I have been on effexor 225 mg. for about 4 years for anxiety and depression. . Dr. added wellbutrin 300 mg. five weeks ago and hopes to wean me off effexor because of weight gain.(lots!!) Has anyone else done this? How did it go and did you lose the weight. Also, I feel jittery this week. Does that go away? My doc is on vaca and won't be back till end of month. Also headachy. I have no one to ask if all this is normal or what to expect.
Thanks for any response
Axn132
Has anyone taken effexor and wellbutrin together?
Question posted by axn132 on 19 May 2011
Last updated on 13 October 2020 by Baddgoat
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11 Answers
Baddgoat
13 Oct 2020
I know this post is old, but here's my 2 cents. I personally take the name brand Wellbutrin XL, because I believe that the generic form of this drug is inferior to the brand. That being said, you will be jittery on Wellbutrin. It doesn't really go away. You always be a little shaky. It does seem to make me a little irritable at times. Little things or annoyances are harder to tolerate.
Ssmith56
25 Feb 2018
I am I'm remission for multiple myeloma and have neuropathy with other anxieties I take 150 mg a day of effexor and now I have thryoid problems hypothryoidism and the synthroid has a hormone in it that my body won't process correctly so now I'm also on 100 mg a day of Wellbutrin so far so good. Next week I see a endocrinologist for my thryoid because I'm not a fan of being on so many antidepressants but for now it works so we shall see where this road takes me.
I hate that my body contuinally betrays me but my normal train left the station 9 years ago when I was diagnosed with my bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma.
My love and prays for success with these 2 meds.
Mimi772018
31 Jan 2018
I take 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. I tried upping the dose and I had the worst anxiety/jitters ever! I won't ever do that again. I had really bad headaches from the generic Wellbutrin (bupropion) by a certain manufacturer. I refilled it at a different pharmacy and also got the generic by a different manufacturer and the headaches stopped. They are different! But wellbutrin in general can cause wicked headaches, especially if you drink any alcohol. (Shouldn't do that anyway!) That's my experience.
mihulka3
23 Dec 2017
I take Effexor 75mg and Wellbutrin 450mg both extended release. Wellbutrin is very stimulating, especially early on. Was gaining weight on effexor at 150mg.
KenerzR
11 April 2018
Hi just came across your comment.. does this combo work well for you? I am on Effexor 75mg and my doc wants to add Wellbutrin. (For anxiety and depression)
Inactive
26 July 2018
I'm on Effexor XL 150mg 1 qd and Bupropion XL 150 mg 1 qd. I've been on both of these medications for approximately 12 years now. My Doctor has never sent me for any liver function tests, ever! I would like to stop taking the Effexor XL because I believe that Bupropion would work well on its own. Btw I just received a 'newsletter' that states that my Doctor is ill and to go find someone else who is accepting new patients. I call this a newsletter because it wasn't personalized whatsoever and wasn't signed by any staff on behalf of him. He has let me down as well as so many other patients.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Please and thank you!
Kazsmith2104
16 April 2017
Hi im new so please bear with me im on effexor 225mg and quetex xr 150 mg at night iv no energy at all could sleep contstant iv heard that wellbutrin can help you to stop smoking and im just wondering if anyone has used it for this as i no i cant just stop i dont have a strong willpower any help at all is welcomed thankyou
Inactive
14 Feb 2017
Hi I am on Effexor 225 mg for my depression. Was on 150 mg for a year but my doctor uped it to 225 mg. Also taking bupropion 300 mg with the 225 mg of effexor. Have gained a lot of weight and still have a tough time getting out and being active. Usually I'm a runner , cycled , do weights , golfer and ice hockey. Just don't get out anymore. My aniety is so bad can't handle crowds in a small area. Not very social too. But anyways just thought I would reply. So get chance to talk to someone dealing with some same issues. Take care.
LaurieShay
19 May 2011
Hey axn,
I am presently taking Pristiq, an antidepressant very similar to Effexor, and Wellbutrin. It has been a great combo for me. The doctor said he wanted to get me off the Pristiq once I was stablized on the Wellbutrin but I'm feeling so great maybe I'll try to talk him out of it. Anyway, yes, Wellbutrin can cause the jitters and headache especially after upping the dose. That should go away with time. You should notice the full effects of the Wellbutrin within a couple weeks after the increased dose to 300mgs. If you haven't by then, it may not be the best med for you. I have had great success with Pristiq, like I said it is very similar in chemical structure to Effexor, just has less side effects. I have actually lost 23 pounds since being on it. Mind you I have been seriously dieting too.
The Wellbutrin acts on different brain chemicals then the Effexor and that is why you can take them together without adverse interaction. The Wellbutrin for some people helps with the sexual side effects of the Effexor also. My doctor believes in taking as few medicines as possible which is what your doctor sounds like is trying to do by getting you off the Effexor eventually.
I wish you the best and keep in touch,
Laurie
ace_rick
19 May 2011
Hey axn132,
mostly, two antidepressants ar not prescribed together because of fear of dangerous consequences to health.But still some doctors do give prescription for two antidepressants in order to help a patient deal with any side effects of one of the two meds or if one med doesn't specifically treat all the symptoms a sufferer has..drugs.com ineraction warns about that,check it ! I don't follow and comprehend the logical method of your dr ? First, how he or she starts you with 300mg of Wellbutrin?It should be 150mg then titrate it gradually,esp since you are still on Effexor.Second,I've never heard or read that bupropion helps to wean off sb of meds such as venlevaxine !
It is true bupropion reduces one's appetite and therefore weight is decreased.Wellbutrin makes some patients jittery,but in your case ONLY THIS WEEK I doubt it's from Welb.If you are so concerned about weight gain,remember that people with anxiety,depression,or both,tend to either eat alot or hardly eat.In the long run with Wellbutrin you're likely to lose weight;be patient, 5 weeks period is still very short time.Have you tried drinking lukewarm 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning?LaurieShay is able to give you much better information,and so are other members.P.S you haven't lost any pounds till now?Are you having any sort of withdrawals? I need your answers if you don't mind.My regards.ace_rick.
Inactive
19 May 2011
Hi there ace-rick. Ha! nicely explained. well said.
axn132
19 May 2011
Hi , I have not have reduced the effexor yet, as the Dr. wants to see how I respond to the wellbutrin. BTW, I did start at 150 mg. for four days and then upped to 300. At first I felt great, but now not so much, jittery, but more energy, but I seem to be worried about stuff more, a feeling of impending doom so to speak. I'm able to function o.k. but I am not sure if I have given the wb enough time to kick in. Others have said that if it was going to make me feel better, it would have by now. Thanks for your comments, and if you know more, let me know.
Axn.
caringsonbj
20 May 2011
at one time in my life I recall taking effexor (alone) it made me so jittery that I had to come off of it! I hope that your body does adjust and that maybe things will even out.
Debrincon
19 May 2011
YES, I was I am not any longer. CAUSE I gained to much weight! You can gain as much weight if not more on the well butrin. But, everyone's body is different so what didn't work for me, might work for you. ANYTHINGS worth a try, let me know how it goes. I was never on them alone. Always it was together. I tried so many depression meds, & anxiety one's I can't live with meds anymore. I am off all meds, I did one on one counseling for the past 2 y rs now. CHECK THAT OUT!!
caringsonbj
19 May 2011
I don't think it was effexor and Wellbutrin seems to me it was Lyrica and Wellbutrin, seems like I have heard people with sexual problems due to the antidepressant sometimes are placed on Wellbutrin, I first thought it was effexor and Wellbutrin but now that I think about it it was Lyrica and Wellbutrin sorry I couldn't be of help, surely if it was prescribed by a doctor then there should not be problems, however if any problems or concerns come up don't hesitate to notify the doctor, better to be safe than sorry.
I wish you the best
ace_rick
19 May 2011
Dear caring,
I don't know why you've mentioned Lyrica in your answering this question?I read the question again and it still doesn't state Lyrica!! Is there anything else in your mind which I failed to see? Since I take Lyrica, your answer means a lot to me,thanks.ace_rick
caringsonbj
19 May 2011
I apologize I was thinking outloud a friend of mine had taken I think Lyrica and Wellbutrin but I don't think I have ever heard of anyone taking effexor and Wellbutrin together, I am sorry if I offended you
caringsonbj
19 May 2011
I went back and read your original post again I thought what I read the first time that you were on Effexor and the doctor added Wellbutrin and I thought you had concerns about taking both, when I re-read it I have heard of doctor's weaning you off one antidepressant and adding another because they think it will work better is that what you were wondering?
ace_rick
19 May 2011
Hey,pal no need to apologize!you didn' say anything offensive." I'm not the owner of Pfizer,ha ha ha.." You are right about Wellbutrin and Effexor hardly taken together..
ace_rick
20 May 2011
Why apologizing ? I'm not Pfizer's owner, I wish I were though! ha ha .Is there anything that you'd like to say about Lyrica cause I take it. your input is worthwhile..ace_rick
bhammond069
1 April 2013
Wellbutrin is taken with effexor because the wellbutrin makes you more active.
bhammond069
1 April 2013
Lyrica is taken for fibromyalgia. Not anti-depressant.
posted 3/31/2013
Inactive
19 May 2011
Hello axn132. I've been on both effexor and wellbutrin. Not at the same time mind you. The wellbutrin, was stopped only because there was no results to talk about. Mind you, as I've said in the past, its become a very popular medicationm especially say, within the past five or six years. Effexor, was stopped, I did gain a bit of weight, but again, nothing to write home about. Effexor was one of the medications, that I have been on that did not give me the best results from in the sense of side effects. I dropped it, for these reasons. I believe that between the two medications, effexor was in a way, "better" for me. That was short term. My dose was 350mg. Then the adverse type of effects set in. Well, I know that you will find wellbutrin to be a kind medication. Its also popular as a combo- or combination with other anti-depressants and so on. I hope it works forand best of wishes.
Larry_07901
10 Jan 2019
I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 300mg and Effexor XR 150mg together for the past 20 years and have been pleased with the results. My insurance will no longer cover Bupropion and I am looking for a replacement for it or for the combination. Any suggestions?
Related topics
effexor, wellbutrin, depression, weight loss (obesity/overweight), anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, weight
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