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I have been taking prozac (fluoxetine) for six years.

Sent to Health Experts September 08 09:06 AM

I have been taking prozac (fluoxetine) for six years. I'm taking 80 mg a day in the morning. I believe it is no longer working and expressed that to my CNP during my annual exam last July '06. She prescribed me Wellbutrin XL (150 mg) in addition to my current dose of fluoxetine. After 6 weeks (08/31/06), I had a follow-up visit and told her that I was still feeling irritable, no energy, depressed, etc. She bumped up the Wellbutrin XL mg to 300. Is this a safe combination? I've heard that it is not. If this combination works, my CNP doesn't plan to ween me off of the prozac. Please advise.

 

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Female , Age: 37

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September 8 9:14 AM (7 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
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Both meds are what are known as SSRI's and there is really no need to be on both at the same time. The level of wellbutrin at 300mg is a therapeutic amount. I would discuss with her taking you off the Prozac as the wellbutrin is doing the same. She needs to find the level that best fits and suits your needs. The fatigue and other symptoms are part of the medications side effects and there are other medications for depression that she/he may also try for you. You may want to go to a doctor specializing in Mental Health and depression instead of dealing with a CNP as well. If I may be of further assistance please reply.

Here also is a good forum to join. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/006326.html



Edited by 4ren6 on September 8 2006 at 9:17 AM

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September 8 9:19 AM (5 minutes and 25 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: So am I at risk taking both at the same time? My CNP told me that prozac and wellbutrin are designed to have a greater benefit taken together versus either one separately. Have you heard this before?
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September 8 9:25 AM (6 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
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No, no. It is ok to be on both. Actually, one is known as an SSRI and the other is what is known as an MAOI. Both work a little different but Wellbutrin and Prozac do not present any problems used together. Combined together they can in some instances work for the better rather then used alone. It would seem however, that your use of the two is not of help to you and causing unwanted side effects. But you do not need to be on both at the same time. It is normally one or the other and with time and practice the correct med and mg will be determined. I am concerned that your seeing and obtaining this from just a Certified Nurse Practitioner instead of a Mental Health expert who can better judge your progress and actual medication needs. But no it is ok to be on both there are no interactions.

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September 8 9:32 AM (6 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: I was first prescribed Prozac for PMS during an annual exam 6 years ago, not depression, even tho that came along w/ it. This is why I have been dealing w/ CNPs instead of a mental health expert. Would you still recommend I see a mental health expert instead, even if it is for PMS and MS. If you would recommend proceeding w/ seeing a mental health expert, would it be a Psychiatrist or Psychologist?
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September 8 9:37 AM (5 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
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When your on these meds it is best to see someone who works with them on a daily basis. So do not be embarrassed or ashamed to see either of the above persons. But you could see a Clinical Psychologist and they could prescribe and watch your end results better then the CNP. (and by the way I am not knocking CNP's as they do a wonderful job).

I am attaching some info that may confuse you some but will also explain the difference between the two meds:

http://www.slate.com/id/2097682/

But either of the above will do. They could give you a good check and go with your prior medical history and get you on a good schedule of medications that do not cause the problems your having.



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September 8 9:44 AM (6 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: I am having difficulty locating your credentials (can't find the link). Would it be possible for you to send via e-mai? Also, do I get to keep a copy of this correspondence chain? This is my first time doing this, so I'm not real sure how this works.
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September 8 9:47 AM (3 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
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to obtain my credentials you may click in the upper left corner of the post under my name of 4ren6. This will provide my credentials. You may also want to read through my feedback from previous customers on the feedback link next to my name. As far as getting a copy of the text you can either copy and paste the thread or just click the print button and print out the thread. This is most often the easiest way to do it.

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September 8 9:58 AM (10 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: Will I be able to access your previous customer feedback after I accept your responses? Or, do I have to stay within this text/page?
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September 8 10:02 AM (4 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
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Oh no you may access this page at any time even after you close it and you will be able to access all my info as well. If you would like a clearer explanation of my credentials you can private message me which is a button located at the very bottom of my profile which is under my screen name. I hope this better helps. If you have any problems you can always come back to this page and reopen it.

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