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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 15, 2008, at 21:24:16
Hello everyone, this is my first message. I apologize in advance for the lenght of it, and for my bad english.
I found your group after searching on the net for infos on Wellbutrin and side effects, and maybe also trying to find if how I'm feeling right now is normal, and related to my cessation of Prozac/beginning on Wellbutrin.
I have been diagnosted with dysthymia and GAD after being through two major depressions about 10 years ago.
As I said in the title I have been on Prozac for 11 years. After such a long time on this med I felt that it didn't help me anymore, so last year I started weaning, from 40mg to 20mg (went to 70mg at some time in the past), in hope to try a different med. Last monday my GP gave me a prescription for Wellbutrin XL 150mg, to start the next day. Today is day 5 on it, and off the Prozac, and I have been feeling very strange. The 3rd day was horrific, I spent the day and night having terrible anxiety, my muscles were so tight I wasn't able to relax them, obsessive toughts, pinching/burning sensation in the chest area, a lot of belching too. Day 4 was pretty good, the anxiety was almost gone, and I was feeling more in control of myself. Today is day 5, and I have been having the pinching/burning sensation for a part of the day, and also have a lump in my throat sensation, which strangely radiates to my teeth and behind the eyes. My head feels a bit heavy too, and I am not hungry at all.I know from reading previous articles on the web and infos on Wellbutrin that some of those symptoms are related to the first usage of the med, but I was wondering if the way I feel might be related to the fact that I stopped the Prozac after 11 years non stop (the year before that I was on Paxil). I know that litterature says that Prozac has a long half-life and I shouldn't feel much withdrawal symptoms at this point, but is the fact that I was on it for so long makes changes something in the sense that some of my symptoms might be related to my quitting the Prozac?
Any infos would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading this far,
M.A.
Posted by Di45 on March 15, 2008, at 23:28:10
In reply to New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on March 15, 2008, at 21:24:16
Hang in there, it takes about a week to 10 days and then the side effects should subside. i think some of those are from coming off the prozac like the burning/numbness and the lump in the throat sensation, I've not heard of those being normal side effects of Welbutrin. Not having an appetite is a common side effect of Welbutrin, unfortunately (for me anyway) it doesn't last either. Good Luck!
Posted by Phillipa on March 16, 2008, at 12:16:13
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by Di45 on March 15, 2008, at 23:28:10
Also welcome to babble see you're a new poster hope you get lots of responses to your thread. Good luck Phillipa
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 16, 2008, at 14:20:34
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac » Di45, posted by Phillipa on March 16, 2008, at 12:16:13
Thank you Di45 for taking the time to respond. I was really wondering about the long time use of Prozac on how I was feeling, I hope I can have some answers to that also.
Phillipa, thank you for the warm welcome.
Posted by bleauberry on March 16, 2008, at 19:08:25
In reply to New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on March 15, 2008, at 21:24:16
Switching drugs is usually hard. Especially when you've been on one for so long. Your body had years and years to get accustomed to the prozac molecule being part of everything. It is not going to get accustomed to that molecule being absent in just a short time. I came off prozac after 8 years on it, and honestly it was a solid 3 months before I felt I had finally settled into a baseline. Most of the worst side effects were gone in a couple weeks. Since the half life of prozac is so long, it won't be completely out of your system for a month, so you can expect things to continue changing up until then and after. Regardless of its long half life, I personally feel it should be tapered carefully. 20mg for a while, then down to 15mg, then 10mg, then 5, then 2.5. That's just me.
A hard part about switching meds is you don't know if weird things are new side effects or withdrawals.
You may find out prozac was doing more than you thought. If so, the option exists to start it up again, with or without wellbutrin.
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 16, 2008, at 20:36:52
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by bleauberry on March 16, 2008, at 19:08:25
> Switching drugs is usually hard. Especially when you've been on one for so long. Your body had years and years to get accustomed to the prozac molecule being part of everything. It is not going to get accustomed to that molecule being absent in just a short time. I came off prozac after 8 years on it, and honestly it was a solid 3 months before I felt I had finally settled into a baseline. Most of the worst side effects were gone in a couple weeks. Since the half life of prozac is so long, it won't be completely out of your system for a month, so you can expect things to continue changing up until then and after. Regardless of its long half life, I personally feel it should be tapered carefully. 20mg for a while, then down to 15mg, then 10mg, then 5, then 2.5. That's just me.
>
> A hard part about switching meds is you don't know if weird things are new side effects or withdrawals.
>
> You may find out prozac was doing more than you thought. If so, the option exists to start it up again, with or without wellbutrin.
Thank you for taking the time to respond bleauberry. I was kinda suspecting that things wouldn't go very smooth after quitting a med that you have been on for such a long time.... my GP doesn't know all my history, and I tought she was pretty quick to prescribe the Wellbutrin in place of the Prozac. It kinda caught me by surprise because I always thought I'd have to wean myself to 10mg, but she told me to stop at my present dose of 20mg, and start taking the Wellbutrin the very next day. And now I'm worried that I might have made a mistake in listening to her.Would it be safe for me to take half of my remaining 20mg capsules with the Wellbutrin for a while? I think I have about enough for 2 weeks left. I am seeing my GP again in 8 days, can I wait until I see her to ask for advice on this or will it be too late because of the 2 weeks gap where I would be off Prozac?
I'm sorry for the additionnal questions, but I am worried.
Thanks in advance!
Posted by KarenRB53 on March 23, 2008, at 19:56:32
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by bleauberry on March 16, 2008, at 19:08:25
> Switching drugs is usually hard. Especially when you've been on one for so long. Your body had years and years to get accustomed to the prozac molecule being part of everything. It is not going to get accustomed to that molecule being absent in just a short time. I came off prozac after 8 years on it, and honestly it was a solid 3 months before I felt I had finally settled into a baseline. Most of the worst side effects were gone in a couple weeks. Since the half life of prozac is so long, it won't be completely out of your system for a month, so you can expect things to continue changing up until then and after. Regardless of its long half life, I personally feel it should be tapered carefully. 20mg for a while, then down to 15mg, then 10mg, then 5, then 2.5. That's just me.
>
> A hard part about switching meds is you don't know if weird things are new side effects or withdrawals.
>
> You may find out prozac was doing more than you thought. If so, the option exists to start it up again, with or without wellbutrin.Now that you're off Prozac, are you on any meds?? I'm curious because I've been on Prozac for over 10yrs and its not working anymore. Don't know what to try now. I tried adding Zyprexa but did not like the way I felt at all!! Gave it a good try, over a month. Now my doctor wants to try Lamictal or switch completely to Cymbalta....so don't know what to do!
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 24, 2008, at 14:52:46
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by KarenRB53 on March 23, 2008, at 19:56:32
Karen,
Like I said in my original message, my GP put me on Wellbutrin 150mg XL. I've been on it for 2 weeks, and it hasn't done much for me, except increasing my anxiety and obsessive thoughts. I was feeling really strange from the side-effects the first 4 days, but as time passes I feel more and more like my old self before Wellbutrin, but with the constant worry and anxiety over the side effects on my body. I'm seeing my GP again tomorrow, so we'll see what she says about my side effects.
Let me know how you are doing, ok?
Posted by KarenRB53 on March 27, 2008, at 8:13:11
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on March 24, 2008, at 14:52:46
> Karen,
>
> Like I said in my original message, my GP put me on Wellbutrin 150mg XL. I've been on it for 2 weeks, and it hasn't done much for me, except increasing my anxiety and obsessive thoughts. I was feeling really strange from the side-effects the first 4 days, but as time passes I feel more and more like my old self before Wellbutrin, but with the constant worry and anxiety over the side effects on my body. I'm seeing my GP again tomorrow, so we'll see what she says about my side effects.
>
> Let me know how you are doing, ok?
>Did you get to see your GP? What does he say about the Wellbutrin? Actually I'm thinking of adding Wellbutrin to my Prozac. I've read a lot about Wellbutrin and Prozac working well together.
Karen
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 27, 2008, at 20:40:52
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by KarenRB53 on March 27, 2008, at 8:13:11
> Did you get to see your GP? What does he say about the Wellbutrin? Actually I'm thinking of adding Wellbutrin to my Prozac. I've read a lot about Wellbutrin and Prozac working well together.
>
> KarenI saw my GP again 2 days ago.
She raised my dosage from 150mg to 300mg. I still take the XL version. I told her about my worries about leaving the prozac all together, but she reassured me that I shouldn't feel too much weaning effects because of the half-life. I'm tired of resisting and being worried, so I went along with what she said.Yesterday after my 1st dose at 300mg I had a bit of palpitations during the day, and I wasn't able to go to sleep until 4h30am, even with my Seroquel pill. I do feel a bit better today, so I guess we'll see.
What is your dosage of Prozac Karen?
Keep us posted![M.A.]
Posted by MARTY on March 28, 2008, at 15:30:13
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on March 27, 2008, at 20:40:52
Bonjour MarieAnnie,J'espère que tu vas mieux. I just want to give you an advice regarding your situation: Search yourself a Psychiatrist (Pdoc). Your case deserve a pdoc. GPs aren't that good at treating with thoses meds. A switch from (11 years of)Prozac to Wellbutrin for someone who got GAD ? ... strange strategy and that's unlikely a Pdoc would have tried that. That's an odd move and I can understand how hard it should be for you right now. If you feel very bad and it begins to be intolerable.. dont take for granted your GP KNOWS how bad it is. The fact is that he may well not have a clue about how it may feel. So don't hesitate to make him understand that it's intolerable if your feel it is.
By the way, how Prozac felt for your GAD ?
/\/\arty
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 28, 2008, at 15:44:27
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac » MarieAnnie, posted by MARTY on March 28, 2008, at 15:30:13
>
> Bonjour MarieAnnie,
>
> J'espère que tu vas mieux. I just want to give you an advice regarding your situation: Search yourself a Psychiatrist (Pdoc). Your case deserve a pdoc. GPs aren't that good at treating with thoses meds. A switch from (11 years of)Prozac to Wellbutrin for someone who got GAD ? ... strange strategy and that's unlikely a Pdoc would have tried that. That's an odd move and I can understand how hard it should be for you right now. If you feel very bad and it begins to be intolerable.. dont take for granted your GP KNOWS how bad it is. The fact is that he may well not have a clue about how it may feel. So don't hesitate to make him understand that it's intolerable if your feel it is.
>
> By the way, how Prozac felt for your GAD ?
>
> /\/\arty
Bonjour Marty,I did have a Pdoc when I was living out north, and also saw one 2 times since I've moved here. This time my GP didn't think it deserved a visit I guess.... Here in Quebec we need a referral from a GP to get an appointment with a Pdoc. No referral no appointment. At first it got me very worried, as I was so afraid of the effects of being without Prozac after such a long time on it, but so far I can't say I feel that bad. It might hit me in a few weeks though huh.... I agree that the choice of med is strange for me, but my GP was afraid I might gain more weight on Effexor, and I can't gain weight as I am already very overweight.
Prozac was very good to me in regards to my GAD. No more panic attacks, and it took the edge off my general anxiety. The first 2 weeks after the change I was very anxious, but I think most of it was because of my worries about the side effects of the Wellbutrin and the cessation of the Prozac. Now it's day 3 on Wellbutrin XL 300mg, and besides the insomnia, I feel generally ok.
Thanks so much for your response and your concerns..... I really do appreciate it.
M.A
Posted by MARTY on March 28, 2008, at 16:01:36
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac » MARTY, posted by MarieAnnie on March 28, 2008, at 15:44:27
> Here in Quebec we need a referral from a GP to get an appointment with a Pdoc. No referral no appointment.
-- In fact, HERE in quebec (hé oui, lol) you can ask for an evaluation directly if you know where to ask. Pavillon Albert-Prevost of Sacré-Coeur does some of those evaluation which, depending on the results, could make them to match you with a Pdoc. The best way to get your evaluation is to go to the Emergency room of Albert-Prévost, where you can talk with a GP specialized in psychiatry which will give you an appointment for you evaluation. Can't get easier than that.
I wish you best of luck AnnieMarie !
/\/\arty
Posted by MarieAnnie on March 28, 2008, at 18:12:31
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac » MarieAnnie, posted by MARTY on March 28, 2008, at 16:01:36
> > Here in Quebec we need a referral from a GP to get an appointment with a Pdoc. No referral no appointment.
>
> -- In fact, HERE in quebec (hé oui, lol) you can ask for an evaluation directly if you know where to ask. Pavillon Albert-Prevost of Sacré-Coeur does some of those evaluation which, depending on the results, could make them to match you with a Pdoc. The best way to get your evaluation is to go to the Emergency room of Albert-Prévost, where you can talk with a GP specialized in psychiatry which will give you an appointment for you evaluation. Can't get easier than that.
>
> I wish you best of luck AnnieMarie !
>
> /\/\artyEh ben! Un (ou une?) compatriote..... ;-)
I live 3 hours from Montreal, and it's not very convienient for me to travel to MTL. My GP's late husband was Pdoc, and she does treat a lot of patients who have depression issues. If I don't feel comfortable from now until my next appointment, I will surely ask her for another referral.Merci Marty!
Posted by KarenRB53 on June 4, 2008, at 22:32:31
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on March 27, 2008, at 20:40:52
> > Did you get to see your GP? What does he say about the Wellbutrin? Actually I'm thinking of adding Wellbutrin to my Prozac. I've read a lot about Wellbutrin and Prozac working well together.
> >
> > Karen
>
> I saw my GP again 2 days ago.
> She raised my dosage from 150mg to 300mg. I still take the XL version. I told her about my worries about leaving the prozac all together, but she reassured me that I shouldn't feel too much weaning effects because of the half-life. I'm tired of resisting and being worried, so I went along with what she said.
>
> Yesterday after my 1st dose at 300mg I had a bit of palpitations during the day, and I wasn't able to go to sleep until 4h30am, even with my Seroquel pill. I do feel a bit better today, so I guess we'll see.
>
> What is your dosage of Prozac Karen?
> Keep us posted!
>
> [M.A.]
>
>Hi: Just wondered how you were doing on the WellbutrinXL? Is it working out well for you? I'm now taking 10mg Prozac daily with 100mg WellbutrinSR and the Wellbutrin has really helped with motivation and energy. I do find it a bit too stimulating but its only 3 wks so I'm hoping that things will smooth out.
Karen
Posted by MarieAnnie on June 5, 2008, at 13:14:45
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by KarenRB53 on June 4, 2008, at 22:32:31
> Hi: Just wondered how you were doing on the WellbutrinXL? Is it working out well for you? I'm now taking 10mg Prozac daily with 100mg WellbutrinSR and the Wellbutrin has really helped with motivation and energy. I do find it a bit too stimulating but its only 3 wks so I'm hoping that things will smooth out.
>
> KarenWell, I finally stopped the Wellbutrin about a month and a half ago, and got back on the Prozac. The Wellbutrin didn't do a single thing about my energy, or my depression. On the contrary I was having lots of compulsive behavior, and lots of crying spells. My GP decided that it wasn't the med for me and told me to go back on Prozac, which I did.
I did get to see my pdoc 10 days ago, and he prescribed me 60mg of Cymbalta. So far I don't see any changes, but hopefully it will start to work in the next weeks.
Thanks for checking out with me!
Posted by KarenRB53 on June 5, 2008, at 13:43:43
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on June 5, 2008, at 13:14:45
> > Hi: Just wondered how you were doing on the WellbutrinXL? Is it working out well for you? I'm now taking 10mg Prozac daily with 100mg WellbutrinSR and the Wellbutrin has really helped with motivation and energy. I do find it a bit too stimulating but its only 3 wks so I'm hoping that things will smooth out.
> >
> > Karen
>
> Well, I finally stopped the Wellbutrin about a month and a half ago, and got back on the Prozac. The Wellbutrin didn't do a single thing about my energy, or my depression. On the contrary I was having lots of compulsive behavior, and lots of crying spells. My GP decided that it wasn't the med for me and told me to go back on Prozac, which I did.
>
> I did get to see my pdoc 10 days ago, and he prescribed me 60mg of Cymbalta. So far I don't see any changes, but hopefully it will start to work in the next weeks.
>
> Thanks for checking out with me!
>Hi: Are you going to get off the Prozac and just be on Cymbalta or are you taking the 2 together? Please let me know how the Cymbalta works for you. Thank goodness for this site, its so helpful and informative.
Karen
Posted by MarieAnnie on June 6, 2008, at 12:27:13
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by KarenRB53 on June 5, 2008, at 13:43:43
The pdoc had me quit the Prozac, and take only the Cymbalta.
Posted by KarenRB53 on June 6, 2008, at 15:39:41
In reply to Re: New to Wellbutrin.... after 11 years on Prozac, posted by MarieAnnie on June 6, 2008, at 12:27:13
> The pdoc had me quit the Prozac, and take only the Cymbalta.
Best of luck on the Cymbalta and thanks for sharing your information.
Karen
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