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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jeano on April 7, 2004, at 21:05:34
As some of you may know, I was on a very low dose of Effexor XR for one week. But after reading the horror stories about "brain flashes" and "brain shocks", nightmares, etc, I decided not to stay on it.
I have a sister who is taking Wellbutrin at this time. She's been on different types of AD for several years. Now she is on Wellbutrin and seems to be doing OK.
My doctor still believes I should be taking an AD because I am currently undergoing testing for some health concerns, including heart disease. So I'm constantly worried and stressed out, big time! My doc thinks an AD will keep me "level" and calm. I told him "NO Effexor". He said there are other AD options and to just let him know. Is Wellbutrin a good one? What type of side effects can I expect if I ask my doctor to try me on this one?
Posted by cocohoneynut on April 8, 2004, at 7:38:57
In reply to Is Wellbutrin one of the better ADs?, posted by jeano on April 7, 2004, at 21:05:34
I, too, was on Effexor SR before taking Wellbutrin. The only side effect I had was terrible headaches on the 5th day of Wellbutrin. I don't know if it was from weaning from Effexor to Wellbutrin or if it was just the Wellbutrin. Other than that, I had no side effects. How is your sister doing on the drug?? Is she experiencing any side effects?? Good Luck!!!
> As some of you may know, I was on a very low dose of Effexor XR for one week. But after reading the horror stories about "brain flashes" and "brain shocks", nightmares, etc, I decided not to stay on it.
> I have a sister who is taking Wellbutrin at this time. She's been on different types of AD for several years. Now she is on Wellbutrin and seems to be doing OK.
> My doctor still believes I should be taking an AD because I am currently undergoing testing for some health concerns, including heart disease. So I'm constantly worried and stressed out, big time! My doc thinks an AD will keep me "level" and calm. I told him "NO Effexor". He said there are other AD options and to just let him know. Is Wellbutrin a good one? What type of side effects can I expect if I ask my doctor to try me on this one?
Posted by T_R_D on April 8, 2004, at 16:21:41
In reply to Is Wellbutrin one of the better ADs?, posted by jeano on April 7, 2004, at 21:05:34
I am currently taking 150mg Wellbutrin and 75mg Effexor plus an anticonvulsant. The W/E combo was the only AD therapy that ever worked for me (and I've tried something from every class except tricyclics.) I didn't have any significant side effects from Wellbutrin.
Posted by vjw on April 8, 2004, at 20:30:36
In reply to Is Wellbutrin one of the better ADs?, posted by jeano on April 7, 2004, at 21:05:34
Wellbutrin is a miracle drug as far as I'm concerned. It gets me out of bed in the morning, and I can actually WORK when I'm at work.
Posted by simus on April 8, 2004, at 23:51:01
In reply to Re: Is Wellbutrin one of the better ADs?, posted by vjw on April 8, 2004, at 20:30:36
Posted by Viridis on April 9, 2004, at 4:35:38
In reply to Is Wellbutrin one of the better ADs?, posted by jeano on April 7, 2004, at 21:05:34
Wellbutrin is great for some people, but is notorious for increasing anxiety in others. I tried it for a couple of months and found it very disorienting, plus it caused severe anxiety, dizziness, and a bunch of odd side effects that I've never experienced before -- even at a low dose. The side effects didn't stop until I discontinued it (then they were gone within a day or two).
A friend who tried it at about the same time experienced a sustained panic-like reaction, and thought she was having a heart attack (luckily, her husband is a medical professional and was able to get it under control). But another friend of mine found it a wonderful antidepressant and had no side effects at all.
My point is that individual reactions vary greatly, and (especially if you're prone to anxiety) I'd try it cautiously until you know how you react. The same is true of just about all of the ADs. Also, remember that the standard dosages are averages, and you may do better with more or less than the recommended amount. I always like to start with a small amount and work up gradually, even though some doctors try to push a rapid move to the "official" dose.
Good luck!
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