustment. Have you talked to your doctor? You should also try taking the Effexor at night. I felt much better ince I switched to taking it at night. You will either need to gradually change the time of day you take it, or when you switch, take one in the morning and then another that same night, then take it at night from that point forward. You will feel awful if you skip a dose.
Posted by sad1 on August 19, 2005, at 14:43:25
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 17, 2005, at 20:23:54
I know exactly how you feel. I've been taking 75mg of Effexor for nearly 3 months and have noticed I always feel tired. I like the calmness as well, but I just seem to be going through the motions. I have excessive yawning, my appetite has started to increase and my sex drive is now non-existent.
I wanted to switch to Wellbutrin but my doctor advised me against it as she said it can cause insomnia and anxiety. After reading these posts I asked her about combining the meds and she was okay with that.
I just started taking 100mg of Wellbutrin this morning and will take 37.5 mg of Effexor in the evening for a few weeks and will go from there. So far I feel okay, but it's only been one day. I will update you on my progress. Let me know how you do with the combination, I'm really curious.
sad1
Posted by KMM on August 20, 2005, at 3:36:19
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin » TinMan, posted by sad1 on August 19, 2005, at 14:43:25
You will most likely feel very edgy on the Wellbutrin until your body gets used to it but, hang in there it will pass. I also experienced mild to moderate anxiety but no insomnia - I slept much better at night (I took the Wellbutrin first thing in the a.m.) on the Wellbutrin than on the straight Effexor.
Good Luck
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