[mysticmadness]

Hi everyone

Has anyone taken Wellbutrin and an SSRI together and had success with that combination??

Thanks

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Mysticmadness. I have taken Lexapro along with other antidepressants, including Wellbutrin, as I recall. I don't think there's a problem with that. Different antidepressants work in different ways.

[kiwi33]

There are many potential major interactions between Wellbutrin and other medications (about 361, including SSRIs, have been listed).

You might find the "Interactions Checker" part of this site helpful: FDA Prescribing Information for Professionals - Drugs.com .

To quote from part of it: "The use of bupropion is associated with a dose-related risk of seizures. The risk may be further increased when coadministered with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants or anorectics)"

I suggest that you check it out and if there is a known major interaction between Wellbutrin/bupropion and the SSRI that you have been prescribed talk about it with your doctor.

[Lauliza]

I've taken Wellbutrin with Paxil and Lexapro and it was fine- a lot of people so well on those combos. You should talk to your psychiatrist about it.

[Alynng08]

no but i take wellbutrin xl and lamictal the combo is great!

Wellbutrin on its own is the only drug (so far) that has ever helped even touch my depressive tendencies. I hear it also works well in conjunction with SSRI's but you might try it on its own before jumping on two meds. Just keep in mind that if you have anxiety problems wellbutrin can and likely will exacerbate them - especially during the first month or so.

[ChangingMyMind]

I like that you suggest trying one med before going on two. I can't understand why doctors prescribe more than one at a time until knowing if it's needed.
I had a pdoc tell me I had to take Lamictal and an antidepressant or she wouldn't prescribe anything to me. I was having side effects on antidepressants but they were working so I don't understand why she would want to put me on two different kinds of drugs. Needless to say I didn't continue seeing her. If one drug does it for you then why not stick with it?!

[CamW]

I took Wellbutrin™ (bupropion) and Effexor XR™ (venlafaxine) for a couple of years after my daughter was killed.

As a psychiatric pharmacist, I extensively researched the the combination. It is fairly common combination especially if the SNRI or SSRI doesn't fully alleviate the depression. There is a synergistic effect when using the two medications together.

I found that the combination worked wonders for me as I worked through my grief. Everyone is different, though, so I can't say that the combination will work well for you. I was taking a high dose of Effexor XR™ (450mg/day) and it made me very lethargic. The Wellbutrin™ gave me back my energy so that I could return to work.

Do bring up your concerns with your psychiatrist, as that is what they are there for. Ask him/her if he/she has had much success with the combination.

If you have any other questions regarding the combination, just ask.

I hope that this is of some help. - Cam

[metamorphosis12]

To the PO, you're basically using a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor. Yes there is success with that combo. As I mentioned above you are targeting SE, DA, and NE. Now do you need a triple reuptake inhibition.You need to have a sit down with your pdoc with that. There are other strong NTs like GABA, Glutamate, Choline/ Acetylcholine. They all play a large part in various areas of the brain. All play various reactions to meds and your organic self!
I had to specifically clear this up for myself:
Monoamines is class of molecules that contain one amino group connected to an aromatic ring by a two-carbon chain. The physiologically important monoamines derive from aromatic amino acids—phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan—and the thyroid hormones by the action of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase enzymes. They include neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, in particular catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine) and tryptamines (serotonin and melatonin)=5.
Talk to your health care specialists and hopefully you also have a pdoc!