Hi.
I am looking to hear from anyone who has taken this medication. What was your experience on it and were there bad side affects? I am especially interested in sexual or weight type issues or nervousness.

Also- approximately how long did it take to "kick in". I start 150 mg time release today.
Thanks

Wifey-- I've been on Wellbutrin XL since Oct. Started on a lower dose and worked up. Libido is good, maybe a little better than before, but hard to tell with the emotional ups & downs. Weight is stable. I think those are a couple of the things that make Wellbutrin preferable to the other SSRIs, which tend to have negative effects in those categories.

I'd say it took about three weeks to really feel better. The first two weeks, I was pretty touchy and nervous, kind of like bad PMS. But it goes away if you're patient.

I wish you much luck. The ADs don't make the problems go away, but they sure improve your perspective and overall outlook on life. I found I stopped obsessing about the A so much. No magic bullet, but it sure does help! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> --DT

Hi,

I've been taking Wellbutrin for almost a year. No weight gain, and my libido is MUCH better.

I had side effects only for a couple of days ... dizzyness and weak legs ... about a week into it. A little bit of nausea for about a week.

I take the regular kind (no long release for me or I can't sleep). I take 150mg in the morning and 75mg in the early afternoon.

As for it kicking in, it depends on what you expect it to do. I started feeling happy again about 7 months after I started taking it. But, I am talking HAPPINESS. As for feeling more centered, less tired, and generally more content, that happened in about 3 weeks.

My one on-going problem is an inability to cry ... at least until my D-day in April. But, real tears are still very rare. Still, without my Wellbutrin, I think I'd be an even bigger basket case than I am already.

Just remember, take them exactly like you are supposed to. DO NOT stop taking them cold turkey. You have to be weaned off of them. And, DON'T DRINK ... the two together can cause stroke.

I am on Wellbutrin. 300 mg. extended release. I started on 150 mg.

No weight gain, improved libido (although I had that weird backlash of increased libido after Dday) but no sexual side effects (Prozac hindered "O"). No weakness, dizziness or nervousness.

I felt effects about 2-3 weeks after. I went on them before Dday for depression. After Dday I think they really helped keep me from plummeting back into depression.

Good Luck!

Wifey, I also needed to ask this question about Wellbutrin, as I'm in a very bad way too. I am having a lot of suicidal thoughts - the idea of going to sleep and not having to wake up to the misery, is growing in appeal, the more time goes by.

I know that I have been demented since I discovered the A, 19 months ago. I have battled not to take anti depressants, because of the sexual side effects and weight gain. I have obsessed since d-day about staying slim and having sex every day. I know that I'm being obessive, but my obsessive routine must make me feel better in some way - but now it feels like the rest of me is losing the battle. I know that I've become terribly unstable and my FWH doesn't know what to do about me. He is saying he will resign from work - which I fear might lead to other stresses, on top of everthing else.

I think I always had unstable tendencies but the wonderful man I married was the rock that gave me strength. I am one, who had all my eggs in the one basket.

Wifey, I'm sorry to butt in on your thread, but I have been meaning to ask the same question for a couple of weeks. Can you post and let me know how you are getting on on Wellbutrin? I hope you get more responses to this question - I'm getting really desperate and need to believe there is a medication that can help me.

ok anyname.. I'm going to butt in on this thread after reading your post. I didn't want to discourage anyone from taking Wellbutrin but I did try that one and it didn't help my depression and anxiety. I've tried Paxil and Effexor as well without good results. I know that AD's work differently depending on the person but I started taking Lexapro about 1 month ago and it's wonderful!! I too have had suicidal thoughts over the last 6 months and have searched desperately for something that would work. I have found it. I have energy again and motivation to cook and clean and just do the little every day things that I had lost all desire for.

one important fact that I forgot to mention is that I could tell the difference in 5 days after starting Lexapro. It was quick and believe me it wasn't psychological either. There was a huge difference when it kicked in.

wifey...I know people that experienced weight gain on Wellbutrin. I personally did not but I tend to handle stress by not eating.

::::I've tried Paxil and Effexor as well without good results. I know that AD's work differently depending on the person but I started taking Lexapro about 1 month ago and it's wonderful!! I too have had suicidal thoughts over the last 6 months and have searched desperately for something that would work. I have found it. I have energy again and motivation to cook and clean and just do the little every day things that I had lost all desire for.

Lisa, I took Paxil 5 yrs ago when I moved countries, and flipped out. It was brilliant. But I couldn't achieve O on it. I pretty much snapped out of my not eating, not sleeping, no energy etc to be fine, within a week. I had considerably more anxiety than depression though.

Since the A, I've survived the first stage of extreme anxiety - not sleeping, eating and panic attacks. I'm now gyrating between anger and depression. I think I'm trying to stay in anger to avoid the depression. The depression is overwhelming (at least anger is proactive). But, when you read about stages of grief, depression is the last stage before acceptance - so maybe if I can just survive this stage I'll come thru. I don't think my H thinks we can survive too much longer on the emotional roller coaster. We are both exhausted. One problem for us is that we don't have children around. It's just us. There's no one to behave in front of. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

I have an American friend who suggested Lexepro quite some time ago - but she never has any trouble O'ing on any of the SSRI's. I have a feeling Lexepro would be too much like Paxil in that department.

I'll have to keep researching. Sometimes I get really discouraged when I read how well other people are doing - and then I remember how they said they were taking a/d's. And then I think do I want to orgasm or do I want to jump out of the window? Mmmm, lemme think about that? It reminds me of that famous line that's going around: Should I kill myself or have another cup of coffee? Life's getting a bit crazy for all of us eh?

anyname...My doctor told me when he started me on Lexapro that if SF became a problem that he can add wellbutrin to take along with the lexapro to offset the side effects.

Aspen...I am with my H but due to diabetic issues he is impotent and has been for over a year. It's been a year since I've had SF and the Lexapro has not affected my desire for SF <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> but I'm not obsessing over it either.

Wellbutrin did not have the sexual sideaffects of Paxil and Zoloft.

Different ADs work differently for each individual...different doses as well.

Its the one area where you really need an MD to closely monitor which ADs and doses best work for you.

:::Its the one area where you really need an MD to closely monitor which ADs and doses best work for you.

Yes, Stunned, because Wellbutrin belongs to an a/d group that you have to watch what you eat. It's a mono... somthing. ???? I remember being offered something like it just after d-day and panicked at all the do's and dont's I had to observe.

I can't get Wellbutrin here where I live. I just checked, but I can buy Bupropion HCI. Same thing, but is sold at a dose of 150mgs and is used to stop smoking. I could break it in half and look up contraindications on the net. Going to a doctor is too difficult. Can buy most things over the counter in this part of the world.

Lisa, I just checked Lexapro and can buy that over the counter, but it mentions sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Just the mere hint that it could cause that is enough to bring it on in me. Remember why I'm taking this stuff? I'm insane!!!!

thanx for the input! Will study more on the net and make a decision. H just told me to break a bottle of wine over his head and to slit my wrists with the shards of glass. Guess things are improving tonite - we have a little humor in us. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Yes, I've been on Wellbutrin in the past, and had very good results, without the dampening effect that Zoloft and Effexor had for me libido-wise. In fact, libido probably improved <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> . It also curbs appetite for some people (not me), so the "average" person on it actually loses a pound or two, but nothing drastic.

There is a group of anti-depressants that have many food-interactions, but they are rarely prescribed in the US due to all that (I'd have to pull out my textbook to give you the name of that class, but it does have to do with MAO-inhibition), and Wellbutrin is NOT in that class.

After d-day, or should I say d-month, occurred I started on Lexapro. I was amazed how quickly it kicked in. The full effects probably took a month, but I began feeling better after a few days. I loved that drug. I still felt my feelings. I had many sob fests, but it was different than before I was on it. Of course that was the height of the pain, with the anxiety and sleep deprivation.

About 3 weeks ago I weened off of Lexapro to Wellbutrin because I coouldn't achieve O's. My desire was there, the functioning was there, just couldn't finish the job. My doc was having me take two 150 mg. pills in the morning. A week ago Saturday I was so jittery I thought I'd have to get off of this stuff. I started to split the pills up. Actually the past 4 days I've just taken one pill a day. I'm calling the doctor next week to discuss the dosage. Frankly I don't like it as well as Lexapro, but I want SF.

I got out my book on psychopharmacology to clear up some things. Anyname, Wellbutrin is not a "monoamine oxidase inhibitor" or (MAOI), which is a class of ADs. It is considered one of the newer "Atypical ADs". The SSRIs are great for treating depression, but are notorious for sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin is the only AD that does not have that side effect. Wellbutrin is not indicated for treating anxiety disorders or eating disorders. So stay away from Wellbutrin if you suffer from either one of these.

anyname, I want to speak directly to your suicidal thoughts. I hope you don't mind, but I'm in the mental health profession so it's a concern. When I'm assessing suicidality I will ask a client this: "Are your thoughts that you wouldn't mind if a bus happened to run you over, or are you making plans to walk out to that busy street and jump in front of the bus when it goes by?" The thoughts are one thing, but if you are actually creating a plan you need to get help pronto. Take that seriously. If that is the case you will for now just want to stabalize your mood. This will help both you and your H. In other words, if Wellbutrin isn't the right drug at the moment, get on the one that will help get you away from the suicidal thoughts. Of course the best treatment for depression are ADs and therapy. Also, when it comes to the fine tuning of ADs a psychiatrist is the one qualified to do that.

I hope I'm not being too pushy, but as I said, I take suicidal thoughts very seriously. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Just writing this because I care. CV

W
It works well for me. I am not sure of the dosage. I've been on it since Jan. It was worked best over some other stuff...I'll have to go home and see what the other stuff was.
Hmmmm
I'm still horny...stuff still works...whoopie:D
H

::::::::: I had many sob fests, but it was different than before I was on it. Of course that was the height of the pain, with the anxiety and sleep deprivation.

CV, I was several months not eating, not sleeping, panic attacks and crying. At the same time I had severe gripping in the chest and neck which was found to be aesophegial (sp?) spasms. I had stomach acid burning my aesophegus and spilling into my lungs giving me asthma. I was also anemic. I had daily diarreah and weight loss(of course). I had to take Nexium for 8 months. I was 6 months, just surviving the initial shock, before anger set in. My mother died at the 7 month mark. Her and I had fought her breast cancer for 11 yrs. I was not there for her for her last 7 months. (I visited her for a week only). I was too 'out of it' to be of much use to her or anyone.

I had to move to Asia after d-day but had to go back and forth (for other family problems) and SARS was in full swing here - I live with in walking distance of the initial index patient that spread SARS thru Asia. It was all part of the new surreal world that had become my life. On and off planes with people wearing masks and having to stop over for crew to change, because flight crew would not stop over nite where I lived. Crazy. This is just to mention a few of the things I was dealing with when the A hit. There is more but suffice to say, I was was in it up to my neck.

Here in Asia I live next door to the OW and live in the flat where the infidelity took place. If I look out the window as I write this, I can see her. I have to avoid coming and going at certain times of the day to avoid seeing her and becoming overly distressed. She is 24 yrs younger than me.

;;;About 3 weeks ago I weened off of Lexapro to Wellbutrin because I coouldn't achieve O's. My desire was there, the functioning was there, just couldn't finish the job. My doc was having me take two 150 mg. pills in the morning. A week ago Saturday I was so jittery I thought I'd have to get off of this stuff. I started to split the pills up. Actually the past 4 days I've just taken one pill a day. I'm calling the doctor next week to discuss the dosage. Frankly I don't like it as well as Lexapro, but I want SF.

It's probably too early to tell yet. I tried a full Effexor early on and I had the worst day ever. I was practically jumping out of my skin and could eat nothing all day. I understand now that it's best to split the tablets into quarters and get used to the drug slowly. I just don't think you can have SF when you can't O. And if you don't have mutual SF, then you are creating an A environment. No preaching intended. I speak from fear.

::I got out my book on psychopharmacology to clear up some things. Anyname, Wellbutrin is not a "monoamine oxidase inhibitor" or (MAOI), which is a class of ADs.

Yes I think I discovered that after I posted last nite. I was a bit confused.

::It is considered one of the newer "Atypical ADs". The SSRIs are great for treating depression, but are notorious for sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin is the only AD that does not have that side effect. Wellbutrin is not indicated for treating anxiety disorders or eating disorders. So stay away from Wellbutrin if you suffer from either one of these.

I have suffered anorexia a few times in my life, but not nervosa. When I'm deeply distressed, I can't eat. I lose weight rapidly. I currently weigh 114lbs so don't have much to lose when I can't eat. I do suffer from anxiety, but can cope with that. I just can't cope with depression.

:::anyname, I want to speak directly to your suicidal thoughts.

:: The thoughts are one thing, but if you are actually creating a plan you need to get help pronto. Take that seriously. If that is the case you will for now just want to stabalize your mood.

The problem is cyclical. I've had the most terrible onset of PMS since the angry stage started. Once I ovulate, I immediately plummet into dispair alternating with angry, violent episodes (have told my H to restrain me if I get violent!). I was the most adoring, devoted wife, before all this. We were a couple who spent all our spare time together. We were the best of friends and agreed with each other on nearly everything - and rarely argued over anything but the most trivial annoyances. Our lives have literally been "torn asunder".

I've just got over a period and am enjoying some respite. We both fear and dread the next down phase. Even though I anticipate the dark moods and tell myself not to let them affect me so badly, once I'm in that phase, I'm uncontrollable. My anger is terrible and if I'm not angry I'm in such a dark place that death seems the only solution. Yes I've planned how, where and when. One hitch is that I need to see a lawyer to change my Will to leave my two children money. When I'm down it's only the thought of my children that keeps me going. But last week I was able to rationalise past them with the thought of leaving them a good nest egg each.


:: This will help both you and your H. In other words, if Wellbutrin isn't the right drug at the moment, get on the one that will help get you away from the suicidal thoughts. Of course the best treatment for depression are ADs and therapy.

I know I need therapy.


::Also, when it comes to the fine tuning of ADs a psychiatrist is the one qualified to do that.

My location does not favor my getting adequate professional help. The whole hassle of finding people. I'm not even getting my teeth fixed (one broke 6 weeks ago). I'm not normally remiss with my teeth.

::I hope I'm not being too pushy, but as I said, I take suicidal thoughts very seriously. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Just writing this because I care. CV

Thank you for caring. I honestly believe that the A has raised deep insecurities that I had not had to think about prior to this. My H was a wonderful support for me, since I first met him at 14. The A hit just before I turned 50, and it's caused me to spiral totally out of control. It feels like I will never find my way back to normalcy.

again, thank you for caring. I still like the idea of trying Wellbutrin.

an

an...I'm 43 and don't be offended here but I'm going to mother you a little bit, ok? Go to the doctor and start the wellbutrin ASAP so that maybe when your next cycle comes the meds will help offset the down time for you, understood little lady <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> ?

oh and by the way AN your response, since I'm a southern gal, should be a simple "yes mam", got it?

Anyname,
Have you created a plan for your suicidal thoughts?

cwmac

BTW, I'm taking 450mg of Wellbutrin cause Cwmac = really nuts.

cwmac

Wellbutrin does have a jittery side effect initially. My H had a very hard time going to sleep and would wake up, with sweats. It was an up and down period for him. He was very emotionally labile for a couple weeks. Eventually along with our MCing, things smoothed out. Think that the sexual desire comes back when you are feeling good.

Anyname, you need to quit the caffeine at this time if you are jittery, or limit it to a cup of coffee per day, and be aware of colas, chocolate with the caffiene. Eating food that is wholesome, less the processed junk we love - but it hates us! Whole wheat, brown rice, fruit vegies, meat, ...cut down on sugar foods.

Counseling is needed along with depression. Suicidal thoughts that are happening are a problem which needs some concerned attention. In order to work through these extremely sad/angry feelings, we need to talk to a professional. Talking is helpful. A doctor who is understanding and can give the medications is good(psychiatrist, the psychologist is not able to prescribe meds).

My H happened to have a very good medical doctor. She spoke to him about "emotional intelligence" which is a great phrase. And when we have EI, then we can learn better methods of coping. But that medication helped him, as she told him to stay on it, and he was able to quit smoking and drinking as well.

I am glad that we got through that time...was very tough, but we did it. And if we did it, I know others can too.

Just want to update everyone on my experience...
I have been on the prescription for three days now. I am up at night for long periods of time and do awaken frequently when I finally fall asleep.
I have an odd "disconnected" feeling and have had horrible dreams. I did have something major happen in my ongoing journey today and seemed to be very level in regards to it all...
I think that once these initial feelings pass, I will be OK. I felt like a zombie on Paxil.
I have a follow up appt. in a week, so I'll update again then.

anyname, I just read your last post. I am VERY concerned about you. I'm glad you have been honest here about your suicidal thoughts and the fact you have a plan.

First of all, I found out about my H's A about 3 weeks before my 49th b-day. Of course I knew something was up and was planning on leaving him because I was so miserable. This whole A experience sucks no matter what stage of life we are in. My supervisor who has many years in the mental health field said something this traumatic can throw a woman into menopause. If that's true, I'm lucky it didn't happen to me. Do you have a good doctor that you can check out your hormone levels with, and other possible physical causes for your depression?

Now back to the suicidal thoughts and your plan. You need to get help! Don't think for one minute you will be doing your children any favors by committing suicide. When a person is in the dark tunnel of depression those thoughts seem reasonable, but they're not. You're children would suffer for the rest of their lives. They need you in their lives.

Now the good news is depression is very treatable. YOU HAVE TO PUT YOURSELF AS NUMBER ONE NOW! I'm yelling at you now, OK? If your H doesn't know what you wrote on here, please show him. If he can't adequately support you, then contact someone close to you who can. That is the 1st step. You need support now. Then you need to get help, as I said, PRONTO! If I were to see a client in your shoes I would consider hospitalization if the person wasn't willing to get the help they need. The top priority is for you to be safe.

I am not a psychiatrist and so don't prescribe drugs. I am not sure that at this point the Wellbutrin is your best option because of your anxiety and on and off eating disorder. This is something that needs to be openly discussed with a doctor. I know SF is very important to you, however feeling more in control of your life and emotions will help you and your R with your H. I am very glad I started out with the Lexapro right after d-day. It helped me cope, and really cut the anxiety, which is what I needed. Is there any professional help where you are in Asia? If not, would it be an option for you to go back to the country you are from and get the help you need?

These As knock us off our feet. My dad was dying and died while H was in his A. I know I didn't deal with the grief over my dad's death because I was so overwhelmed with the trouble in my M. I know the one year anneversary in August will be tough. You had to deal with similar issues and others it appears also. And having the OW right there in your face, I can't even imagine what you're going through.

Listen, no matter what happens with you and your H you have to believe you will survive this. PLEASE, talk to your H and get the help you need. When you are out of this dark hole of depression you will see everything in a clearer light. I promise you that!

Please don't hesitate to ask me any question. I felt compelled to write to you. You will be fine, but you need to get the help you need. I'm sending prayers your way! CV

Thank you everyone for your respones's. I feel a bit better because I'm not premenstral at present. My H knows how bad I get and he's trying to do/be everything possible to help. He's not experienced with this type of behavior (who is?) but is very sympathetic. On the bad days last week, he popped home from work during the day to check on me/visit with me. I have no friends here and spend my days on my own. Which is not healthy for someone like me.

I don't have much time now but think Lisa is right about trying Wellbutrin. (I just can't face sexual dysfuction on the other types of SSRI's). The drug I can get here (Zayban?) is comes in 150mg tablet which I'll split into quarters and take one 35mg per day initially. I don't want to arouse unnecessary anxiety.

Suicide thoughts are not with me at the moment. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> AGain, thanx everyone. Cwmac, you sound like you have improved quite a lot on Wellutrin yeah?

an

Oh yeah. It flattens out all my emotions. The peaks and valleys are flatter. That's good for the valleys but it's no fun that for the peaks. I'm not depressed nor am I really happy.

You need to take meds under the watchful eye of a doctor because some depressants when started will actually initially increase the suicide tendency. This is short term if it even happens to you at all.

As someone said above you need to be concerned when you start thinking of a suicide plan.

take care,

cwmac

cw and anyname...it makes my heart happy <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> to see you two corresponding now! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

.it makes my heart happy to see you two corresponding now!

cw, has a kind heart. Any emotional response to posts can be totally understood in the light of the emotional state we are all on. More than ever I understand his reaction to my previous post. I think we would all have much longer fuses, if we were'nt feeling like our worlds have collapsed around our ears.

Btw, I don't think it's the plan that's the danger, it's the feeling like suicide is a comfortable friend. I think there's an altered state of mind that comes with suicide, probably much the same as the altered state of mind that comes with an A. I think it depends on how big a grip the altered state of mind gets. There is also probably a defining point where you give yourself permission to proceed.

Anyname,
Your attitude towards suicide as well as thinking of the plan of how to do it are both warning signs.

To go on my meds my IC sent me to psych that perscribes meds for her patients.

He asked if I had thought of suicide. I said yes. He asked what I thought about it. He also asked if I had thought of a plan.

He also said it was very important for doctors to watch patients closely when they first go on meds. The meds can cause a suicide reaction in the very beginning.

cwmac

Meds are something I deal with every day. As a health professional dealing with patients who are many times depressed after being handed a serious diagnosis/prognosis, we have great results with Lexapro. And no, it's not over the counter. Fast working and they tolerate it well. It is a kinder and gentler Celexa basically.

Little side effects. And yes, when I was going thru the horrors of my D and the legal battles of last year (three court appearances and almost a final fourth and numerous hearings without me there)I was given some by MD I worked with. Worked like a charm. I was strangely unable to cry but considering it was a feeling so different from the hell I was in, it was awesome. And I would be so happy that sometimes I'd work thru lunch and forget to eat. But I remember that when I did eat, food tasted pretty darn good.

I am a fan of it and ended it after taking it for three months and did so carefully and not cold turkey. The real idea of an AD is that someone isn't on it indefinitely and use it to help them thru a crisis so they may maintain clearer perspective. Inability of AD's to work over longer periods of time might need that the person needs to be re-evaluated again as the diagnosis might be off track.

had patient last week who was completely depressed and almost wishing "he could just go to sleep and not ever wake up again" after finding out he had CHF (congestive heart failure) and needed some serious interventions. He was placed on lexapro and doing awesome. He is even more compliant and is so the good patient and his wife can't believe the positive difference in his life. The AD is helping him want to take an active role in helping his heart problem and in making him pro active in other areas of his life.