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Topic: Wellbutrin (not CH) - Updated 10/19 (Buspar now) (Read 427 times) |
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Lizzie2
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Wellbutrin (not CH) - Updated 10/19 (Buspar now)
« on: Oct 18th, 2007, 1:54pm » |
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I know this is not CH related, but I trust the responses of my family here better than I trust most other people!! Has anyone ever taken Wellbutrin (bupropion) for depression? Did it work? Any bad side effects?
My psychiatrist and I are considering it for depression, and before we decide for sure, I'd love to hear what some other people have to say who have actually tried it....
Thanks,
Carrie 
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| « Last Edit: Oct 19th, 2007, 2:23pm by Lizzie2 » |
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Ray
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #1 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 1:58pm » |
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Hello:
I've been on this in the past. It's in the SSRI category and is not usually the first line treatment. It was reincarnated as Zyban because it was not generally as effective as other drugs in the SSRI family for depression, and was helpful for those committed to quit smoking.
This is not to say that it doesn't work as an anti-depressant, if you have gone through others and they've not worked out for you.
It was not as effective for me as other choices. I am currently using Cymbalta and it is helping me.
Thanks,
Ray
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #2 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 2:01pm » |
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Sorry. No experience with Wellbutrin, but my wife did pretty good on Effexor XR when she went through a pretty nasty major depression. I was seriously worried that I might lose her, but a psychologist and this anti-depressant helped her back from the edge. She now needs neither.
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echo
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #3 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 2:05pm » |
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Wellbutrin made me extremely nervous and at times easy to anger. Took something else after that (can't remember what it was) for a short time. Now I better off without due to side effects.
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Lizzie2
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #4 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 2:17pm » |
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Thanks all for the responses. It does help. I've another appt with him tomorrow to discuss it further. I tried Cymbalta, but it heightened my anxiety, made it difficult to sleep, and I also was crying all the time on it. Don't know why. The one thing that possibly makes me nervous about Wellbutrin is that I do have pretty bad anxiety, and it seems a consideration there. But I like the fact that it doesn't have sexual side effects (this IS important...as I experienced side effects on prozac), and also that it has some stimulant properties that would allow me to come off some of my ADD meds (I take concerta and ritalin for ADD).
I have never actually taken an antidepressant FOR depression. But I've taken plenty for headache - prozac, cymbalta, pamelor, elavil, parnate are probably the main ones I've tried.
This is uncharted territory, but I've been working with my psychiatrist for 3 years now, and I trust him. I will continue going to him for therapy as I do now - 1-2x/week. (Yeah, that probably sounds like a lot, but it does help...) My psych is actually the one who got me off the plethora of meds my neuros had me on, so I know he is a little leery of adding meds back, but said today that if we set clear parameters for what we'd like to accomplish, and then closely monitor for desired effect as well as any side effects, then he think it could be worth trying an antidepressant.
He asked me if I had a particular one in mind, but I don't really. I don't want to go the route of a TCA or MAOI again (never helped mood for me when I was on them), so that leaves me with SSRIs and atypicals. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd certainly welcome them! It's best to have an informed discussion when I go back tomorrow!
Thanks,
Carrie
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Ray
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #5 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 4:28pm » |
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You might consider Celexa. It is another SSRI, I think, and my 9 y/o ADHD son takes this for anxiety. It radically helps him. He is still taking the methylphenidate for the ADHD.
It did not seem to be effective for me for depression, but I may not have been on a high enough dose.
There is some documentation that suggests that Loratadine reverses the sexual side effects of SSRI's and it's been added to my regimin since I was on Celexa.
Good luck and let us know what happens, if you would.
Ray
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john_d
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I took Wellbutrin once for depression, I felt like my brain had a 1000 volts going through it all the time and I had severe insomnia. It's the same stuff they give smokers to quit, forget what they call it for that. It wasn't for me, that's for sure. I started taking a bunch of vitamins and exercising and I felt better that way, or maybe it was just time, either way it was just mild depression so I read a book called the Chemistry of Joy and it really helped me with some strategies with that.
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Grandma_Sweet_Boy
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #7 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 4:38pm » |
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I took it about 6 years ago to try and stop smoking.
Couldn't sleep worth a darn and when I did had some very wierd nightmares.
Two weeks after I started it, broke out in hives and had to immediately stop.
Not sure if that helps you or not, just my own experience.
Carol
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #8 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 5:08pm » |
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It also can depend on which Wellbutrin you take. Wellbutrin SR has been known to cause problems whereas Wellbutrin XL doesn't have quite as many. I took it for quitting smoking. When I first started it, I was taking it in the morning, not a good idea as I had problems with insomnia. When I started taking it right before bed, I didn't have any problems.
I had no problem with it after that and i was on it for about 6 months.
'darlin
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BMoneeTheMoneeMan
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #9 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 7:43pm » |
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Wellbutrin is not an SSRI.
It does not have the same side effects as the slew of medications for depression which are SSRI. Maybe things have changed now, but a few years ago, this was just about the only anti-depression which was NOT an SSRI.
I have taken Wellbutrin. I did think it worked, and sure as shit doesnt have all those negative side effects.
edited to say: btw its also called Bupropion and marketed as Zyban.
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| « Last Edit: Oct 18th, 2007, 7:45pm by BMoneeTheMoneeMan » |
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Ray
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #10 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 9:48pm » |
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I stand corrected re: Wellbutrin as an SSRI. Sorry for my mistake.
From the Wikipedia:
Bupropion (INN; previously known as amfebutamone,[1] brand names Wellbutrin, Zyban, Budeprion and Buproban) is an atypical antidepressant that acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and nicotinic antagonist.[2][3] Bupropion belongs to the chemical class of aminoketones and is similar in structure to the stimulant cathinone, to the anorectic diethylpropion, and to phenethylamines in general.
Initially researched and marketed as an antidepressant, bupropion was subsequently found to be effective as a smoking cessation aid. In 2006 it was the fourth-most prescribed antidepressant in the United States retail market, with more than 21 million prescriptions.[4]
Bupropion lowers seizure threshold and its potential to cause seizures was widely publicized. However, at the recommended dose the risk of seizures is comparable to the one observed for other antidepressants. In contrast to many psychiatric drugs, bupropion does not cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction.
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Karla
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #11 on: Oct 18th, 2007, 10:07pm » |
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I took wellbutrin for a while but it pooped out on me. I suffer from major depression and am currently on effexor. I have been on all the antidepressants out there at one time or another. I have found effexor to be the best. However, the others are ok but just not right for me. I would try it at your drs urging. I had no side effects from it. See what happens. Good luck!
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Karla
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Lizzie2
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #12 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 12:38am » |
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Thanks for all the info - I'm taking it into consideration, truly.
I forgot my dad also took Wellbutrin - can't remember if he went on it for anxiety/panic disorder (probably not...) or to quit smoking (more likely...). He actually was hearing voices while on it, and anyone who knows my dad knows he's like the last person on earth to have any kind of psych problem aside from panic, which happens when he gets super stressed out. Going to mention that to the doc tomorrow since I dont' know if there is any literature that if someone in the same immediate family has a problem with a med like this, then maybe it should be avoided. I have no idea....
My main concern is still the anxiety. Right now, I actually have problems with depleted energy and hypersomnia - two of my bigger depression symptoms. Aside from the CHs, I can otherwise sleep for 20+ hours straight and still feel exhausted. I have tried to sleep regular schedules, and still am so exhausted. And on my days off, so much of the time, I can't even get out of bed - it's just too much. I try... Lately I've been pushing myself to get up and take a walk, even if it's really short and just around the block. And I function fine at work, but my life outside of work is really suffering... We've definitely come a long way with the therapy (as I said, I've been seeing him for 3 years...), but sometimes it seems like it doesn't translate back to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in my every day life. I've been suffering from depression and anxiety on and off since childhood, but especially since I was about 16...so for the last 10 years. As I said, this would be the first time I've ever taken a med for it, and I'm the one who finally brought it up because I can't stand feeling like this anymore. It's really taking a toll on me and my life, and sometimes my thoughts get so dark that it scares me...especially lately, which is even more why I want to try something.
Wellbutrin is supposed to be good for those with depression symptoms of low energy and hypersomnia, so that may be why he picked it for me. I'm on the stimulants of concerta and ritalin, plus sometimes drink 1-2 redbulls a day, and I still am exhausted and sleep all the time....so hopefully the wellbutrin won't give me insomnia. I used to have insomnia - and I think sometimes it comes in cycles for me. Even had a sleep study done due to the insomnia and used to take sleeping pills! But the last year or so, I've swung the other way, and now can never get enough sleep - never feel my sleep is restful, etc. It would be good if the wellbutrin helped to give me more energy and to stop sleeping so darn much.....sometimes I feel like I sleep my life away. It's not uncommon after I work a few 12s to then go to bed by 9pm and sleep until 5pm the next day, out like a brick. Now if my CHs are bad, then I'm woken - but even still I think I sleep more heavily due to sheer exhaustion than most, so they get to higher levels before they wake me, which is just miserable.
Fingers crossed that this might actually help. I'm so tired of feeling this way.....
Thanks again for all the feedback on it! It really helps...
Hugz,
Carrie
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #13 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 1:08am » |
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Carrie,
This is the non-CH board, so you only need to apologize if it is CH related
I have taken Wellbutrin for depression with no side effects and it helped me a lot. I took Zoloft before and it started a cycle that ended 2 weeks after I stopped taking it ( when I was eposotic of course).
Don't worry about side effects until they happen. If you are having side effects of anxiety the med probably isn't working well anyway.
Paul
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #14 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 2:58am » |
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Carrie,
fingers are crossed. Hope it helps!
Hugs & PF days,
Sanna
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #15 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 7:35am » |
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I've never tried Wellbutrin, but I am a faithful follower of Lexapro. I've been on it for over a year now for anxiety and depression. The only side effect I've noticed with the Lexapro is drowsiness but I just started taking it at night. And when I first started taking Lexapro I was a total zombie for about a week. I mean I wasn't tired or anything, it just made me seem to operate in slow motion. This will probably happen to you with whatever you take at first as your body gets used to it.
Hope everything works out.
Rane
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #16 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 1:30pm » |
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I also suffer from major anxiety issues and panic attacks. Effexor at low doses and Welbutrin is suppose to be good for it. I have also tried xanax, klonopin, valium, and ativan, etc. I liked xanax and ativan the best. My dr is reluctant to have me on xanax long term so I take ativan. They make me real tired.
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #17 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 2:22pm » |
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Just got home from the appt, and we're not going to go the route of wellbutrin after all. He seemed to change his mind after I asked him if it causes increased anxiety in some people and told him about my dad hearing the voices on it! He wrote a prescription to try a very low dose of Buspar, an antianxiety, twice a day. He's hoping that by alleviating some of the anxiety, then the depression will lift a bit. I'm fine with that! So now I just have to fill the script. We're starting with 5mg of Buspar (buspirone) twice a day. I'm still coming off my ritalin in the afternoon, even though this isn't a stimulant at all - not sure why he was pushing for me to come off the ritalin, unless he just wants me to give up a med to take a new one!
Fingers crossed that this one works!
Thanks again for all the responses!!
Hugz,
Carrie
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #18 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 2:58pm » |
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on Oct 19th, 2007, 2:22pm, Lizzie2 wrote:| He seemed to change his mind after I asked him if it causes increased anxiety in some people |
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This is the reason my doc was against putting me on it for my clinical depression/panic disorder. When not pregnant, I take Cymbalta and it works excellent for me.
Good luck and I hope it works for ya!
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH) - Updated 10/19 (Buspar no
« Reply #19 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 5:56pm » |
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Dear Carrie:
Do you also take any triptans? Buspar acts on the same 5HT receptors that Imitrex does and SSRIs and SSNRIs (like Cymbalta) does. This would increase the amount of serotonin in your system and possibly raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
My Psych appointment is Monday, and I have NOT allowed her to add Buspar to my meds as I am a user of Cymbalta and Imitrex. I figure 3 strikes and I'm out....
Food for thought.
With PF, anxiety free, ADHD free, and generally healthy wishes,
Ray
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Lizzie2
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH) - Updated 10/19 (Buspar no
« Reply #20 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 7:50pm » |
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Melly,
Glad that the cymbalta works for ya! It didn't for me, but I wish it did! The stuff seems to be good for a lot of people, and I think he might have considered it yesterday if I hadn't gotten so much worse on it last time I took it. I dont' know why that happened - but it made me so anxious I couldn't take it! No fun... Do you have a hard time with depression/panic when off it?
Ray - I do take frova and amerge - been taking them several times a week for years now, and he does know that. I mean, I'm really honest with him about the use of those meds, so hopefully he thinks this is a low enough dose of buspar as not to cause serotonin syndrome. Also, I took meds like cymbalta and prozac before that warning ever came out and was taking frova and amerge multiple times a week, so I lived through it before okay. But thanks for the reminder - I was worried about that a bit the other day.
I'm going to fill the script tomorrow. Today I came home and was so exhausted that I just slept on the couch all day.... (Did I mention the low energy/hypersomnia??) I still feel better having discussed all this with him, and I really appreciate all the feedback I got here....
Hugz,
Carrie
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH) - Updated 10/19 (Buspar no
« Reply #21 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 8:04pm » |
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on Oct 19th, 2007, 7:50pm, Lizzie2 wrote:| Do you have a hard time with depression/panic when off it? |
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It all depends on where I am in life at the moment. Like this pregnancy, I had to go off of it because I was getting ill from taking it. The anxiety is never fun to deal with, and the depression has hit me in fits of blow ups, but I'm coping and I have the doc & hubby keeping their eyes on me. I am also supplementing with B12, B6 and Super B Complex, which helps a lot. Full blow panic attacks are rare for me.
Before the pregnancy, when I wasn't on the Cymbalta, I'd have the full blown panic attacks. My mind wouldn't stop racing, I'd feel like I wanted to pass out, like I was going crazy and couldn't control my thoughts. Cymbalta definately helped with that, made me feel normal again. Since anxiety/panic disorders stem from depression, the med takes care of both for me.
Let us know how the Buspar works for you.
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH) - Updated 10/19 (Buspar no
« Reply #22 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 8:10pm » |
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Thanks Mel, I will. With the Wellbutrin, we were going to aim at the depression first, but now with the buspar, I think we're aiming at the anxiety first and see if it helps the depression. All I know is that I'm tired of feeling this way - never wanting to get o ut of bed and so anxious all the time. I hate feeling so exhausted, and if it lifted the depression even a bit, that would be great.
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #23 on: Oct 19th, 2007, 8:17pm » |
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on Oct 19th, 2007, 1:08am, Opus wrote:Carrie,
This is the non-CH board, so you only need to apologize if it is CH related |
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Really?
A CH website with a non-CH board?
Thas messed up!
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Re: Wellbutrin (not CH)
« Reply #24 on: Oct 20th, 2007, 12:28am » |
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on Oct 19th, 2007, 8:17pm, Jonny wrote:
Really?
A CH website with a non-CH board?
Thas messed up!
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This is what DJ wrote, maybe I have it wrong.
Quote:
Cluster Headache Specific
This board is specifically for cluster headache related questions and support...
Getting to Know Ya
This is an area for new members to introduce themselves and maybe get quick answers to some of their questions...
Medications, Treatments, Therapies
This is where you can talk about specific medications, treatments, etc. that have (or haven't) worked for you...
Supporter's Corner
Don't have cluster's yourself but care for someone who does? Share experiences with other "clusterhead" supporters here...
Children and Cluster's
Parents of children with cluster's may have specific questions or concerns about CH and their child...
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This is where you will post your normal everyday messages...
Funnies and Jokes
For those of you who like to pass on stuff that makes you laugh, it goes here...
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I count 2 non-ch forums there, but maybe I am wrong and I should start my threads in jokes with "not CH".
Carrie, I hope the new meds help.
Paul
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