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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jaguarinthelight on July 16, 2008, at 6:51:29
After 5 years on Effexor, being tired all the time, added Wellbutrin. It's the first antidepressant I've taken that affects dopamine, and it seems to be making a big difference in my energy level, and giving me a more positive attitude. Anyone have any experience in this? I've also started cutting back on Effexor - down to 75mg daily in 2 doses from 75mg + 38.5 daily. My psych wants me to stay on 75mg for 2 months and see...
Posted by Racer on July 17, 2008, at 19:51:18
In reply to Wellbutrin added to Effexor - any experience?, posted by jaguarinthelight on July 16, 2008, at 6:51:29
I haven't tried that particular combo -- Effexor was not a good choice for me -- but I have been on Wellbutrin with other antidepressants, and it's usually pretty dang good. In fact, it often works synergistically, because it counters some of the side effects from other popular meds.
And, since the Effexor was helpful for you, it's worth keeping it going at a low dose. (Actually, at 75mg, it's acting primarily as an SSRI, so you could even switch to something like Zoloft, which I found a much more pleasant ride...) Since Wellbutrin doesn't affect serotonin, it might not be a good monotherapy choice for you. Then again, it might, so it's worth a try at some point. Still, waiting for that trial until you've stabilized a bit more on Wellbutrin makes sense to me.
Best luck with it, and welcome to Babble!
Posted by BGB on July 20, 2008, at 4:40:36
In reply to Wellbutrin added to Effexor - any experience?, posted by jaguarinthelight on July 16, 2008, at 6:51:29
I take Cymbalta (60mg), which is in the same class of drugs as Effexor, along with Wellbutrin SR (400mg). I still have terrible depression, but I will say that Wellbutrin totally reversed all of the sexual side effects that I had with the Cymbalta, and then some. I find that it's very pro-sexual, although not everyone does. Remeron was also very pro-sexual for me.
It's great to hear that you're feeling better! Best of luck to you!
Posted by jaguarinthelight on July 20, 2008, at 8:53:18
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin added to Effexor - any experience?, posted by BGB on July 20, 2008, at 4:40:36
Thanks, Racer and BGB, I feel better and better with the Wellbutrin. I've been celibate for 17 years, but even so have not found an effect other than age and "been there done that". I have been in talk therapy 60% of the years between '70 and now, and now have a therapist who doing a timeline with me of major memories since birth and comparing it to the "norm" of childhood development, to pinpoint the development I didn't experience due to my narcissistic parents. Very very helpful.
This is the end of the thread.
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