Posted by Cam W. on May 18, 2001, at 22:55:36
In reply to dopamine and crying...CAM maybe?, posted by Paige on May 18, 2001, at 18:26:17
Paige - The Wellbutrin™ (bupropion) could be starting to lift your depression and the emotional blunting that you were experiencing is starting to lift. Your emotions are not use to increases in serotonin (which does happen, in a roundabout way) and this may be causing your easy crying. Also, James' suggestion is valid and this could be a start-up side effect.
I am not totally convinced that the blocking of dopamine- and norepinephrine-reuptake is the antidepressant mechanism of action of Wellbutrin. I think that it is modulating a secondary receptor in some way or is blocking an enzyme. The true mechanism of action of Wellbutrin does involve the increase of serotonin in certain brain structures (can't remember which, but want to say hippocampus) and this structure may be extra sensitive, in your brain.
These are just a guesses at what is happening in your case. I am really not up on the physiology of crying, but many people do have mood swings while taking Wellbutrin. I know that, for awhile, I was more "sensitive" when I was taking Wellbutrin. This seemed to happen 4 to 6 weeks into taking the drug. At the same time I would get really angry, for know reason. In rush hour traffic I would look for people to yell at, even for minor things. This did pass in about 2 weeks (which I am sure that everyone around me appreciated).
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:63517
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63570.html