Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 16963

Shown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Effexor and Wellbrutin

Posted by Sassy on December 15, 1999, at 13:51:16

Hope this message gets through this time.

Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
Effexor. Just got off Celexa, too much weight gain and it only slightly lifted my depression. It
did help with focusing.

Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.

Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.

I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.

I don't know if I an socially phobic or if I've lost interest in life. My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.

Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
This might be the one for me.

Thanks!
Sassy


 

Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin

Posted by Adam on December 15, 1999, at 14:55:20

In reply to Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Sassy on December 15, 1999, at 13:51:16


I also found Effexor to be very sedating. I tried the Effexor/Wellbutrin combo. I must be unusual in that Wellbutrin did nothing to me either good or bad. I may as well have been taking Pez. However, I've heard many encouraging success stories with this augmentation strategy, so I would say it's worth trying, and could well be what you are looking for.

> Hope this message gets through this time.
>
> Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
> Effexor. Just got off Celexa, too much weight gain and it only slightly lifted my depression. It
> did help with focusing.
>
> Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
> thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
> Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.
>
> Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.
>
> I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.
>
> I don't know if I an socially phobic or if I've lost interest in life. My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
> I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.
>
> Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
> This might be the one for me.
>
> Thanks!
> Sassy

 

to Adam

Posted by Renee on December 15, 1999, at 23:23:06

In reply to Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Adam on December 15, 1999, at 14:55:20

>
> I also found Effexor to be very sedating. I tried the Effexor/Wellbutrin combo. I must be unusual in that Wellbutrin did nothing to me either good or bad. I may as well have been taking Pez. However, I've heard many encouraging success stories with this augmentation strategy, so I would say it's worth trying, and could well be what you are looking for.
>
> > Hope this message gets through this time.
> >
> > Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
> > Effexor. Just got off Celexa, too much weight gain and it only slightly lifted my depression. It
> > did help with focusing.
> >
> > Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
> > thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
> > Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.
> >
> > Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.
> >
> > I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.
> >
> > I don't know if I an socially phobic or if I've lost interest in life. My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
> > I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.
> >
> > Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
> > This might be the one for me.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Sassy

Adam, how much Wellbutyrin were you on?

 

Re: to Adam

Posted by Adam on December 15, 1999, at 23:43:26

In reply to to Adam, posted by Renee on December 15, 1999, at 23:23:06

I think I got up to 200 or 300mg a day. I know it's one or the other, but I can't quite remember which.

> >
> > I also found Effexor to be very sedating. I tried the Effexor/Wellbutrin combo. I must be unusual in that Wellbutrin did nothing to me either good or bad. I may as well have been taking Pez. However, I've heard many encouraging success stories with this augmentation strategy, so I would say it's worth trying, and could well be what you are looking for.
> >
> > > Hope this message gets through this time.
> > >
> > > Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
> > > Effexor. Just got off Celexa, too much weight gain and it only slightly lifted my depression. It
> > > did help with focusing.
> > >
> > > Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
> > > thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
> > > Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.
> > >
> > > Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.
> > >
> > > I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.
> > >
> > > I don't know if I an socially phobic or if I've lost interest in life. My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
> > > I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.
> > >
> > > Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
> > > This might be the one for me.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > Sassy
>
> Adam, how much Wellbutyrin were you on?

 

Re: to Adam

Posted by Sassy on December 17, 1999, at 18:41:07

In reply to to Adam, posted by Renee on December 15, 1999, at 23:23:06

> > Hi Adam,

Thanks for responding back to me. How long did you take this combination?

It has been several weeks for me now, and I am
finding it less sedating. I do not have that real focus feeling, but actually am able to focus
I guess this is the initial affect of the drug as
my body is adapting.

Still welcome feedback on others experience.

Thanks again!
Sassy

> > I also found Effexor to be very sedating. I tried the Effexor/Wellbutrin combo. I must be unusual in that Wellbutrin did nothing to me either good or bad. I may as well have been taking Pez. However, I've heard many encouraging success stories with this augmentation strategy, so I would say it's worth trying, and could well be what you are looking for.
> >
> > > Hope this message gets through this time.
> > >
> > > Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
> > > Effexor. Just got off Celexa, too much weight gain and it only slightly lifted my depression. It
> > > did help with focusing.
> > >
> > > Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
> > > thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
> > > Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.
> > >
> > > Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.
> > >
> > > I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.
> > >
> > > I don't know if I an socially phobic or if I've lost interest in life. My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
> > > I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.
> > >
> > > Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
> > > This might be the one for me.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > Sassy
>
> Adam, how much Wellbutyrin were you on?

 

Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin

Posted by Zannah on December 17, 1999, at 20:04:37

In reply to Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Sassy on December 15, 1999, at 13:51:16

> Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
> Effexor. Just got off Celexa, >
> Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
> thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
> Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.

> HI Sassy,
I have spent many days,weeks, & months trying to find an AD that does anything whatsoever to improve my depression, or whatever the hell it is that plagues me.
Celexa was a complete bust-as Adam humorously puts it (about WB)-I might as well have been taking Pez.
I have spent the past 4 months on WellbutrinSR 150, twice daily. After the first 2 wks. on WB, I had 6 miraculous days during which I experienced motivation, clear thinking, elevated mood and ENERGY. Then--nothing--except a 'bit' more energy than usual. Even that faded after a while. I even gained weight on it! I kept taking it b/c I hoped, somehow, that 'good feeling' might come back. I tries to increase to 450 mg., but cd. not tolerate it.
My g.p. gave me a 3 week atarter pack of Effexor, which I began a month ago. One wk. at 37.5 mg., then 2 wks. at 75 mg.& a few days at 112.5mgs. I then got him to prescribe a few more (14), so I cd. give it a decent trial run before nixing it. I (w/out his knowledge) stayed on the WB as well, but kept it down to (1) 150 mg. SR each a.m., then took the Eff. later in the day.
I must say, I ALSO thought Eff. was a stimulating AD, but nothing, not even sleep meds, have ever kicked my arse like the 'Effexor somnolence bomb'.
I cd. not even drive for the first 10 days. I slept 16-20 hrs. a day, when I cd. (Obviously, I am not working at this time).
Other AD's, mostly TCA's had this 'sleeping sickness' effect on me, but, it always abated after 5-6 days. Not the Effexor. I SO wanted it to work! And, after reading so many horror stories about Eff. 'withdrawal', I was really desperate for it to work. I saw my g.p. on Tues., he said, 'nix it' and try Remeron. I told I thought I was probably going to need an actual stimulant plus an AD to get any results. Ihave tried dexedrine (many yrs. ago, not Rx'd) & phentermine ( a diet drug). Both were great for my dep./lack of focus. When I mentioned the phen. to him, he told me I needed a pdoc, which I figured was probably the route I shd. have taken originally.But, I did see a psychologist for a while and was under the care of a neuro (back/spinal probs) & I was able to try many AD's thru their care. I even gave Ritilan a trial run. I got up to 60 mgs. a day. All it did was put me to sleep! (Excessive sleeping, fatigue is probably my most prominent dep. symptom.)

> Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.
> WB has done wonderfully 'stimulating' things for lots of people. You may be one of them! TRY it!

> I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.
That stinks, you deserve better. But, it can be hard work finding the right 'formula'.
>
My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
> I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.

Sassy,I could have written the above statement myself, word for word. I've had the 'physical' tests & all is in order, except for my brain, of course!
>
> Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
> This might be the one for me.

I really hope you have great luck , and please keep us posted. I am on my 2nd day of Effexor weaning. I stopped the WB cold turkey.I have done THAT ONCE BEFORE W/NO ILL EFFECTS. (sorry, caps.)
I am taking about 15 mgs. of Eff. each nite before bed. So far, just nausea, dizzy spells, weakness. Maybe I won't have too rough a time getting off it.
And, after the new year, I'll start the 'shrink search'.

Once again, the very best of luck to you~Zannah

 

Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin

Posted by Noa on December 17, 1999, at 20:10:50

In reply to Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Zannah on December 17, 1999, at 20:04:37

Zannah, have you investigated possible sleep problems related to your back/spinal probs, or something else? Maybe you aren't getting all the necessary phases of sleep.

I have sleep apnea and before treatment (cpap), I was exhausted all the time, just wanted to sleep anytime anywhere. Not that you might have apnea, but there are dozens of sleep disorders. The neuro could guide you to a sleep clinic.

Just a thought.

 

Re: another thought for Zannah

Posted by CarolAnn on December 18, 1999, at 11:18:14

In reply to Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Noa on December 17, 1999, at 20:10:50

Zannah, I have the same problem as you with the excessive fatigue, and had exactly the same responses you did to effexor and ritalin!
I've been on 400mgs Wellbutrin for about nine weeks now and had been getting no stimulant effect whatsoever. I can't even remember why, but for some reason I got the idea that part of my whole problem might be ADD(yes, there is a form of it with fatigue as a symptom). Anyway, I brought it up with my Dr. and he suggested trying a stimulant called Adderall. I started on 10 mgs twice a day, and found it to be effective at increasing motivation and energy. It's not a dramatic effect, but enough to get me off the couch and doing some stuff. It only lasts two or three hours, so my Pdoc ok'd another 10mgs per day. Anyway, even if you don't think you have ADD, you might still want to give Adderall a try and see if it works for you the way that ritalin works for others.CarolAnn

 

Re: Effexor and Wellbutrin

Posted by Zannah on December 19, 1999, at 21:19:09

In reply to Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Noa on December 17, 1999, at 20:10:50

> Zannah, have you investigated possible sleep problems related to your back/spinal probs, or something else? Maybe you aren't getting all the necessary phases of sleep.
> >
> Just a thought.

Hi Noa,
Yes, The possibility of poor sleep quality is being addressed, at least partially...I have chronic pain, which was wreaking havoc w/my getting consistent nightly rest. But, w/the help of my neuro/physiatrist, we seem to have that problem (the pain) managed, and my sleep SEEMS to be ok.
The problem of daily fatigue, however, still plagues me.
I have not participated in any sort of 'sleep study', however. Perhaps, there is a separate problem there, which is not caused by pain.
You're right, it's worth a mention to the doc.
Thanks~Zannah

 

Re: another thought for Zannah

Posted by zannah on December 20, 1999, at 5:07:06

In reply to Re: another thought for Zannah, posted by CarolAnn on December 18, 1999, at 11:18:14

> Zannah, I have the same problem as you with the excessive fatigue, and had exactly the same responses you did to effexor and ritalin!
but for some reason I got the idea that part of my whole problem might be ADD(yes, there is a form of it with fatigue as a symptom). Anyway, my Dr. suggested trying a stimulant called Adderall. I started on 10 mgs twice a day, and found it to be effective at increasing motivation and energy. It's not a dramatic effect, but enough to get me off the couch and doing some stuff. It only lasts two or three hours, so my Pdoc ok'd another 10mgs per day. Anyway, even if you don't think you have ADD, you might still want to give Adderall a try and see if it works for you the way that ritalin works for others.CarolAnn


CarolAnn,
I wd. love to do just that! But my g.p. is doing mY Rx'ing at the moment and after 7-8 failed tries at eliminating some of my probs, he says a visit to a pdoc is in order.I b/g the lovely chore of finding a pdoc tomorrow. My g.p. said he wd, switch me to remeron, but, no adderall.
So, I am on 3rd day of EFF> detox, checking my time, make that day 4th day.
I will
get all the F'ing Eff. out, and once again, *begin afain*, as fresh as I can manage these days.

Thanks CarolAnn, best of luck to you~Zannah

 

Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin

Posted by Sassy on December 20, 1999, at 18:16:48

In reply to Re: Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Zannah on December 17, 1999, at 20:04:37

Hi Zannah,

Really appreciated your feedback and also Carol Ann's remarks.

Just for your information, I am taking 150 mg of the Effexor twice a day.

The fatigue is a little less than before and it does not affect my ability to do something, but I need to really motivate myself to do it.
I feel a little more comfortable doing things, probably because I'm use to the effect of the drug now, where I wasn't too sure whether I had it together or not, and slowed down making decisions.

I may inquire about Adderall to see if this would be a good supplement at my next visit to the dr.

At least I know this effexor is working.

Good health and cheers!
Sassy
One thing for sure, is not having any anxiety.

> > Been reading alot about Celexa, Wellbrutin and
> > Effexor. Just got off Celexa, >
> > Now taking Effexor, and it makes me sleepy. I
> > thought this was suppose to be a stimulating drug.
> > Does it make you sleepy at first and then stimulating? I need to keep my thoughts together.
>
> > HI Sassy,
> I have spent many days,weeks, & months trying to find an AD that does anything whatsoever to improve my depression, or whatever the hell it is that plagues me.
> Celexa was a complete bust-as Adam humorously puts it (about WB)-I might as well have been taking Pez.
> I have spent the past 4 months on WellbutrinSR 150, twice daily. After the first 2 wks. on WB, I had 6 miraculous days during which I experienced motivation, clear thinking, elevated mood and ENERGY. Then--nothing--except a 'bit' more energy than usual. Even that faded after a while. I even gained weight on it! I kept taking it b/c I hoped, somehow, that 'good feeling' might come back. I tries to increase to 450 mg., but cd. not tolerate it.
> My g.p. gave me a 3 week atarter pack of Effexor, which I began a month ago. One wk. at 37.5 mg., then 2 wks. at 75 mg.& a few days at 112.5mgs. I then got him to prescribe a few more (14), so I cd. give it a decent trial run before nixing it. I (w/out his knowledge) stayed on the WB as well, but kept it down to (1) 150 mg. SR each a.m., then took the Eff. later in the day.
> I must say, I ALSO thought Eff. was a stimulating AD, but nothing, not even sleep meds, have ever kicked my arse like the 'Effexor somnolence bomb'.
> I cd. not even drive for the first 10 days. I slept 16-20 hrs. a day, when I cd. (Obviously, I am not working at this time).
> Other AD's, mostly TCA's had this 'sleeping sickness' effect on me, but, it always abated after 5-6 days. Not the Effexor. I SO wanted it to work! And, after reading so many horror stories about Eff. 'withdrawal', I was really desperate for it to work. I saw my g.p. on Tues., he said, 'nix it' and try Remeron. I told I thought I was probably going to need an actual stimulant plus an AD to get any results. Ihave tried dexedrine (many yrs. ago, not Rx'd) & phentermine ( a diet drug). Both were great for my dep./lack of focus. When I mentioned the phen. to him, he told me I needed a pdoc, which I figured was probably the route I shd. have taken originally.But, I did see a psychologist for a while and was under the care of a neuro (back/spinal probs) & I was able to try many AD's thru their care. I even gave Ritilan a trial run. I got up to 60 mgs. a day. All it did was put me to sleep! (Excessive sleeping, fatigue is probably my most prominent dep. symptom.)
>
> > Wellbrutin sounds like it may be a good additive.
> > WB has done wonderfully 'stimulating' things for lots of people. You may be one of them! TRY it!
>
> > I have not experienced joy in many years and look forward to a day that I find something that really works.
> That stinks, you deserve better. But, it can be hard work finding the right 'formula'.
> >
> My soul wants to experience the pleasures of life, but my mind is too tired and my body doesn't have the energy.
> > I've been through the exercise and diet thing for years, but that doesn't do anything.
>
> Sassy,I could have written the above statement myself, word for word. I've had the 'physical' tests & all is in order, except for my brain, of course!
> >
> > Would like to hear more on Effexor and Wellbrutin.
> > This might be the one for me.
>
> I really hope you have great luck , and please keep us posted. I am on my 2nd day of Effexor weaning. I stopped the WB cold turkey.I have done THAT ONCE BEFORE W/NO ILL EFFECTS. (sorry, caps.)
> I am taking about 15 mgs. of Eff. each nite before bed. So far, just nausea, dizzy spells, weakness. Maybe I won't have too rough a time getting off it.
> And, after the new year, I'll start the 'shrink search'.
>
> Once again, the very best of luck to you~Zannah

 

Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan

Posted by blue on March 21, 2001, at 13:24:49

In reply to Effexor and Wellbrutin, posted by Sassy on December 15, 1999, at 13:51:16

Thank you all for the information sharing. I also suffer from depression and chronic fatigue which has pretty much put my life on hold. Recently I started taking Wellbutyrin-100mg a day in the morning and almost immediately noticed a lift in energy and stablization of my moods. However I also notice that I have trouble remembering things and keeping my thoughts organized. Does anyone else experience this on this drug? Do you know if it will go away eventually?

Also, I am taking 2.5 mg of Oxycodan twice a day and that has been a wonder drug for me when it comes to energy and motivation but has done nothing for my mood swings. I hope this can help someone and I look forward to hearing more about your experiences with meds.
blue

 

Re: Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan » blue

Posted by judy1 on March 23, 2001, at 15:38:20

In reply to Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan, posted by blue on March 21, 2001, at 13:24:49

You are probably experiencing some euphoria from the oxycodone (very common with a narcotic). It's usually a temporary state once your body becomes acclimated and unless the dose is increased it won't continue. That's when the addiction problems start (but only if you go after the euphoric properties) Anyway, narcotics are NOT mood stabilizers, they are for relief of pain. Are you seeing a shrink? take care, judy

 

Re: Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan--judy1

Posted by blue on March 23, 2001, at 18:21:11

In reply to Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan, posted by blue on March 21, 2001, at 13:24:49

actually, i have been on the same dosage of oxycodan for about 5 years or more and have not felt the need to increase to dosage. and it was my shrink who perscribed it. but thank you for your concern

 

Re: Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan » blue

Posted by judy1 on March 24, 2001, at 20:57:27

In reply to Re: Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan--judy1, posted by blue on March 23, 2001, at 18:21:11

Sorry, I apologize- maybe some projection on my part;-) Anyway, have you discussed mood instability with your pdoc? Because I have bipolar disorder, even wellbutrin which is supposedly a 'safe' AD to take, causes mood instability for me. A lot of people are finding benefits of lamictal on this forum- is that something you may consider? take care, judy

 

Re: Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan--judy1 » blue

Posted by ShelliR on March 24, 2001, at 21:08:27

In reply to Re: Wellbutyrin and Oxycodan--judy1, posted by blue on March 23, 2001, at 18:21:11

> actually, i have been on the same dosage of oxycodan for about 5 years or more and have not felt the need to increase to dosage. and it was my shrink who perscribed it. but thank you for your concern

Blue. I take hydrocodone when my depression gets really bad (especially premenstrually) and my pdoc has threatened to terminate with me if I continue to do so. I also have taken it for three years (but not every day) with no increase in dose. So whenever I hear (read) of someone else with the same experience it encourages me to go with my experience and feelings despite the disbelief of my therapist and pdoc.

As a precaution, I do feel it necessary to say that I think we are part of a very small percentage who seems not to get addicted to codeine. I never recommend it to anyone else. Most people do end up addicted and apparently it is not an easy withdrawal to go through.

I always keep in mind the benefits versus risks for me, and believe that even if ultimately I do get addicted, it would be worth it for all the days it allowed me to function and feel brighter when nothing else worked. And then I would detox.

ShelliR

p.s., I heard a report on the news this week that oxycodan is the new drug of choice in the high schools. For $5 kids buy a time released pill and crush it and snort it to get all the high at one time. There is consideration of removing the drug from the market because of the high number of deaths that have occurred from use in that age group.


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