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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 30. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 17:21:43
Since I began WB I've experienced a side effect that
is getting worse. It is dizziness or mild vertigo
that happens when I turn my head, and especially
when I make an eye movement. Anyone else experience
this?It is disconcerting and if it continues will prevent
me from sailing & flying, maybe even driving. My pdoc
told me to try dramamine.I was trying to get a scrip for zyprexa or seroquel
to address ruminating thoughts but she wants to resolve
the dizziness first.
hb
Posted by MB on July 3, 2000, at 18:26:24
In reply to Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 17:21:43
Sounds like typical withdrawl symptoms of comming *off* an SSRI. By any chance, have you recently switched from an SSRI to the Wellbutrin, or discontinued an SSRI? If so, it is possible that it is *not* the Wellbutrin causing it, but the discontinuation of another med that is the culprit.
> Since I began WB I've experienced a side effect that
> is getting worse. It is dizziness or mild vertigo
> that happens when I turn my head, and especially
> when I make an eye movement. Anyone else experience
> this?
>
> It is disconcerting and if it continues will prevent
> me from sailing & flying, maybe even driving. My pdoc
> told me to try dramamine.
>
> I was trying to get a scrip for zyprexa or seroquel
> to address ruminating thoughts but she wants to resolve
> the dizziness first.
> hb
Posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 18:51:41
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by MB on July 3, 2000, at 18:26:24
> Sounds like typical withdrawl symptoms of comming *off* an SSRI. By any chance, have you recently switched from an SSRI to the Wellbutrin, or discontinued an SSRI? If so, it is possible that it is *not* the Wellbutrin causing it, but the discontinuation of another med that is the culprit.
>MB-
Have been on the WB for about a month. Celexa before
that. Did a slow taper from the C.I could do a small dose of the C. to find out, really
hate the C. tho.What do you think, try some C. just to rule that
out? Opinions? Thanks.
hb
Posted by Cindy W on July 3, 2000, at 21:22:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 18:51:41
> > Sounds like typical withdrawl symptoms of comming *off* an SSRI. By any chance, have you recently switched from an SSRI to the Wellbutrin, or discontinued an SSRI? If so, it is possible that it is *not* the Wellbutrin causing it, but the discontinuation of another med that is the culprit.
> >
>
> MB-
> Have been on the WB for about a month. Celexa before
> that. Did a slow taper from the C.
>
> I could do a small dose of the C. to find out, really
> hate the C. tho.
>
> What do you think, try some C. just to rule that
> out? Opinions? Thanks.
> hb
Harry, there are several SSRI's and other medications (Anafranil, Effexor-XR) which are helpful with rumination as well as Celexa. Have you tried these? (I have OCD and have been fighting a battle with rumination and compulsive rituals since I was a kid.)
Posted by ksvt on July 3, 2000, at 22:50:33
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by Cindy W on July 3, 2000, at 21:22:38
> > > Sounds like typical withdrawl symptoms of comming *off* an SSRI. By any chance, have you recently switched from an SSRI to the Wellbutrin, or discontinued an SSRI? If so, it is possible that it is *not* the Wellbutrin causing it, but the discontinuation of another med that is the culprit.
> > >
> >
> > MB-
> > Have been on the WB for about a month. Celexa before
> > that. Did a slow taper from the C.
> >
> > I could do a small dose of the C. to find out, really
> > hate the C. tho.
> > harryb - I suffered similar side effects with WB initially and each time I increased my dosage. I started small and gradually increased. My experience was always that this side effect went away after a fairly brief period, and while WB has not done as much for me as I might like, I've had fewer side effects with this drug than with any other I've taken.
> > What do you think, try some C. just to rule that
> > out? Opinions? Thanks.
> > hb
> Harry, there are several SSRI's and other medications (Anafranil, Effexor-XR) which are helpful with rumination as well as Celexa. Have you tried these? (I have OCD and have been fighting a battle with rumination and compulsive rituals since I was a kid.)
Posted by paul on July 4, 2000, at 0:58:23
In reply to Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 17:21:43
hb-
i had the visual distortions awa EXTREME fits of destructive rage. dont git me wrong-nobody better knows the intense therapeutic value of, say, chopping a cord of wood or destroying something that no longer has any use-provided standard safety measures are tasken first-but it's the FREQUENCY of such "outings" that wb caused that scared hell out of me. i eventually had to dump the stuff-it's best point was i didn't need to downramp. i quit coldturkey with no ill effects. keep them cards'n'lettres comin harry-your last one was suitable for framing (or wrapping fish)----
tx
pcl
Posted by harry b. on July 4, 2000, at 20:04:42
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects » harry b., posted by paul on July 4, 2000, at 0:58:23
Tried dramimine for the dizziness problem, no effect
at all. Think I'll stop the WB for a few days &
see if it goes away.I don't have any other SE from the WB paul. i'm
still taking Ritilan also.I have experienced this type of dizziness before,
but it was from stopping klonopin. I'm taking
the K now so that's not it.I'll stop the WB, if that isn't the culprit, I'll
take a small dose of Celexa, see if it is withdrawal.
Posted by allisonm on July 4, 2000, at 20:42:40
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 4, 2000, at 20:04:42
This probably will sound stupid, but since I've been on WB my appetite has disappeared and sometimes I don't bother to eat. If I don't eat for a long period of time I get dizzy or I get the shakes. Then I realize I haven't eaten and I eat something.
I did notice over the weekend that I got dizzy, lightheaded, and unsteady on my feet fairly often when working in the yard in the sun and then standing up quickly. Suspect it was the heat, but I don't ever recall the heat affecting me this much (it wasn't THAT hot) or getting dizzy this often (like every time). I was careful to keep up on the fluids and I took frequent breaks, and I ate.
Also, I've noticed ringing in my ears. Anyone else?
Posted by harry b. on July 4, 2000, at 20:57:46
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by Cindy W on July 3, 2000, at 21:22:38
> Harry, there are several SSRI's and other medications (Anafranil, Effexor-XR) which are helpful with rumination as well as Celexa. Have you tried these? (I have OCD and have been fighting a battle with rumination and compulsive rituals since I was a kid.)Thanks. But Effexor sux, never tried Anafranil.
Will not go the SSRI route again.
hb
Posted by paul on July 6, 2000, at 0:07:26
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 4, 2000, at 20:04:42
hb-
are you talkin to herr dokktorrb about all this?
pcl
Posted by harry b. on July 6, 2000, at 12:34:46
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by paul on July 6, 2000, at 0:07:26
> hb-
> are you talkin to herr dokktorrb about all this?
> pclTalked to her abt the dizziness, etc.
Did not talk abt my experiment to temp quit WB
Why? Think there's a problem with this?
hb
Posted by harry b. on July 7, 2000, at 2:01:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 6, 2000, at 12:34:46
Well-
3 days no WB & dizziness still present. Will go
another 2 days w/o WB & then try another brain
chemistry experiment.
hb
Posted by GA Grits on September 21, 2001, at 15:54:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 7, 2000, at 2:01:24
>
> Well-
> 3 days no WB & dizziness still present. Will go
> another 2 days w/o WB & then try another brain
> chemistry experiment.
> hb
Harry or Anyone Still Out There,Have read about your side effects -- I'm suffering the same. Namely, dizziness, nausea, ear ringing, and seem to be annoyed to the nth degree over the least little thing.
I had been taking Paxil for about 9 months, asked the doctor to change the med because I had absolutely NO libido, and was about to get married to a totally understanding (and psychology degreed) man. So the doc put me on Effexor -- what a nightmare!! I did NOT like that stuff and after six weeks, went back to ask her to change to something else. Now I'm on WB and have only been taking it less than a week at 150mg once a day. Am supposed to step this dosage up to twice a day once I've been taking one pill a day for a week.
Someone PLEASE tell me that these side effects either go away or are leftover nastiness from the Effexor.
ALSO, I haven't seen any posts here on psychobabble about WB that are more recent than yours (harry). I hope someone is still out there that can give some experienced advice.
Thanks.
Posted by KB on September 22, 2001, at 7:42:50
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by GA Grits on September 21, 2001, at 15:54:38
I didn't experience all the side effects you describe - I just got really shaky when I went up to the full dose, like drinking way too much caffeine - but it improved after a few days and has pretty much disappeared after 10 days.
I am somewhat more irritable than usual - experiencing "road rage" towards morons in the subway who do stuff like standing still at the bottom of stairways - but that could be b/c I live in NYC and travelling is complicated in the wake of the attack!
Posted by Simcha on September 24, 2001, at 7:33:16
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by GA Grits on September 21, 2001, at 15:54:38
I got on Wellbutrin after no libido on Effexor. My pdoc realized that because I am a candidate for OCD and GAD I needed an SSRI to calm the effects of the Wellbutrin. He put me on Celexa. It seems to allow me to be calm, no anxiety. I have some libido. It's not perfect but my partner is very understanding.. ;-)
I hope you find what you need.
Take Care,
Simcha
> >
> > Well-
> > 3 days no WB & dizziness still present. Will go
> > another 2 days w/o WB & then try another brain
> > chemistry experiment.
> > hb
>
>
> Harry or Anyone Still Out There,
>
> Have read about your side effects -- I'm suffering the same. Namely, dizziness, nausea, ear ringing, and seem to be annoyed to the nth degree over the least little thing.
>
> I had been taking Paxil for about 9 months, asked the doctor to change the med because I had absolutely NO libido, and was about to get married to a totally understanding (and psychology degreed) man. So the doc put me on Effexor -- what a nightmare!! I did NOT like that stuff and after six weeks, went back to ask her to change to something else. Now I'm on WB and have only been taking it less than a week at 150mg once a day. Am supposed to step this dosage up to twice a day once I've been taking one pill a day for a week.
>
> Someone PLEASE tell me that these side effects either go away or are leftover nastiness from the Effexor.
>
> ALSO, I haven't seen any posts here on psychobabble about WB that are more recent than yours (harry). I hope someone is still out there that can give some experienced advice.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by ssami on October 17, 2001, at 12:07:39
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by GA Grits on September 21, 2001, at 15:54:38
> > hi there. ive been on WB for about two weeks now. The weight loss issue, i wish i had. maybe a slight decrease in appetite but nothing major. The ringing in my ears is making me think im nuts! God at night it gets so loud that I literally can hear myself think. Also I am a college student and relatively good at all my classes, lately though i am lost. i find my self spacing out, not concentrating, just a mess. Now today I had to come home mid afternoon becuase i was so sick to my stomach and had a horrible headache(which by the wy ive had for two weeks straight). I was on Zoloft for a couple months before WB and I loved it. The only bad thing was I had a total lack of sex drive. I mean I wanted to be with my husband but it was like"oh well not now, maybe later, who cares". so here i am. When do these side effects leave? How long are you suppose to give this drug before you say thats enough?
> > Well-
> > 3 days no WB & dizziness still present. Will go
> > another 2 days w/o WB & then try another brain
> > chemistry experiment.
> > hb
>
>
> Harry or Anyone Still Out There,
>
> Have read about your side effects -- I'm suffering the same. Namely, dizziness, nausea, ear ringing, and seem to be annoyed to the nth degree over the least little thing.
>
> I had been taking Paxil for about 9 months, asked the doctor to change the med because I had absolutely NO libido, and was about to get married to a totally understanding (and psychology degreed) man. So the doc put me on Effexor -- what a nightmare!! I did NOT like that stuff and after six weeks, went back to ask her to change to something else. Now I'm on WB and have only been taking it less than a week at 150mg once a day. Am supposed to step this dosage up to twice a day once I've been taking one pill a day for a week.
>
> Someone PLEASE tell me that these side effects either go away or are leftover nastiness from the Effexor.
>
> ALSO, I haven't seen any posts here on psychobabble about WB that are more recent than yours (harry). I hope someone is still out there that can give some experienced advice.
>
> Thanks.
Posted by Simcha on October 17, 2001, at 14:44:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by ssami on October 17, 2001, at 12:07:39
OK,
First, go see your pdoc.
Second, listen to my experience with WB. It is not a good stand-alone drug for me. The pdoc changed me to it because I was having zero libido on Effexor. The WB made me as high as a kite. He determined that because I have OCD I need an SSRI. He put me on Celexa. The WB cuts the sexual side effects of the Celexa. The Celexa balances the WB.
Third, your mileage may vary. All of these drugs seem to do different things for different people. My experience may not be yours.
Take Care,
Simcha> > > hi there. ive been on WB for about two weeks now. The weight loss issue, i wish i had. maybe a slight decrease in appetite but nothing major. The ringing in my ears is making me think im nuts! God at night it gets so loud that I literally can hear myself think. Also I am a college student and relatively good at all my classes, lately though i am lost. i find my self spacing out, not concentrating, just a mess. Now today I had to come home mid afternoon becuase i was so sick to my stomach and had a horrible headache(which by the wy ive had for two weeks straight). I was on Zoloft for a couple months before WB and I loved it. The only bad thing was I had a total lack of sex drive. I mean I wanted to be with my husband but it was like"oh well not now, maybe later, who cares". so here i am. When do these side effects leave? How long are you suppose to give this drug before you say thats enough?
> > > Well-
> > > 3 days no WB & dizziness still present. Will go
> > > another 2 days w/o WB & then try another brain
> > > chemistry experiment.
> > > hb
> >
> >
> > Harry or Anyone Still Out There,
> >
> > Have read about your side effects -- I'm suffering the same. Namely, dizziness, nausea, ear ringing, and seem to be annoyed to the nth degree over the least little thing.
> >
> > I had been taking Paxil for about 9 months, asked the doctor to change the med because I had absolutely NO libido, and was about to get married to a totally understanding (and psychology degreed) man. So the doc put me on Effexor -- what a nightmare!! I did NOT like that stuff and after six weeks, went back to ask her to change to something else. Now I'm on WB and have only been taking it less than a week at 150mg once a day. Am supposed to step this dosage up to twice a day once I've been taking one pill a day for a week.
> >
> > Someone PLEASE tell me that these side effects either go away or are leftover nastiness from the Effexor.
> >
> > ALSO, I haven't seen any posts here on psychobabble about WB that are more recent than yours (harry). I hope someone is still out there that can give some experienced advice.
> >
> > Thanks.
Posted by GA Grits on October 17, 2001, at 15:14:34
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by ssami on October 17, 2001, at 12:07:39
re ssami's post on October 17, 2001, at 12:07:39:
I've been on the WB for over a month now. Apparently all the dizziness and nausea were due to the Effexor withdrawal. I've still got the ear ringing, but it only bothers me at night when I'm trying to watch TV -- I think it's the TV, turn it off, and realize that it's ME! But I'll take some ear ringing in order to have a libido, and I *DO* -- hallelujah!!!! After months of no interest in sex whatsoever, I'm even dreaming about sex again -- something I didn't know I didn't do anymore until it came back!!! I'm going to stick it out (WB) for the six months my Doc recommends and see how things go. I'd suggest hanging in there at least 4-6 weeks and re-evaluate then.
Posted by paxvox on October 17, 2001, at 15:29:58
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by GA Grits on October 17, 2001, at 15:14:34
Yes, I think you will like MOST of the positve effects of WB. Most of the negative ones (that would cause one to discontinue use) generally abate over time. Some, however, are very much dose-related, as well as TIME of dosing. I have been on WB for 2.5 years or so. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
PAX
Posted by KB on October 17, 2001, at 22:40:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects » GA Grits, posted by paxvox on October 17, 2001, at 15:29:58
Wellbutrin caused my hands to shake badly for the first week or so, but that is mostly gone. I am grouchier, but it's hard to tell if that's the med or just my life!!!
Posted by elaine58 on February 1, 2003, at 22:32:55
In reply to Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 17:21:43
I started welbutrin 4 days ago and I am having the same type of dizziness you describe. I am hoping that it is temporary. I also had headaches but they seem to be subsiding. I take 100mg three times a day, and I did not start out on a lower dose and gradually increase it, so I think the dizziness is just an adjustment to the sudden high dose.I know if it continues the welbutrin will have to go. I sure don't like that spacey feeling.
elaine
Posted by miss sally on June 27, 2003, at 12:23:36
In reply to Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 17:21:43
I am taking lexapro, 20mg, at night and was having trouble "getting started" or motivated in the am. was then put on WB 100mg.in am.
major side effects of either and both drugs is no orgasm and the feeling that I have a layer of cotton batting around me.
To address the orgasm problem my doc is lowering dosage of lexapro and increasing wb. I am worried about upping the wb.
I am happy to have found this site and welcome the support.
Posted by marthadawn on June 30, 2003, at 19:05:02
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by ssami on October 17, 2001, at 12:07:39
anybody can email me about wellbutrin and panic attacks if you would cause i may never find my way back to these posts!! thx marthac658@aol.com
Posted by daybee on August 20, 2003, at 20:15:05
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by marthadawn on June 30, 2003, at 19:05:02
Glad to see im not the only person with all these side effects....I have been on Wellbutrin SR for aproxamitly 1 month or so, started out at 100mg aday. I started getting horrible, vivid, screaming nightmares. How is one suppose to function without deep sleep? So I took myself down to 50 mgs. a day. Been having vertigo/dizziness constantly thru out the day. Ive also been feeling irritable & snappy. Thought it was from PMS and all this dizziness. Dont know which is worse depression or the cure...???Can anyone else relate?
Daybee
Posted by theo on August 21, 2003, at 10:14:16
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin Side Effects, posted by daybee on August 20, 2003, at 20:15:05
When I first started I did the same thing, started with 100mg in the morning and thought I was going to crawl out of my skin. I split the pill and took 50mg in the morning and 8 hours later took the other 50mg. After about four days I tried 100mg again in the morning and I was fine. After about 4 to 5 days it was not a problem for me. Yesterday I took 100mg in the morning and 8 hours later took another 100mg with no problems at all. As for the PMS, can't relate because I'm male.
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