[brainfog]

Hi all,
I recently discovered that Effexor works pretty well for me--esp for anxiety, but I'm still struggling mightily with motivation. My pdoc suggested WB. I've tried IR and SR. The IR works pretty well but trying to find the right dosing has been tough because it seems to poop out and taking more doesn't seem to help. The SR made me go to sleep for some reason.

I've not yet tried the XL version.

Any suggestions or testimonies on the use of WB with an SNRI (it doesn't have to be Effexor)?

Many thanks!

[nmzol]

venlafaxine + bupropion combo made me very anxious however I could handle it for over a year.
If your anxiety is controlled with venlafaxine this is a good thing and wellbutrin is often prescribed as an addon to boost motivation after anxiety is diminished
If venlafaxine is working for you I wouldn't change to another SNRI.
You could ask your doctor to try another medication other than bupropion; or perhaps you could try exercises plus natural supplements
The XL vs SR thing won't make a huge difference however SR version can be taken twice a day (as long as you don't exceed 200mg SR total - two 100mg SR capsules - every 24 hours)

[Deejay14]

Maybe Cymbalta?

Would not add bupropion to an SNRI unless you are treating severe depression with psychomotor retardation. Combo is overly activating because it boosts norepinephrine (NE) via 2 separate mechanisms. Paradoxically, it can make anxiety worse. Combo of SSRI + NE is fine. But SNRI + NE is too much NE. Think of it as a shot of expresso + adrenaline + a feral cat on steroids.

[TicTacGo]

I have been using Wellbutrin XL with venlafaxine for several months now. Has certainly helped with motivation and energy levels. (in my case the efficacy of the venlafaxine for anxiety is debatable)

I am looking to be slowly weened off of both as I do not see reason to have both hanging around. Then again, a trial without Wellbutrin -may- have left me tired and demotivated again.