Effexor and Wellbutrin

[kaza1305]

My doctor has suggested that I come off effexor (which i have been on for over 2 years) and start taking Wellbutrin XL.  I was to take both of them for 1 week and then stop the effexor and take Wellbutrin only.  I have not been feeling very good very tense, anxious, lightheaded and chest pains.  I spoke to a pharmasist who suggested stopping the effexor straight away and continuing with the Wellbutrin.  What I want to know is what are the side effects I am going to go through I am very scared that something serious physically will happen

[kalmkidd]

ive stopped effexor twice without side effects. i personally think there in peoples head. one time i weaned off and one time cold turkey with NO issues. are u on effexor or effexor xr.

[susieq87]

My experience was a little rough coming off the effexor, nothing physcial, just mental and I had also been on it quite sometime.  If you are replacing it with the wellbutrin you may not experience the withdrawal symptoms.  Do you know why the doctor wanted you to switch?  The main problem I had was flu like symptoms.

[Sam888]

You can NOT stop any of these psych meds cold turkey. Some people are more adventurous than others and willing to take the risk.  It's their body, it's their life. Don't listen to anyone who says there are no withdrawl or start-up side-effects.  All these medications have heavy side-effects.  Some are fortunate enough not to have them, and they're typically the people who promote their use.  What may work for one person may not work for another.  Besides, many of these drugs don't work any better than a placebo.