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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KMM on August 11, 2005, at 8:51:05
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by julish on August 3, 2005, at 11:04:31
I was on Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) for about 3 months and felt very good, after adjusting to the two levels. I got some tremors that bothered me (not my Dr.) so she switched me to Effexor XR. The Effexor is more calming and I have almost no anxiety on it. However, I have gained about 5 pds (I crave carbs), have trouble sleeping, have decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm and everytime I increase the medication my face breaks out horribly - I haven't had a problem with this in 10 years! I am currently on 225 mgs/1x day, which I take in the morning. I have been on 225 for about 1 month and Effexor for 3 months. I will say that it takes a long time for your body to adjust. I wasn't feeling well on 150 mgs and then increased to 225 and actualy felt worse! For the past couple of days, I think I am beginning to feel better. If it doesn't last, my Dr. will lower my Effexor to 75 or 150 mg and add back the Wellbutrin. I hope that this gives me more energy and improves the sexual side effects. For me, I think that Wellbutrin, although not particularly calming, is most like my natural state. I am kind of high key normally. However, I have two little children, and I love the extra patience that being on Effexor seems to give me. Hopefully a combination of both will be the best of both worlds. Good Luck!
Posted by KMM on August 11, 2005, at 9:01:06
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 6, 2005, at 1:42:26
Hi,
I am facing adding Wellbutrin XL (150) to my Effexor at either 75 or 150 mgs. Can I ask which medication were you on first, for how long and what was your method of integrating the two? I am obviously nervous about the process of reducing my Effexor down from 225. I was on Wellbutrin XL for 3 months previously.
Posted by haddsl on August 11, 2005, at 9:22:25
In reply to Re: Jaw tension yawning, posted by Cypress08 on August 10, 2005, at 21:17:41
Did you get the Flexaril (Cyclobenzprine) Over the counter? What does it do? How does it help with the teeth thing?
Thanks,
haddsl> > OHHHHH YEAH! have I had that! The yawning goes away at least for me! The jaw thing is another story, I have had tense jaw AND grinding my teeth horribly in my sleep. That has not gone away, and still is bad enough to sound like I am crunching up teeth in my sleep. It get's worse when I am Anxious as well. I am going in for surgery on Friday and the past 2 nights I have been grinding like crazy. This happened before the Effexor so not really a big deal. But I would still like some relief. let me know if you find something that works for you.
> > - Haddsl
>
>
> > > I have been on Effexor for 3 weeks (75mg)--It seems to be working --my only side effects have been yawning constantly and jaw tension--The yawning seems to be tapering down, but I am concerned about the jaw tension because this was one of my physical symptoms of anxiety and Effexor seems to be prolonging it. Has anyone had this symptom and does it go away (the yawning too)?
>
>
> I have noticed a similar effect. I have been on Effexor for 8 days now, with very few side effects, ie; some sleepiness the first couple of days, and then some jitteriness/spaced out feelings. But for the most part, I feel good. I do clench my teeth though. This was something I did before the Effexor, but it seems a little more intense now. I am used to taking Flexaril (Cyclobenzprine) for clenching at night and wearing a night guard. I actually work in the dental field, and highly recommend you try to remedy the clenching/grinding to avoid nasty tooth and gum problems, neck problems, etc. But anyway, when I take the Flexaril at night I don't clench nearly as bad and feel better rested the next day. I checked first to make sure they were ok to take at the same time. I also yawn a lot.....but I'm not really too bothered by it, and maybe it will subside. Just my 2 cents.
>
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by wildcard on August 11, 2005, at 10:04:47
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 11, 2005, at 8:51:05
hey there- i had very similiar s/effects while on effexor(same dose) and decided to quit B4 i read about all the people that have had the same probs. on just effex. or just wellbutrin(that was a good energy booster for me but i felt too edgy) but the combo helped them extremely well..Best wishes!!!
Posted by wildcard on August 11, 2005, at 10:12:11
In reply to Re: Jaw tension yawning, posted by haddsl on August 11, 2005, at 9:22:25
i didn't personally experience those effects while on effexor but i hope u find something that helps and soon-take care!
Posted by haddsl on August 11, 2005, at 10:25:58
In reply to Re: Jaw tension yawning, posted by wildcard on August 11, 2005, at 10:12:11
Thanks!!! It sucks but it is better then anxiety attacks! and such! It just hurts your jaw, but nothing you can't live with, I would just rather not.
> i didn't personally experience those effects while on effexor but i hope u find something that helps and soon-take care!
Posted by canuck22 on August 11, 2005, at 16:40:16
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 11, 2005, at 9:01:06
I am currently on 200mg of Wellbutrin XL and the extended release Effexor (75mg) and this seems to work great for me.. My doctor had me trying a combination of 300mg of Wellburtin and 37.5 mg of Effexor to see if this combo worked better, but I really couldn't tell the difference. My doctor seems to advocate the Wellbutrin much more than the Effexor, as Effexor is partly an SSRI and she does not really advocate the use of SSRI's unless it's absolutely necesaary as she feels that you tend to be more alert when using Wellbutrin which affects your dopamine levels and your norephrione (can't spell it!) levels which controls energy levels rtaher than just SSRI's which affect only your serotonin levels. I was initailly on Wellbutrin alone (100mg) , a very low dose and it didn't do anything for me, but then the 200mg with the low dose of the effexor (which affets both norephrine and serotonin) seemed to do the trick. Like I said before...I had very few side effects on either...I had insomnia for awhile, but be patient and it will go away eventually. I also think the Effexor increased my appetite levesl , but the increased enery levels as a result of hte WEllburtin gave me the energy I neded to start exercising regularly which is proven by doctors to be the best traetment for depression out there, even better than medication. Since I have started exercsing , I feel so much better...the medication is only supposed to be a tool to get to the point where you can get motivated to do other things to help yourself.
Hi,
>
> I am facing adding Wellbutrin XL (150) to my Effexor at either 75 or 150 mgs. Can I ask which medication were you on first, for how long and what was your method of integrating the two? I am obviously nervous about the process of reducing my Effexor down from 225. I was on Wellbutrin XL for 3 months previously.
Posted by mek on August 11, 2005, at 19:19:34
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 11, 2005, at 16:40:16
Okay I am really confused now. The doc started me on Effexor last week just today starting 75 mg. The only reason he has me on it is to help with hot flashes due to menopause. After reading through many of these posts I have not found anything regarding hot flashes and it almost looks like the consensus of this drug is not really that good. The things that scared me about it was 1. wgt gain 2. sexual side effects 3. getting off of it. Should I just stop now before I am on it for very long or give it a shot.
Posted by Cypress08 on August 11, 2005, at 20:51:06
In reply to Re: Jaw tension yawning, posted by haddsl on August 11, 2005, at 9:22:25
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexaril) is a prescription muscle relaxer often prescribed for TMJ problems. It only comes in 10 mg tablet. I take it only at night, but some people take it up to 3 times a day. Another med that works for this is SOMA or Carisoprodol, which is a 350mg tablet I believe. I have taken that one too. Honestly, they make a huge difference in the clenching. I have fewer headaches and feel better rested. Also, usually when I take one of these I don't dream at all. This is a plus for me because I have always had very vivid dreams that sometimes make my sleep experience less than restful. Be careful the first time you take one of these. The first time I took a Flexaril I took it at nine o' clock at night, and it made me almost catatonic until 2:00 pm the nest day. I tolerate it more now, but I still have to take it no later than about 9:00 pm so I can get up for work at 6:00 am and not feel hung over or foggy.
Posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
In reply to Effexor XR, posted by mek on August 11, 2005, at 19:19:34
> Okay I am really confused now. The doc started me on Effexor last week just today starting 75 mg. The only reason he has me on it is to help with hot flashes due to menopause. After reading through many of these posts I have not found anything regarding hot flashes and it almost looks like the consensus of this drug is not really that good. The things that scared me about it was 1. wgt gain 2. sexual side effects 3. getting off of it. Should I just stop now before I am on it for very long or give it a shot.
Hi. I was on Effexor for a long time. It did not increase my appetite at all - in fact the opposite. It really helped control my eating disorder (bulimia).I didn't realize it was helping with my hot flashes until I came off it and they got much worse.
One caution, though. It can be hard to get off Effexor.
Marsha
Posted by KMM on August 12, 2005, at 6:08:56
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » mek, posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
I wouldn't worry about the weight gain b/c it can go either way...you could lose. However, I have hot flashes on the medication that I never had before (I just turned 38) and being that it is so hard to come off of, I personally would not go this route. The sexual side effects are very real for almost everyone and they are quite frustrating. My husband just cannot relate to my lack of desire no matter how hard he tries. My Mother-in-law used Black Kohosh for hot flashes with great success. She said that it took about 1 month to see the full result.
Good Luck
Posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:44:18
In reply to Effexor XR, posted by mek on August 11, 2005, at 19:19:34
I take Effexor for depression. Not sure how it works for hot flashes but I'd suggest Sepia for menopausal hot flashes. I took sepia, which is homeopathic, for menstrual problems and my mother tried it for her hot flashes and was amazed at how well it works. Give it a try, she said it worked almost immediately.
Regards,
Pam
Posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:53:41
In reply to Re: Effexor XR » mek, posted by 4WD on August 11, 2005, at 23:28:29
I've heard it mentioned several times on this forum that going off effexor can be hard. I'm wondering if anyone has came off Zoloft and if so is it similar in difficulty? I just came off zoloft to start effexor and I was really ill from the zoloft withdrawl.
Thanks in Advance,
Pam
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 12, 2005, at 8:05:40
In reply to Going off Effexor XR, posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:53:41
> I've heard it mentioned several times on this forum that going off effexor can be hard. I'm wondering if anyone has came off Zoloft and if so is it similar in difficulty?
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding going off Zoloft to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050712/msgs/540568.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by mek on August 12, 2005, at 8:40:32
In reply to Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:44:18
Thank you for all of your help. Dr. Bob what would be your input on this. I have noticed sweating since I have been taking it. Only had one pill at work this morning and lost it so maybe thats a sign. I have noticed that it has relaxed me somewhat. do you think withdrawals are that hard with just being on 75 mg. I don't know how I found this board but you guys are the best. Nothing better than hearing from people that have actually experience all of this.
Posted by mek on August 12, 2005, at 9:36:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 11, 2005, at 16:40:16
I would also like to know how you are taking this? Both together in the morning or do you stagger them? Also with only taking 75 mg do you think the withdrawals of going off will be so bad?
Posted by KMM on August 12, 2005, at 12:15:50
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 11, 2005, at 16:40:16
>My doctor, also, is much more in favor of Wellbutrin b/c it gives you so much energy and has no sexual side effects (for most). I will say that I found the adjustment up to 300 mgs quite tough. I was very edgy for the first week on the 150 and then again when I bumped up to 300 (taking a month, in total, to accomplish) but I noticed that my mood improved very steadily on the Wellbutrin which hasn't been as obvious on the Effexor alone. Effexor is much more calming but I just don't think I feel as good on it as I did on the Wellbutrin alone.
Posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 1:59:12
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 12, 2005, at 9:23:38
> I would also like to know how you are taking this? Both together in the morning or do you stagger them?
I take 100mg of Wellbutrin in the morning and 100 at dinner and the 75 of effexor at dinner as well...my doctor told me I could take them all at once if I wanted because they are extended release, but I usually take one in the morning so I don't forget to take them at dinner, it's more of a reminder than anything
Posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 1:59:12
Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
Posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:41:23
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
> Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
No I don't feel I have been overly tired during the day and I have slept well at night. I am still leary whether this is the right way to go mainly for hot flashes. Granted we are all under some stress and it did already make me feel better but really scard of the withdrawals. I also have 300 mill of Wellbutrin here so I don't know which to take. I don't know how that works for stress related issues I have been told it has stuff in it given to people to stop smoking. I don't smoke so I am not sure how it helps stress. I could use it for weight issues and energy without the sexual side effects from what I am reading here. I am still so undecided.
Posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
In reply to Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by PamA on August 12, 2005, at 6:44:18
> I take Effexor for depression. Not sure how it works for hot flashes but I'd suggest Sepia for menopausal hot flashes. I took sepia, which is homeopathic, for menstrual problems and my mother tried it for her hot flashes and was amazed at how well it works. Give it a try, she said it worked almost immediately.
>
> Regards,
> PamPam-Where do you get Sepia? Sounds maybe like a better option for me than antidepressant. Did you also take an antidepressant while you where taking this?
Posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:41:23
I am reading and thinking that a combo of Wellbutrin and Effexor MIGHT be the way for me to go. The Effexor is working quite well for me - I am on 225 mg. EXCEPT for the sexual side effects and the "no feelings", too calm feeling. (Does that make sense? I can't laugh, cry or anything...) I am hungry all the time and although I don't have weight issues, I am beginning to now. The constipation is not a good thing either. My partner just does not understand that sex doesn't even come up on my radar screen. (Right now, my marriage is a train wreck...) And yes, we are getting counseling.
This is causing stress on top of stress. My depression is better though. I cannot drink while on Effexor as it undoes the "good" effects.
Should I call my Dr. (Psychiatrist) and ask that he add Wellbutrin to the mix and lower the dose of Effexor? Was it a "stressful" transition for those of you who made it? How long before you "felt better"?
Please, I really appreciate all of your feedback.
Still living in the land of Oz,
TinMan
Posted by canuck22 on August 13, 2005, at 11:36:51
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 6:42:10
> Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you tired at all during the day, other than when you just haven't had enough rest?
I did have trouble sleeping at night for the first couple of months, but trust me you have to give your body time to adjust and things will go back to normal...I now sleep better than I used to. That was actually one of the first things I noticed after starting to take Wellbutron/Effexor..that for the first time in years I didn't feel that same tired as Ihad before, I was tired becasue I wasn't sleeping great but I could really tell the difference between been tired from not sleeping and the tired I was before..the funny thing is that I didn't even know feeling that tired wasn't normal until it was gone!!
Posted by PamA on August 13, 2005, at 11:42:05
In reply to Re: Effexor XR for Hot Flash, posted by mek on August 13, 2005, at 7:46:58
I did take antidepressants while taking sepia, I was taking 100mgs of zoloft per day. You can buy it on-line or maybe at a health food store. I saw an actual homeopath who mixed it for me but my mom purchased her's on-line but I'm not sure where. I prefer the liquid to the pill but I think they must be similar.
Best of luck, if you can't find it let me know and I'll see if my homeopath can suggest something in your area.
Regards
Pam
Posted by KMM on August 13, 2005, at 13:52:07
In reply to Re: Effexor and wellbutrin, posted by TinMan on August 13, 2005, at 10:01:17
The sexual side effects are very uncomfortable on the Effexor.. you just basically aren't interested. I, too, am on 225 mgs. When you combine this with feeling quite tired, it's a horrible combination. My husband, too, has trouble relating to my lack of drive. When I was on Wellbutrin, I had none of these issues. I had a good amount of energy, normal appetite and the sex was great. I haven't started the reduction process yet but I am not too scared. My Dr. told me to reduce by 37.5 over a one month period and to take Ativan, as needed, for discomfort. I just keep telling myself that as long as I feel better than before I started everything will be o.k. Any short term pain will hopefully be worth the long term gain. I will say that starting on Wellbutrin was very uncomfortable (for me) - it's pretty agitating. However, my Psychiatrist wrote me a Rx for 5 mg. valium which I took when I was just coudln't take it any more. I probably only needed to take about 3 tablets a week but, I am over-cautious of these things. If I have to choose between the two, I would choose the excess energy from the Wellbutrin over the semi-zombie state of the Effexor. I'm sure that everyone doesn't feel this way.
Good Luck!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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