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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BookishUnderachiever on February 18, 2007, at 11:55:41
I took Lexapro plus a small dose of Wellbutrin for years and enjoyed complete remission from depression. I stopped taking them some months ago as an experiment, but it's now apparent I must go back on antidepressants. On these drugs my adverse effects were typical, but mild and tolerable (compared to depression!): somnolence, diminished sexuality, weight gain. One never knows if such reduced vitality is more or less a consequence of aging or the drugs, which I suppose says something about the mildness of my side effects.
Anyhow, my current doctor recommends Cymbalta. I would be interested to know if anybody could offer a comparison of Cymbalta compared to Lexapro, or even better Lexapro + Wellbutrin, with respect to effectiveness and adverse effects. With particular respect to sex, how does Cymbalta compare to SSRIs, and does anybody out there combine Cymbalta with Wellbutrin to combat sexual side effects?
Posted by linkadge on February 18, 2007, at 13:28:27
In reply to Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by BookishUnderachiever on February 18, 2007, at 11:55:41
I would have to say that cymbalta would not be identical to lex+wellbutrin. If that combination worked for you in the past, I would save yourself the hastle and try it again if possable.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2007, at 17:11:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by linkadge on February 18, 2007, at 13:28:27
Well for what it's worth wellbutrin was much more stimulating for me than cymbalta. Love Phillipa
Posted by Wildflower on February 19, 2007, at 20:55:34
In reply to Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by BookishUnderachiever on February 18, 2007, at 11:55:41
I found that Cymbalta worked better for me than Lexapro did but it varies by person. Also, I did supplement the Cymbalta with Wellbutrin. The combination of the two worked great.
Posted by BookishUnderachiever on February 20, 2007, at 11:41:30
In reply to Re: Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin » BookishUnderachiever, posted by Wildflower on February 19, 2007, at 20:55:34
When you say Cymbalta worked better, was that in terms of remission of depression or fewer adverse side effects or both? Could you tell me how your experience on Cymbalta compared to your experience on Lexapro with respect to the "classic" SSRI side effects: lethargy, weight gain, sexual blahs?
Thanks for your help. I realize, of course, that everybody responds differently, but I would be interested to know more about your experience. I have a new doctor that says that Cymbalta is the best antidepressant ever, but it doesn't seem to get rave reviews on this web site.
Posted by Phillipa on February 20, 2007, at 12:05:35
In reply to Re: Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin » Wildflower, posted by BookishUnderachiever on February 20, 2007, at 11:41:30
I'm older took it twice. First when it just came out no side effects no improvement either. On 60mg. Stopped it no w/d but I noticed I now had backpain so I guess it worked for backpain. Good luck Love Phillipa
Posted by Wildflower on February 21, 2007, at 17:37:31
In reply to Re: Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin » Wildflower, posted by BookishUnderachiever on February 20, 2007, at 11:41:30
> When you say Cymbalta worked better, was that in terms of remission of depression or fewer adverse side effects or both?
>>>It's been a while since I've been on it. There are probably still posts of mine in the archive somewhere but I can tell you that Lexapro pooped out on me and I was switched over to Cymbalta. And you're right, members of babble didn't seem to take to it like I did.
Cymbalta worked best to help with the depression but had some SEs of its own. I remember having sexual side effects as well as being very thirsty. However, I was willing to deal with those SEs knowing that it was helping with my depression. Cymbalta was weight-neutral for me and when combined with Wellbutrin helped a bit with the lethargy...either that or since the depression was lifting, I naturally had more energy.
Hope this helps.
Posted by KarenRB53 on October 7, 2010, at 9:09:44
In reply to Re: Cymbalta compared to Lexapro + Wellbutrin » BookishUnderachiever, posted by Wildflower on February 21, 2007, at 17:37:31
> > When you say Cymbalta worked better, was that in terms of remission of depression or fewer adverse side effects or both?
>
> >>>It's been a while since I've been on it. There are probably still posts of mine in the archive somewhere but I can tell you that Lexapro pooped out on me and I was switched over to Cymbalta. And you're right, members of babble didn't seem to take to it like I did.
>
> Cymbalta worked best to help with the depression but had some SEs of its own. I remember having sexual side effects as well as being very thirsty. However, I was willing to deal with those SEs knowing that it was helping with my depression. Cymbalta was weight-neutral for me and when combined with Wellbutrin helped a bit with the lethargy...either that or since the depression was lifting, I naturally had more energy.
>
> Hope this helps.
>What amount of Wellbutrin did you use with the Cymbalta? Also, are you still using this combination?
This is the end of the thread.
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