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Combining Bupropion & Fluoxetine

I'm on Bupropion 300mg/day and Xanax (0.25 - 0.5mg as needed). Also taking Metoprolol 25mg/day for hypertension. I'd like to ask my doctor to add Fluoxetine to boost my serotonin. Are there any bad side effects from combining these meds?
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Avatar universal
Talk it over with your doctor if you plan to go that route to see what he thinks. I would locate these drugs on their sites to see about interactions before seeing your doctor though, so you can see if they think there are problems plus if they don't list any, you are prepared in case he makes a mistake. You can also triple check by asking your pharmacist and/or calling the drug companies.
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Avatar universal
You've got what these drugs do wrong.  ssris don't increase serotonin, they alter the way the brain uses what it naturally makes.  It directs serotonin in the brain (most of it is in other parts of the body) to selected targeted receptors and then prevents the natural breakdown of the serotonin by blocking the enzymes that do this so it washes longer but only in the targeted receptors -- other receptors will shut down because they're no longer being used.  So no more serotonin -- just an alteration in your brain.  I believe your wellbutrin is already targeting serotonin to a lesser extent than ssris, so your psychiatrist can advise if this is a good idea, but know that welllbutrin is perhaps the most stimulating antidepressant and Prozac is the most stimulating ssri, so if you're prone to anxiety and hypertension it's already not the best combination you're on.  Do discuss this with experts.
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