How do I ask my doctor to change meds?

Question: I have been taken Paxil CR, 25 mg, for a year and it has helped my anxiety disorder. However, I have not been able to overcome my depresison and have gained 30 lbs! I want to ask my doctor for a prescription for Wellbutrin XL; I've heard a lot of good stuff about it, such as increased energy, weight loss, increased libido and better sexual sensation. How do I convince him to prescribe it? Has anyone else made this switch before?

P.S. I don't want advice on stopping meds or anyone telling me to get over it. I have had severe anxiety/depression since I was little and have only been able to feel better because of medication.

Answers:
I have been on Wellbutrin XL for a little over 2 years, and it helped greatly with my anxiety and depression (I also take Zoloft). I don't know if it helped me lose weight, but I definitely did not gain weight. Wellbutrin has less effect on libido than other depression meds, and it helps with the little things associated with depression, like dwelling on things for a long time (At least it helps me with that). If you are interested in changing meds, talk to you doctor - he/she should be willing to listen to you, especially if you are having side effects. When you find the right combo of meds, its a great feeling! Good luck!

Other Answers:
Be honest and talk with your health care professional. When I first got diagnosed with depression/anxiety I was put on Prozac. That made be feel better mentally but I felt nothing physically. It was like being high on something without the "high". It was like I was happy about not caring about anything. I then went on another RX, can't remember name and it made me gain weight like crazy. I am currently on Effexor XR. I was the one who requested changes because I was open and honest with my doctor about how each medication affected my body.

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In my experience, the best way is to be open and frank with your doctor. Be specific with him in terms of the symptoms that you're still experiencing and why you would like to change medications. Ask his opinion on whether he thinks it might be a good switch for you and be willing to listen to him. He may totally agree and start the switch, or there may be genuine reasons why it might not be the best medication for you. Either way, remember that you are paying him to listen to you and help you and don't leave or let him leave the office without getting all of your questions and concerns addressed. Good luck.

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