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Suggest Best Way To Switch Effexor XL To Wellbutrin
Question: What is the best way to transition from Effexor XL 75 mg daily to Wellbutrin?
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Brief Answer:
Schedule suggested.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
A dose of 75 mg of Effexor XL (Venlafaxine) would be clinically equivalent to 150 mg of Wellbutrin (Bupropion). Since you have been taking Effexor for 8 years, it would be better to do the cross-tapering in a very gradual manner. I would suggest the following schedule to switch over from Effexor XL (Venlafaxine) to Wellbutrin (Bupropion):
Effexor XL 75 mg + Wellbutrin 75mg (once in the night) - FOR 2 WEEKS
Effexor XR 37.5mg + Wellbutrin 75mg (twice a day) - FOR 2 WEEKS
Wellbutrin 75mg (twice a day) - TO CONTINUE
The reason why I have suggested to take Wellbutrin along with Effexor for the first few weeks is that it may take some time for the full effects of Wellbutrin to kick in. During this transition period, if Effexor is cut down suddenly, then there is a chance that you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Schedule suggested.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
A dose of 75 mg of Effexor XL (Venlafaxine) would be clinically equivalent to 150 mg of Wellbutrin (Bupropion). Since you have been taking Effexor for 8 years, it would be better to do the cross-tapering in a very gradual manner. I would suggest the following schedule to switch over from Effexor XL (Venlafaxine) to Wellbutrin (Bupropion):
Effexor XL 75 mg + Wellbutrin 75mg (once in the night) - FOR 2 WEEKS
Effexor XR 37.5mg + Wellbutrin 75mg (twice a day) - FOR 2 WEEKS
Wellbutrin 75mg (twice a day) - TO CONTINUE
The reason why I have suggested to take Wellbutrin along with Effexor for the first few weeks is that it may take some time for the full effects of Wellbutrin to kick in. During this transition period, if Effexor is cut down suddenly, then there is a chance that you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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