Posted by JoycieDee on October 22, 2004, at 10:01:42
I have taken Wellbutrin for 6 years or more, always 300 mg. Other anti-depressants gave me side effects that I could not tolerate, but WB has been fine. Depression runs in my family on my father's side. I have had two very serious depressions and never want to have another. I have had serious stresses lately and have been depressed, but in a normal way; in other words, I do think Wellbutrin has helped me maintain an even keel, more or less (whatever normal is).
I also take Tranxene as needed, up to 15 mg, twice a day.
Now I am beginning to wonder if I can get off Wellbutrin, if I should, if I could be immune to it by now, if it is still helping me in any way after all this time. I don't know if there are any ill effects from taking Wellbutrin indefinitely, or if I am still getting any benefit from it.
My general practitioner and my gynecologist know exactly what I take and are fine with it, but I have never asked these questions. As things have gotten especially stressful lately, my GP suggested Zoloft (along with WB, not instead of) but I really hate the no-orgasm side effect of Zoloft, which is the side effect I always have had from Zoloft. I did start it, but stopped (my doctor knows this). So I am just on WB.I am 52 years old but have no menopausal symptoms yet. My mother did not have much trouble when she went through menopause, and did not take hormones. I expect I will experience symptoms to some degree but my attitude towards menopause is pretty positive.
Obviously I need to talk to my doctors, but I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge of true long term use of Wellbutrin, whether or not it remained effective, if there is a reason to stop taking it, if there is a danger in stopping it (tapering I would imagine) - or is there a danger of staying on it too long? Also - wondering if anyone has taken it for a long time, stopped, and then started again -- if it regained more effectiveness? And finally - if I do stop it, even tapering, what are the most common or danerous withdrawal symptoms?
I am asking a lot of questions and I realize no one can answer all of them, but I am trying to become as informed as possible. I will of course still discuss this with my doctor -- but he has never taken WB himself --- I would like to base my decision on as much input as possible.
I thank anyone who takes the time to read and respond to me.
Joyce
poster:JoycieDee
thread:405831
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041018/msgs/405831.html