Effexor vs. Wellbutrin - Fibromyalgia Message Board

kcgage · 10-13-2006, 10:55 PM

Hi all

I am a 25 year old female who was diagnosed with Fibro in 2004. I am currently weaning off my Effexor (not fun...) and switching to Wellbutrin. Has anyone had positive effects from Wellbutrin? The Effexor worked really well for me but I've gained over 40 lbs.

Any information is appreciated. Thanks

the mad katter · 10-14-2006, 02:28 PM

I was a 7 year vet on Effexor. It did me a great service at the time, but it also did this muscle rigidity thing that aggravated my condition.

So I've been med free for a while, trying some alternatives, and I realised that I need the meds now, then learn the coping skills later. Because it's only a year before I turn 30.

Anyway, started on Wellbutrin and it's going well, but I wish I had made a follow-up appointment w/ my doc so I could have gotten sleeping aides. Sleep was harder to get it seemed with Wellbutrin, but I am on a low dose, I'm guessing Monday I'll be on 300mgs, right now 150, and it's okay, but it's a process, so in no time you'll know.

OMG - Effexor is so hard to get off of. Whew! That stuff is Rough... But I'm hopefull Wellbutrin will be good for the both of us!

Cheers, my dear...

kcgage · 10-14-2006, 11:31 PM

Like you said, Effexor did a great service at the time but now I'm beyond the great service and just want to get the weight off!

Like you, I am under 30. I was going to try going med-free but my doc advised against it and that's why he's given me the Wellbutrin. I start on 150mg next week. Right now I am down to 37.5mg of Effexor.

I take a sleep aid (Trazodone) so I'll be sure to monitor whether or not I need to increase it. I agree - the Effexor has been hell to come off of!! Makes ya wonder what it's doing to you if you have to have symptoms like this to come off!

I'm glad to know there is someone else out there going through the same thing that I am going through! Please keep me posted!

kathryn+2 · 10-15-2006, 04:50 PM

Good luck with weaning off the Effexor. I can totally relate. My highest dosage was only 75mg,but it took me 3 months to wean off and it was very very tough. Something that I found (right at the end naturally) that helped greatly with the dizziness is called "Clear Motion and Digestive Aid". It's all natural,and I found it at my local health food store. Take care ..Kat

the mad katter · 10-23-2006, 10:43 AM

Hello again - Just wanted to check in with you again, and tell you that I am now on 300 mgs of Wellbutrin and feeling fantastico!

Man, big big change (can you believe I was on 325 of Effexor? I hear they can just stop working eventually! oh well)

So, I'm a believer for now, ALTHOUGH - Gotta get some new sleep aides because Trazadone isn't doin it, I have break through pain at night, it disturbs the sleep. You know how if you like sleep for 8 hours you feel fantastic? Well, I think we gotta shoot for that!

Once again Big Big hugs and hope you see my reply!