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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mikhail99 on January 30, 2003, at 18:21:37
In reply to Welbutrin side effects, posted by elaine58 on January 30, 2003, at 17:36:42
> I have been taking welbutrin for the past 3 days, while gradually discontinuing prozac. I have been on the prozac for the past 5 years, and it works great for me, except for the sexual side effects, which is the reason I am switching. So far I am dizzy, have headaches all day, sweats, can't sleep, and generally feel ill.
> I don't think the side effects going on prozac were near as bad, but they were similar. I plan to give it at least two weeks, based on what people here are saying, but if this continues, I will have to quit and go back to prozac.
Hi Elaine, what's your dosage of wellbutrin? Do you think the yucky feelings could be from tapering off prozac? If it keeps up, you should definitely bring it up to your doctor.Take care,
Mik
Posted by sl on January 30, 2003, at 19:03:36
In reply to Welbutrin side effects, posted by elaine58 on January 30, 2003, at 17:36:42
It probably won't continue. The dizzyness and headaches are a startup type thing. The sweats might be from the same cause (stimulant properties of Wb) and probably will taper off too.
Drink lotsa water! Minimize caffiene (don't ween yourself off it too fast if you're addicted, but don't overdo it, it's really easy to overdo it if you're tired from not getting any sleep.).
Take your last dose at LEAST 6-8 hours before you want to sleep. Consider taking Benadryl before bed to make sure you get at least a few hours of sound sleep.
Wear sunglasses when you go out.And be patient with yourself.
sl
Posted by tryingtoquit on January 30, 2003, at 23:01:16
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by sl on January 30, 2003, at 19:03:36
I took wb for about 3 months and it stared out kinda like that. Not as bad but simular I had to discont. it because it made me hateful and always irritated with everyone. might not happen to you.
good luck
Posted by elaine58 on January 31, 2003, at 14:29:36
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by mikhail99 on January 30, 2003, at 18:21:37
> > >
>
> Hi Elaine, what's your dosage of wellbutrin? Do you think the yucky feelings could be from tapering off prozac? If it keeps up, you should definitely bring it up to your doctor.
>
> Take care,
> Mik
>Thanks,Mik..I take 100mg of the WB 3 times a day. I think the side effects may be from going off the prozac, or because I started out with a full dosage on the WB and did not taper it up- I'm not sure, but it will probably pass.
elaine
Posted by elaine58 on January 31, 2003, at 14:35:12
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by sl on January 30, 2003, at 19:03:36
> It probably won't continue. The dizzyness and headaches are a startup type thing. The sweats might be from the same cause (stimulant properties of Wb) and probably will taper off too.
> Drink lotsa water! Minimize caffiene (don't ween yourself off it too fast if you're addicted, but don't overdo it, it's really easy to overdo it if you're tired from not getting any sleep.).
> Take your last dose at LEAST 6-8 hours before you want to sleep. Consider taking Benadryl before bed to make sure you get at least a few hours of sound sleep.
> Wear sunglasses when you go out.
>
> And be patient with yourself.
>
> sl
> Thanks, good idea. I may try the benedryl. It's hard to take the doses 6 hrs apart and still take it 6 hrs before bed. But I suppose I could work out a schedule.
elaine
Posted by sl on January 31, 2003, at 16:52:33
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by elaine58 on January 31, 2003, at 14:35:12
> > Thanks, good idea. I may try the benedryl. It's hard to take the doses 6 hrs apart and still take it 6 hrs before bed. But I suppose I could work out a schedule.
Yeah, that's what I'm needing to do. I was taking it too close to bedtime and sleep was suffering for me too. I'm at 10am and 6pm, so I can go to bed at midnight. :)
By the way, all the side-effects will be that much worse because you started at full 300mg rather than titrating up (increasing gradually). So even the ones that may remain will not be as bad as they are now.sl
Posted by cybercafe on January 31, 2003, at 20:06:26
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by sl on January 31, 2003, at 16:52:33
how long does it take wellbutrin to start working?
does it do anything for ADD?
Posted by sl on January 31, 2003, at 21:35:30
In reply to how long before relieve of symptoms?, posted by cybercafe on January 31, 2003, at 20:06:26
For me Wellbutrin kicked in after only 3-4 days, but I hear it can take up to two weeks or even much longer.
It does have some beneficial effects for ADD, for some people. For some it makes it worse. You kinda have to wait and see how YOU react to it.sl
Posted by worrier on February 2, 2003, at 16:42:30
In reply to Welbutrin side effects, posted by elaine58 on January 30, 2003, at 17:36:42
> I have been taking welbutrin for the past 3 days, while gradually discontinuing prozac. I have been on the prozac for the past 5 years, and it works great for me, except for the sexual side effects, which is the reason I am switching. So far I am dizzy, have headaches all day, sweats, can't sleep, and generally feel ill.
> I don't think the side effects going on prozac were near as bad, but they were similar. I plan to give it at least two weeks, based on what people here are saying, but if this continues, I will have to quit and go back to prozac.>Hey there...don't want to be an alarmist, but I took welbutrin a couple of years ago and experienced the side effects you described but they never did go away,only got worse. The insomnia and dizziness were horrible and I found myself becoming extremely irritable (a side effect of the drug or of never sleeping and being dizzy and disconnected all the time? Who knows?). Let me add here that my major problem is anxiety/panic and that I have horrible reactions to every antidepressant I have ever taken. Welbutrin was probably the least horrible...SSRIs the absolute worst. To make a short story even longer than I already have, I'd give it awhile to see if the side-effects go away, but don't keep taking it just because your doc tells you to if things don't seem to be getting better. Best of luck, Worrier.
Posted by geoff on February 4, 2003, at 12:34:46
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects » elaine58, posted by worrier on February 2, 2003, at 16:42:30
I am changing to Welbutrin from Effexor, also due to sexual side effects. Since I have been on both while tapering off the Effexor, I have developed a foot twitch. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away?
geoff
Posted by kiku on February 4, 2003, at 14:38:41
In reply to Welbutrin side effects, posted by elaine58 on January 30, 2003, at 17:36:42
i have been on wellbutrin for a total of 10 days, first 3 days @ 150mg then the last 7 @ 300mg. last night i broke out in very intense hives on my upper body, neck, shoulders, scalp, arms, etc... has anyone ever had hives in relation to wellbutrin? i am half chinese and caucasian and have some knowledge that asians may have higher sensitivities to such drugs. i have never taken any other anti-depressants before, in fact the only prescribed meds i've ever taken were a series of anti-fungals to address a systemic candida problem-with no result or impact. at any rate, any information is appreciated.
kiku
Posted by elaine58 on February 5, 2003, at 16:05:22
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by kiku on February 4, 2003, at 14:38:41
Well, I have been on welbutrin for 7 days, and it is pretty nasty. I have a headache most of the time, and it makes me so spacey I can't concentrate at work. I don't sleep much either, so that doesn't help matters. I started out with the full dose of 100 mg 3times a day. I did'nt titrate it up gradually as my doctor didn't tell me to. I am thinking of cutting back to 2 a day and eliminate the night time dose. Any ideas?
Posted by thorney on March 19, 2003, at 20:30:52
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by elaine58 on February 5, 2003, at 16:05:22
I have taken prozac for at least 5 years. My doc upped the prozac and added welbutrin. I had twitches throughout my body, especially at rest. We reduced the prozac back to my original dosages and brought the wellbutrin down by 100 mgs.
The twitching occurs periodically but nothing like it was. I also have trembling hands.
My question is, are these side effects solely from the welbutrin? or is it the combination of the two?
Posted by viridis on March 19, 2003, at 21:11:30
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by thorney on March 19, 2003, at 20:30:52
Shaking, twitches, etc. were among the many side effects that I experienced when using WB alone. I've also used Prozac (separately), and had various side effects, but not those.
My guess would be that it's the WB, although both WB and Prozac can be quite activating, so the two together might conceivably have some sort of negative synergy.
If you're looking for a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (this is what WB does), there's also Strattera (atomoxetine). It's new, and has been discussed here a lot recently. Currently it's being marketed for ADD, but apparently has strong antidepressant effects for some people. I'm planning to try it for ADD and, ideally, as an antidepressant.
Posted by thevopro on March 28, 2003, at 15:55:35
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by geoff on February 4, 2003, at 12:34:46
Hello all. I'm new to post. I started Welbutrin 3 days ago and I'm having a hard time dealing with the sun in my eyes. Is this normal? I am also on Actifed for my cold. Do you think the two together is not a good thing right now? Thanks in advance.
Posted by paxvox on March 29, 2003, at 20:26:01
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by tryingtoquit on January 30, 2003, at 23:01:16
WB can make one sensitive to sunlight, or photophobic, but that generally does not necessitate stopping it.
PAX
Posted by SpreadDaALoha on March 29, 2003, at 21:28:51
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by thevopro on March 28, 2003, at 15:55:35
Wellbutrin made me shake and a considerably anxious. It doesn't do this to everyone, and I suppose the side effects subside with time...
Posted by Viridis on March 29, 2003, at 23:23:53
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by thevopro on March 28, 2003, at 15:55:35
Wellbutrin had the same effect on me -- extreme light sensitivity (not something I've ever experienced before). Plus severe anxiety, dizziness, and a whole host of other odd side effects. These stayed pretty constant for two months, and then I stopped it -- the side effects were gone within a day.
It's a good drug for some, but for others (especially anxious types like me) use with caution.
Posted by Madge on March 30, 2003, at 10:40:18
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects » thevopro, posted by Viridis on March 29, 2003, at 23:23:53
I have switched from Remeron to Wellbutrin to get rid of the awful weight gain I experienced with Remeron. I like how the Wellbutrin makes me feel. I take it with .5 mg of Klonopin in the morning for anxiety and it works great. However, now at 200 and 300 mg I am now getting terrible Vaginitis.. Has anyone else experienced this? And can anything be done, or am I going to have to go off this one too. I've tried soooo many AD's, and although I feel better emotionally, the side effects are intolerable for me. SSRI's are the worst because of the anticholonergic properties. HELP!!!
Posted by paxvox on March 31, 2003, at 20:19:17
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by Madge on March 30, 2003, at 10:40:18
I can't give you a first-hand account, but I don't believe that is a listed side effect for Wellbutrin in the PDR. It should do nothing to change the flora or fauna of your "area" like, say, an antibiotic would. Is it possible that there is some other connection than the Wellbutrin?
PAX
Posted by justyourlaugh on April 1, 2003, at 8:22:38
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by paxvox on March 31, 2003, at 20:19:17
hi pax,
i was wondering if you could help..
i take 300mg of wellbutrin a day,
just added 100mg zoloft-7 days ago..
been sleeping everynight so i cut out 100 seroquel all together...
would the sleepiness i feel be a side effect and deminish or should i refill the seroquel?
it feels so good to finally "be slow"
i am afraid to tamper with anything...
jyl
Posted by paxvox on April 1, 2003, at 16:33:17
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects » paxvox, posted by justyourlaugh on April 1, 2003, at 8:22:38
Well, that would REALLY depend on why you were taking the antipsychotic (Seroquel) in the first place, and what your DX is. Are you biolar? I find it interesting that you would be taking a dopamine antagonist (Seroquel) along with a med that is essentially a med that inhibits the neuronal reuptake of dopamine. That is, one med tries to keep your brain from feeling too high from dopamine, while the other produces its antidepressant effect by allowing more dopamine to "flow" in your brain. I'm afraid that my pharmacokinetic understanding of this combination is limited to just what I have read in the PDR (except for personal knowledge of Wellbutrin). So I would offer the "floor" here to someone with a better understanding of the pharamacology. The Zoloft should work as a mood stabilizer to some extent, and 7 days is not enough time to realize its full effectiveness. The Wellbutrin might be what is making you speedy, perhaps reducing that to 200mg per day in divided 100mg doses would be better. I am very sensitive to increasing WB, as I have tried to go up to 450mg per day in 3 doses of 150 SR. However, I was more jittery, and had chest tightness at that level. When 100mg SR came out, I was able to tolerate 400mg, and used that during a particularly "low" point a year or so ago. Still, I don't understand the combination of WB, Seroquel and Zoloft unless your doc is planning on taking you off of one or the other. It doesn't make sense to me. However, we all react very differntly to the same med, so it IS an individualized thing. I only hope that your Pdoc (and I'm assuming not a GP) knows what's up. Still, I think it is important for YOU to ask these questions from your doc. You NEED to know WHY certain meds are being given, what the desired effect is, etc.... Don't just blindly take what you get w/o knowing "why". Hopefully someone else might jump in here to help out, but that's all I know.
PAX
Posted by pforp on April 12, 2003, at 11:05:36
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by paxvox on April 1, 2003, at 16:33:17
I have been taking Welbutrin for about two months now. It really did help my deep depression, but I do experience the following (off and on) side effects which I cope with because of the benefits...jittery / shaky feelings, nausea and hot flashes, and sometimes insomnia. Because of the benefits I try to handle these by taking my 200mg in the morning right after breakfast.
I know Welbutrin is not supposed to affect libido - which I don't think it does - desire wise. However, I have never had 'soft' erections before - so now my own 'insurance' package includes Viagra.
Is there a connection or is this more of the 'depression' worry thinking? I don't usually drink.
Posted by firegal345 on March 3, 2004, at 9:26:49
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects, posted by geoff on February 4, 2003, at 12:34:46
> I am changing to Welbutrin from Effexor, also due to sexual side effects. Since I have been on both while tapering off the Effexor, I have developed a foot twitch. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away?
> geoff
I've been on both for a week now 150 efexxor and now 300 welbutrin. Switiching for same reason.
have you noticed any change in that yet??
As for foot twitch, not yet. Actually no side effects, and I felt better in like 4 days than I had in 3 months.anybody else switch cause of the sexual side effects of efexxor? See any difference?? how long did it take?
Posted by Soll on April 14, 2004, at 1:27:59
In reply to Re: Welbutrin side effects » geoff, posted by firegal345 on March 3, 2004, at 9:26:49
I have been aking Welbutrin SR for about a year and half now. It helped with depression but especially with my anxiety. Lately, I have been having funny muscle feelings in my leg, which keep me from sleeping at night. It's sort of an strange feeling like I want to stretch my muscles, which I do, but it doesn't help. ther is a sort of build up of tension that then spreads out like a pulse from my calf muscle thru my whole leg. I don't know if it's a side effect that has finally surfaced, and am thinking of going of it to see if it is. I also believe that my distance vision has gotten worse.
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