Wellbutrin / Bupropion experiences?

[IceQueencop]

@EveHarrington - I’m on bupropion, too. When I started I was feeling some of the anxiety, but it leveled off.

I had a hard time with prozac and Zoloft some of the other SSRIs because of the anxiety, but I had other side effects with the others that I don’t have with bupropion (paranoia, dizziness...).

The difference between the immediate release and the longer lasting meds is that the longer lasting stuff has binders that prevent the med from releasing into your system all at once. It tends to be a better experience, but more expensive generally.

I hope the experience continues to be positive for you.

IQC

 

[EveHarrington]

@EveHarrington - I’m on bupropion, too. When I started I was feeling some of the anxiety, but it leveled off.

I had a hard time with prozac and Zoloft some of the other SSRIs because of the anxiety, but I had other side effects with the others that I don’t have with bupropion (paranoia, dizziness...).

The difference between the immediate release and the longer lasting meds is that the longer lasting stuff has binders that prevent the med from releasing into your system all at once. It tends to be a better experience, but more expensive generally.

I hope the experience continues to be positive for you.

IQC

Thanks!

It’s still going well, I believe. I’m amazed at how I can now get up so much easier in the morning.

Is it odd that I’m only taking the SR once a day?

 

[IceQueencop]

@EveHarrington I found it easier to get up, too, but it took a bit for me. It was weird, I started having dreams about not being depressed after starting bupropion, then finally, the clouds began to clear.

I only take one pill a day, 50 mg I think. I also take seraquel, but that one I take at night.

I scheduled an appt with a psychiatrist for next week to evaluate the med situation. It would be nice to get off them altogether, but I also don’t want to live in a pit of despair and anxiety and if taking pills helps with that, then so be it. But, I’ll see what he has to say.

 

[EveHarrington]

Am I supposed to feel nothing, let nothing bother me?

That’s where I am right now. I might spend my entire holiday alone and I’m ok with that.

I’ll clean my apartment. Watch movies like crazy. Cook. It will be fine.

 

[IceQueencop]

Am I supposed to feel nothing, let nothing bother me?

I can only tell you that it is easier for me to regulate my feelings and reactions with the meds that I am on.

I have friends that report feeling nothing or feeling like a zombie or feeling unmotivated on various meds. If you are ok with feeling nothing, then I think you are where you should be. If you get to a point where the nothing is taking over who you are or making you feel unmotivated then it would probably be time to make a med switch.

If you didn’t care what your place looked like and were depressed about being alone, those things might be red flags. The fact that you are looking forward to cleaning, watching movies and being cozy sounds to me like you are in a good place. As long as something is interesting or motivating, I don’t think it matters what that something is. When there’s nothing that interests or motivates you, that’s a problem.

Hugs!
IQC

 

[EveHarrington]

If you are ok with feeling nothing, then I think you are where you should be. If you get to a point where the nothing is taking over who you are or making you feel unmotivated then it would probably be time to make a med switch.

Yeah, I’m a lot more motivated.

Maybe this is the price I have to pay for stability?

It sucks that if Wellbutrin works for you, and SSRIs are out of the question, this is your ONLY option.

 

[IceQueencop]

Maybe this is the price I have to pay for stability?

I think as you adjust you will find that you will become more centered. The anxiety subsided for me and I do feel more centered, not as negative. I laugh more, and I feel more present. There are still dark days and dark times. My T talks about rewiring positive experiences, so I guess I look at the meds more as training wheels than as a long-term solution. Every med has side effects, taking meds requires a risk-benefit analysis.
Maybe you can think of it like a lantern to get you through a cave where there is no sunlight, it’s not as good as sunlight, but it should help you get where you want to go.

More hugs!
IQC

 

[EveHarrington]

I think as you adjust you will find that you will become more centered. The anxiety subsided for me and I do feel more centered, not as negative. I laugh more, and I feel more present. There are still dark days and dark times. My T talks about rewiring positive experiences, so I guess I look at the meds more as training wheels than as a long-term solution. Every med has side effects, taking meds requires a risk-benefit analysis.
Maybe you can think of it like a lantern to get you through a cave where there is no sunlight, it’s not as good as sunlight, but it should help you get where you want to go.

More hugs!
IQC

I was so against taking antidepressants for years because I had so many negative side effects with SSRIs. I was in a bit of denial about having a depression issue even though I have a MDD diagnosis. I sit here and think is this what it’s like to feel normal? No wonder people get so much accomplished!

 

[IceQueencop]

I’m glad you’re feeling good!

 

[EveHarrington]

I’m glad you’re feeling good!

I don’t know if “good” is the word....

I’m actually terrified. My emotions guide me through EVERYTHING and now I don’t have that. I feel lost.

 

[IceQueencop]

I’m actually terrified. My emotions guide me through EVERYTHING and now I don’t have that. I feel lost.

Oh no! I have never been one to make decisions based on emotion, so it’s a bit difficult to relate to. I will tell you that I try to make decisions based on logic. My T says it’s the frontal lobe that makes those kinds of decisions, and doing puzzles helps to strengthen that front brain. She always recommends things like sudoku, but jigsaw puzzles work too, especially if you are a tactile learner.

I would think that as your tolerance to the med increases you will feel your emotions again, but maybe they are just not as noticeable right now.

Best, IQC

 

[H56]

Hi, I'm new, but this thread so resonates with me. I have adhd inattentive type and anxiety with depression. I take Wellbutrin xr 300mg (for about 3 months) and Adderall xr 5mg. I was on Adderall 15mg xr before this but my doc did not want me on stimulants, and I was having muscle issues. Currently, I feel less. Not depressed, not usually anxious, but is feeling less a good thing? I'm in therapy, and I wonder if my progression to healing will be slower because not much bothers me, so not much to talk about. Also, I'm an avid skier, but I don't seem to feel comfortable at high speeds (like before). I'm much more cautious. I think it may be the meds. I don't suppose anyone can relate. Other than this, the combo works fine for me.