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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Preston on July 27, 2002, at 16:09:38
I have been taking Zoloft for three weeks and have been pleased with the way it relieves my mind of pointless, negative and nagging thoughts and feelings that are otherwise unbearable. However, it has also caused me to have sleeping problems and I do not really like the way it just kills pretty much all of my emotions as well as motivation. Also I do not want the sexual side effects. Therefore, my doctor has recommended that I stop taking the Zoloft and start taking Wellbutrin instead. We decided that I should taper off of the Zoloft and then take the Wellbutrin after I am completely off the Zoloft. I was on 100mg Zoloft and today I just took 50mg at first, but then I started to get really anxious and uncomfortable so I took another 50mg. It made me feel better. So now I wonder if I should see if I can start taking Wellbutrin as I am tapering down Zoloft. I am a little afraid of the increase in anxiety from Wellbutrin, but I have also read that it may decrease anxiety instead. It also depends on the nature of the anxiety. Some kinds of anxiety I don't mind and others I can't stand. I guess I won't know until I try, but if anyone has made the switch from Zoloft to Wellbutrin and would like to tell me about it and/or give me some advice, I would really appreciate it. -Preston
Posted by KellyM on July 27, 2002, at 21:36:53
In reply to Switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin, posted by Preston on July 27, 2002, at 16:09:38
Preston,
I have taken both Paxil and Zoloft with Wellbutrin at the same time. I didn't have problems with increased anxiety on Wellbutrin (I was taking 450mg) but I realize everyone is not the same. I started to experience an emotional flatness and lack of motivation from the Zoloft but after a much longer time. Only then did I take Wellbutrin alone. I don't know if the Wellbutrin would cause you sleep problems or not- it could possibly interfere with the insomnia on Zoloft as your tapering off. Maybe if you can stand it, try ramping up on Wellbutrin while slowly tapering off Zoloft- something like 150mg of Wellbutrin for a week or two, then 300mg. At the same time decrease your Zoloft from 75mg or so in the beginning- just an idea.
Posted by Sunnely on July 27, 2002, at 23:30:40
In reply to Switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin, posted by Preston on July 27, 2002, at 16:09:38
Wellbutrin does not have serotonergic effect so taper down Zoloft very slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. You may add Wellbutrin SR first then titrate upward to therapeutic dose (e.g., 150 mg daily for 1 week then increase to 150 mg twice daily; may go as high as 450 mg daily). Then taper down Zoloft slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms (e.g., cut down by 25 mg weekly instead of 50 mg). You can also combine the two for better antidepressant effect.
Posted by geno on July 28, 2002, at 12:41:53
In reply to Re: Switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin » Preston, posted by Sunnely on July 27, 2002, at 23:30:40
id say if you suffer from lethargic depression, welbutrin mayhelp, or ssri apathy, but if you have depression asssociated with anxiety, aggitation, suicidal, etc, id stay away from welbutrin. If lack of motivation is your problem, you may look into concerta, esp if you have a hard time focusing. Or even desipramine, which does not cause anxiety like welbutrin, but give you a pickup.
geno
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