Effexor XR to Wellbutrin SR

[dcaramon]

Hi ,

Have been on Effexor for about 7 months. I am switching from Effexor 75 to Wellbutrin SR 150. I want to know,is it better to begin the Wellbutrin and then wean off the Effexor or wean first then start Wellbutrin ? I asked my dr, she told me it made no difference, she also downplayed the withdrawls, judging from this site I am in for a treat. Please help .....I'de like to have as minimal side effects as possible obviously .......Thanks ,

[toothfairy829]

I was finally able to get off of the effexor..BUT, it was horrible!  That's no joke about the side effects. My husband was really worried about me, I was so sick and my eyes looked like I was stoned out of my mind. My doctor also never came close to explaining these things to me or I never would have gotten on them in the first place. I have no good advice other than you canNOT go to every other day like your doctor may say. I had to very slowly keep cutting my pills back, and staying on each cutback for several weeks before I could cut a little more back. And the "brain zaps" will take some time to get past. I have not tried wellbutrin, but was considering it. anyone know if its nearly as bad as effexor?

[kramer10]

Taking Wellbutrin and then weaning off Effexor doesn't minimize withdrawals.  I have been begging on so many places to help me deal with the withdrawals anad no one seems to have any answers.  It has been one week since I took the last pill.  I am so tired of being dizzy, sick at my stomach and feeling like someone is electrically shocking me.  When will it end?

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

call your drug store if all fails they are very good at telling you things like that .

[Baileygirl]

For me, i was weaned off Effexor & lived in absolute HELL for weeks! If your Dr. is downplaying the withdrawals, she obviously hasn't experienced them, believe me. (I am not the only one who has posted this experience, as i'm sure you have read.) There probably are people out there who may not have had such severe withdrawals, but i personally haven't met any. You should listen to your Dr.'s advice, bottom line... BUT if you have the option, consider beginning the Wellbutrin and then weaning off Effexor. This may possibly minimize the withdrawal misery, having another drug in your system. Good luck to you!

[wickedwanderer]

you should follow the instructions your doctor gives you about switching meds.  that is the first thing!

i believe my doctor said effexor and wellbutrin are in the same family, as well as cymbalta.  so why someone would take a patient off effexor and put them on something so similar is beyond me.  it's a waste of time that you could be potentially feeling better with the right prescription.  i was switched from effexor to cymbalta and there was NO positive improvement.

i dunno, that's just what i think.  hopefully you will not have terrible withdrawals and will do better w/ the wellbutrin.\

good luck