Is this possible with Wellbutrin?

[mentalmommy]

After gaining weight on Lexapro I switched to Wellbutrin about a month ago. I have not felt better and have had really bleak dark days. Like "maybe I should call admitting" kind of bleak. Then today I woke up and started my day as if this depressive episode had never existed. I was active with my kids, I left my house twice (!), put up holiday decorations and asked my landlord for a new stove. Wow. I had a couple of minor anxiety issues and got a bit weepy a few times but didn't actually cry.

So is this the Wellbutrin finally working? I have only been at 300 (XL) for about a week. Is tomorrow going to be back to the depression? How should I treat this? I am wary of the idea that just all of a sudden in one day I could be better after the last 6 weeks of depression.

Oh- forgot to mention last night I upped my lamictal to 275 from 250.

I am grateful for today but wondered if anyone else experienced this sudden a change. It feels weird.

Thanks.

[olga]

It doesn't surprise me at all. We are all different, but I felt better on WB within a few weeks.

This past spring, my insurance company switched me to a generic. Within a month, I was back to feeling weepy and hopeless. When I realized why, I got my doctor to specify Wellbutrin, and it only took 2-3 weeks for me to feel like myself again.

Keep taking your dose at the same time every day and if the level of WB is constant in your body, you might very well be able to function and not feel depressed. I've been on it for a year and a half now, and it has given me a new life.

olga

[thelmalouise]

Have neither of you had major anxiety from the wellbutrin or do you take something to offset the anxiety?

[Catnapper]

Anxiety has never been a problem for me, so Wellbutrin has been a godsend. However, I've read here from several people that WB has intensifed feelings of anxiety. As always, your mileage may vary, but I'm with Olga, WB is my friend.

[N2Psych4Now]

After a few weeks of starting WB I felt like myself again. Motivated, more upbeat (not happy), focused. I switched to the generic and I crashed hard and sunk into a really deep depression. After returning to the namebrand XL at 300mg, I never returned to that same allevation of my depression. Although it was no longer working for me, I miss WB because I had grown accustomed to it. Although, the side effect of increased anxiety was horrible for me. I just started on Cymbalta, I hate starting new meds. I always feel like its a waste since I never have much luck with antidepressants. Best wishes

[thelmalouise]

From what I've been reading about other people's experiences with wellbutrin is that there are peaks and valleys until it levels out. Once it is in your system well, you won't have the ups and downs. Sounds like you're about there, mentalmommy.

I wonder if it works the same for anxiety. I have only made it a week at a time when trying wellbutrin because of the increased anxiety. I have read where some almost quit it because of the anxiety, and then magically within a couple of weeks, they are fine. My anxiety gets so bad that I shake and can hardly have a conversation with anyone (while taking wellbutrin). Is there a chance this would go away if I gave it a little longer?

[mentalmommy]

Thanks all. As could be expected today has been a real mas o menos day. Started out feeling great but kind of crashing out now. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Hey- I guess that is a sign that something is working b/c I actually feel like tomorrow might be better even if I don't expect it to be. Hmmm.

Re: the anxiety. I have major anxiety issues and I will say I have seen some increase in some of my anxiety symptoms. However I started the WB at the same time as Ativan, which I take .5-1mg four times a day. I had been having multiple attacks daily in the weeks before starting the WB which is why the Ativan dose is as high as it is. That is probably why I haven't considered stopping the WB b/c of the increased anxiety. Mine is a bit muted.

Based on what people have described I am going to stay on the $250 flipping dollars a month name brand until I am stable and past my biggest triggering anniversary. Then maybe I will try the generic to save some cash. Stupid insurance.

Again- thanks to all the responders.