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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by in_denial on September 11, 2005, at 16:07:54
Hello,
I have been on 75 mg of Zoloft for over 2 years for depresion. Over the last year or so I think it was losing its effect. I was just feeling blah (not happy or sad). I also take 1 mg of Klonopin for social anxiety. I explained my symptoms and asked that I be switched to another anti depressant. He wasn't too happy with the idea by suggested Effexor. I asked about Wellbutrin. He agreed to give it a try. I tapered off the zoloft and began taking 150 mg of generic wellbutrin. I felt really energized and he upped the dose to 300 mg of Budeprion (generic wellbutrin made by TEV labs). The 1st day I developed severe itching all over my body. By the next day I had full blown hives with swollen hands, ankles and feet. I went to the pharmacy and the pharmacist told me to take Clariton and benadryl ointment. THe pharmacist thinks I had a reaction to a filler in the generic pill since I didn't exhibit any symptoms. I called my pdoc and he told me to stop taking it and go back to 50 mg of zoloft until he sees me next week. It has been 3 days now and I am still experiencing an allergic reaction (even with the clariton and benadryl).
I am not sure if I should stick with the zoloft or try effexor. I never had any really bad side effects with zoloft (sexual etc.) It just make me feel like a zombie. Should I try Effexor or something else?Thanks,
Posted by wildcard on September 11, 2005, at 16:28:55
In reply to Wellbutrin causing allergic reaction?, posted by in_denial on September 11, 2005, at 16:07:54
Hey! First i wld. be concerned re: the reaction. do u have a temp? if it continues, u may want to consider going to the ER to be safe. if zoloft doesnt help, u need something else BUT i think effexor and wellbutrin have some chemical similarities?! i dont know what the difference is w/ the generic wellbutrin but Ed wld.. i too tried zoloft (and many others) but effexor has worked the best for me at 225mg. the lesser dose didnt even me out. why did ur doc not want to try effexor?? i hope this helps and good luck. PS~welcome!!!
Posted by in_denial on September 11, 2005, at 19:06:25
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin causing allergic reaction? » in_denial, posted by wildcard on September 11, 2005, at 16:28:55
> Hey! First i wld. be concerned re: the reaction. do u have a temp? if it continues, u may want to consider going to the ER to be safe. if zoloft doesnt help, u need something else BUT i think effexor and wellbutrin have some chemical similarities?! i dont know what the difference is w/ the generic wellbutrin but Ed wld.. i too tried zoloft (and many others) but effexor has worked the best for me at 225mg. the lesser dose didnt even me out. why did ur doc not want to try effexor?? i hope this helps and good luck. PS~welcome!!!
Thanks for the quick reply. I didn't word my initial post correctly. My doc recommended effexor when I told him that zoloft wans't working. I suggested wellbutrin since they have a generic version(cheaper with insurane) and I heard that it gives people energy and cuts food cravings.
Since you have taken zoloft you have the perspective I am looking for. Did you get the zombie like feeling with zoloft (or lack of feeling?). What did effexor do for you? Did it give you energy? You said the effexor has chemical similarities to wellbutrin? Does this mean that I might be allergic to it, just as bupropion?
Thanks,
Posted by wildcard on September 11, 2005, at 20:16:18
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin causing allergic reaction?, posted by in_denial on September 11, 2005, at 19:06:25
Hey there! Re: myself and the zoloft, it helped my depression somewhat but i didnt have the effects u do. I switched to effexor after trying all the common SSRI's w/o success. I see what u mean about a med. being cheaper(outrageous isnt it). When i was on wellbutrin, the generic wasnt available. I dont know if u wld have an allergic reaction to effexor but a pharmacist cld. at least explain the similarities between the two. It seems odd though that u had no reaction at 150mg but did at 300mg. I wld. think that if allergic, ur body wld. react at 150 also, but i am def. not that knowledgeable when it comes to that. Effexor xr has been the most effective for me but i still have little energy. I am now at 225mg and my energy has increased a bit but i am planning on asking my doc to add wellbutrin for energy. Effexor does keep my appetite down which is a plus but everyone reacts differently. I'm sorry for rambling..lol I have a terrible headache so i hope this makes some sense. Feel free to ask any questions u have. I'll be glad to help if i can. Take care.
Posted by Phillipa on September 12, 2005, at 17:57:29
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin causing allergic reaction? » in_denial, posted by wildcard on September 11, 2005, at 20:16:18
Hey there just my opinion but effexor is an SSNRI I believe and wellbutrin has a different chemical structure. Effexor is supposed to be good for depression A lot of babblers report a lot of side effects but others love it. Wellbutrin is energizing and supposed to increase sexual desire and help with wt loss. If you're the nervous sort I would be careful with wellbutrin as l50mg made me appear hypomanic. Fondly, Phillipa
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