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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JackD on October 3, 2000, at 16:40:49
Wellbutrin has helped me feel stable and much less anxious, but it has left me depressed. Also, when I drink while i'm on it, I don't get nearly as many of the positive benefits I had in the past. I've heard that clinical trials have been done in Wellbutrin's efficacy in treating alcoholism as well as smoking addiction. It seems to block the release of dopamine or something. Now, as I have ADD, I need all the dopamine I can get. Would a NARI like Reboxetine or even Remeron, which is a Norepinephrine and Seratonin reuptake inhibitor help me more than Wellbutrin? Also, Klonopin and other Benzos seem ineffective on me, even at high doses. I don't know if this is because of the Wellbutrin or not. Thanks everyone.
Posted by Seamus2 on October 3, 2000, at 22:42:17
In reply to Wellbutrin Question, posted by JackD on October 3, 2000, at 16:40:49
> >Wellbutrin has helped me feel stable and much less anxious, but it has left me depressed.
Why was it prescribed? What were the presenting symptoms?
> >Also, when I drink while i'm on it, I don't get nearly as many of the positive benefits I had in the past.
Leaving aside the putative (subjective) positive benefits of alcohol, I'll say that when I took Wellbutrin I was far LESS inclined to have a drink or two. I can't recall any blunting of its effect, though.
> >I've heard that clinical trials have been done in Wellbutrin's efficacy in treating alcoholism as well as smoking addiction.
> >It seems to block the release of dopamine or something."Or something" No-one know how this s*** works. We've seen correlations, NOT determinations of cause and effect.
> >Now, as I have ADD, I need all the dopamine I can get.
See comment above. The safest thing to say in relation to ADD and dopamine is that there's a dysregulation somewhere, and that ain't saying a helluva lot.
> >Would a NARI like Reboxetine or even Remeron, which is a Norepinephrine and Seratonin reuptake inhibitor help me more than Wellbutrin?
Depends on the DX. ADD? Ever tried Ritalin or one of the amphetamines?
> >Also, Klonopin and other Benzos seem ineffective on me, even at high doses. I don't know if this is because of the Wellbutrin or not.
Benzos are weird. Depending on the cocktail du jour, they either knocked me on my ass or did diddley. YMMV. (Your mileage may vary)
Posted by JackD on October 4, 2000, at 18:26:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Question, posted by Seamus2 on October 3, 2000, at 22:42:17
> Why was it prescribed? What were the presenting symptoms?
I chose to take it in hopes of my relentless anxiety, especially in relation to social situations.
> Leaving aside the putative (subjective) positive benefits of alcohol, I'll say that when I took Wellbutrin I was far LESS inclined to have a drink or two. I can't recall any blunting of its effect, though.I definetely feel a blunting of the alcohol's effect. There's no difference in my desire for it.
> "Or something" No-one know how this s*** works. We've seen correlations, NOT determinations of cause and effect.Yeh, you're right. It's unfortunate how little is known about these psych-meds. But I would imagine that Wellbutrin would somehow directly or indirectly block the release of dopamine, if it were to be used as a succesful smoking cessation med. I would say it's a pretty clear correlation.
> See comment above. The safest thing to say in relation to ADD and dopamine is that there's a dysregulation somewhere, and that ain't saying a helluva lot.
I think in my case there's a dysregulation of Norepinephrine. I've taken ritalin, and it helped me tremendously but gave me more anxiety. The Wellbutrin eliminated any need for ritalin, and helped anxiety at the same time. The only problem is that it has made me depressed. Go figure!
> Depends on the DX. ADD? Ever tried Ritalin or one of the amphetamines?
See above. Like I said, Ritalin helped tremendously. Drinking alcohol helps more than anything for me. Up to a certain point (upon which I'm intoxicated) I can actually think more clearly and feel more secure and just overall awesome than ever. You could say it gives me the "eye of the tiger". If I knew more about Alcohol's function, maybe I could figure out what's wrong with me. These beneficial effects do not happen while on Wellbutrin.
> Benzos are weird. Depending on the cocktail du jour, they either knocked me on my ass or did diddley. YMMV. (Your mileage may vary)They seem to calm me physically, but that's it. No fatigue, no cognitive impairment. I still get anxious thoughts. This is on Wellbutrin of course.
So considering the information I've disclosed, what meds would you suggest I try? Reboxetine? I think the Wellbutrin is a double-edged sword so to speak. It makes me feel normal by freeing up dopamine and fixing my Norepinephrine deficiency, but doesn't allow me get more dopamine that I need in certain parts of my brain. I dunno, maybe you could figure something out for me. Thanks for the response.
This is the end of the thread.
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