![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
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 ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
Hi all,
With my current cocktail, zoloft 50mg, lamictal 100mg, zyprexa 5mg and clonazepam 0.5mg/bid.... well, to be honest, I have concerns with zyprexa long-term; my memory/attention span seems to be deteriorating daily along with the noted physical health risks. That's a pattern I can't continue with if I'm to function responsibility at work....responsible for engineering /maintenance for a hospital and extended care facility!!
I have never tried wellbutrin and have read it's sometimes helpful with "memory enhancement".
Main concern is my anxiety/panic issues along with irritability. I'm considering wellbutrin, lamictal and clonazepam, my p/doc may have something to say about that though!
I'm hoping I can get some feedback from posters that have "reliable" experience with wellbutrin, and also struggle with anxiety/panic,irritability?
I've always thought it would be way to stimulating for a nervous depression, yet I tolerate zoloft quite well?
So let me here from you wellbutrin users, good and bad experiences welcome! :-)
Thanks for your support.... Rick
Posted by bleauberry on June 5, 2009, at 18:36:05
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
If one were to focus in on all the meds you take and ask, "which ones have memory/attention problems fairly often?", they would include Lamictal and Clonazepam. Not Zoloft or Zyprexa. Of course, these side effects can happen with any med. I'm just trying to point out that what you are experiencing is common with the two meds that you are not looking at. I think you might be pointing the finger at the wrong party. I just wanted to throw that out there to be aware of while going through your decision making process.I don't know what physical risks you were referring to with Zyprexa. Obviously weight gain, blood sugar, and movement disorders are longterm risks with any AP, but that doesn't mean you are destined to get those. They are risks not guarantees.
Zyprex 5mg is a fairly safe conservative dose. Just to put it in perspective, I was on that dose for 8 years. That's a long time. I did not suffer any of the longterm risks. If anyone was vulnerable to them, it was probably me, since I have a family history of parkinsons and movement disorders, and the whole time I was mercury plus lead toxic and also had undiagnosed Lyme disease.
Posted by SLS on June 5, 2009, at 18:38:16
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
> Hi all,
>
> With my current cocktail, zoloft 50mg, lamictal 100mg, zyprexa 5mg and clonazepam 0.5mg/bid....How sure are you that the Zoloft is contributing to your treatment results? 50mg is rather low. Sometimes, people get caught in the "middle". They are close to responding, but not quite. This can produce anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, incoordination, accelerated heart rate, and heart palpitations.
Before switching to another drug, you might as well increase the Zoloft to 100-200mg if you tolerate it and see how the Wellbutrin affects you. "Welloft" was a popular combination for a long time. If you do experience the irritability and anger that some people get with Wellbutrin, I would at that point discontinue the Wellbutrin, leave the Zoloft in place and add nortriptyline.
Wellbutrin made my depression worse by producing dysphoria. This seems to be a very infrequent occurence. What isn't so infrequent is having Klonopin produce dysphoria or depression.
Before doing anything, I would wait for more opinions.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on June 5, 2009, at 18:44:01
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question?? » ricker, posted by SLS on June 5, 2009, at 18:38:16
I just read Bleauberry's post. I think he makes a good point at recognizing the two drugs most likely to interfere with memory, although I did experience "brain fog" while I was taking Zoloft. If I were to say that I don't recall having memory problems with Zoloft, exactly how would one interpret that testimonial? :-)
- Scott
Posted by garnet71 on June 5, 2009, at 18:55:03
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
Hi Ricker,
"I'm hoping I can get some feedback from posters that have "reliable" experience with wellbutrin, and also struggle with anxiety/panic,irritability?"
While I can't speak for the irritability (not a symptom I present very often), I do have severe anxiety at times; been battling it for years.
Wellbutrin never once affected my anxiety levels. It is my favorite psychotropic drug. It no longer works for me unfortunately.
Unless I absolutely had to, I would not take the drugs on your list with the exception of Klonopin. That's just me though.
Wellbutrin does give some people irritability and anxiety. I still remember how I was when I first starting taking it-some tremors, mild shaking, and irritability--but no anxiety. Those symptoms went away when my body got used to it. I think it's often one of those drugs that takes a while to get used to. But now that I think of it,, those initial symptoms may be a sign that it is working. I never got those symptoms with 2 or 3 subsequent trials of WB, and it never worked again.
But you seem to be doing very well. I'd be cautious about changing your meds. Zoloft gave me really bad brain fog before, and I suspect memory problems. Those SSRIs somehow mess w/my dopamine. Anything that works w/dopamiine like Wellbutrin has had a positive effect on my cognition.
I've seen others blame lamictal for memory problems.
Posted by Phillipa on June 5, 2009, at 19:33:28
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by garnet71 on June 5, 2009, at 18:55:03
Personally have taken zoloft but same dose as you. For some reason it didn't get raised. Wellbutrin cause of extreame anxiety problems made me appear manic so was quickly taken off it after a week. I think Scott's idea of raising the zoloft sounds good. I never heard that a low dose could keep you away from full response so maybe will raise the luvox. Me wouldn't take zyprexa either. Diabetes runs in my family. Phillipa
Posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 20:25:02
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
Wow, lots of great feedback, I think anyone that joins this site is rewarded with knowledgebale, caring individuals. I certainly appreciate everyone's support. :-)
I was not aware that wellbutrin and zoloft could be combined nor did I realize lamictals potential for inhibiting memory/attention span!
I do know that zydis attacks a lot of my symptoms and will probably at least take it prn although I'm not sure how effective it would be.
Like many here, I've tried every ssri,snri and probably 70% of the tca as well as nardil over the years. That's why I have this thought in the back of my head to give wellbutrin a try.
I did fairly well with clomipramine for years, effexor was okay for 3 years so I'm wondering; "if I did not find those overly stimulating, then perhaps I could tolerate wellbutrin".
I'll be researching lots prior to my appointment in 10 days and I'm sure the visit will be interesting!
Again, thanks so much for your insightful thoughts.
Regards, Rick
Posted by Phillipa on June 5, 2009, at 21:23:29
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 20:25:02
Ricker what's the difference between zydis and zyprexa is there one? Agree with you if you didn't find the others stimulating wellbutrin might just be the one. Also lamictal was a surprise. Love Phillipa
Posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 22:16:17
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question?? » ricker, posted by Phillipa on June 5, 2009, at 21:23:29
> Ricker what's the difference between zydis and zyprexa is there one? Agree with you if you didn't find the others stimulating wellbutrin might just be the one. Also lamictal was a surprise. Love Phillipa
Hi Jan, not sure if there is a pharmacological difference, just the way it's absorbed. I have not tried zyprexa, just zydis and it works pretty quick, within 20 minutes, for me anyway.
Ya, it was a long battle to get to 100mg lamictal, actually 3 trials! No side-effects!
Take care, Rick
Posted by rollingthunder on June 6, 2009, at 22:51:02
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
"my memory/attention span seems to be deteriorating daily"
ricker,
that's also a possible early sign of depression. It's possible you need to take more of something, not less - or you might be right about a med causing it.
Posted by softheprairie on June 7, 2009, at 3:45:21
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 22:16:17
Probably over 99% of the time (at least around psychiatry) the word Zydis is used the person saying it means the orally disintegrating, quick-acting form of Zyprexa, but technically Zydis means one form of technology that gets a medication to be solid at room temp. but dissolve on the tongue (or otherwise in the mouth). I had previously tried Emsam, wanted to give that active ingredient more of a chance, but I was highly peeved by the physical patches, and asked if I could get it another way, and we tried the Zelapar form of selegiline for a while. The box of Zelapar says "in Zydis form," or something to that effect. I one time mentioned Zydis when I was talking w/ the pdoc about Zelapar, and he said "Zydis is Zyprexa," but then I showed him the box of Zelapar I had with me, and he admitted he had been mistaken.
> > Ricker what's the difference between zydis and zyprexa is there one? Agree with you if you didn't find the others stimulating wellbutrin might just be the one. Also lamictal was a surprise. Love Phillipa
>
> Hi Jan, not sure if there is a pharmacological difference, just the way it's absorbed. I have not tried zyprexa, just zydis and it works pretty quick, within 20 minutes, for me anyway.
>
> Ya, it was a long battle to get to 100mg lamictal, actually 3 trials! No side-effects!
>
> Take care, Rick
>
>
Posted by ricker on June 7, 2009, at 12:04:37
In reply to Clarification on Zydis, posted by softheprairie on June 7, 2009, at 3:45:21
>> I one time mentioned Zydis when I was talking w/ the pdoc about Zelapar, and he said "Zydis is Zyprexa," but then I showed him the box of Zelapar I had with me, and he admitted he had been mistaken.
My box says Zypexa Zysis. I understand that the formulation is derived from a "quick freeze" process, hence the term Zydis.
I guess as long as the p/doc and the patient are on the same wave length, it can be referred to as whatever works?
It's easier to say "Zydis", which is the "common" name for Zyprexa Zydis, rather than saying, "would you like to try oral disintegrating Zyprexa, made from the zydis technique".
But, as you mentioned, technichally, zydis is a "manufacturing process" :-)
Posted by garnet71 on June 7, 2009, at 16:29:43
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by rollingthunder on June 6, 2009, at 22:51:02
Hey Ricker,
Let us know how your PDoc appt. goes. I sound like you lots of times-upcoming PDoc and rethinking my meds, asking for input. It's good to get some ideas from people experienced with meds before you go. I hope the comments help you make a decision in conjunction with your doc.
Take care
Posted by Phillipa on June 7, 2009, at 20:07:28
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by garnet71 on June 7, 2009, at 16:29:43
Ricker I second the good luck and be sure to let us know how it goes. Love Phillipa
Posted by Zana on June 8, 2009, at 21:10:31
In reply to Re: P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by Phillipa on June 7, 2009, at 20:07:28
A way late reply. Wellbutrin made me irritable and anxious. Lamictal also made me very anxious and agitated. So... everyone is different.
Zana
Posted by rvanson on June 9, 2009, at 2:24:20
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
> Hi all,
>
> With my current cocktail, zoloft 50mg, lamictal 100mg, zyprexa 5mg and clonazepam 0.5mg/bid.... well, to be honest, I have concerns with zyprexa long-term; my memory/attention span seems to be deteriorating daily along with the noted physical health risks. That's a pattern I can't continue with if I'm to function responsibility at work....responsible for engineering /maintenance for a hospital and extended care facility!!
>
> I have never tried wellbutrin and have read it's sometimes helpful with "memory enhancement".
>
> Main concern is my anxiety/panic issues along with irritability. I'm considering wellbutrin, lamictal and clonazepam, my p/doc may have something to say about that though!
>
> I'm hoping I can get some feedback from posters that have "reliable" experience with wellbutrin, and also struggle with anxiety/panic,irritability?
>
> I've always thought it would be way to stimulating for a nervous depression, yet I tolerate zoloft quite well?
>
> So let me here from you wellbutrin users, good and bad experiences welcome! :-)
>
> Thanks for your support.... RickWellbutrin can lift sprits in many people, but in my case it just allows me to feel all the bad/sad emotions and gives me horrible reflux too.
Posted by rjlockhart04-08 on June 12, 2009, at 23:32:25
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
Wellbutrin 150mg-300mg is good, yet it causes some anxiety itself. I took in 2004, and start'd hearing all these spark's in my head, what the heck my brain's on fire!
Had to put out, Prozac is a good medication, yet from this cirmcumstance, It enhances serotonin but is not sedating, and does cause some help with concentration, and your outlook on life. Yet after it's release 1987, Paxil 1990, Zoloft 1993, whack man antidepressant generatation!
Some older medication's such as Parnate, which you have to keep "do not eat list" because of reactions with/tryamine (in cheeze/red wine) you cannot take. And this is usally a last options, after years of treatment. Yet some people here just went, talk about it and Nardil all the time.
Parnate increases motivation and the things you enjoy doing, not by blockage of nuerotransmitters, yet the inhibitation of MAO enzyme B. This let's dopamine prolong to be around and not be broken down. You ever see life, just "fed up" nothing to look forward to...been there. Medication, is 1 key to using a mindset to get out of the "hell" that you feel your in. There is one "Master" in believing through faith, and longsuffering being healed from this, by looking to the creator himself. God. Yet, i've been on path's that where/had no essence, yet maybe that was a trial-tribuation to know the personality of God connecting into knowing you. It's through him.
Take care......rerember take the dog's for a walk, get's things off your mind. Just, a suggestion, i've jogged till.....till there was no more nuerothinking, lost weight, gained it back, lost it again. Who know's what's coming next? Watch funny video's on youtube.
there was someone who i joked around, so take it good, man
rj
Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on June 16, 2009, at 15:26:19
In reply to P/doc app. comming up.. Question??, posted by ricker on June 5, 2009, at 18:02:03
It was great for awhile (a few years) in combo with my prozac, but I was off it abruptly in the hospital when I broke my back. I tried to go back on it, but I started having panic attacks. so then, thinking the combo of prozac and wellbutrin was the issue, I tried wellbutrin alone. I had surges of aggression and anxiety for a week and then never tried it again.
I think it is worth a try for you. The worst that can happen is that you have to stop taking it, right? Well, I know it's harder than that, believe me, but we just never know til we try.
> Hi all,
>
> With my current cocktail, zoloft 50mg, lamictal 100mg, zyprexa 5mg and clonazepam 0.5mg/bid.... well, to be honest, I have concerns with zyprexa long-term; my memory/attention span seems to be deteriorating daily along with the noted physical health risks. That's a pattern I can't continue with if I'm to function responsibility at work....responsible for engineering /maintenance for a hospital and extended care facility!!
>
> I have never tried wellbutrin and have read it's sometimes helpful with "memory enhancement".
>
> Main concern is my anxiety/panic issues along with irritability. I'm considering wellbutrin, lamictal and clonazepam, my p/doc may have something to say about that though!
>
> I'm hoping I can get some feedback from posters that have "reliable" experience with wellbutrin, and also struggle with anxiety/panic,irritability?
>
> I've always thought it would be way to stimulating for a nervous depression, yet I tolerate zoloft quite well?
>
> So let me here from you wellbutrin users, good and bad experiences welcome! :-)
>
> Thanks for your support.... Rick
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.