HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Ways To Manage Depression When On Effexor And Wellbutrin

default
Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015
Question: I have been on 150mg of effexor a day for over 5 years - adding wellbutrin for a short time (less than 6 months) and upping my dosage to 250 for a time - and I am honestly scared of the drug. I work in the craft beer industry, so I drink a lot. I get brain zaps or womps almost daily and my depression has become unmanageable. It is very hard to concentrate, study, or do things I usually enjoyed on my own. My psychiatrist told me not to worry about it, so I left him over a year ago and now my family doctor fills my prescription. What would you advise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Alcohol will complicate the depression

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing through HCM.

I have read your query and understood your concerns. You have depression for last 5 years and you are taking effexor 150 mg for it. First of all, the dose of effexor is not enough, it should be 225 to 300 mg per day. You are not receiving the enough dose of the antidepressant.

Another important thing here is the use of alcohol. Frequent drinking of alcohol during depression can result in decrease response to antidepressants. Alcohol can even complicate your thinking and make depression difficult to treat.

Si, If you were my patient then I would have asked you to stop the alcohol and increased the dose of effexor to 225 mg per day and then to 300 mg.

Do not go to the GP and ask for prescription because you need expert advice and GP can not give that. You need treatment under the observation of a psychiatrist.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query then I shall be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ravi Soni (2 hours later)
Thank you so much for your answer. Very helpful information.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ravi Soni (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for appreciating words.

If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ravi Soni

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 538 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Ways To Manage Depression When On Effexor And Wellbutrin

Brief Answer: Alcohol will complicate the depression Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for writing through HCM. I have read your query and understood your concerns. You have depression for last 5 years and you are taking effexor 150 mg for it. First of all, the dose of effexor is not enough, it should be 225 to 300 mg per day. You are not receiving the enough dose of the antidepressant. Another important thing here is the use of alcohol. Frequent drinking of alcohol during depression can result in decrease response to antidepressants. Alcohol can even complicate your thinking and make depression difficult to treat. Si, If you were my patient then I would have asked you to stop the alcohol and increased the dose of effexor to 225 mg per day and then to 300 mg. Do not go to the GP and ask for prescription because you need expert advice and GP can not give that. You need treatment under the observation of a psychiatrist. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query then I shall be happy to help. Wish you good health.