I have been taking Venlafaxine 375 mg for sometime but recently it has become ineffective at keeping my depression at bay. My doctor lowered my dose to 300 mg and added Mirtazipine 30mg. Whilst I feel alot better I have put on 7 lb in 4 weeks (even though following a strict Slimming World diet, as my doctor had warned me of an increase in weight). Unfortunately, I can't afford to put on this weight as I am now 14st 4lb and 5 ft 5". Has anyone tried any other combinations with Venlafaxine. I would like to try Venlafaxine with wellbutin if possible. Any ideas??
Venlafaxine antidepressant combinations?
- Asked
- 30 May 2017 by collih01
- Updated
- 5 Jun 2017
- Topics
- depression, venlafaxine, dosage, doctor, antidepressant, combination, antidepressants
Added 30 May 2017:
Apologies I am taking 15mg of Mirtazipine.
Responses (3)
Hi Collih-
From what I have read Mirtazapine changes your metabolism with many people, so no matter what you eat you will still gain weight. You may want to ask your doctor about a different antidepressant that is in the same class (SNRI) as Venlafaxine that may work for you instead of adding another med. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Hope it all works out for you.
My understanding is Mirtazapine doesn't change your metabolism like Zyprexa or Seroquel but just makes you hungry and the will power is on you. I would think adding Wellbutrin would be too much NE reuptake, if you were going to add Wellbutrin I would ask about going down to 225mgs of the Effexor or another option would be to add a low dose of Abilify (like 2mgs) it shouldn't add weight at that dose. Consider that the cause for weight gain is due to not having as much NE in your synapses which has a direct impact on energy. I'm not a Dr but nobody here is so I gave my opinion instead of the customary ask your Dr response
I prefer the knowledge of a doctor who has studied his profession!
(amen to that)
Double Amen!
As above Mirtazapine the only choice with Venlafaxine in the UK with the dosage I am taking.
it all does the same thing in a different way? i have been taking whatever the G.P says and have not gain weight ,It's all in our heads this & that...
Jovonne: It's an individual matter, which for each of us, depends on how our bodies physically react to and metabolize a particular medication. So, I disagree that it is "all in our heads".

Further Information
- Venlafaxine Information for Consumers
- Venlafaxine Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Venlafaxine (detailed)
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar Questions
Bupropion/AD combinations/excessively tired?
Posted 3 Apr 2016 • 2 answers
Can I half my antidepressants?
Posted 30 Jan 2017 • 1 answer
Venlafaxine XLwithdrawal?
Posted 6 Jun 2017 • 0 answers
Experience with taking imipramine and desipramine together?
Posted 12 Jun 2017 • 0 answers
I want to stop taking venlafaxine, can I cross taper with another antidepressant?
Posted 29 Sep 2017 • 1 answer
Thanks for this. Spoke to my doctor and mirtazapine is my only option with Venlafaxine under the NICE regs. Can't have Wellbutin as it is not licensed in the UK. I can either up the exercise and be careful what I eat or I can phase out the mirtazpine and see how I go and then use it again if necessary.