How to switch medecations?

Hi Halah,

The person you need to talk to regarding ALL of your medications, including switching, adding, or adjusting any of them, is your physician. NOT a pharmacist, nor someone like me online who does not know your medical history (not to mention, my doctorate is in clinical psychology, not medicine).

You didn't state the reason you are taking the cipralex - i.e., is it for depression, OCD, another anxiety disorder?

Cipralex and faverin are both SSRI antidepressants - they specifically target serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in mood regulation. SSRIs are often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders as well. (SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.)

Wellbutrin, on the other hand, is an atypical antidepressant. It targets different neurotransmitters - norepinephrine and dopamine - which also play a role in mood regulation, but not serotonin. So, it is not uncommon for it to be combined with an SSRI when the SSRI alone is not sufficient to alleviate symptoms.

I would never, ever, recommend taking the recommendation of a pharmacist (who did NOT go to medical school) over the word of your doctor (who DID go to medical school and who also knows your medical history). Ever. If you don't trust your doctor, then I suggest you find a new one rather than take the advice of your pharmacist.

I also am wondering if you have ever had therapy in the 9 years you've been on medication. Therapy - particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - with an experienced therapist can be much more effective in the long run than medication in terms of learning to manage your symptoms. CBT is very effective for depression, OCD, and other types of anxiety.

I encourage you to look into therapy, and in the meantime, either try the Wellbutrin (wouldn't it be better to be on two medications that might work well together, rather than switching to another that may do nothing?) or find a new doctor for a second opinion regarding your medication.

Btw, you won't be able to switch to a new medication with a doctor's prescription anyway. If your doctor thinks the faverin is a good option, then try it. But I think you need to look at the bigger picture when it comes to treating whatever disorder you have.