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switching form Paxil to Bupropion Sr

My doctor swiched me from Paxil to Bupropion Sr. last week and He said that thier was no need to ween myself off of the Paxil. So I started the Bupropion Sr at 150mg once a day for 4 days and then was to go on to two a day, Well since I started the drug. I have been very dizzy and if I move my head to fast I feel like a jolt in my vision. I told my doctor and he suggested to stay on the one a day for another week. I also have lost a pound a day since starting the drug. How long will I have these symptoms?
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Avatar universal
I’m suffering from Paxil withdrawals now. My car was totaled and I missed the appointment (forgot really) the drs never called just one who left a message about my bill. I’ve been dizzy, nauseous, throwing up, diarrhea, vivid dreams, weight loss and emotional. I’ve had to go to work this way due to being short staffed. I’m currently trying to wait it out. I’ve been living off soda crackers and 7 up.
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Did you do a slow taper suited just to you or did you quit abruptly, or did your psychiatrist use the same taper they use for everyone?  For most people, this passes, but I would be very careful if the symptoms include feeling mental problems you didn't have when you went on the Paxil in the first place.  Some just go through what has come to be known as the Paxil flu, which lasts for most people a couple of weeks, but if it lingers and again especially if you start not sleeping and get new mental problems you didn't have before I'd go back to my psychiatrist, go back on the Paxil at the last dose at which you felt fine, and do a much slower taper.  But if it passes relatively quickly, no worries.  Peace.
I should add, although this is an old post, the above mischaracterized how Wellbutrin works.  It doesn't just work on dopamine, it also works on norepinephrine.
Avatar universal
i think your going through paxil withdrawal. i had just what your having when i went off of it, the brain zaps and dizzyness. you should taper gradually. the wellbutrin is very different from paxil, it only works on dopamine so if your taking it for anxiety also it will probably make it worse. it's very stimulating. talk to your dr. about weaning off of the paxil. remar
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Avatar universal
Thank you for responding, I have been on Paxil for 7yrs and have had sexual side effects and also weight gain. I asked if I could be put on something else that doesn't have these effects. So the doctor told me to stop the paxil and replace it with the Wellbutrin. I have been on the drug for 5 days at 150 mg and have had side effects. It feel like my body is having jolts or zaps. I feel dizzy and can't move to fast because of it, I am nervous about driving as well. I have lost 8 pds in the last 5 days(not complaining) but I thought that it was odd because I have not been able to loose a pound in 2 yrs. If I  go back on the paxil and cut my 20mg in half will that help? and if so how long should I do this?
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480448 tn?1426948538
If I can ask...why was the decision made for the switch?  Many times, if a person has not responded to a SSRI like Paxil....Wellbutrin will actually be added to the med regimen instead replacing the SSRI all together.

Depending on what your dose of Paxil was, and how long you were on it....I would personally think it would still be better to do a brief taper while introducing the Wellbutrin.

So, when you discussed the symptoms with your doc...he suggested you stay on the Paxil for another week along with the Wellbutrin?  If so...that will probably be more effective for you and should minimize the symptoms.  If after the week is up...and you are still having problems....contact your doctor again to see about continuing a gradual taper.  

The one pound weight loss isn't too significant at this point...weight can fluctuate on its own for really no real reason.

Good luck...let us know how you're doing!
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Arlington, VA
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