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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NASCAR72 on August 6, 2005, at 19:09:46
I have been on Wellbutrin for about 3 years. Lately I have felt like it really isn't working. Been thinking of switching to Effexor? Has anyone done this?
What are the real side effects of effexor (increased engery, decreased energy, etc.)
Thanks in advance.
Posted by med_empowered on August 6, 2005, at 21:43:19
In reply to Wellbutrin vs. Effexor, posted by NASCAR72 on August 6, 2005, at 19:09:46
Effexor is a kind of odd drug...its considered a "cleaned up tricyclic" b/c its similar to the old drugs--Tofranil, Elavil,etc.--but (usually) has fewer side effects. At lower doses, its mostly a serotonin drug; at mid-range doses, you get some norepinephrin action (forgive the atrocious spelling); at the high-end doses, you may get some dopamine action, but its not all that intense (usually). Some people like it; some people report anxiety, a "wired feeling"...it can raise cholesterol and blood pressure, sometimes to the poin that people stop taking it. It has also been linked to a couple cases of tardive dyskinesia. Some people who take it experience such bad withdrawal that they are unable to fully taper off Effexor; they instead continue to take a smaller dose. But...if nothing else has worked, Effexor might. THe dosing is a bit odd...it used to be that you took 75-375mgs; now, some docs RX up to 600mgs/day in cases of severe deperssion. Good luck!
Posted by linkadge on August 7, 2005, at 0:42:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin vs. Effexor, posted by med_empowered on August 6, 2005, at 21:43:19
It will feel different than wellbutrin. If you've taken an SSRI you it might seem more familiar.
Effexor may work on a negative mood more effectivly than wellbutrin, but may not be as goo on energy.
Linkadge
Posted by Ilene on August 7, 2005, at 13:06:32
In reply to Wellbutrin vs. Effexor, posted by NASCAR72 on August 6, 2005, at 19:09:46
> I have been on Wellbutrin for about 3 years. Lately I have felt like it really isn't working. Been thinking of switching to Effexor? Has anyone done this?
>
> What are the real side effects of effexor (increased engery, decreased energy, etc.)
>
> Thanks in advance.I'd have to be pretty desperate before I tried Effexor again. Not from the sides, but from the withdrawal. I spent 3 days in bed unable to move, because whenever I moved it was like an electric shock to the brain. Calling them "brain zaps" is an understatement. I tapered off, too.
OTOH, not everyone has this experience, and some clever pdocs might be able to get you over the withdrawal period with something else. Dunno. I'd check the Withdrawal board if I were you.
I.
Posted by Colleen D. on August 7, 2005, at 13:45:24
In reply to Wellbutrin vs. Effexor, posted by NASCAR72 on August 6, 2005, at 19:09:46
and did nothing for my depression. I have been on Effexor 150mg for over a year now and it's the most effective and energizing anti-depressant I've ever taken. I lost 35 lbs. (much needed) and feel overall much healthier now. All of the start-up side effects like sweating, insomnia and anorgasmia are gone now too, but I still have to take stool softener daily to combat the chronic constipation, which I had before I started taking it. I also take .5mg of Klonopin to help with the leftover anxiety. I think it would be worth a try for you. I stopped Effexor for 2 months and replaced it with Cymbalta. During the transition I had zero discontinuation symptoms, but decided to go back to Effexor when Cymbalta proved to be ineffective for my depression and sedated me.
That's my Effexor experience!
Good luck!
Colleen
MDD, OCD, GAD and SP
Posted by sarytyr on August 9, 2005, at 12:05:40
In reply to Wellbutrin vs. Effexor, posted by NASCAR72 on August 6, 2005, at 19:09:46
I was taking Wellbutrin alone for about a year (after switching from Zoloft)when it just wasn't helping much anymore. My doc added 75 mg Effexor XR to my 300 Wellbutrin XL and it has been the best combo for me yet. I have been taking this combo for about 18 months with the most bothering side effect being the excessive sweating. I was already on medication for high blood pressure so I haven't had a problem there.
All my best,
Sandy
Posted by Bill LL on August 10, 2005, at 10:51:42
In reply to Wellbutrin vs. Effexor, posted by NASCAR72 on August 6, 2005, at 19:09:46
I have never tried Effexor, but it has a very good reputation. Maybe you should first try increasing the dose of Wellbutrin. But only do that if your doctor agrees because excessively high doses could possibly cause seizures.
Also, if you do decide to try Effexor, you should probably keep taking the Wellbutrin, at least at first. It's best to do just one medication change at a time so that you can tell which change is helping.
> I have been on Wellbutrin for about 3 years. Lately I have felt like it really isn't working. Been thinking of switching to Effexor? Has anyone done this?
>
> What are the real side effects of effexor (increased engery, decreased energy, etc.)
>
> Thanks in advance.
This is the end of the thread.
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