← Return to Switching antidepressants

Discussion

Switching antidepressants

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Mar 18, 2018 | Replies (17)

Comment receiving replies
@lisalucier

Hi, @imfu -- I know that many of our Connect members have experienced switching from one antidepressant to another. I know that is a delicate process. Some members who might have some thoughts or suggestions for you include @gman007, @doxyjune, @maplegrove, @linda4, @godsgirl1969, @bren1985 and @jeannegordon4.

What is prompting you to leave the venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release (Effexor XR)?

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hi, @imfu -- I know that many of our Connect members have experienced switching from one..."

I was put on Wellbutrin but I simply couldn't tolerate it. I was then put on Remeron and Lexapro and I'm very pleased with how I'm feeling!

What were your symptoms with the Wellbutrin?
Jane

Hi! After 2&1/2 months on Effexor, my triglycerides tripled, I am diabetic after having NEVER been before in my life, and I gained 15 lbs.. but my doctor has asked me to try to get the numbers and weight down thru diet until my next blood work in May because the Effexor is working so well for me.I have cut out wheat and sugar, as well as excess salt, and am measuring all my food. I have lost four pounds and my sugar was down yesterday to 116 from 143 at blood work time. BUT, my doctor promised me if there wasn't no significant improvement by May with everything, he is going to explore other anti depressants. Yeah well I want back on Prozac. I was on it for 27 years and had no problems when last fall it stopped working and I went into what the psychiatrist called Prozac poop out. I am hoping that after six months off of it, I can return to it. I do not want a trade off of failing health just because I am not depressed..

Thank you Lisa.

Hi Lisa, I want off for multiple reasons. It does work but not that well and instead of allowing me to switch meds. Also, the great weight gain (almost 40 lbs in last two years). And rather than helping me to switch meds, per my Dr. my dosage keeps increasing so that tells me it is not working as it should (??). I'm currently taking 225mg in capsules form so have no idea how to reduce intake slowly. My Dr has shown lack of empathy or concern and I have no confidence in him any longer. I did insist on another practitioner but unfortunately is a shared practice here in rural SC. I just feel the risk and issues of dependency outweigh the benefits and feel that there has to be another product that will work on my GAD. I never have liked the "itchy/crawling" scalp and shakiness- and am constantly being asked about it, but the weight gain and inability to lose it has put me in the obese category and am now dealing with those issues as well. From my recent research am learning this particular med is highly addictive and extremely difficult to get off of-as true for me also.- and can aid in huge weight gains. I am concerned and want off of it completely.