I just switched from Effexor to Wellbutrin. the dr. had me go straight from one to the other. the last 2 days I have felt loopy and lightheaded and like I can't handle my boys at all! I don't know if this is because of the new meds or if its from the other not being in my system. I once tried to switch to an herbal mood enhancer (st. john's wart) and it I had the same reaction, so I am thinking it is probably from stopping the Effexor. I called the dr. to ask if I should give it more time or if it is from the new meds. They are supposed to call me back, but I was due to take my meds an hour ago and I haven't heard back yet. Thought maybe one of you could help!
Thanks for all the advice, I actually called my aunt, and it turned out that my cousin's wife had been through a similar experience while cutting down gradually. She sees a psychiatric dr. and told me that I should have stepped down too! This was last night. She had also been on wellbutrin and cymbalta (another medicine similar to effexor) at the same time when the wellbutrin wasn't quite enough. SO...I called the pharmacist (since my dr. isn't available on the 4th of July). They said it was ok for me to take 1/2 dose w/the wellbutrin. I had one on hand from before the dr. had upped my dose, and the other prescription for the lesser dose was still on file, so I was able to order just 7, which should get me through until I can yell at my doc! I plan to find a psychiatric dr. to deal w/my medications from now on! The thing that really doesn't make sense, is when I went from Lexapro to Effexor, he did it gradually then...you gotta love the consistency! Also...I don't have a fear of people, I have a hair-pulling disorder (known as trichotillomania) and depression. Thanks for all the advice!
That's withdrawal, and your doctor is a horrible person for having you switch like that. I was on effexor for a long time and even with coming off of it over the course of a couple weeks the withdrawal was pretty bad. It should clear up (for lack of a better phrase) within a week, though, mostly within about 3 days.
You could be experiencing a severe side effect "side effects may include weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sore throat, constipation, or flatulence. " with the Wellbutrin. Maybe the dosage is to strong.
J. Z.
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Why a doctor would have you stop the Effexor cold turkey is a mystery, because Effexor causes dependency and what you are experiencing is withdrawal. My husband had the same experience, unfortunately. You need to taper off the Effexor SLOWLY, the way the person below already described. Take it nice and slow. You will feel better, even though you still may have some withdrawl symptoms they will not be as severe. Good luck to you.
You need to give the meds some time to filter out of your system AND get into your system. I made the exact same transition b/c Effexor just wasn't strong enough to help my mood. Wellbutrin really is working wonderfully and my mood has transformed and now EVERYBODY is happier b/c I'm much more at ease. Let it take its time to work - at least two weeks. If after two weeks you're still feeling loopy, etc., ask your doc to reduce the dosage of the Wellbutrin, but don't go off it completely. It has really worked for me (and for my girlfriend as well). Good luck and hang in there.
I am on effextor to and yes it will make you feel that way as it goes out of your system. I like those better then wellbutrin so good luck with that one. When the other meds start to take affect you will see a difference but will get very irratated and upset with alot of things so i wish you all the luck in the world been downt that road.
I was in your same shoes a few years ago...switching from Effexor to Wellbutrin made me feel lightheaded and at time not in control. After about a week or so I started feeling better,but not back to normal if there is a normal. After about a year I had my Dr. switch me to Topamax.I did some research and was not pleased with my findings on the side effects of Wellbitrin.
I'm not sure where to start -
First, definitely WEAN slowly off the effexor! I recently got off Effexor, but it took 6 weeks of slowly cutting the dose, and then every other day, then every third day, until off. One to two weeks at each drop down. Watch for: headaches, 'brainzaps' (Similar to being lightheaded, but its almost like getting an electrical reboot - not necessarily painful but very irritating and makes it hard to do anything.) If you are adding wellbutrin, then maybe these other side effects will be less - I don't know. Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like too.
D.
