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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by RubyTuesday on March 6, 2005, at 13:24:42
I was on Effexxor for a few months primarily for anxiety over my mother's death a couple of years ago and having my own children without emotional supprot from a mother, blah blah blah,it had a dulling affect as well I had zero sex-drive BUT I felt pretty happy and not bothered by things..I wanted to switch to wellbutrin because of little side effects..i have been on for two weeks..my problem is it has totally enhanced my sex life which is great BUT I am so crabby my husband doesn't want to be with me anyway!!..I am totally snapping at our children,zero patience and I am obsessing everyday whether I need to be on anti-depressents anymore or not!. Everything is pretty normal in my life and I am on a health kick thing which always boosts my energy. I can't tell if this drug is good for me or not as I am totally more awake and energetic.
I also am having resentful,nasty thoughts towards my husband and I can't stand him at the moment. On effexxor I loved him to death. My thinking is maybe I was just more mellow on effex. and let things slide that that I normally wouldn't of and now reality hits hard?? Or is it purely the drug making me irritable??
Any thoughts people???Greatly appreciatted.
Posted by Spriggy on March 6, 2005, at 14:54:47
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by RubyTuesday on March 6, 2005, at 13:24:42
Wellbutrin seeemed to make me feel irritable but also increased my libido. Which is funny if you think about.. it makes you one crabby, difficult wife and yet you want your husband at the same time (and he is thinking, " you are too mean to be touched!").
Maybe give it a few more weeks to see if this will subside.
Wellbutrin is known for increasing anxiety in people so I imagine that would also increase irritability.
I think from people I know on Wellbutrin that it has WORKED for... they were just REALLY, REALLY deeply depressed with no motivation (but without anxiety problems).
If you have any problems with anxiety, I don't think Wellbutrin tends to be the right med of choice.
i couldn't sleep or eat on it (which was a good weight loss med!).
I felt like I was on bad speed or had drank 20 pots of coffee, but that was just me.
Posted by bart on March 6, 2005, at 15:11:20
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by RubyTuesday on March 6, 2005, at 13:24:42
you might try asking doc about continuing to take the effexor as well, but in small doses to alleviate irratibility. I had the same response to wellbutrin. I think it would be good for very apathetic depressed individuals but for the average neurotic depressive like myself, wellbutrin is the freakin' worst thing to take
Posted by Phillipa on March 6, 2005, at 17:36:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by bart on March 6, 2005, at 15:11:20
As I've said before, it put me in the hospital. The pdoc thought I was manic. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Optimist on March 6, 2005, at 20:48:23
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by RubyTuesday on March 6, 2005, at 13:24:42
> I was on Effexxor for a few months primarily for anxiety over my mother's death a couple of years ago and having my own children without emotional supprot from a mother, blah blah blah,it had a dulling affect as well I had zero sex-drive BUT I felt pretty happy and not bothered by things..I wanted to switch to wellbutrin because of little side effects..i have been on for two weeks..my problem is it has totally enhanced my sex life which is great BUT I am so crabby my husband doesn't want to be with me anyway!!..I am totally snapping at our children,zero patience and I am obsessing everyday whether I need to be on anti-depressents anymore or not!. Everything is pretty normal in my life and I am on a health kick thing which always boosts my energy. I can't tell if this drug is good for me or not as I am totally more awake and energetic.
> I also am having resentful,nasty thoughts towards my husband and I can't stand him at the moment. On effexxor I loved him to death. My thinking is maybe I was just more mellow on effex. and let things slide that that I normally wouldn't of and now reality hits hard?? Or is it purely the drug making me irritable??
> Any thoughts people???Greatly appreciatted.The start-up side effects of Wellbutrin are worst the first few weeks then they tend to drop dramatically, for me and a number of other people here I've noticed. Short term it is supposed to increase anxiety, but long term believe it or not it's supposed to decrease it in some people due to the changes that occur with time.
Bart had a good idea in adding some Effexor to the mix. It'll hopefully allow you to get the best of both drugs. Happy, easy going, good energy, and a good sex drive!
Brian
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2005, at 23:30:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » RubyTuesday, posted by Optimist on March 6, 2005, at 20:48:23
Hi Ooptimist:
>>> Short term it is supposed to increase anxiety, but long term believe it or not it's supposed to decrease it in some people due to the changes that occur with time. <<<<
--- It's VERY true, ... in the beginning of WB sr, I had several problems, like 'clenching teeth,' 'bad tummy,' and of course 'Anxiety' problems. However, after about six months or more later, those S.E.s started to diminish one by one. At that time, I thought other med., Trazodone(specifically, Serzone during the first try on WB) alleviated all of those S.E.s. However, having read in your post here, above, I truly believe 'time,' ... not Serzone/Trazodone did help me stay on the WB. For me, the WB is one of my 'favorites,' because of its good efficacy on concentration, motivation, energy and other related problems due to Bp II I've been dealing since 1998.
Thanks a bunch for your informative post, here on this board!
H.G.
Posted by Phillipa on March 7, 2005, at 0:00:46
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Optimist, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2005, at 23:30:38
It took you 6months of anxiety before you had relief? I give you credit. I would have thrown in the towel after about 2 weeks. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by stresser on March 7, 2005, at 13:36:10
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by RubyTuesday on March 6, 2005, at 13:24:42
This may help you out....I was taking wellbutrin last summer and I think it was making me a manic witch. I couldn't stand my husband, kids or anyone else for that matter. I was irritable, nasty, depressed...lets see? what else? everything!!! I am off it now and taking Zoloft, Topamax, and as an experiment-Strattera! The doctor is thinking maybe the Zoloft can be discontinued? I feel wonderful and happy agian. I look forward to things once again (I didn't before on wellbutrin) and my moods are leveled out to a nice calm ripple. I suggest something else for you. Have you tried Lexapro, Zoloft, or Prozac? -L
Posted by luca1975 on March 8, 2005, at 17:54:04
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » RubyTuesday, posted by Optimist on March 6, 2005, at 20:48:23
I noticed that after 8 weeks, wellbutrin actually LOWERED my anxiety. Actually, I found the anxiety subsided greatly after week 3.
> > I was on Effexxor for a few months primarily for anxiety over my mother's death a couple of years ago and having my own children without emotional supprot from a mother, blah blah blah,it had a dulling affect as well I had zero sex-drive BUT I felt pretty happy and not bothered by things..I wanted to switch to wellbutrin because of little side effects..i have been on for two weeks..my problem is it has totally enhanced my sex life which is great BUT I am so crabby my husband doesn't want to be with me anyway!!..I am totally snapping at our children,zero patience and I am obsessing everyday whether I need to be on anti-depressents anymore or not!. Everything is pretty normal in my life and I am on a health kick thing which always boosts my energy. I can't tell if this drug is good for me or not as I am totally more awake and energetic.
> > I also am having resentful,nasty thoughts towards my husband and I can't stand him at the moment. On effexxor I loved him to death. My thinking is maybe I was just more mellow on effex. and let things slide that that I normally wouldn't of and now reality hits hard?? Or is it purely the drug making me irritable??
> > Any thoughts people???Greatly appreciatted.
>
> The start-up side effects of Wellbutrin are worst the first few weeks then they tend to drop dramatically, for me and a number of other people here I've noticed. Short term it is supposed to increase anxiety, but long term believe it or not it's supposed to decrease it in some people due to the changes that occur with time.
>
> Bart had a good idea in adding some Effexor to the mix. It'll hopefully allow you to get the best of both drugs. Happy, easy going, good energy, and a good sex drive!
>
> Brian
Posted by draisy on March 9, 2005, at 1:40:29
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by luca1975 on March 8, 2005, at 17:54:04
Does anyone know of a case where someone has gone back on wellbutrin after having a seizure?
Is there any possibility of controlling this awful side effect of wellbutrin? (it's the only anti-dep that has worked for me)
i was on the highest dose (400mg i think it was) and my doctor didn't mention anything about not drinking while taking this medication.
i lost my brother and was drinking pretty heavily the week after his death. I usually have maybe a glass or two of wine a month but was drinking 1-3 drinks a night and had a seizure by the end of the week.
This was a year ago. i'd love to start back on wellbutrin if there's a way.
Posted by theo on March 10, 2005, at 12:00:47
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by luca1975 on March 8, 2005, at 17:54:04
Which version, what dose are you taking?
Posted by luca1975 on March 10, 2005, at 19:11:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » luca1975, posted by theo on March 10, 2005, at 12:00:47
300mg SR (150mg x 2)
> Which version, what dose are you taking?
Posted by Patient on March 11, 2005, at 9:52:19
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by draisy on March 9, 2005, at 1:40:29
> Does anyone know of a case where someone has gone back on wellbutrin after having a seizure?
>
> Is there any possibility of controlling this awful side effect of wellbutrin? (it's the only anti-dep that has worked for me)
>
> i was on the highest dose (400mg i think it was) and my doctor didn't mention anything about not drinking while taking this medication.
>
> i lost my brother and was drinking pretty heavily the week after his death. I usually have maybe a glass or two of wine a month but was drinking 1-3 drinks a night and had a seizure by the end of the week.
>
> This was a year ago. i'd love to start back on wellbutrin if there's a way.
>
I'd think your doctor would say "definitely no" if you wanted to go back on bupropion after having a seizure while taking it. But, in my opinion, you could try taking 100mg Slow Release twice a day or the lowest dose that works and avoid alcohol.
Posted by Patient on March 11, 2005, at 10:08:31
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by RubyTuesday on March 6, 2005, at 13:24:42
> I was on Effexxor for a few months primarily for anxiety over my mother's death a couple of years ago and having my own children without emotional supprot from a mother, blah blah blah,it had a dulling affect as well I had zero sex-drive BUT I felt pretty happy and not bothered by things..I wanted to switch to wellbutrin because of little side effects..i have been on for two weeks..my problem is it has totally enhanced my sex life which is great BUT I am so crabby my husband doesn't want to be with me anyway!!..I am totally snapping at our children,zero patience and I am obsessing everyday whether I need to be on anti-depressents anymore or not!. Everything is pretty normal in my life and I am on a health kick thing which always boosts my energy. I can't tell if this drug is good for me or not as I am totally more awake and energetic.
> I also am having resentful,nasty thoughts towards my husband and I can't stand him at the moment. On effexxor I loved him to death. My thinking is maybe I was just more mellow on effex. and let things slide that that I normally wouldn't of and now reality hits hard?? Or is it purely the drug making me irritable??
> Any thoughts people???Greatly appreciatted.It's difficult to say. I was taking Celexa for several months and I went to another doc who wanted to see how I'd do on Wellbutrin SR1 150mg once a day, then to increase to twice a day within two weeks. I was taking 10 mg of Celexa. I stopped taking Celexa and started on Wellbutrin and within a week I was snapping at my husband, but didn't feel remorse for it-the Wellb. seemed to give me confidance and I felt relaxed though stimulated. But, after a week I couldn't take it any longer, nor could my husband so I went back on Celexa and the symptoms went away. I've often wondered if what I went through was not just from Wellbutrin's effects, but of withdrawal from Celexa. You gotta admit that Effexor and Wellbutrin are two different classes of ADs, and in my experience whenever I've tried going off of an SSRI I've had irritability and anger discontrol that was so bad after a week of going off med. that I'd end up back on the med for relief. You might consider the small Effexor dose as two other people suggested, this would at least give you a slow taper from Effexor if you plan on discontinuing it completely. And as others have mentioned, Wellbutrin in and of itself can cause anxiety, irritability in certain individuals, but this effect can wane after a while. I've been on Zoloft, Celexa, Celexa w/Wellbutrin SR150mg, Zoloft, Wellbutrin (short time), Celexa w/ BuSpar, Celexa w/trazodone, Prozac, Lexapro w/Tegretol, Celexa, Lexapro w/Depakote, Lexapro, and currently I've been off meds. for three weeks now. This is the longest period I've been off meds. Yes, the irritability is back, but so far it hasn't gotten real bad on a daily basis. I'm taking a PMS supplement, but I won't go into details since it would be on the subject of alternatives.
Posted by meds4life on March 12, 2005, at 11:49:58
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, maybe Effexor wdwl » RubyTuesday, posted by Patient on March 11, 2005, at 10:08:31
I switched from Effexor to Wellbutrin due to weight gain and sexual se. Now, I can't stand my husband and I have angry thoughts towards him and myself. I can't seem to control them. On Effexor, he was the most wonderful person alive. Nothing has changed in his behavior, and he is a great man. I can't seem to stop this feeling of hostility towards him. I have considered adding a littel Effexor into the mix to see if that would mellow me out? What do you think?
Posted by meds4life on March 12, 2005, at 11:54:17
In reply to You sound just like me!, posted by meds4life on March 12, 2005, at 11:49:58
Oh, I forgot to mention. I've been off Effexor for about 4 months, so I know the irritability is coming from Wellbutrin (or I think it is). I've tried reducing coffee, exercise, positive thinking. I just feel so hostile, I don't like it. But, depression is minimal.
Posted by JaneB on March 12, 2005, at 13:56:10
In reply to Re: You sound just like me!, posted by meds4life on March 12, 2005, at 11:54:17
I had the same thing happen to me about 3 years ago. And it had happened when I tried it 5 years ago so I knew it was the Wellbutrin. I really wanted the WB to work so that I would have more energy and better relations but it wasn't worth the price I would have to pay--being angry at my husband.
I will never try WB again. It seems so bizarre that a med can make you feel that way toward your husband. Especially when you are taking it to counter sexual side effects from another antidepressant because you love your husband so much.
Go figure!
> Oh, I forgot to mention. I've been off Effexor for about 4 months, so I know the irritability is coming from Wellbutrin (or I think it is). I've tried reducing coffee, exercise, positive thinking. I just feel so hostile, I don't like it. But, depression is minimal.
Posted by empty inside on March 13, 2005, at 21:40:20
In reply to Re: You sound just like me! » meds4life, posted by JaneB on March 12, 2005, at 13:56:10
i'm on 600mg wellbutrin XL every morning. i've been on this dose several months. i also take 400 mg topomax. i've been on the topamax for longer than the wellbutrin, but have stayed on it party because it is an anti-seizure med. so maybe you could talk to your doc about adding in an anti-seizure medication?
wellbutrin has been the only AD to help me somewhat... hate the side-effects thought. and still no sex drive dammit!
This is the end of the thread.
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