![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 sid on April 7, 2002, at 16:47:57
Hi all -
I'm seeing my doc this week and I know we'll talk about stimulants. I've been on Effexor XR for 4 months, feeling good overall, except for lack of energy. Some days I have almost none and I'm not old enough to have so little energy. Other days I'm just fine, but overall, it bothers me that I can't do more. For example, I'd like to exercise more and loose weight, but once my day's work is done, I can't imagine going back out to the gym, I'm too tired. My sleep is better than it's been at the beginning of the treatment, so I know it's not a problem of sleep deprivation anymore.
Last time I saw my doc, she said to tough it out 3 more weeks and we'd discuss adding a stimulant to the Effexor XR (75 mg a day - for anxiety and dysthymia).
Does anyone have suggestions about meds used as stimulants? Which ones could help? Dosage? What can I expect in terms of side effects, etc... I must say that since things are going relatively well, I'm reluctant to add anything to what I'm taking, but I do need to lose some weight and move around a whole lot more. Anyone experienced with Effexor XR and some stimulants?
- sid
Posted by TSA West on April 7, 2002, at 19:38:55
In reply to Question about stimulants, posted by sid on April 7, 2002, at 16:47:57
Why not add Wellbutrin and get an added antidepressant effect, weight-loss, _and_ stimulation?
Diabetes, June 2001 "Buproprion SR Significantly Enhances Weight Loss When Used with a Moderate-Intensity Lifestyle Intervention":
"Preliminary studies suggest that Bupropion SR, approved for depression and smoking cessation, is an effective adjunct to diet for weight loss. We conducted a 6-month multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to test the safety and efficacy of Bupropion SR as an adjunct to a balanced energy-restricted diet and lifestyle program to treat obese adults. We enrolled 327 women and men, aged 18-65 years, with BMIs of 30-43. We excluded subjects who had a history of seizures, anorexia, bulimia, depression, psychosis, cigarette or substance abuse. After a 2- week run-in period subjects were randomly allocated to placebo, 300 mg/day, or 400 mg/ day Bupropion SR. The lifestyle intervention included an energy-restricted diet (600 kcal deficit), use of 2 meal replacements/day, recording miles walked (pedometer), and a lifestyle diary. Subjects received dietetic counseling every 2-4 weeks. Retention rate at 24-weeks was ~70% and was similar in all groups. The weight loss (% of initial weight) and loss of >5% at 6 months (intention to treat analysis) are summarized in table.
Bupropion SR at 300 and 400 mg/day were associated with significantly more weight loss than placebo. This analysis suggests that the weight loss response to Bupropion SR is dose related. This study indicates that, in conjunction with a reduced-energy diet and exercise program, Bupropion SR can significantly enhance weight loss in a dose-related manner for obese subjects."
Another idea is plain-old Prozac.
Posted by sid on April 8, 2002, at 10:39:43
In reply to Re: Question about stimulants » sid, posted by TSA West on April 7, 2002, at 19:38:55
Posted by Katalina on April 8, 2002, at 11:53:51
In reply to Question about stimulants, posted by sid on April 7, 2002, at 16:47:57
> Hi all -
>
> I'm seeing my doc this week and I know we'll talk about stimulants. I've been on Effexor XR for 4 months, feeling good overall, except for lack of energy. Some days I have almost none and I'm not old enough to have so little energy. Other days I'm just fine, but overall, it bothers me that I can't do more. For example, I'd like to exercise more and loose weight, but once my day's work is done, I can't imagine going back out to the gym, I'm too tired. My sleep is better than it's been at the beginning of the treatment, so I know it's not a problem of sleep deprivation anymore.
>
> Last time I saw my doc, she said to tough it out 3 more weeks and we'd discuss adding a stimulant to the Effexor XR (75 mg a day - for anxiety and dysthymia).
>
> Does anyone have suggestions about meds used as stimulants? Which ones could help? Dosage? What can I expect in terms of side effects, etc... I must say that since things are going relatively well, I'm reluctant to add anything to what I'm taking, but I do need to lose some weight and move around a whole lot more. Anyone experienced with Effexor XR and some stimulants?
>
> - sidHi there,
I also take 75 mgs. of Effexor XR and have for the past 6 months or so. About three months ago I added Adderall (due to ADD- inattentive type).
The results have been amazing. I am so much more motivated now and the first week on Adderall I accomplished more than the prior 3 years of my life. I'm not even really sure if I need the Effexor anymore, but since I'm doing well, I'm hesistant to stop it and deal with withdrawals and find out I really do need it. I've taken Prozac several times in the past 7 years due to low lying dysthymia and anxiety. I find when I'm not on anything at all I'm rather pessimistic and negative about everything.
I also stay home with my two daughters (3 and 1.5) and find that the Adderall makes me so much more patient and tolerant with them. It has just been miraculous really. I take 20 mgs in the a.m. and 10 in the afternoon. When I find myself becoming the least bit tolerant, I take a weekend holdiday and the positive effects are restored.
I don't know if you've ever looked into an ADD diagnosis or not, but if you don't have ADD tendancies I'm not sure if your doc will prescribe something like Adderall. Overall, I haven't heard too many positive things about Wellbutrin. While it is supposed to be stimulating it has definitely been known to exacerbate anxiety, which I don't really notice on the Adderall.
Hope some of this helps you!
Good luck, Katalina
Posted by sid on April 8, 2002, at 21:20:55
In reply to Re: Question about stimulants, posted by Katalina on April 8, 2002, at 11:53:51
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.