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Avatar universal

From Effexor XR to Wellbutrin SR

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I hope someone can answer this for me.  For acute depression and maliase and fatigue my doc put me on Effexor XR  built up to the 187.5mg per day over 8 months time.  The good:  I felt really good!.  The bad: gain 40 pounds (and some loss of libido).  
     I have been reading here on the net that wellbutrin does not have these side effects and told my doctor.  Well he started me on 150 mg of WellbutrinSR twice a day for a total of 300 mg a day, and completely took me off the Effexor.  This evening makes a total of 2 days since the switch, and I am experiencing wierd effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and a bit nausious.  It is worse today than yesterday, I hope it does'nt get any worse than this.  You may think that If I can type this letter it can't be THAT bad, and you would be right, I mean I can still cope but not much more than that.  
   I would appreciate it if someone could tell me how long this is going to last and if my doc and me are correct that my weightgain and lack of libido may subside with the wellbutrin.  Thanks   (by the way, please dont hammer me for my spelling!! *s*)
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Avatar universal
I am SO glad I found this page.  I was on Wellbutrin years ago (I'm not sure if it was the Wellbutrin SR or not) and started suffering from dry eyes.  Otherwise, I felt wonderful every day!!! It became so bad that I had to switch to Effexor.  It was great for a year or so.  I then tapered off and then had a relapse and had to start Effexor again in small doses.  Last August I suffered a severe relapse and have been now, for over a year, on 2 tablets, 75 mg. 3 times a day.  I have had the "head shocks" (I've described this sensation as either an out of body experience or for a second or two I feel as if I'm going to pass out) for quite some time now along with STILL having to take Ambien every night to GET to sleep!  I also experience body shocks occasionally.  The WORST PART is that now I have NO sex drive at all!! I can't even force myself to have an orgasm if I wanted to.  My poor husband is suffering from this as I am and now after doing quite a bit of research, had I know about these side effects, I would have never gone on Effexor at all.  I'm going to see a new Dr. very soon to get off this stuff and get my life back.  Thanks so much for all your candidness.  There is hope out there!  There has to be a happy medium out there and I intend to find it.  One thing for sure, I'm thankful for the medications we have now otherwise, I know I wouldn't be here.  Depression robbs you of your life.
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Avatar universal
I have been on a combination of effexor xr and wellbutrin for about three months. I am 57 yrs old and have suffered with major depression/anxiety since 14 yrs of age. I am grateful for the newer antidepressants and benos . My hope is that the goverment and other bodies will be able to continue the search for more effective treatments...regarding the sexual issue at 57 i have sown my "wild oats", been married and have a 19 year old daughter thats the "apple of my eye".I sympathize with younger folks on these medictions and the decrease in libido that they create  but one adjusts and as the saying goes "patience is the mother of all virtues."  GO WELL
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Avatar universal
What is the difference between Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR?  I realize that the SR is a sustained release, but I would like more information.

The reason for this is that I am looking into buying drugs in Mexico, where they can be a lot cheaper, and still be the exact same med.  They have Wellbutrin, but I don't know if it is the SR yet or not, and want to know if the difference would make a difference with my spouse.

Thanks for any answers

***@****
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Avatar universal
I am curious to know if anyone has experienced withdrawal from Wellbutrin. I've been on it for 2 months now, 150mg twice a day. These withdrawal stories re: Effexor and some of the other drugs really have me concerned, especially the fellow Dana that said "live with your depression because the withdrawals are a living hell" (I paraphrased). This all concerns me.
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Avatar universal
I just recently was taken off Wellbutrin and am now on my 4th day of Effexor XR at 37-1/2 mg. which I'm supposed to take for a week.  Then, I am to take 75 mg. for a week and then go to 150 mg.  I started the Wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago.  I felt nauseated almost all the time and did lose some weight, but mostly because I felt so lousy.  I also experienced the electrical "shocks" feeling all over my body.  I didn't know it was from the Wellbutrin, I thought I had done something to my neck and upper back.  Now that I've stopped the Wellbutrin, that shock feeling has stopped.  I had to stop the Wellbutrin because I broke out in the worst case of hives I've ever had.  The first evening I thought I would go crazy I itched so badly.  The sad part was that that was also the first morning I didn't feel sick to my stomach.  Before taking the Wellbutrin, I had been on Celexa, but had gained weight.  I had also gained weight on Zoloft before that.  I have gained about 35 pounds in the past few months.  Really depressing!!  Have other people gained weight from Effexor XR?  Starting Monday I am going to exercise and/or walk everyday so that hopefully I can lose some weight!  Thanks for any information... Kathy
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just recently was taken off Wellbutrin and am now on my 4th day of Effexor XR at 37-1/2 mg. which I'm supposed to take for a week.  Then, I am to take 75 mg. for a week and then go to 150 mg.  I started the Wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago.  I felt nauseated almost all the time and did lose some weight, but mostly because I felt so lousy.  I also experienced the electrical "shocks" feeling all over my body.  I didn't know it was from the Wellbutrin, I thought I had done something to my neck and upper back.  Now that I've stopped the Wellbutrin, that shock feeling has stopped.  I had to stop the Wellbutrin because I broke out in the worst case of hives I've ever had.  The first evening I thought I would go crazy I itched so badly.  The sad part was that that was also the first morning I didn't feel sick to my stomach.  Before taking the Wellbutrin, I had been on Celexa, but had gained weight.  I had also gained weight on Zoloft before that.  I have gained about 35 pounds in the past few months.  Really depressing!!  Have other people gained weight from Effexor XR?  Starting Monday I am going to exercise and/or walk everyday so that hopefully I can lose some weight!  Thanks for any information... Kathy
Helpful - 0

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