Posted by Viridis on July 6, 2003, at 10:24:48
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and insomnia/panic attack, posted by libjennifer on July 1, 2003, at 11:24:20
I would definitely be careful with Wellbutrin if you're anxiety-prone. I was on it for two months, and had severe anxiety, panic attacks, and a bunch of strange side effects that I've never experienced before (e.g., extreme dizziness, bursts of irrational anger, sensitivity to bright light, etc.). The GP who prescribed it said these side effects were "imaginary", because this drug "can't cause side effects".
The pdoc I saw subsequently told me that he almost never prescribes WB to patients with anxiety problems because it can cause exactly the kinds of reactions that I described, and said he's seen this many times.
Coincidentally, a friend's wife with generalized anxiety disorder took a small dose around the same time I was using it (her doctor suggested it might give her more energy). She had a panic reaction so severe that she almost went to the emergency room -- she thought she was having a heart attack. Her husband (also a doctor) managed to get things under control, but she said it was one of the worst experiences of her life.
It's a good med for some people, but should be used cautiously.
poster:Viridis
thread:25743
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030701/msgs/239662.html