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agninri said:
my DH started on 150mg of SR last week, then 4 days later jumped up to 300. That caused major anxiety and agitation so he went back down to 150mg 2 days later. He's also taking 300mg of Effexor.

He is exhibiting a return of major depression symptoms. has anyone else experienced this? Should we just discontinue or will it pass? We've been told that the combination of Effexor and Wellbutrin is very effective. He's been severely depressed since October and no remission yet.
Will be talking to Pdoc today, but really appreciate the input from this board (always very truthful).

Anything you can share is greatly appreciated.

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hi!

Effexor and Wellbutrin together should pack quite a punch. Effexor acts on serotonin & norepinephrine and Wellbutrin acts on norepinephrine and slightly on dopamine - all stimulating neurotransmitters.

Sounds like your doctor may have increased the Wellbutrin too much too soon - I say this because of the increased anxiety and agitation. Many people do well by staying on 150mg for a while and then moving up if needed.

You say that Effexor has been helping with the depression? but that there still seems to be low level depression symptoms remaining? Usually Effexor at high dosages - 300+ it becomes more stimulating - but not everyone responds this way. If you believe that the depression is getting worse because of the Wellbutrin - communicate this with your doctor.

Dr. Barry Rittberg at the University of Minnesota once was my doctor and said Higher dosages of Effexor - over 300mg augmented with Lithium and sometimes a stimulant (like Adderall or Dexedrine) has proved to be an excellent combination for hard to treat cases of depression. Just something to think about and discuss with your doctor.

I hope things get better! Please keep us posted!

Jerry