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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 mp0921 on May 22, 2010, at 17:11:58
My p-doc added Wellbutrin XL 150mg to my ongoing dose of Lexapro 10mg about 6 weeks ago. The medicine has really started to kick in the last week and is making a big difference in my depression and anxiety, however I've had a chronic sore throat and dry sinuses since around the time I began the Wellbutrin and it just keeps getting worse. I've been to my general doctor who chalks it up to seasonal allergies, but I don't have any sneezing, itching, runny nose, etc. And I've never had problems like this in the past. I've been given two different antibiotics, nasonex, allegra-d, told to take mucinex, etc. Plus I've been drinking a lot of extra water. But even so, it continues to get worse. My ears are bothering me, my nose & sinuses feel swollen and completely dried out and my throat is killing me. I'd swear I have strep, but test was negative. But oh the pain! No fever the entire time but the glands in my neck are also swelling and painful.
Have any of you experienced this with Wellbutrin XL or know if it's a possible side effect or allergic reaction of some sort? And if so, is it a temporary effect? I'm going to discuss it with my p-doc but I don't see him for several more weeks. I'm on the brand name, not the generic.
I have tons of energy (great side effect) and insomnia (not so great), which I know are directly related to the WB. But not so sure about this throat/upper respiratory thing and it's about to drive me insane! Thanks!
Posted by herpills on May 22, 2010, at 22:12:38
In reply to Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL?, posted by mp0921 on May 22, 2010, at 17:11:58
I haven't heard of that being a side effect, at least I didn't have that experience while on it. Sounds like you are having more than just sore throat now...and of course the general doctor says it's allergies, but have you thought about seeing an ENT? If the med is helping your psych symptoms, I would rule out anything else before giving up on the med. herpills ps welcome to babble
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2010, at 23:54:48
In reply to Re: Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL? » mp0921, posted by herpills on May 22, 2010, at 22:12:38
I haven't either could it be allergies? Phillipa
Posted by mp0921 on May 23, 2010, at 8:56:00
In reply to Re: Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL?, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2010, at 23:54:48
I've been doing a lot of reading about it and I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't reflux of some sort. My p-doc did mention that WB can cause GI issues.
Posted by europerep on May 23, 2010, at 13:39:48
In reply to Re: Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL?, posted by mp0921 on May 23, 2010, at 8:56:00
hmm, all I can think of is a sore throat being a symptom of serotonin toxicity, and although bupropion is mainly dopamine/norepinephrine, it does have an indirect serotonergic action..
but there are many things you say that don't fit the description (no fever, generally feeling great etc.), so I do not believe it's likely that that's what you have, but I was just gonna share..
Posted by mp0921 on May 23, 2010, at 17:25:37
In reply to Re: Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL?, posted by europerep on May 23, 2010, at 13:39:48
I stopped by the bookstore today and looked up WBXL in the PDR. It actually lists sinus inflammation, throat irritation & upper respiratory inflammation as side effects!! Funny thing is, I've been unable to locate these side effects in other literature. Weird! I guess I'll have to talk to my p-doc about the possibility because even though I'm feeling much better mentally, this chronic "sickness" is going to take it's toll on me eventually as I'm already getting sick of it. To find a med combo that helps and then possibly have to discontinue due to side effects...ahhh the joys of having depression/anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on May 23, 2010, at 19:06:11
In reply to Re: Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL?, posted by mp0921 on May 23, 2010, at 17:25:37
Highlight it and show it to him as he has to have a copy of the PDR. Phillipa
Posted by sonoma1 on June 10, 2010, at 8:43:54
In reply to Chronic sore throat from Wellbutrin XL?, posted by mp0921 on May 22, 2010, at 17:11:58
I have been taking Wellbutrin xl for about 5 weeks. First I did have strep throat and took an antibiotic. I then started to feel that my throat was hurting again and went back to my doctor. My Strep test was neg. but she said my glands were swollen and gave me another antibiotic. I went back a week later b/c the pain was unbearable. She sent me to an ENT. He did a throat culture - came back neg., but he put me on another antibiotic. Went back a week later still in pain and now w/a bad cough. Now I had bronchitus - another antibiotic and cough medicine. Still wasn't better a week later. I now started to 1 - get very concerned and 2- think maybe it is the Wellbutrin. I had side effects from Lexapro and Zoloft - Grinding teeth. I was at my dentist the other day and mentioned it to the Dental hygentist. She looked it up in the PDR and said that it could be a side effect. I stopped taking it and is has been 5 days and I'm starting to be able to swallow w/o pain. I am going to give it another week and see what happens. I really felt good on the med. but the throat pain was unbearable!!!!
This is the end of the thread.
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