My experience on cipralex and wellbutrin with depression & anxiety

Hi All,

A couple of years ago I first tried cipralex + wellbutrin combo for my depression and anxiety. Message boards like this helped me a great deal when I went on cipralex and so now that I am doing really well I wanted to come back to help someone else by posting my experience if possible.

I had severe depression and very bad anxiety (starting first thing in the morning). When I went on cipralex my anxiety got significantly worse. I finally got a prescription for clomazepam which helped a LOT. I wish I hadn't struggled with the anxiety for so long before getting the clomazepam. (and even when i got it i only took it when the anxiety was bad, and eventually stopped using it as the cipralex started to work). But boy did it help.

Cipralex for me takes a LONG TIME to start working and until it starts, things get much worse (i can't sleep, can't eat, severe anxiety). I went off of it a few times (a mistake) and went on again, and in each case it took about 11-12 weeks to start seeing a difference.

So for anyone who is wondering whether it will change anything - just hang in there - it took a long time for me, but when it finally works, it is night and day.

No more anxiety, no more depression. I can work and have a happy life again. It's a life saver for me. I found that I really had to play around with the doses with my doctor - i am now on 5mg (very low but it works for me) and also on Wellbutrin - 25 mg i think. The Cipralex makes me tired, unmotivated and lethargic, and the Wellbutrin fixes those issues for me for the most part.

I really want to recommend for anyone going on any antidepressant that makes it difficult to sleep at night - get a prescription of zopiclone from your doctor. This is a blue sleeping pill that will knock you right out at night. For years when trying other antidepressents (i was also on effexor as well), I would not sleep a wink at night and then struggle to work during the day. Sleeplessness can cause depression - so it is really bad for you! My psychiatrist prescribed the sleeping pills for me and they made it SO MUCH easier to adjust to the antidepressants because at least i was sleeping at night. After being on the cipralex for a while i slowly taper off of the zopiclone at night (I only take a half pill usually and that works for me), and eventually stop needing it.

Another thing I'd recommend - if you are like me and totally lose your appetite during the adjustment phase, buy those meal replacement drinks (like Boost for example) and just drink them at regular times through the day - the last thing your body needs while you are going through such a hard time is malnutrition as well - your brain is struggling as it is - so try to keep feeding your body - it will help your brain as it limps along and starts to heal! Each time i went on the cipralex I was pretty much bed bound for a few weeks at least and had zero desire or ability really to go buy myself some food, but i was able to drag myself into a drug store and by 6 or 12 of these drinks and it made a big difference.

If you are really struggling to find something that works for you then please don't give up! I promise you that if you keep looking and trying different things (keep changing your doctor if he/she isn't helping you find solutions) then you will find something eventually and you WILL feel better. It's a horrible disease, but it is just that - a disease (it's not YOU) ... just keep getting up each day and doing one or two things to find your way out. There is hope - i promise you. You might not feel it now (depression makes my hope a black void).... but if you can't feel the hope I'm feeling it for you.

With love and blessings to anyone going through a tough time.... you are not alone!

Linda

Just to clarify,

Cipralex is generic for Lexapro...

I am so happy you found a combination that has worked for you and that you are sharing...

Thanks for the awesome post...

Hugs, Karen....

Hi Monna...

Yes we are a work in progress. It takes a lot to function the way we want to...

You can't imagine feeling any different because you haven't for so long. But it is there, in time you will. At first I felt guilty for feeling good. I would get scared. But eventually you do get use to it.

I Hope that you feel better soon. Welcome to the forum. Thanks for posting...

Hugs, Karen...

Hi Curefor,

I have a very similar story to you:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=19&m=3327193

I am currently taking Cipralex (20mg) for the second time in two years, and have been prescribed Clonazepam morning and night to take the edge off of my anxiety. However, neither really seems to be doing much for me this time around. I'm also not sleeping well and feel constantly tired, unmotivated and lethargic.

Could adding Welbutrin to the mix be the answer? Just wondering if you think it could be worth suggesting to my doctor at my next appointment.

Thank you in advance!