Need AD advice: Effexor, Wellbutrin and side effects
#305731 - 04/23/07 02:01 PM
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Lisa Marie
Reged: 07/17/06
Posts: 1566
Loc: Lakewood, CO
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I posted this on the diet board, but thought I would post here, too:
I had been taking 150 mg/day of Effexor, but depression symptoms started coming back. My doctor upped my dose to 225 mg/day, which caused two things to happen: my C got noticeably worse (the 150 mg/day dose of Effexor also increased my C), and I began having sexual side effects. I've been at this increased dose for 6.5 weeks, and the side effects have not gone away. My doctor has suggested two options:
1. Add Wellbutrin to lessen the sexual side effects. But this means adding another med - I'd rather go in the opposite direction!
2. Wean off the Effexor and onto Wellbutrin. She warned, however, that the Wellbutrin might not be as effective in treating my depression. The Effexor has done a great job of that.
What do you guys think? Has anyone tried Wellbutrin, and does it cause C? Any input on sexual side effects (or other side effects) with Wellbutrin?
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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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I think I can help...
I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for many months now. I was on Effexor last year, which caused a rash and weight gain. Wellbutrin has been working great for me! It, along with other things, has helped with depression, and it has not had any effect on my IBS-C. As for sexual side effects, I have not really been affected too much.
Hope this helps!
Carlye
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i found the effexor took a good 3 months to work. I have had the same problem with well, personal side effects, and Wellbutrin totally took care of that. Wellbutrin is a great med - and there are practically no side effects. It is also known to magnify the effect of anti-depressants. I would say - absolutely, go fo it. The effexor is a great AD - and I found my IBS went away completely when I was on it. I would at least TRY the wellbutrin for a few months and then reassess. I hate taking meds, too. I'm on an AD, a mood stabilizer, Wellbutrin and something to help me sleep. But, if it's necessary, and it helps you feel better, then I figure, well, OK.
Hope this helps.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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It has made my constipation much worse. I am ready to stop it.
My anxiety is off the charts too with this med...more than usual.
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
Edited by Jordy (04/24/07 10:17 AM)
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I always wanted to try Wellbutrin but was afraid it might upset my ibs-d. Any ideas on how it reacts with the gut?
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... taking the Welbutrin WITH Effexor rather than stopping the Effexor, since you said Welbutrin can magnify the effects of ADs? I would definitely like to give the Welbutrin a try, I'm just not sure if I should stop the Effexor or not. Arrgggh.
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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
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I started on Zoloft but got off....switching to Wellbutrin and it was amazing how I hadn't noticed the effect that Zoloft had on my libido until I got on Wellbutrin. Definitely a good switch for me. I've been on Wellbutrin for years now and I've had good results. I'm a C'er but I was before the I started taking AD's and I have not found that it has made my condition any worse.
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Hi
tried Welbutrin and did not do well on it...
I have been on Lexapro during the last 4 weeks (my daughter in law is in hospice for an aggressive cancer) and my IBS has almost cleared up...that was my side effect...
have you talked to your doctor about Lexapro..works very differently than Welbutrin...
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isn't that because Wellbutrin is an AD and Lexapro is an anti-anxiety med? Don't quote me on that. I've never been on Lexapro but I think that's what I remember hearing about it.
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Flipada - IBS-C "It's a gas, gas, gas"
**Lauren**
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Did it increase your anxiety and/or cause Constipation? That's my problem with it. How long were you on it? I keep waiting for the side effects to go away but they haven't yet.
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IBS-C with pain and bloat
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