Anyone on Wellbutrin

mamalu13

Docs put me on celexa but I did not do well with that so going to try Wellbutrin . I'm very sensitive to any meds. Gave me Xanax for extreme attacks but I hear that's very addicting so I have it on hand only for an extreme attack. I am 45 and have lived a happy life . I've always been the life of the party so these feelings that I know are natural are kicking my butt. I can't stop worrying and crying. I am 5 weeks post mastectomy. No chemo and no rads so I should be happy and celebrating. My heart knows this but my mind won't let me go there. I feel I will never be myself again. I had withdrawals from the pain meds . So I am afraid to take anything but all the docs tell me I need to be on something. Is anyone on Wellbutrin and if so can you tell me about side affects and does it alter you. I'm so afraid if feeling zombied out. Can anyone plz help me with advice. I trust this board and you ladies more than the docs.

Del11

Wellbutrin is sort of like a double shot of espresso. The only side effect I had, after getting used to the drug, was that if I didn't take it I got a headache. Like a caffeine headache.  And I was really cranky until I did take it.

One off-label use for Wellbutrin is an appetite suppressant, and it had that effect for me.  I've found if I miss a dose my appetite goes up.  I'm going to taper off of it soon, just because I don't need it anymore, but going cold turkey wouldn't be harmful.  Not to myself, anyway

Sido

I've been taking Wellbutrin for years and never had a problem with it, once I got used to it. I don't ever feel like a zombie AND (best part) it has no sexual side effects. While most anti-depressants destroy libido and ability to climax, wellbutrin does not. Brilliant!

Druanne

I am on Welbutrin! It has been 2 months now! It has kept me smoke free and the only other side effect I have is a loss of appetite! WHICH I might add is a WONDERFUL side effect when you are trying to quit smoking

wildrumara

Ive read several in different articles on-line that you shouldn't take Wellbutrin if you are on Tamoxifen....??   I used to be on Wellbutrin but stopped it about five months before my diagnosis.  I WOULD LOVE to get back on it once my surgery is over, (Just finished chemo yesterday), but I've read that Wellbutrin makes the Tamoxifen less effective???   Anyone else heard about this...??

mamalu13

When you gals say once you got used to it .. What do you mean. The celexa made my heart rate go up really fast and that feeling makes me anxious. So I want to avoid anything that makes me feel that way. I don't want to feel like a zombie but I also don't want to be wired all day. The generic version is going to cost me 150... I don't want to make that expense if it's going to wire me all day... Cause that's why I got off celexa.. I'm so confused .. I know everyone is different .. I just heard good things about this med . Does it help with the anxiety at all. I hate !!!! Xanax. I try so hard not to take it. I only have it for extreme anxiety attacks. I've lost 16 pounds in two weeks because i have not been eating which is not good cause then I don't have energy... Thanks for the insight.. If this does not work any other suggestions???

Mallory107

I had no problem whatsoever on Wellbutrin.  For me it was an easy drug to take with absolutely no side effects. I tried many others too and they all had problems for me.  With Prozac I could n't stop yawning!  So weird-and not good for social situations!  I took Lexapor for one day-hated it!  I felt so weird on it.  Same with zoloft. 

Cyborg

I am taking wellbutrin. My antihormonal is Fareston. No supposed to takewellbutrin w tamoxifen

mamalu13

Cyborg

I am not on anything else. Trying to stay off of the Xanax cause its horrible and very addicting.

I tried the celexa but it made my heart beat really fast and that's what I'm trying to avoid . Umm concerned about the loss of appetite side affect because I am already weak from

Not eating. I know I need something but I don't want to spend 150 for 30 pills . I'm just so afraid to try anything because side affects. If you had any do they go away after a while?

momoschki

I have been on a relatively low dose (200 mg/day) of Wellbutrin for about 2 months.  It has definitely done the trick for me in that I no longer feel obsessively preoccupied with feelings of impending doom and am able to function much better and feel like my "real" self.  Only side effect is that for me, it has been a mild appetite suppressant and I find I am just less hungry than before.  This has been helpful in keeping weight down.  Otherwise, as others have said, no sexual side effects, and for me, no buzzy overly caffeinated feeling either.  Keep in mind that everyone responds differently.  I get the generic form and it costs me $15 (my co-pay) for a month's supply.

Cyborg

I am a little too wired on the wellbutrin. I function better sexually on wellbutrin than on effexor or zoloft.

mamalu13

Thats what I'm afraid of .. I don't like that jitterness feeling of being wired . But everything I read seems to say that one has the least side affects. Guess I won't know til I try it . Wish me luck...How long before you start feeling better. Or will I ever feel like my old me again.. I'm just so sad and so much anxiety I don't know what to do...

Cynthia1962

Have you considered Valium? I know that it can be addicting, but I find it extremely effective for panic attacks and all feelings of anxiety. I used it originally many years ago when I was suffering from a panic disorder that developed at as result of tachycardias.  I started out on a very low dose and only used it to prevent panic attacks or tachs.  I used it for a year with no problems.  Then, when I was dx'd with bc, I could barely function due to anxiety.  I began using Valium again and it helped me cope, sleep, relax, and prevent my heart from beating too fast.  My dr. eventually decided that she wanted my heart checked and it was determined that it was still beating too fast and I was put on Atenolol which lowers my heart rate and prevents it from going Tachy.  I haven't needed the valium as much, but I still use it for periods of anxiety.  I take the smallest amount that works which is sometimes a 1/4 of a 5mg tablet.  I also likes that it works almost immediately.  I did try Xanax, but it makes me feel "flat" which creeps me out. 

Sorry for the rambling story, but I hope it helps.  Keep trying and you'll find something to help you.  Good luck!

Kite

The only think I notice is I feel better. I don't notice any side effects at all. I take a low dose and it helps me a lot.

At first I did take it at night because I got sleepy. Nothing bad, but I figured if I was gonna be sleepy it would be a night.

momoschki

I found it took quite a while (4 weeks?) before I really began to notice a difference and feel better, so be patient and don't conclude, if after 2 weeks or so, you still feel the same, that the wellbutrin won't work for you.  You just have to hang in there.

mamalu13

I know Wellbutrin is not for anxiety like some other depression meds. But does anyone know if after it kicks in does your anxiety level go down? I think I can handle the depression better than the anxiety. Every single day , all day I'm jittery and my heart beats so fast and I have the shakes. I refuse to take Xanax on a daily basis because of its addictive nature. But I do keep it just incase I feel a severe panic attack coming on. I don't even feel like going back to work anymore . I know everyone says it will get better but right now I just can't see how. How can I go on and live in fear.. All I can do is pray.

lulubee

I would like to know how it affects anxiety as well, mamalu... hoping someone will comment on this.

I would also like to know from people who take it what you think about Wellbutrin's reputed effect on lethargy and low energy.  

I hear/read that it is sometimes a better choice for people who feel lethargic on SSRI-type antidepressants -- that it gives a little boost of energy and focus.  I tried Lexapro for a couple of weeks once, but I couldn't handle nodding off every afternoon when I needed to be working, and I felt like I couldn't stay focused on tasks as well -- like my brain was kind of in a fuzzy zone at times. I haven't tried another A/D since then... but now that I am on Xgeva and Faslodex and battling fatigue, that aspect of Wellbutrin is sounding more appealing to me.  

Do any of you find it lifts you above lethargy and helps you stay productive? 

Aerial

I've been taking Wellbutrin in combination with Paxil since 2008 (I use the generic brands).  For me, the Paxil helps balance out any jitters that might happen.  Wellbutrin helps me focus, concetrate, and boosts by memory.  I take Xanax at night to ease anxiety and help with sleep.  As long as you take Xanax according to doctor's orders, it's doubtful you would become "addicted," (In my non-professional opinion, anyway).

I've never felt like a zombie on any anti-depressant (I've tried several kinds but, the Wellbutrin & Paxil has suited me best).  Thankfully, there are plenty of meds to try and there's probably one that will work for you.

In my own experience, I've found that meds work best when I have a therapist to help me work on the "thought attacks" that lead to anxiety.  Depression can become a deep, deep rut that spirals downward and talking to a counselor can help so much!

I pray for all of us--we deserve all the help we can get.

mamalu13

Does Wellbutrin give you jitters . That's what the anxiety feels like. No matter what I do I can't shake them.

mamalu13

What about bulspar I think that's how it's spelled . Anyone know about that. I think it's an anti anxiety med.

Druanne

I feel great on Wellbutrin! I started taking it to help me quit smoking and it has WORKED! The appetite suppressant side effect has been SO GREAT!! I have not gained any weight from quitting and I have no desire to smoke.........not sure if it is boosting my energy as I have always been pretty active.......I do NOT however feel jittery or anything I have not tried any other drug so have nothing to compare it to.......I am supposed to start Tamoxifen soon and am very bummed to hear I cannot take the two together.......I have been quit since October 16th so hopefully I can stay quit after getting off the Wellbutrin

Sido

I have depression & anxiety and Wellbutrin never made me anxious or jittery. If anxiety is a major problem, you might want to ask your doctor about Lorazopan (sp?). It really helped me prevent or get over anxiety attacks.

bevin

Hi - anyone who is on wellbutrin - do you find it also helps hot flashes like effexor does? I'd like to try it but wondered about how well it does with hot flashes. Please comment if you can.

Thanks eveyrone

lulubee

I asked my onc about that and she said Wellbutrin does not help with hot flashes.

lulubee

I want to second Cynthia's observation about Valium (diazepam).  I have wrestled off and on with a bit of PTSD since cancer came into my world, and sometimes my adrenals get so miserably jammed in high gear that I can't even settle down enough to pray the calming prayers that I know will help.  That's when I know I need some support to get through.  

When I can't get that grinding, nervous feeling to subside by other means (deep breathing, slowing down, stretching, calm music, herb tea, etc), I do not hesitate to pop half a Valium to put the world back on its axis.  

There comes this lovely moment when I can feel it washing over and untying my knotted-up muscles, and my breathing deepens again.  It's an old proven drug, been around forever, and it works.

I only take it once every week or so, as needed. But for me, it always knocks the anxiety back to the corner for a while. 

brazos58

I did much better on Wellbutrin than the selective seritonin re uptake inhibitors/ aka SSRI's, like Paxil/ Zoloft and Effexor. I have been fine on Wellbutrin.

No sadly Wellbutrin does not have the effects as Effexor does with hot flash's.

And also Wellbutrin is not to be taken with Tamoxifen

I would encourage you to to take the Xanax at least here and there to give yourself a reprieve from the anxiety and to see if it helps with the shakiness.....and by no means let addiction be a reason to suffer. Using this under a Dr's. supervision on an as needed basis will not lead to addiction....your nervous system is on overload right now...this in a small enough dose should not have you feeling like a zombie.Sounds like you need a lower dose?. You will feel better, hang on to those words.

I found by the living thru trials of antidepressants that if you take 1/4 to 1/2 the dose ordered ( and yes you do have every right to do this....)  stay on that dose for a week or so and see how you feel..... than slowly add an addition 1/4 every week to 10 days. The key to having a good response with less unwanted side effects is to start at a lower dose and increase it slowly.

Most Doctors are not aware of that fact as they have never had to live getting on board antidepressants....they often prescribe too high a dose.

Buy a pill cutter. Ask for pills not capsules. I suggest no one go on SR/ Sustained Release in beginning a trial of antidepressants.

Remember it takes time for antidepressants to work....close to a month or more sometimes. You may feel a bit off, but that often goes away in time and you will feel like you.

Don't forget to take a deep breath every now and again/ take walks/ be with others..... get some sunshine....and pray.

Depression is scary, its hell....with the right guidance you will come out and see the light again.

Blessings to you

xo

Brazos RN/ my own presonal trials and tribulations, may you find this helpful

Wren44

I have taken Wellbutrin for years for recurrent depression. My plan is to stay on it for life to try to prevent another major depressive episode. It made it a little harder to get to sleep at night, but my shrink added trazodone which helps with sleep. Trazodone is an old antidepressant - not all that effective and very sedating. Buspar is an antianxiety medication with almost no risk of addiction or dependence. Also, higher doses of Celexa can be good for anxiety.

I also found counseling to be effective.  Cognitive therapy can help you learn to stop the anxious thinking before it gets out of hand. You don't need to suffer. It may take a little while to find the right solution. Hugs.

Cyborg

Hi! Just want to say the wired feeling went away and I feel happy and normal... Maybe it just kicked in.

mamalu13

Thanks to everyone . If I decide I need it I will go with wellbutrin instead of the Effexor cause I hear that's really hard to come off of.

Sirena_Gorda

Have taken Wellbutrin for years, even before my DX.  I believe it is a great drug for depression.  If you feel too "jittery" your doctor can lower the dose.  If you need help for anxiety also (I did), perhaps talk with your doctor about adding a low dose of Lexapro.  Worked for me, although I don't think I will ever be anxiety-free due to having BC.