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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by smg0918 on September 16, 2003, at 4:00:52
I have GAD. I've taken Lexapro (5 mg) in the past, and while it worked on the anxiety, it left me absolutely exhausted and with no interest whatsoever in sex. I went off it after a few months. I now find myself wanting to go back on it, and my doctor has prescribed Wellbutrin to counter the side effects of the Lexapro.
A few questions: (1) Could my exhaustion and the sexual side effects from Lexapro be due to the dosage? Someone told me I might need to be taking 10 mgs v. 5 mgs. and that might counter the side effects. (2) I'm not depressed, so is it OK to drink moderately while on Lexapro and Wellbutrin? My husband and I really enjoy fine wine, and I don't want to give up that part of our lives. I know drinking is discouraged while on SSRIs because it is an anti-depressant, so because depression is not what I'm suffering from, is there any danger to a drink or two a few times a week? (3) Will Wellbutrin really help to counter the side effects of Lexapro? I'm hoping it's going to give me back some energy and interest in sex.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by Bob on September 16, 2003, at 4:35:52
In reply to Questions about Lexapro/Wellbutrin SR combination, posted by smg0918 on September 16, 2003, at 4:00:52
I don't think anyone can answer your questions conclusively, but if you haven't already realized it, psychopharmacology is a crap shoot in many cases. I personally am taking Celexa (Lexapro's dirty ancestor) and a dab of Welbutrin. I also experience serious apathy and fatigue, as do myriad others who take the SSRIs. However, I have depression, anxiety - the whole shebang. It's fortuitous that you don't have depression, but adding Welbutrin may exacerbate your anxiety, as it is an energizing drug. Like I said before though, no one knows what any one medecine will do in you personally, until you try it. You can only look at what it usually does in the general population. This couldn't be a more inexact science, I think.
So, in conclusion, I say try the Welbutrin. It won't take too long to see if it's worth it. It will most likely help with sex. The real question is whether it gives you energy without kindling your anxiety.
Good luck.
Posted by Bill L on September 16, 2003, at 10:27:08
In reply to Questions about Lexapro/Wellbutrin SR combination, posted by smg0918 on September 16, 2003, at 4:00:52
I completely agree with Bob. This stuff is all trial and error.
As for the dosage issue, same thing-trial and error. An increased dose might make you more tired or it might make you less tired.
Have you tried an anti-anxiety drug?
Posted by smg0918 on September 16, 2003, at 16:46:31
In reply to Re: Questions about Lexapro/Wellbutrin SR combination, posted by Bill L on September 16, 2003, at 10:27:08
> I completely agree with Bob. This stuff is all trial and error.
>
> As for the dosage issue, same thing-trial and error. An increased dose might make you more tired or it might make you less tired.
>
> Have you tried an anti-anxiety drug?
>Thanks for responding Bill. The only other med I've tried is Xanax, which works but makes me a zombie. I have a feeling I'm just super-sensitive to these drugs.
Posted by smg0918 on September 16, 2003, at 16:48:30
In reply to Re: Questions about Lexapro/Wellbutrin SR combination » smg0918, posted by Bob on September 16, 2003, at 4:35:52
> I don't think anyone can answer your questions conclusively, but if you haven't already realized it, psychopharmacology is a crap shoot in many cases. I personally am taking Celexa (Lexapro's dirty ancestor) and a dab of Welbutrin. I also experience serious apathy and fatigue, as do myriad others who take the SSRIs. However, I have depression, anxiety - the whole shebang. It's fortuitous that you don't have depression, but adding Welbutrin may exacerbate your anxiety, as it is an energizing drug. Like I said before though, no one knows what any one medecine will do in you personally, until you try it. You can only look at what it usually does in the general population. This couldn't be a more inexact science, I think.
>
> So, in conclusion, I say try the Welbutrin. It won't take too long to see if it's worth it. It will most likely help with sex. The real question is whether it gives you energy without kindling your anxiety.
>
> Good luck.Thanks for responding, Bob. My doctor has suggested I start off with the Lexapro for a week or two and when I feel as though the anxiety is better controlled to start the Wellbutrin then. Hopefully it will give me the energy the Lexapro takes away without bringing the anxiety back.
Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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