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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Peter on July 12, 2001, at 3:08:56
Hi all. Well, I'm still on day 6 of 100mg Wellbutrin. I wrote earlier about the strange charged-up/spacey side-effects I'm having and my decision to nonetheless stick with it with the hopes that these side-effects will subside. But I've still been reading alot about peoples' experiences with Wellbutrin causing extreme agitation, irritability, and panic attacks months into treatment. I guess I just need reassurance, because I feel scared continuing the drug. I have hypomania, for which I'm taking 875mg Depakote a day; I also have generalized anxiety and a history of panic attacks, for which I'm taking .75 to 1.25mg Klonopin a day. Both drugs I've been taking for a few years, and the reason my doctor put me on Wellbutrin is because I've been experiencing bouts of minor depression and social anxiety when I don't look forward to anything, I'm irritable, lethargic, antisocial, and I don't want to leave the house. But these symptoms haven't been consistent- just on and off - but when they occur they are fairly debilitating. Of course, an SRI was an option, but I've tried Paxil, Celexa, and Effexor in the past and all three have produced in me intense cravings for alcohol/drugs as well as mania and a certain emotional dullness or numbness. So, he suggested Wellbutrin, saying that it could produce an overall lifting of my mood which would in turn help with the depression/ social anxiety episodes. But I'm afraid that it might induce panic attacks and exacerbate social anxiety instead of alleviating it. I'm confused and I can't stop worrying about if I should continue to try it or switch to something else. I'd appreciate any advice, and I thank you ahead of time, as you've all been so helpful already in past responses.
Posted by SalArmy4me on July 12, 2001, at 4:55:00
In reply to Wellbutrin concerns, posted by Peter on July 12, 2001, at 3:08:56
Eventually you will develop a tolerance to the Wellbutrin, such that the side-effects will go away. I can't put a chronological date on that, though.
Posted by sl on July 12, 2001, at 10:43:46
In reply to Wellbutrin concerns, posted by Peter on July 12, 2001, at 3:08:56
I answered above, but I'll give a little more detail for you here since you seem nervous. Wellbutrin CAN exacerbate anxiety for some people. But it can also make it better. You're combining it with Klonopin and Depakote, I'd be very surprised if it caused major problems. As far as I can see, you've already got pharmaceutical "backup" on the things it might cause, mania and anxiety, and your doctor appears to be very open to the idea of NOT putting you on a large dosage of Wb. (many doctors would look at the "therapeutic dosage" and not let you get away with less!)
Relax and enjoy the ride. :)
sl
PS Congrats on having a liberal doctor who's flexible and open. :)
Posted by Peter on July 12, 2001, at 11:53:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin concerns, posted by sl on July 12, 2001, at 10:43:46
Thanks for your input everyone.
Posted by Janelle on July 12, 2001, at 16:37:47
In reply to Wellbutrin concerns, posted by Peter on July 12, 2001, at 3:08:56
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the update. I would suggest that you CONTINUE the Wellbutrin, BUT if you continue to experience those side effects after about two more weeks, they may NOT dissipate and you may want to consider going off the Wellbutrin(gradually).
I know it can take MANY weeks, months for meds to WORK, but I have also read and heard from many sources that side effects generally go away after 2-3 weeks at most (in some cases, they dissipate in a few days).
I understand your need for reassurance because I'm in the same boat with Effexor - afraid to increase it again (I'm at half the "full" dose), although I may have gone up too quickly the first time. I also have hypomania, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and take 1.0 to 1.25 Klonopin a day.
I don't look forward to anything, I feel lethargic, antisocial, and I don't want to leave the house. But these symptoms HAVE been consistent and they are debilitating.
Good luck, stay on your path. It sounds promising.
Posted by terra miller on July 12, 2001, at 21:43:07
In reply to Wellbutrin concerns, posted by Peter on July 12, 2001, at 3:08:56
> Hi all. Well, I'm still on day 6 of 100mg Wellbutrin. I wrote earlier about the strange charged-up/spacey side-effects I'm having and my decision to nonetheless stick with it with the hopes that these side-effects will subside. But I've still been reading alot about peoples' experiences with Wellbutrin causing extreme agitation, irritability, and panic attacks months into treatment. I guess I just need reassurance, because I feel scared continuing the drug. I have hypomania, for which I'm taking 875mg Depakote a day; I also have generalized anxiety and a history of panic attacks, for which I'm taking .75 to 1.25mg Klonopin a day. Both drugs I've been taking for a few years, and the reason my doctor put me on Wellbutrin is because I've been experiencing bouts of minor depression and social anxiety when I don't look forward to anything, I'm irritable, lethargic, antisocial, and I don't want to leave the house. But these symptoms haven't been consistent- just on and off - but when they occur they are fairly debilitating. Of course, an SRI was an option, but I've tried Paxil, Celexa, and Effexor in the past and all three have produced in me intense cravings for alcohol/drugs as well as mania and a certain emotional dullness or numbness. So, he suggested Wellbutrin, saying that it could produce an overall lifting of my mood which would in turn help with the depression/ social anxiety episodes. But I'm afraid that it might induce panic attacks and exacerbate social anxiety instead of alleviating it. I'm confused and I can't stop worrying about if I should continue to try it or switch to something else. I'd appreciate any advice, and I thank you ahead of time, as you've all been so helpful already in past responses.
Hi again, Peter-I haven't read the other responses to you, but I have some things to add.
About the weaning in period: I think it lasts about 4-5 weeks. That's the time when the irritability (sometimes rage) is tough and you know it's the wellbutrin because it's certainly not you. It calms down after that but while you are in that space you think you are becoming a madman. It's just the wellbutrin and the rage (if it happens... it did to me and others) does go away. It's just the wellbutrin.
The energy: that continues for some time. It is really noticable at first because it is an increase in what you are used to. But I think it generally stays around. I've gotten used to it. I get up in the morning hours before I used to. It's been an amazing improvement in my lifestyle, as well as my sleeping patterns. (Getting up early means I get to bed at a reasonable time.)
About the panic: I think wellbutrin can make the panic tougher at times. I would think the klonopin would help. I have ativan. Sometimes I take it as needed. But I did go through a month of using it everyday. I'm off it again now. The ativan helped with the panic for certain. Having been off and on of it while on wellbutrin I can say for me that I don't necessarily think it was the wellbutrin that induced the panic. I think it was circumstances. Of course, lowering your dose or stopping the klonopin would bring an increase in panic as well. But I'm just taking the wellbutrin alone at this time.
About the social anxiety: I found the ativan to be helpful with this. On the wellbutrin alone I feel more uncertain of myself. I think this is because the wellbutrin can leave me feeling overcharged sometimes, like when you have way too much coffee and you just can't get control of it to be social and then you feel embarrassed and stuff. (Side note, reducing your caffeine intake is extremely helpful when on wellbutrin I have found. My doc says that's why people quit smoking while on it. They don't need the stimulant of the cigarettes anymore.) Anyway, I have not found it personally true to have to adjust to the wellbutrin/panic months into treatment. For me it took about 3 months??
About the depression: You know, I never really believed it.... but the wellbutrin is finally providing that settling effect which lifts depression. It took about 4 months for me. Just the last couple weeks have I noticed it to be effecting the depression. **thunderous applause** Until then, it was just helpful in giving me energy to move through my day. Now it actually is providing a calming effect. I also had no help from the SSRI's, effexor or serzone. It has helped my anxiety not be so bad (PTSD), but doesn't cover it completely so that I am not able to feel anything.
Long post. Hope all is well. Give it a good shot. -Terra
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