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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 4:36:40
About 6 weeks ago, I augmented my 30mg of Brintellix with 300mg of Wellbutrin. After about three weeks, I decided to stop because I wasn't getting the desired effects from Wellbutrin. I thought it would take away some of the fatigue I feel on Brintellix. Instead, it just made me slightly more anxious, less focused, and more fatigued. My psychiatrist is encouraging me to at least give it a 6 week trial before deciding whether or not the medication has the desired effects. I think that is prudent, but I do not notice any buildup when I take the Wellbutrin. It seems to work (if what it's doing for me could even be called "work") on a day to day level. Frustrating. When I took Wellbutrin a 15 years ago with Celexa, it seemed to have a positive effect on my mood and fatigue. Now, it seems to do nothing except make me slightly more anxious and unfocused.
Posted by Phillipa on June 8, 2014, at 9:29:09
In reply to 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial?, posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 4:36:40
Chris not only did it make me feel anxious I tripped on the dog leash and fell. When the doc saw me after a week he thought I was almost hypomanic and I had to stop taking it at 150 mg. It didn't work for me. But seems so many others do very well on it. Phillipa
Posted by Beckett on June 8, 2014, at 14:43:09
In reply to 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial?, posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 4:36:40
Hi Chris,
I'm not sure about the trial length. I was told similar two years ago, but similar to your description, my anxiety went through the roof. Unfortunately. So did the spacey ssri feeling. Years ago it worked brilliantly, esp. For ADD symptoms. Oh well.
I think there is something to allowing wellie a trial. But med trials are so grueling. Sorry it is not working yet. Hang in there? Two more weeks will satisfy your doc--if that matters at this point.
Posted by Beckett on June 8, 2014, at 14:44:11
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial?, posted by Beckett on June 8, 2014, at 14:43:09
Posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 15:46:39
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial?, posted by Beckett on June 8, 2014, at 14:43:09
Thanks for the support. Yeah, I can do it. It just seems like nothing changes each day I take it. It would be a miracle to me if, after 5 or 6 weeks, it just went, like BOOM, and I had massive anxiety relief. Just doesn't feel like it's moving me in that direction. Not too torturous though, either. I'll stick it out, but I'm not hopeful. I'm probably going to have to abandon the Brintellix trial when I go back and shoot for something else. Just not a robust enough recovery for me, even though it is doing something.
Chris
Posted by Beckett on June 8, 2014, at 15:56:05
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial? » Beckett, posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 15:46:39
Hi Chris,
Wellbutrin is not best known for anxiety relief. However, I can see the logic of how feeling better and more energetic (less depression) effects anxiety levels. It certainly helped me the first time with ADD and that helped all around. Now in addition to ADD, I have GAD :P
Posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 18:30:35
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial? » Chris O, posted by Phillipa on June 8, 2014, at 9:29:09
Phillipa:
That's interesting that you felt hypo-manic on Wellbutrin. I can totally see that. If I take 450mg, my anxiety level moves in that direction. Thanks for the feedback. Always appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Chris
Posted by Beckett on June 13, 2014, at 23:37:17
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial? » Beckett, posted by Chris O on June 8, 2014, at 15:46:39
How is it going?
Posted by Chris O on June 14, 2014, at 1:42:58
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial?, posted by Beckett on June 13, 2014, at 23:37:17
Well, I started again. I guess it gives me a very, very, very mild improvement in energy. I'll take it until the June 30th, when I see my p-doc again. I don't expect any build up. I also don't know what I'm going to do about the Brintellix as I cannot afford the "discounted" $250 prescription that I get with my insurance. So, perhaps I will try something completely different, like a TCA or Nardil. I'd really like to get a more robust antidepressant effect here, one that allows me to function in the world and deal with uncertainty and conflict without having panic attacks all the time. Here's hoping. Thanks for asking about me.
Chris
Posted by Phillipa on June 14, 2014, at 21:11:41
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial? » Beckett, posted by Chris O on June 14, 2014, at 1:42:58
I don't get it if the drug companies want to make money and insurance won't pay for the new B medication how will anyone be able to go on it to see if it works? Seems almost a waste of time to make meds with such a high cost. Phillipa
Posted by Beckett on June 15, 2014, at 1:18:23
In reply to Re: 3 weeks an adequate Wellbutrin XL trial? » Chris O, posted by Phillipa on June 14, 2014, at 21:11:41
I've wondered this myself.
This is the end of the thread.
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