Risks of Adding New Meds?

[CathAn13]

I'm on two different medications right now--Bupropian and Lamotrigine. I've been on them two years. Until a few months ago they worked great and Bupropian was a game changer, but now I feel like it's just not working anymore. I talked to my psychiatrist about it and he wants to add Effexor to my daily cocktail but this makes me nervous, especially since you can't go one day without it without having withdrawals. Any experience with taking two or more psycotropics?

[BonnieSue]

Hi CathAn13,

Here's what I can tell you: bupropion/Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant of the aminoketone class, Effexor/venlafaxine is an SSNRI/SNRI (unrelated to bupropion), and lamotrigine/Lamictal is a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder/depression and also an anticonvulsant/anti-epileptic drug. So, none of these drugs works like the others. You're getting coverage for a variety of needs, which might just be what is needed for you right now. I think it's worth a try, anyway. Best wishes to you...Hugs, Love, and Blessings...

[Hidden]

I quit my antipsychotics because of risks and side effects. I'm on Buspar too but about to try two new meds for ptsd nightmares and depression. It is scary but just watch for changes and if you have someone around you tell them so they can look for signs of recurring mental illness, delusions, psychosis. That's what I do.

[AZ1970]

It would be two antidepressants. I took two for a year. I know others have as well.

[jimstitzel]

I’ve been on a cocktail for years. I started taking Effexor almost three years ago after a hospitalization and it all but banished my depression. I also take buspirone, klonopin, and lamotrigine for anxiety and temazpam for sleep. Between all of those, I have become myself again and functional on a daily basis. Yes, some of those medications are habit-forming, but I consider that a small price to pay to have my sanity back. I’m religious about taking my meds on schedule and making sure I always have my refills so I don’t run out. For me it’s made all the difference in the world.