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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KimberlyDi on December 4, 2003, at 16:56:44
In reply to Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 3, 2003, at 15:46:40
Sounds odd to me too. Wellbutrin can be stimulating.
> Okay..I'm not dumb here, but in doing research on WB, it is clearly used for depression, not panic attacks or anxiety. Soooo, why if I told my doc of my history of panic attacks, would she think I am the perfect case for this med? I don't understand. She is a psych, not a GP, so that's not it, but still. My diagnosis was OCD, anxiety and agoraphobia, and she said "WB is perfect for you". I notice not alot of posts are about WB, but I was hoping this might strike a cord with someone.
>
> Thanks...;)
>
> Deej
Posted by DeeJay on December 5, 2003, at 9:05:19
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by KimberlyDi on December 4, 2003, at 16:56:44
It's been a week for me on the WB, and I think all is going just fine....considering. I don't feel panicky or anxious, and I have a huge load of energy I didn't have before, but I can't seem to physically get out of bed because I feel like a train hit me. Going from Paxil CR to WB XL is interesting, to say the least.
Deej
Posted by karo on December 5, 2003, at 12:00:35
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 5, 2003, at 9:05:19
I have been on Wellbutrin since June.. for anxiety, panic (and depression, which seems to creep up on me with the anxiety). Before that I was on Celexa, and before that on Paxil. Although paxil worked really well, I gained about 40 lbs in 2 years!! So I became really depressed about my weight and tried Celexa. Celexa and sex drive were BRUTAL, so went to Wellbutrin. Was taking 150mg and felt pretty good... but I still had a bit of anxiety feelings, so my dr. put me up to 300mg /day. Holy crap - i am so wired that I feel panic and anxiety all the time. I dont know if it's just a coincidence that this is happening with the upped dosage, but it is crazy. I have only been on 300mg for 2 weeks, but my dr. says the stimulant factor should go away soon. For now I am also taking clonazepan to chill me out. Anyone in a similar situation? This is crazy... I just want to feel normal and not be a damn walking pharmacy!!!
Posted by theo on December 5, 2003, at 17:54:32
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 5, 2003, at 9:05:19
I'm adding Paxil to my 150mg Wellbutrin XL because the Wellbutrin does absolutily nothing for my anxiety. Why are you stopping Paxil CR? Did you every try regular Paxil?
Posted by Viridis on December 6, 2003, at 14:49:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by KimberlyDi on December 4, 2003, at 16:56:44
Wellbutrin seems to be a particularly variable med in the sense that some people benefit greatly whereas others have very negative reactions. It caused tremendous anxiety for me and a bunch of other side effects even at just 150 mg SR/day. I stuck with it for about two months, but finally stopped it since the side effects never diminished. They stopped within a day of discontinuation and I had no withdrawal. At about the same time, a friend tried it and had such a severe, sustained panic reaction she actually thought she was having a heart attack. Yet another friend found it a great antidepressant, and someone else I know had absolutely no reaction to it.
It seems to be a med to take cautiously, especially if you're anxiety-prone -- try small doses at first to see how you react.
For energy and motivation, plus some mood-lifting effects, I found Provigil (modafinil) quite helpful, and it didn't cause anxiety for me. So, it could be a good alternative for some people who can't tolerate Wellbutrin. It's all trial-and-error, really.
Posted by DeeJay on December 6, 2003, at 18:09:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha??? » DeeJay, posted by theo on December 5, 2003, at 17:54:32
Yes, I did take regular Paxil and it didn't work for me. Since I was seeing a GP at the time, the only thing she could think to do was put me on the CR..my guess, was because it was new. You know how that goes. I'm a week into the WB, and I think I might like it. I'm not panicky or anything, the anxiety isn't like it was before, it just didn't make sense to me that I was given the WB. Well, if anything, I know I don't want to smoke anymore...so we'll see...;)
Thanks for the thoughts
Deej
Posted by maxx44 on December 7, 2003, at 1:29:10
In reply to Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 3, 2003, at 15:46:40
she's a genius dr. that may read your mind, or not. either way, Get a second opinion. wellbu Can cause panic/siezure at once---happened to me---and the man that handed me free samples was the man that did the fda workup. IMHO this doc ain't right. even dangerous. shop around. look at credentials. yale beats santa domingo. savvy?
Posted by maxx44 on December 7, 2003, at 1:38:35
In reply to Re: Has anyone here ever had a Wellbutrin seizure?, posted by Dog on December 3, 2003, at 13:39:51
you discribe a wellbu-induced hallucination. aside from that it works? at lower dose? not unusual for a drug that causes negative reactions to be tried later. works sometimes.
Posted by bavmorda on December 7, 2003, at 21:34:26
In reply to Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 3, 2003, at 15:46:40
My doc prescribed 150 WB/XL for ADD, disthymia, and symptoms of GAD. I FREAKED right around the 2 week mark. As if snapping at people for no reason, feeling lightheaded, and shaking wasnt bad enough... I got to experience some nasty paranoia. Everyone I spoke to had a plot to hurt me in some way. During several moments of the day, I could feel my brain flush and I wanted to cry. It was horrible. Trial and error is normal, but I dont see how a stimulant like WB is good for people with anxiety and panic disorders.
BTW... The doc immediately took me off WB and put me on Lexapro. She might give me a 75mg WB tablet with it to prevent weight gain and lethargy. Waiting to see how the Lex works, though...
> Okay..I'm not dumb here, but in doing research on WB, it is clearly used for depression, not panic attacks or anxiety. Soooo, why if I told my doc of my history of panic attacks, would she think I am the perfect case for this med? I don't understand. She is a psych, not a GP, so that's not it, but still. My diagnosis was OCD, anxiety and agoraphobia, and she said "WB is perfect for you". I notice not alot of posts are about WB, but I was hoping this might strike a cord with someone.
>
> Thanks...;)
>
> Deej
Posted by maxx44 on December 7, 2003, at 22:19:46
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by bavmorda on December 7, 2003, at 21:34:26
wellbu had me agressive, verbally, in hours---then panic and minor convulsions---these things should have been sorted out prior to marketing. to put the 'burden of proof' upon the client? in the case of meds, this seems unethical. the drug cos. blame the dr.---the same dr. relying on their studies and salesmen, allededly knowing their product. regards
Posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 12:33:06
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by maxx44 on December 7, 2003, at 22:19:46
Thanks for your input....I'm doing well on the WB so far...except for early morning jitters, but that's partially because of caffeine. We'll see though. It's only been a week so my head might actually explode within a few more and when it does, I'll let you all know...;)
Cheers,
Deej
Posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 12:37:18
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 12:33:06
Maxx44---
Is that yale beating santa domingo a game or am I retarded?...;p
Deej
Posted by maxx44 on December 8, 2003, at 13:32:17
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 12:37:18
no joke but perhaps poor humor---60 minutes did a bit on u of santa domingo med school---seemed a diploma mill. i was being 'treated' by a u of santa domingo dr. my talk therapist taped the thing for me and in view of my blood pressure being so high, and the md.'s saying i should see his brother the cardiologist? i found a new dr. regards
Posted by maxx44 on December 8, 2003, at 13:34:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 12:33:06
if it works, great. regards
Posted by Dog on December 8, 2003, at 15:05:17
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 12:33:06
the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) says caffeine inhibits the efficacy of Wellbutrin... you should consult with it at your library, alot of useful info....my Dr. didn't know about that and almost called me a liar at an appt., then the next appt. after she had looked at her PDR, she apologized to me and said i was correct..the PDR has stuff in it most Dr.s don't know and many don't ever even look at it...
i drink one cup or so of coffee in the early AM, before 7 am, then no more the entire day, no soda or tea or anything... however, maybe i ought to cut out the coffee as i did for awhile and noticed a positive result... its very difficult to break old habits though, and i do so love caffinated coffee....> Thanks for your input....I'm doing well on the WB so far...except for early morning jitters, but that's partially because of caffeine. We'll see though. It's only been a week so my head might actually explode within a few more and when it does, I'll let you all know...;)
>
> Cheers,
>
> Deej
Posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 15:08:56
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by Dog on December 8, 2003, at 15:05:17
Yeah, see, my doc didn't tell me that either. And I'm learning on my own that I need to stop drinking so much coffee but bluh! It's hard..especially when I'm at work. I do drink alot of water throughout the day though. I think my doc just wants me to have good sex again, since I havn't in a long time. Hopefully the WB does it's job in that department.
Cheers,
Deej
Posted by maxx44 on December 8, 2003, at 17:02:07
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 15:08:56
coffee's strong medicine---as sex is important to hormonal health, smart dr. anxiety folks often turn to alcohol, especially when sex is absent---don't fall for 'margarita-ville'---pretty much shuts 'mr. happy' down. glad the wellbu works. regards
Posted by maxx44 on December 8, 2003, at 17:09:58
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by Dog on December 8, 2003, at 15:05:17
true, one cup is my limit. but it is a powerfull AD---green tea would be wiser, perhaps you could pack some tea-bags to work? regards
Posted by DeeJay on December 9, 2003, at 8:30:36
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by maxx44 on December 8, 2003, at 17:09:58
I'm drinking my coffee right now as we speak but I could not sleep last night, and once I got to sleep, it was time to get up. I had a glass and a half of wine that knocked me out...a glass and a half!! That never happens. I'm too tired to be wired today..;p I used to drink tea alll the time. But I get bored and need a new taste.
Cheers,
Deej
Posted by Dog on December 9, 2003, at 8:34:42
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 8, 2003, at 15:08:56
i wish i wanted to quit coffee, but it is such a part of my life.... i look at it as a necessary evil... good thing i only drink one or two cups in the morning, and that with plenty of skim milk...i call it my "cafe con leche"... i cannot drink any caffeinated product or even eat chocolate after 10 or 11 am or else i have a lot of trouble sleeping... coffee/caffeine can be really bad, particularly if its drank in excess... i met this lawyer one time who was drinking 4 or 5 pots of coffee a day at one time... he tried drinking "de-caf", which is a misnomer because there is caffeine in so-called decaffeinated coffee also, albeit in reduced amounts...he said he was saved from drinking coffee by drinking some sort of a roasted grain product, can't remember the name, but it has no caffeine in it....drinking water is great... i know i need to drink more water during the day... its easy for me to get dehydrated and then my BP goes way down and i get dizzy, weak, and ill. the wellbutrin can help with some sexual functioning, but don't be afraid to seek help if it doesn't...
> Yeah, see, my doc didn't tell me that either. And I'm learning on my own that I need to stop drinking so much coffee but bluh! It's hard..especially when I'm at work. I do drink alot of water throughout the day though. I think my doc just wants me to have good sex again, since I havn't in a long time. Hopefully the WB does it's job in that department.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Deej
Posted by Dog on December 9, 2003, at 8:44:28
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 9, 2003, at 8:30:36
it takes like 10 or more hours for the caffeine to get our of you system, at least enough so it doesn't keep you up...you might try what i do: drink all the coffee you want in the early morning, but don't drink any past 9 or 10 am, the earlier you stop drinking the better...i don't drink alcohol, but isn't alcohol not recommended with wellbutrin?
i read one time somewhere, but i do not at all recommend it, and that is that less sleep makes you less depressed for some reason... i need at least 8 hours and try to get 9 each night...
> I'm drinking my coffee right now as we speak but I could not sleep last night, and once I got to sleep, it was time to get up. I had a glass and a half of wine that knocked me out...a glass and a half!! That never happens. I'm too tired to be wired today..;p I used to drink tea alll the time. But I get bored and need a new taste.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Deej
Posted by DeeJay on December 9, 2003, at 8:50:41
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by Dog on December 9, 2003, at 8:44:28
See, I had concerns about the WB with the alcohol, but I don't have a history of seizure. I enjoy wine too much. I noticed I don't like to smoke much anymore on the WB, so it works there. I also don't eat like I used to, my portions are smaller. I'm a health nut anyway (minus the coffee and wine) so it's not a major change. I have to have my vice, and that's what I don't deprive myself of. I have another question, probably obvious, but I have often wondered if adolescent drug use could have contributed to any of my adult anxiety now.....hmmmm....maybe too obvious...
Cheers,
Deej
Posted by Dog on December 9, 2003, at 9:21:30
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 9, 2003, at 8:50:41
i did drugs as a youth also. my Dad also is an alcoholic, so i grew up with it seeing it abused and then abusing it myself when i was a teenager. i quit all illegal drugs and alcohol at about 20...in my miss-spent youth, i've experimented with almost every drug you could name...i never used a needle though... i wonder also if the drugs i did as a youth affected what i am today... i think they'd had to have done something... i didn't do them everyday, only on weekends mostly, but i've done LSD, PCP, Coke, Heroin (snorted), Ecstasy (MDA) and alot of marijuana... and that probably wasn't very organic marijuana... i heard the DEA used to spray illegal marijuana fields with a strong weed-killer called "Paraquat", but that the marijuana would be harvested anyway... smoking dope sprayed with that stuff probably didn't do me any good either... probably never know for sure of the damage i've done... an argument for my doing drugs could be that i was trying to medicate myself because i didn't feel right due to my chemical imbalance...don't know for sure..
Drinking wine is good "health-nut" behavior...there are many studies that prove wine is good for you, at least in moderate amounts... i can't drink it though...my problem is that i would like it too much, i think, and couldn't control my drinking: i don't want to go my Dad's route... he and i are already too much alike!
have enjoyed writing to you... got to go now though and do my work...i have to travel in my public health job as a field worker.. write back when you can..
would appreciate hearing from you again,
Dog> See, I had concerns about the WB with the alcohol, but I don't have a history of seizure. I enjoy wine too much. I noticed I don't like to smoke much anymore on the WB, so it works there. I also don't eat like I used to, my portions are smaller. I'm a health nut anyway (minus the coffee and wine) so it's not a major change. I have to have my vice, and that's what I don't deprive myself of. I have another question, probably obvious, but I have often wondered if adolescent drug use could have contributed to any of my adult anxiety now.....hmmmm....maybe too obvious...
>
> Cheers,
>
> Deej
Posted by DeeJay on December 9, 2003, at 9:40:51
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha??? » DeeJay, posted by Dog on December 9, 2003, at 9:21:30
Now I know I'm not alone. My cousin and I have oftened wondered if recreational use had screwed us up...he's on Lexapro and is the most cynical kid I know, but super smart. As a teenager, I did way too much lsd, even did my 10th grade research paper on it..;p..no, not obvious at all...I didn't toke much...couldn't stay awake...but that's all I have done. And too many years of it, I'm afraid. My mom was sick at the time, died when I was 17....and I'm sure that's where that all came from. I have to get back to work as well, thanks for chatting with me. Take care, be back soon.
Deej
Posted by Dog on December 9, 2003, at 17:47:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for anxiety wha???, posted by DeeJay on December 9, 2003, at 9:40:51
alot of things can damage the brain... i am a lead inspector and i know that lead damages kids brains at young ages... been doing it for 10 yrs. and i've seen kids that have problems now because of lead poisoning ...being a man, i've even heard testosterone flooding my brain during puberty as an adolescent did a kind of brain damage...so brain damage happens to many at one time or another...
i've never really explored the possibilities the drug use did damage to me... it probably did, though i could never tell for sure... it was when i quit drinking (which also kills brain cells), quit smoking cigarettes and dope and quit other recreational drugs that i was able to go to college and study... because i partied so much, i barely made it thru high school...i quit drugs and then i went to a 2 year community college w/ an open door policy ... i couldn't have gotten into a 4 year college at that point...then i got an associates degree, i did OK there and then got a bachelors and then did some graduate study... i am a graduate school drop-out, as the depression really hit hard in grad school..... i was about 25 when it hit hard... because i had once, i believe, had a problem with alcohol and drugs, it was very difficult to begin taking a chemical again, even though it was for depression and from a Dr.
i almost finished grad school though and still might someday.
i know this guy in my small hometown, who people say drugs really affected him. i knew him before and after and definitely can see somethings affected him for the worse.
some other things i've heard: even if the brain is damaged some, while there are never new brain cells made, there can be new neurological pathways made... we only use a small portion of our brains and i have heard Dr.s say the brain can restore itself by creating new pathways...we must keep learning, i have heard also so our brains don't deteriorate...keep trying new things and keep ourselves exposed to good things like good art and good movies and good books and good exercise...challenging ourselves continually... i don't enough because of the depression, but want to... i think in Jan. i am going to take a class to see if i can still do it...i have a secondary teaching certificate that has lapsed and i have to take a class to get it back up to date...so sorry about your Mother.. it must have been very difficult, esp. at that age... 17 is a crucial time in a person's life...my mother died last May... she was almost 75... she died at my house... i was there when she died, holding her hand... it was difficult then at 40, i can't imagine 17... some say if you don't grieve right when someone close to you dies, that can cause problems like depression and things...only thing is, at young ages, we usually don't know anything about grieving...
> Now I know I'm not alone. My cousin and I have oftened wondered if recreational use had screwed us up...he's on Lexapro and is the most cynical kid I know, but super smart. As a teenager, I did way too much lsd, even did my 10th grade research paper on it..;p..no, not obvious at all...I didn't toke much...couldn't stay awake...but that's all I have done. And too many years of it, I'm afraid. My mom was sick at the time, died when I was 17....and I'm sure that's where that all came from. I have to get back to work as well, thanks for chatting with me. Take care, be back soon.
>
> Deej
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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