Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
Depression Forums - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group _ WellbutrinŽ - (also marketed as ZybanŽ & Bupropion) _ Switiching From Effexor Xr To Wellbutrin Questions
Posted by: dancingmama67 Jun 28 2009, 09:41 AM
I have been on 75 mg of Effexor XR since January of 2007. SInce then, I have gained quite a bit of weight. To the point where I cannot get it off. Also, I hate the sexual side effects of Effexor.
I spoke to my Psychiatrist, and she agreed that I should be able to be weaned off Effexor XR slowly(and not without side effects I am sure) and get on Wellbutrin. I am also a smoker. She said that the benefits of Wellbutrin are weight loss(How does this work??), helping me quit smoking, and that Wellbutrin does not cause sexual side effects. True?
And, is Wellbutrin in a different class then Effexor XR? If I decide to go off of it, will I have terrible withdrawal symptoms like I may have with the Effexor?
I am also on Buspar for anxiety which is my best friend!!
Has anybody been able to lose weight taking Wellbutrin after coming off another anti depressent?
Thank you 
Posted by: carlucci Jun 30 2009, 03:42 PM
I too use to be on Effexor and switched to Wellbutrin and I cannot say enough about it. It is my wonder drug! Yes I lost weight. Yes I quit smoking. No I do not experience any sexual side effects of any kind. AND most importantly it is a great AD! It has my depression under control. I feel good! Of course everyone is different but many have a hard time weaning themselves off Effexor. I myself did not have a rough time at all but, I have read horror stories. Go figure.Best of luck to you in your quest.
Keep on keeping on,
Carla
Posted by: Darken Jun 30 2009, 03:51 PM
I spoke to my Psychiatrist, and she agreed that I should be able to be weaned off Effexor XR slowly(and not without side effects I am sure) and get on Wellbutrin. I am also a smoker. She said that the benefits of Wellbutrin are weight loss(How does this work??), helping me quit smoking, and that Wellbutrin does not cause sexual side effects. True?
And, is Wellbutrin in a different class then Effexor XR? If I decide to go off of it, will I have terrible withdrawal symptoms like I may have with the Effexor?
I am also on Buspar for anxiety which is my best friend!!
Has anybody been able to lose weight taking Wellbutrin after coming off another anti depressent?
Thank you
Hi Dancingmama,
I wish you luck with your transition to Wellbutrin. Its a much different medicine then Effexor as it effects different isotopes in your brain. It tends to be more activating and should help you with quitting smoking as well as cause less or no sexual side effects. The other side is it can be tough to start up on as the side effects and roller coaster like effects happen to many people. Its important to be patient and give the medicine the full 8 weeks to settle it. If it does not work out for you, your withdrawl effects should be very minimal.
Good luck to you with the switch and keep us posted on your progress.