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Avatar universal

Switching from Celexa to Welbutrin

I have been taking 20 mg. Celexa (along with 2000 iu of Vitamin D and 1000 mg B-12)
for anxiety/depression and vitamin deficencies  and have been gaining weight despite good nutrition and exercise (yoga, cardio, weight bearing). I am 64 years old and am frustrated about the weight gain.  I was told that Welbutrin works in reverse and increases your metabolism and you lose weight as one of it's side effects.  Is there a adjustment curve to switching?  Looking forward to your advise.  I am planning to see my primary physician in 10 days for her advise as well.
Many thanks.
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Avatar universal
One concern -- wellbutrin is a pure antidepressant and can be stimulating, which can increase your anxiety.  I don't know what your primary problem is, anxiety or depression.  One thing you might try, though it too can increase anxiety, is to add some wellbutrin to the Celexa and see if it helps with the weight.  You can also try switching to Prozac, which tends to have less weight gain, thoiugh that's certainly not a universal truth and there's no guarantee any med will help as much as the one you're on, assuming it's working.
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
Some meds need to be separated by a short period of time.  I guess these are more specifically SSRI's and MAOI's.  I didn't see a major problem with the meds being taken consecutively.  This should always be at the discretion of ones doctor though.
I guess I neglected to emphasize the importance of only ever making medication changes after consultation with the treating physician.
There are a number of factors to consider when changing meds.  Withdrawal is only one.  The doctor should be giving the person clear instructions as how to handle the situation.

I like counting pills and looking at their pretty colors but that's about it.
I don't know a great deal about meds.  I researched them extensively initially when I was first asked/ compelled to take them but medications don't really interest me (not unless we're talking about LD50's and poisoning monographs, etc because then they do).  I'm not sure I find medications all that interesting.  Sounds too much like third form chemistry.  Yuck!
Helpful - 1
242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You have received some excellent information from Paxiled and Jaquta.  There is another possibilty to consider..if only minor anxiety, ask your doctor about klonopin...avoid all the weight gain and side effect problems.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
It's not a wash-out period, it's the withdrawal.  Celexa physiologically leaves your system within hours, but the brain doesn't adapt very well sometimes to not having the drug in the system and goes through a withdrawal.  I can be significant or minor or non-existent, but to play it safe these meds are tapered down slowly to minimize any possible withdrawal.  Actually, meds that wash out of the system more slowly, like Prozac, tend to have fewer withdrawal problems.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I'm not aware of any wash out period needed before starting the new medication.  Prozac is also said to be a good choice with minimal weight gain.
Did your doctor check thyroid function, etc?  Also as people age their nutritional requirements change.

I think I would possibly be speaking to a psychiatrist versus a family doctor.
The drug (dose) also might need to be adjusted due to age.  Not sure.
I'm also not sure what role, if any, the vitamin deficiencies play in all this.

Good luck with the weight loss.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Ah yes, chemistry.  Remember it well.  Unfortunately.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your response and advise.  My doctor put me on Celexa mainly for my physical symptoms which were related to anxiety. It has helped, but the weight gain, inspite of my nutrition and exercise keeps creeping up and not down.  Ugh!  I'll keep trying.
Helpful - 0

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