Posted by Racer on June 30, 2008, at 11:54:32
In reply to Re: Is a Stimulant/SSRI/Wellbutrin Combination Saf, posted by qbsbrown on June 29, 2008, at 21:43:49
> Thank you, I'm doing well. what made you think of me?
Dunno -- you just came to mind. I'm glad to hear you're doing well, though.
I seem to remember you were overseas? Are you still there? And still seeing the same doctor? I remember first interacting with you when you were having trouble with OCD-related problems sticking to medication trials? Is that better now? I hope it is, and hope that you're doing well with whatever doctor you're seeing.
>
> How did you do on that combo?I have trouble whenever I'm on any of the serotonergic medications. SSRIs, even at very low doses, leave me feeling so apathetic I can hardly function -- sad, but without the energy or interest to do anything more than sit and stare at the walls.
The Concerta/Wellbutrin combination I'm on now is not spectacularly effective for me -- I'm actually more than moderately depressed right now -- but it's certainly better than nothing. I am functional enough to try behavioral interventions for my mood, which are also not spectacularly effective, but -- again -- are better than nothing. The main benefit for me of the WB/Concerta combination is that it has virtually no side effects for me. It helps a bit with anxiety, and keeps me from the depths of despair, and considering my experiences with other medications, that's a pretty good outcome.
My doctor has recommended a trial of tianeptine, which I'm hoping to try next. If it works out, we may look at discontinuing the current meds. Otherwise, I'm sticking with them.
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> Most of these drug interactions sites say this mix is a major no no. Is this true?
>
> BrianWell, obviously it isn't true, since I've been on this combination for most of the past several years. (Other than a brief trial of EMSAM) I think the idea is that stimulants generally increase NE/DA, and Wellbutrin is an NE/DA reuptake inhibitor. That would tend to suggest high levels of NE/DA floating around up there in the synapses, which might be considered a bad thing. Then again, it seems to work out fine for me.
The one thing about it is that I had headaches at first. Those went away, after a few weeks, but it was a bit of a problem at first. Don't worry too much about it, if it happens for you, just be aware that they're a possibility and that they'll go away.
Best luck.
poster:Racer
thread:837192
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080626/msgs/837297.html