I went back to wellbutrin after stopping effexor cold...

[dankesheon]

...and I was utterly miserable. I had been on Wellbutrin back in 2005 for about 3 years. Then the anxiety started to get to me. But I have gained weight due to spending a whole two years on Lexapro...2007-2009. I am miserable when overweight. So, I remembered that during my time with Effexor XR, I did not gain. However, I still have the appetite of a horse on it, I am menopausal, and it is harder, even with calorie counting and exercise to take off the last 15 lbs.
So, I asked my doc to put me back on wellbutrin. She said just switch.Well, that was an utter nightmare. Day 7 I went back to the effexor. Now eating like horse again and all my weight loss is disinigrating. BTW: I do have a diagnosis of extreme depression/extreme anxiety. So, anyhow, after trying Phentermine, (still hungry on that) I stopped that, and the other night I was watching public telelvision, and a Dr. Adnan was on and he talked of the 'brain types' of overeaters. I am a combo of impulsive/compulsive. Then he started talking about the natural supplements that would help, since I have antidepressants, add meds and thyroid meds, I wonder if it is just a matter or adding wellbutrin to my effexor. Which would prettty much echo the 5http, sam e, green tea and  one other thing.
Let me know. I am going to try it today. I did not overeat at all on wellbutrin.
Thanks, Dana

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

your starting on a dangerous course by becoming your own psychopharmacologist and trying to follow the latest fads and figure out your neurochemistry.  You'll get lost in all of this.  If you have  anxiety then your appetite is expression of that.  You should try to continue on only one antidepressant and you should look into the ***@**** for help with emotional eating.  Weight control is difficult but not impossible if you understand the relationship between eating and feeling helpless.

[Paxiled]

Oh, I meant to add that Dr. Gould won't answer a question on the same thread twice.  If you want to ask him something else you'll have to start a new thread.

[Paxiled]

No, I'm just a guy who participates on this forum.  Not a Doc.  I do have a lot of experience in natural medicine, but a lot of answers here will be from people who think they have something to share.  It takes Dr. Gould, who's the only Doc on this site, some time to answer everyone, so others of us will hop in if we think we can help until he gets a chance to answer.  It's an open forum.  Good luck to you.

[dankesheon]

Hi, below is what I wrote Paxiled, I assume that person works with you? Anyhow, I don't think you got the idea, your post sounded almost scolding. I just wanted an informed answer, I have been on anti depressants for a long time and am extremely careful about what goes into my body. Thanks, Dana

Hi there, yes, I do know all about what you are saying. I was not planning to introduce any of them into my life, but I was using them as an example of the nature of how my Effexor, (more relaxing, no anxiety) and the Wellbutrin (a total stimulant, not at all relaxing), were in alignment, feelings wise with my antidpressant medication experiences. I totally go the answer I needed from Dr. Gould, I know about helpless eating, and as he pointed out, I certainly am no Dr., hence the question to this forum. I did not want to ask my P.A. about it, because she is the one who said to stop the Effexor flat and start Wellbutrin, like nothing would happen, telling me that this is probably not her long suite.
I have insurance issues, or I would be seeing a psychiatrist for this.
I think, since my insurance does cover sessions with therapists, a certain amount a year, I will try therapy again. I am pretty knowledgeable with therapy, etc. or at least counseling, I do have years as an AA sponsor, several college classes under my belt and a certification as a domestic violence advocate.
Thank you very much for taking time for me.

[dankesheon]

Hi there, yes, I do know all about what you are saying. I was not planning to introduce any of them into my life, but I was using them as an example of the nature of how my Effexor, (more relaxing, no anxiety) and the Wellbutrin (a total stimulant, not at all relaxing), were in alignment, feelings wise with my antidpressant medication experiences. I totally go the answer I needed from Dr. Gould, I know about helpless eating, and as he pointed out, I certainly am no Dr., hence the question to this forum. I did not want to ask my P.A. about it, because she is the one who said to stop the Effexor flat and start Wellbutrin, like nothing would happen, telling me that this is probably not her long suite.
I have insurance issues, or I would be seeing a psychiatrist for this.
I think, since my insurance does cover sessions with therapists, a certain amount a year, I will try therapy again. I am pretty knowledgeable with therapy, etc. or at least counseling, I do have years as an AA sponsor, several college classes under my belt and a certification as a domestic violence advocate.
Thank you very much for taking time for me. Dana

[Paxiled]

I'll let the good doc handle your wellbutrin question, but watch those remedies you mentioned.  SAMe and 5-HTP shouldn't be taken if you're taking other serotonin-affecting meds, for example.  To truly try a natural approach would require you to stop the snri, at least for those remedies.  Always check for contraindications before starting something new.  Wellbutrin doesn't echo those substances, however, they are actually closer to the Lexapro, but of course quite different in action.  Green tea should be safe, but I doubt it's gong to touch the weight gain problem of antidepressants by itself.