Posted by JohnX2 on June 1, 2002, at 11:51:03
In reply to No immediate benefit from Wellbutrin?????, posted by Anyuser on June 1, 2002, at 11:21:49
> After a lot of thought and screwing around, I started Wellbutrin SR. I chose the drug after a lot of research on my own & my doctor (who is way into drugs) went along with that choice. I want to believe this drug will help my depression. I understand it will take weeks for the drug to kick in & I am willing to tough out the side effects.
>
> At my first follow-up with my doctor after taking the drug for only two weeks, I told him that beginning the drug was very unpleasant, at first it seemed to worsen the dread and hypochondria the go along with my depression. That wore off after about five days & now the side effects are minimal, but as far as my depression goes I have good days and bad days which I figured was no more than I should expect after only two weeks.
>
> Here's my issue: My doctor said my initial experience indicates that Wellbutrin is not the drug for me and that I should switch to Serzone. He said he can tell from a patient's immediate reaction to an antidepressant whether it will eventually alleviate depression. That advice is contrary to everything I've ever read on the subject, that is, intial side effects fade away and benefits kick in after a few weeks.
>
> This has put me into something of a spin. I am not sure my doctor is giving me good advice, but he has shaken my confidence that I am doing the right thing in Wellbutrin.
>
> Which should I abandon? My doctor or Wellbutrin? Has anybody ever heard of this idea that one's experience in the first days with an antidepressant indicates whether that drug will eventually be effective? I have something of an investment in getting ramped up on this drug and I am inclined to give it four weeks before trying something else. I am also thinking about finding a new doctor if I can't find some corroboration that he knows what he's talking about.
>
> Any advice?As long as the Wellbutrin is not giving you more
racing thoughts of dread, or giving you more
motivatation to act on the dread
(Wellbutrin can be very activating from day1),
or cycling you into more dispair,
I wouldn't be too concerned. I guess this is
a judgement between you and your physician.The main concern would be that the energizing
part of Wellbutrin may give you more motivation to
act on the dread before the AD effect really kicks
in.If you and doctor are not worried about above,
I may give the Wellbutrin at least a 4 week trial
(some AD's take upto 8+ weeks).Good Luck,
John
poster:JohnX2
thread:108296
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020525/msgs/108302.html