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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MB on June 25, 2000, at 17:39:00
I'm on my sixth day of Wellbutrin. It's been an interesting experience. On the first day, I felt nothing. On the second and third day, I felt great after each dose (150mg SR/BID), but fell into an irritable slump in between doses. The last few days have been extreme, to say the least. Feel like I'm about to go over the top in terms of anxiety, racing thoughts, etc.
This is the third time I've been on Wellbutrin. The first time, I was already on Xanax for GAD. It took the edges off the WB side effects. The second time, I drank to take the edge off. Now I'm in Recovery and can't drink EtOH, and really should stay as far away from benzos as possible. This is the first time I've had to deal with the initial WB effects without a depressant to help. How long is the anxiousness a side effect. I remember that once I got adjusted to the med, It was great. Hope I can make it to that point.
ps. For some reason, drinking a cup of coffee when I'm really spinning on the WB helps calm/center me. Any theories?
MB
Posted by Johnturner77 on June 28, 2000, at 13:53:00
In reply to Wellbutrin Experiences, posted by MB on June 25, 2000, at 17:39:00
> I'm on my sixth day of Wellbutrin. It's been an interesting experience. On the first day, I felt nothing. On the second and third day, I felt great after each dose (150mg SR/BID), but fell into an irritable slump in between doses. The last few days have been extreme, to say the least. Feel like I'm about to go over the top in terms of anxiety, racing thoughts, etc.
>
> This is the third time I've been on Wellbutrin. The first time, I was already on Xanax for GAD. It took the edges off the WB side effects. The second time, I drank to take the edge off. Now I'm in Recovery and can't drink EtOH, and really should stay as far away from benzos as possible. This is the first time I've had to deal with the initial WB effects without a depressant to help. How long is the anxiousness a side effect. I remember that once I got adjusted to the med, It was great. Hope I can make it to that point.
>
> ps. For some reason, drinking a cup of coffee when I'm really spinning on the WB helps calm/center me. Any theories?
>
> MBI am sorry that no one has responded. I found WB was very stimulating for me. I went for days without sleeping. I wonder if WB is a good choice for a recovering alcoholic. The alcohol rebound effect makes anxiety an issue anyway. I am no authority, but it seems Trazodone might be a better choice.
As I have gotten older small doses of caffeine tend to have a paradoxical effect. I am calmer and sleepy instead of wired. Maybe the WB is too adrenergic for you and you need something else maybe with more dopiminergic effect. WB is supposed to have quite a bit of Dopiminergic effect but it pooped out fairly early for me and the ADD symptoms came back with a vengeance.
Posted by harry b. on June 28, 2000, at 15:16:11
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Experiences, posted by Johnturner77 on June 28, 2000, at 13:53:00
Geez Guys,
I take my 150mg Wellbutrin SR, my Ritalin, and
a large coffee in the am and I just want to take
a nap. Forgot the Lithium & .5mg Klonopin.Anxiety- some, but only due to specific, identifiable causes
Racing Thoughts- Yes, sometimes, & can be obsessive,
but that is the norm for meAD Benefits- Little to none. The only reason I'm
trying WB again is because I took it several yrs
ago for 6 months or so and experienced no bad
side effects. Kind of ridiculous really, I take a
med that doesn't help just because I like not
having to deal with side effects.I'll go stand in the corner of the room now.
hb
Posted by shar on June 28, 2000, at 22:38:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Experiences, posted by harry b. on June 28, 2000, at 15:16:11
I was warned well away from Wellbutrin by a couple of people, but my doc kept wanting to try it. I was on Effexor SR (XR?) and was so sleepy all the time.
So, I started the WB, and it brought me up to where I could mostly get thru the day without a nap. Definitely not overstimulating.
Oh--but I drink coffee all day and night. Maybe I just don't react to the stimulus of WB.
It's ok for me. I have heard about people having the paradoxical effect with coffee, and benadryl (my ex), and also heard that Ritalin given to adults is more of a stimulant. I haven't taken it so I don't know.
BTW--the people who warned me away were a lot more outgoing than I am. Maybe if one tends toward that, it sort of magnifies it. ????
S
Posted by quilter on June 28, 2000, at 23:38:56
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Experiences, posted by harry b. on June 28, 2000, at 15:16:11
and take that dunce cap off, too. It really doesn't suit you. ;- )
Posted by MB on June 29, 2000, at 0:08:53
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Experiences, posted by Johnturner77 on June 28, 2000, at 13:53:00
I decided to quit this trial of Wellbutrin. Was totally paranoid, obsessive, anxious, etc. I think this has something to do with the fact that the doc started me off immediately on 300mg/day. The theory was that since it pooped out before, maybe a higher dose would benifit me. I still think I should have tapered onto it. Anyway, after I turned into a major freakshow, I halfed my dose, but still couldn't take it. Back to Serzone. Feeling better.
> I am sorry that no one has responded. I found WB was very stimulating for me. I went for days without sleeping. I wonder if WB is a good choice for a recovering alcoholic. The alcohol rebound effect makes anxiety an issue anyway. I am no authority, but it seems Trazodone might be a better choice.
> As I have gotten older small doses of caffeine tend to have a paradoxical effect. I am calmer and sleepy instead of wired. Maybe the WB is too adrenergic for you and you need something else maybe with more dopiminergic effect. WB is supposed to have quite a bit of Dopiminergic effect but it pooped out fairly early for me and the ADD symptoms came back with a vengeance.
Posted by harry b. on June 29, 2000, at 0:16:32
In reply to Harry, get out of that corner right now!, posted by quilter on June 28, 2000, at 23:38:56
> and take that dunce cap off, too. It really doesn't suit you. ;- )
Yes ma'am. I'll do (practically) anything you say.
BTW, I'm glad to hear you are doing well, keep up
the good work.
hb
Posted by shar on June 29, 2000, at 21:05:57
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Experiences, posted by MB on June 29, 2000, at 0:08:53
MB:
I hope you do ok with the Serzone. I think starting on WB at 300 is a LOT!!
Best of luck,
S
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