Posted by Kaysey on October 26, 2001, at 19:11:02
In reply to Re: Effexor/WB combo: update and ask for help, posted by Dreamy on October 26, 2001, at 17:38:49
> >
> > Hi:
> >
> > I am preparing to start 300mg (2x150mg-up from 200mg 2x100 perday) Wellbutrin SR next week (with my 225mg Effexor). I say 'preparing' because I am concerned about the continuing fatigue. As compared to the Effexor alone experience, I am somewhat more alert, and my depression control is good. However, I have this dull fatigue and some muscle weakness that doesn't seem to want to subside (i.e I'm alert but certainly not energetic or strong).
> > I have gone through the archives (especially about Wellbutrin), to see if this dissatisfying side-effect ever subsides alone (or with increased dosage).
> > On Effexor alone I kept increasing the dosage to see if the fatigue and drowsiness would ever subside--went to 300mg and then doc and I agreed to add the Wellbutrin. Fortunately some of the hair loss and edema seems to have subsided--but the fatigue is at times almost as debilitating as the depression was.
> > When I was on Prozac (and when it was working), I never suffered this kind of fatigue (some sedation, but no fatigue). Anyone have anymore suggestions. They are certainly welcome!
> >
> > Thanks.
> > Kaysey
>
> Yeah...I am on that combo right now...although not
> that much effexor...
> I feel great...wake early want to excersize...etc.
> AND I was totally lethargic!
> AND let me tell you something else...I have had
> a ton of hair fall out prior to using effexor...
> since starting effexor...it's like my hair is
> actually sticking in...its totallly weird.
> May I ask you why you were losing hair?
> I am a female and it was totally devestating and
> horrifying for me to lose my hair...
> Now I look like buck wheat with a TON of new hair
> growth.
> Let me know!
> Thanks,
> DreamyHi Dreamy:
I associated the most recent hair loss with the addition of Wellbutrin SR. I say 'most recent' because I have had it happen before: when I have changed oral contraceptives (or gone off them), when I began effexor, and now it has coincided with the start of Wellbutrin SR a little over a month
ago. I am one of those people who, if there is an unpleasant side effect, I am darn sure going to experience it. I had no energizing effect from Effexor, no loss of appetite and no energy--craved sweets and wanted to sleep every 3-4 hours. Ditto the Wellbutrin except I am more 'alert' and only get drowsy a little after taking it. However, I have my fingers crossed that these WB (SR) negative side effects may be subsiding---and that is the reason I asked for im- put. I don't want to feel 'sped up,' I just want to be able to not worry about driving and/or falling asleep at inappropriate times. I will also add that I am very thankful for the control of the depression.
Dreamy--you mentioned that you were on the same combo, except for the dosage of Effexor. I take it (based on some of your other postings) that you have decreased it? What dosage are you on? I have reached a point where, if the WB SR turns out to be OK, I will try to further titrate down the Effexor. What has been your experience?
Getting back to the hair loss, again. Yes, it is distressful, but the first time it happened I was 23 and I just about freaked! It has happened several times since then-- at times I have used Rogaine for women,-- and now that I am 43, I just take it in stride. My husband has seen me with bald spots, with sunsburned scalp and a receding hairline that looked like a man's--he is still with me, but even if he had split, I would have dealt with it. There are worse things in life, I have found out over the past two decades.
Get back with me regarding your experiences. I appreciate your imput.
Thanks and good luck!
Kaysey
poster:Kaysey
thread:80615
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/82388.html