Would Wellbutrin cancel out side effects from SSRIs?

[injeanious]

As per my Dr. I started with Lexapro. Absolutely loved it but had sexual side effects and weight gain. Next Wellbutrin, did nothing for me. Next Effexor AND Wellbutrin. Slept 3 days straight on Effexor so had to go off of it. Now Celexa and Wellbutrin. Only day 4 but this one is giving me insomnia. Too soon to know if that will wear off and if it's working.

My question is, my Dr knows I am concerned about not gaining more weight. Why did he keep me on Wellbutrin along with the other medicines if the Wellbutrin did not work itself? I know he's said that often two together are more effective. I know Wellbutrin is advertised that it doesn't cause weight gain or sexual side effects. If it's taken along with an SSRI that does have those side effects, does it minimize or cancel out those side effects possibly? I know there is no guarantee, I was just wondering. At one point he suggested going back on Lexapro with Wellbutrin but I refused to go back on Lexapro since I didn't want to gain more weight. Now I am wondering, if Wellbutrin does cancel out those side effects possibly, maybe if the Celexa doesn't work I should go back to Lexapro with Wellbutrin. I felt so amazing on it but I feel horrible gaining weight so the risk of weight gain wins.  I would love to try it again if this seems likely it would work. I will ask my Dr, obviously, but I was just wondering if anyone knew.

[bosnianworrier]

I had the same problem when I switched form celexa to wellbutrin. Wellbutrin did nothing for me. (BTW there isn't much difference between lexapro and celexa except celexa probably won't give you much weight gain)

So when Wellbutrin didn't work I wen't on paxil and gained some weight but sexual side effects remained. Then I quit paxil and now take effexor with clonazepam. I feel OK so far but still too early to judge.

And yes, ur doc gave u wellbutrin to block side effects from other meds but I dont think that'll work.

[injeanious]

The weight gain is really my biggest concern which the Dr know so I guess that's why he chose Celexa. I was just hoping that if it doesn't work that maybe the Lexapro with the Wellbutrin would prevent weight gain. Well, if they are so much alike then hopefully the Celexa will work.  Good luck with the clonazepam. It's frustrating trying all these things until you find the right one!

[Heather3418]

If you find that one antidepressant works well for you, even despite weight gain, than I would take that drug.  The weight gain can be counter balanced by taking measures to offset the weight gain.  Such as less calories and more exercise.  I say if you find an antidepressant that is actually "making your feel well," than that's the one that I would stick with.

You are right, it's a game of finding the proper balance of what works for YOU.  I would definitely discuss the carious options with your doctor and maybe try a diet change to see if you can combat the weight gain.  

The very best of luck to you and hope you find something that works for you.  If you are like me, all you want to feel is NORMAL.

Many Blessings,
Heather

[injeanious]

Heather, I know you are right but the fact is, I lost 35 lbs 12 years ago and diet and exercise already to keep it off.  It's a struggle as it is. I gained 10 lbs on Lexapro and haven't been able to lose any.  I really would have to spend a couple hours a day exercising and really limit my lifestyle to diet and exercise more to keep from gaining weight if I have a medicine going against me (in addition to temptations already).  I had a hard enough time staying in my weight range without medicine going against me.  I know I shouldn't think that way but I guess I was just raised to think that was important and I don't feel good about myself if I am gaining weight. Right now I'm about 10 lbs overweight, before I felt I looked good. Hopefully since Celexa is in the same family as Lexapro it will work as well without causing weight gain.  If not i think I will ask to go back on Lexapro with Wellbutrin and see if that makes a difference. If I go back on it knowing I might gain more weight I can be conscious of it. I didn't know that it might happen going into it last time so I probably could be alittle more careful. But even as well as it worked, if i started to gain weight again I'd probably go off it again.

[celexagirl]

Hi, I have been on Celexa for 4.5 years now. I started with 20mg and now I am at 45 mg. I gradually gained weight, all together 50 lbs until now. I put up with it, because I thought that the stable mood is worth to maintain, but now it ruins my chances for dating..

Oh, I forgot to tell you, that I play tennis 4x 1.5 hrs / week, before that (in the first 2 years) I trained in a karate dojo 4x a week.. I just don`t have more time and energy to exercise 2x daily.

I tried Wellbutrin 3 years ago (to avoid the sexual side effect), but it wasn`t more effective than drinking water, as I broke down in tears every night after 1 week on Wellbutrin.
I am not sure what to do.