Posted by Waterlily on February 20, 2002, at 14:09:01
In reply to Wellbutrin vs. SSRI, posted by Anyuser on February 11, 2002, at 18:56:09
I have been on antidepressants for 7 years now. The first two years I was on Zoloft (a SSRI), but switched to Wellbutrin because I had no libido on Zoloft and Wellbutrin is supposed to be the antidepressant with the fewest sexual side effects. Sometimes people who are on an SSRI as a primary antidepressants will be prescribed a low dose on Wellbutrin to offset the SSRI's sexual side effects.
Now, for my experiences: As I said previously, I had unacceptable side effects with Zoloft. I also had a bit of a 'flat' personality with Zoloft. Wellbutrin controls my depression reasonably well and I do have extremes of emotions - on both ends of the spectrum, like normal people. I do have anxiety on Wellbutrin, but I had it before I started taking it too. It's possible that the anxiety is higher on Wellbutrin than it would be if I was on nothing. However, since it controls the depression my doctor and I have decided to keep it as my primary antidepressant. My doctor has added meds to the Wellbutrin to help with the anxiety. I tried Paxil and Prozac (both SSRIs), both of which had the same sexual side effects as Zoloft, especially the Paxil. Neither worked on the anxiety very well. I also tried imipramine (a tricyclic) which probably worked to an extent, but I hated the dry mouth side effect and my blood levels of the drug were near the high end of therapeutic even though I was on a low dose. The only sure fire help for my anxiety is Ativan, which I take only when the anxiety is very bad.
So to summarize:
Primary advantage to Wellbutrin - no sexual side effects. Primary disadvantage to Wellbutrin - no antianxiety qualities; possibly increases anxiety.Primary advantage to SSRIs: Reduces anxiety. Primary disadvantage to SSRIs: sexual side effects.
poster:Waterlily
thread:93156
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020215/msgs/94802.html