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Suggest Treatment For Red And Flushed Face

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

Question: I started *3 weeks) taking Strattera and Wellbutrin for ADD and depression. I also recently stopped taking Effexor. I noticed that my face is flushed and red and I am hot although no temperture. I took to Benrydl for the side effects. I also noticed I am abit agitated. Should I stop anything, I would like to keep going with this because I have put time in getting Strattera to work and I do not want go back to Concerto. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Can be due to drug interaction Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. Strattera consists of atomoxetine and it is a standard stimulant treatments for ADHD. Wellbutrin may increase the blood levels and effects of atomoxetine. This can increase side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, flushing, irritability and heart palpitations. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (10 hours later)

Regarding dosage I take 2 Welbutrin. 150 twice daily and 1 40 mg strattera daily. Plus 20 Lipitor, 20 lisinopril,0.1 Synthroid, 5000 bit D, 2 Garcinia Cambogia, 1 multi-vitamin, 1-10,000 mcg Biotin, I an groogy after the 2Bendryl last night and today I only took 1 wellbutrin, 1 Strattera, Lipitor, lisinopril, Synthroid, I worked out hard yesterday at the healthclub and also am having site specific muscle ache. How should I adjust this? Are the number of items that I took today acceptable. Please advise. Thanks, XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Try to decrease or stop strattera Detailed Answer: Hi I do not know, why you are on strattera. Your attention deficit may be due to underline depression or thyroid abnormality. In that case, there is no need to take strattera and you can decrease the dose or stop it after doctor consultation. There is nothing harm in taking two tablets of wellbutrin in a day. This is its effective dose, so carry on with it. You can also take multivitamins tablets. Just discuss about strattera with your doctor. Whatever dosage, you have taken today, is enough, but do not miss night dose of wellbutrin. Try to maintain wellbutrin twice a day and decrease the dose or stop strattera. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (16 minutes later)

I was diagnosed several years ago with ADD. I have found recently that my racing thoughts, staying on task, insomnia, have gotten worse. I do not want to be on a amphetamine, so Strattera made sense. The Wellbutrin is 2 pils@ 150mg twice per day. In addition I stopped taking Effexor with Doctors knowledge, and the Wellbutrin dosage was doulbed. I also have Nausea and not sure if it's the coming off Effexor or Strattera. So still think I should stay on that volume of Wellbutrin? I would like to continue Strattera and the lowest pill is 40, should I break it in half? Do you have any additional comments on my questions? I thought I get 3 questions/clarifications on the same subject. Please advise. Thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Take same dose of wellbutrin Detailed Answer: Hi I have already told you, attention deficit could be due to underline depression. In that case, with proper antidepressant dosage, you would improve, so there is no need to decrease dose of wellbutrin. Effective dose of wellbutrin is 150 to 600mg, but higher dose could lead to side effects. Maintain on same dose and no need to increase it further. Strattera is usually used in childhood onset ADHD or ADD. In adult like you, attention deficit may be due to underline depression, so there is no need to take high dose of it. Better to decrease it to half. It would decrease the side effects which you are getting. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar