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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by 122296 on July 20, 2002, at 17:42:37
Hello everyone,
Frankly, I'm tired of being tired! I've been taking Zoloft for five years. It has helped with crying, anxiety, and my mood swings somewhat. Throughout the years, I am fatigue even after sleeping 12 hours. I have lost weight and I still feel tired. I wake up throughout the night, have mood swings during PMS, desire sex perhaps once biweekly. I am afraid that I might lose my husband to another woman. I'm very aware of my problem and share it with him so he can try to understand me. He seems to understand. He is a wonderful man. I'm not sure if I should go to my family doctor and request that she allow me to try Wellbutrin. or Should I visit a psychiatrist? I've never been to see a psychiatrist. I'm not sure if what I'm going through with Zoloft is bad enough to change my medication. What do you think?
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 20, 2002, at 23:01:51
In reply to Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by 122296 on July 20, 2002, at 17:42:37
A psychiatrist would be the best person to see.
Most psychiatrists would consider Wellbutrin first as a second-line antidepressant option. Along with Remeron, it is one of the top two antidepressants out there IMO. Your doctor will be happy to know that you're informed. You could try searching for a few on the internet. Try to see if they have a web page or anything. You could check the web site of your local hospital or clinic. Find someone that you're comfortable with.Wellbutrin will almost definitely help you. It will also help with withdrawal symptoms if you decide to stop taking Zoloft (don't quit cold turkey though). If the Wellbutrin gives you insomnia and makes you agitated, you could try adding on a small amount (7.5-15mg) of Remeron to help. Taking more Remeron than that is not wise in my opinion (even moreso when you're on Wellbutrin). It's better to take Wellbutrin to boost noradrenaline levels than to go messing around with high doses of Remeron IMHO. Wellbutrin will counteract the weight gain side effect of Remeron, so don't worry about that. Psychiatrists have seen it all, so don't feel anxious about seeing one. You should probably discuss what to do about the sleep problem with your doctor as well.
Ignore the advice about 5-HTP if you visit these sites. Ignore the one star herbs as well. Read up on DHEA and fish oils if you want to read more (there is some information on the GNC site).
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Concern/Insomnia.htm
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Concern/PMS.htm
-I provide those links in spite of their commercial nature because of the number of references cited.Shawn
Posted by terra miller on July 21, 2002, at 21:14:43
In reply to Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by 122296 on July 20, 2002, at 17:42:37
Hi. I agree that it would be beneficial to see a psychiatrist. You might be able to figure it out yourself with your family prac. doc, but a psychiatrist would be helpful. I agree that the wellbutrin would probably help you. What you would specifically find helpful from a psychiatrist is they would know how to pull you off at what rate of the zoloft while adding the wellbutrin. Or they might not take you off the zoloft at all and add wellbutrin to it. They're pretty good at knowing how to do that kind of thing.
terra
Posted by McPac on July 21, 2002, at 22:07:31
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by Shawn. T. on July 20, 2002, at 23:01:51
"Most psychiatrists would consider Wellbutrin first as a second-line antidepressant option."
Huh?
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 22, 2002, at 1:20:39
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by McPac on July 21, 2002, at 22:07:31
I'm referring to an algorithm that someone devised to help psychiatrists to choose medications. For most forms of depression, I believe that it advises to try an SSRI first. If that doesn't work, it suggests prescribing Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is the suggested second-line antidepressant option. If an SSRI did not work, they would think of Wellbutrin first. I don't agree with the algorithm; it is out of date. Wellbutrin doesn't cause cycling in bipolars. That means that if the psychiatrist misdiagnosed a bipolar patient's problem as depression, he wouldn't run the same risk of prescribing an ineffective medication as the second-line option. I can definitely see how that line didn't make any sense to you.
Shawn
Posted by McPac on July 22, 2002, at 17:23:43
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft? » McPac, posted by Shawn. T. on July 22, 2002, at 1:20:39
Shawn,
I thought that might have been what you meant. Also, I just read a recent journal stating that SSRI's & Wellbutrin were rated equally as first-line defenses.
Posted by 122296 on July 22, 2002, at 22:53:30
In reply to Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by 122296 on July 20, 2002, at 17:42:37
I sincerely thank everyone who has responded to my post. I feel confident that I am going in the right direction. Once again, I thank you for your advise and taking time.
Posted by Shawn. T. on July 23, 2002, at 19:36:29
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by McPac on July 22, 2002, at 17:23:43
Indeed, but which one has been shown to have fewer side effects? They are equal in efficacy; one has fewer side effects; so, which one should someone take? Did you know that someone taking Zoloft is four times as likely to have seizures than someone taking Wellbutrin SR? So this issue is decided, no?
Shawn
Posted by McPac on July 23, 2002, at 20:39:48
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft? » McPac, posted by Shawn. T. on July 23, 2002, at 19:36:29
SHAWN "Indeed, but which one has been shown to have fewer side effects? They are equal in efficacy; one has fewer side effects; so, which one should someone take? Did you know that someone taking Zoloft is four times as likely to have seizures than someone taking Wellbutrin SR? So this issue is decided, no?
Shawn"
>>>>>>>>>I wish this crap was that simple! But it's not. Zoloft may work well for some; it may do NOTHING for others. Wellbutrin will work great for some; it will do nothing for others. "One man's meat is another man's poison"...that certainly typifies medicine, esp. these kinds of meds. It's never that easy. It's not like choosing between 2 glasses of water..both which are the same "brand", only one has a delicious flavoring added and the other doesn't...that choice would be easier! Every med. is a mystery when put in someone's mouth..the factors involved and the dynamics which take place..with all of the incredibly delicate intracacies of the human brain/body...these meds. are such an "individual" thing..my "cure" could be your worst nightmare! Also, I take Zoloft not only for depression but for OCD as well (the best thing I've EVER taken for that..and of course I know others that it did NOTHING for). It will never be as easy as "Okay, EVERYBODY take ("___________")(you insert WHATEVER med. you wish to) and you will ALL feel EQUALLY better". There is nothing like that!
Posted by McPac on July 23, 2002, at 20:45:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin instead of Zoloft?, posted by McPac on July 22, 2002, at 17:23:43
Shawn,
Do you have an e-mail address where I could write to you? I have read many of your posts and thoroughly enjoy your knowledge, particularly your "concoctions" of things like fish oils, vitamins, etc. I would love to ask you some questions. Thanks!
This is the end of the thread.
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