motori Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 Hi, Just looking for any advice or opinions.. I suffer from depression with mild occassional anxiety, and frequent insomnia. The anxiety isnt too much of a problem. The insomnia is managed farely well with zopiclone. The depression is much more of a debilitating issue. I was on fluoxetine for 5 years. It worked very well for me with hardly any side-effects. But half way through the 5th year it gradually stopped working. I was prescribed effexor XR which worked very well for me pyschologically.. lifted the depression very effectively, but unfortunately I took a rare allergic reaction to the med. Next they prescribed Cipralex, which left me feeling like a zombie. I think this med would be great for someone suffering from high anxiety levels, but for me it just made me want to sleep all day and night. Last week I fell asleep at the wheel of my car while taking cipralex.. no one was hurt, no harm done, but it gave me a bit of a scare and Ive stopped taking it while I wait for my doc appointment. I just cant keep my eyes open at work, at home, in the car while im taking cipralex... I can barely get out of bed. Effexor, which is considered one of the stimulating AD's worked well for me psychologically. Because of that Im considering asking my doc about wellbutrin?. The only concern I have is whether or not it might aggrevate my mild anxiety, and insomnia?. Im getting a bit fed up with the jumping from one med to another thing.. Im hoping the next one will see me right for the next 5 years at least (like fluoxetine did)..and Im hoping that will be wellbutrin?. Any advice greatly appreciated!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calypte Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I've been on Wellbutrin for about 3 months now, pretty happy with it on the whole. It's not exactly a night & day difference in my depression, but it does help. But yes, it can aggravate anxiety and insomnia. I think it might be making my anxiety a bit worse. Some insomnia, too, although both seem to be improving now that I've gotten used to the dose increase 2-3 weeks back. Another good option for you, since you liked Effexor, might be Cymbalta, which is also an SNRI. What was your dose of Effexor? Below 187.5 - 225 mg a day, Effexor mostly only affects serotonin, so at low dosages it's more like an SSRI than like Cymbalta (which starts affecting serotonin and norepinephrine at low doses). SSRIs can differ in how activating they are, too. Zoloft is more of an activating med for many people and might also be worth considering. Unfortunately there is no way to tell which med will work for you, let alone work for you for five years, without just trying them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I take lexapro and wellbutrin (plus abilify and lamictal). The lexapro helps me with anxiety and some with depression, but I needed something more to pull me out of depression so my pdoc added wellbutrin. I really like it. It is energizing so I take it in the am. I sometimes have some insomnia, I'm up at 4 right now. I have a lot of anxiety, but I haven't noticed it get worse with wellbutrin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obscuremachine Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I was on wellbutrin for a year. It definitely helped with my depression, but my sleep suffered. It wasn't major insomnia, I just woke up constantly during the night. Then, as soon as the sun was up, I was awake no matter how tired I was. I could never nap either. Wellbutrin also slightly increased my anxiety, but the lamictal helped with that. It wasn't bad. I would take it again if I needed to. Pdoc just wants to try some other options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motori Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I was on 75mgs of Effexor and then increased briefly to 150mgs before having a physical reaction to it. Interesting what you said Calypte about it mostly operating as an SSRI at that level.. I wasnt aware of that - something to think about!. I appreciate your Cymbalta suggestion - will definately look into that as an alternative. Hi Confused - thanx for your advice. I think Cipralex (what its called here in th UK) is Lexapro in the U.S?. Like I said, if I had major anxiety I have no doubt that Lexapro would be perfect.. its just waaay to calming for me!. Sorry to here your up for night 4 - I know how that feels and I hope you get some quality sleep soon. Thanks for your opinion of wellbutrin. I could read all the web pages on the internet, but there nothing like asking the people who are really there - really experiencing the meds - thanks guys!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I had problems with Wellbutrin only when I started and at dose increases. For example, if I went from 150 to 300 mg, I would have anxiety and some insomnia that might last a month but no more. I had some really crazy dreams on Wellbutrin though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obscuremachine Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 Oh yeah. Forgot about the dreams. I had long, epic, detailed dreams. My tdoc thought those dreams meant my brain wasn't shutting down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motori Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 Hi Obscuremachine, Thanks for you response!. Ive never been a great sleeper, so if the effect is just minor then hopefully it wont be too distruptive for me?. What you said about waking up like that in the morning is how I used to be before the derpression moved in. I would switch on, and jump straight out of bed ready to get things done.. no matter how little sleep Id had (insomnia has always been an issue, even before depression). The anxiety does worry me a bit (no pun intended), because it has always been fairly mild. Just general low level agitation with the occasional panick attack. Im a tiny bit OCD most days... thats my one major reservation about a stimulating AD like Wellbutrin.. will it make these small issues grow?. But then if it lifts me out of this dark brain fog, and I can think more clearly, then I should be able to cope better with any small increases in anxiety / insomnia. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to write and share you experiences - thanks guys!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motori Posted October 8, 2011 Author Share Posted October 8, 2011 Thanks jt07, Good to know the anxiety increase was temporary!. As for the dreams you mentioned.. when I do sleep I have very vivid dreams. Usually weird and unsettling.. hopefully the wellbutrin wont throw up anything I havent already learned to cope with?.. Thanks for all the responses guys.. I reckon Im going to give wellbutrin a go. Fingers crossed, etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted October 8, 2011 Share Posted October 8, 2011 I've taken WB in the past and have had it work pretty effectively. It didn't make me anxious (though there can be a bit of start up anxiety at the beginning) and I didn't have sleep issues, provided I didn't take my second dose too late in the afternoon (was taking 150 twice a day, ER dose). I think it would be worth trying to see if it's something that might be helpful Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malachite Posted October 9, 2011 Share Posted October 9, 2011 Certainly ask your doc about Wellbutrin. My experience is kind of funny, one my second day on Wellbutrin, I hallucinated an embroidered Minnie Mouse pillow. Called pdoc and she said to never take it again. It was so weird, this really detailed Disney character on a pillow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skitzabeth Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I've been on Wellbutrin twice, and it helped immensely both times, but there were side effects. I suffered from hypersomnia as opposed to insomnia, so I appreciated that it made me feel more awake, and I took it in the morning. It did make me feel anxious in the beginning until I got used to it. I also had crazy dreams, but I liked that, too, they were never bad. It also made my ears ring, and it got worse when the dose was increased, but it helped my depression so much that I didn't really care. My Pdoc, however, did care, and tried switching me to Cymbalta, which I hated because it made me more tired, but maybe if you have troubles with insomnia that would be a good thing? I'm going to try to get back on the Wellbutrin. I also know an acquaintance of mine had horrible reactions to Wellbutrin, hallucinations and such, but she had bad reactions to everything. Like I said, it really helped me, but meds are different for different people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveyoursanity Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Have you tried Cymbalta? It's very similar to Effexor. I hear you on the allergic reaction-- I had one to Cymbalta (very mild) that started after I'd been taking it for 18 months. Isn't that wacky? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I've been on Cymbalta for about six years (most of my current cocktale is about six years old) and it really helps my depression a lot, but not completely and does nothing for my anxiety. Tommy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAL9000 Posted November 1, 2011 Share Posted November 1, 2011 I've been on Wellbutrin twice, and it helped immensely both times, but there were side effects. I suffered from hypersomnia as opposed to insomnia, so I appreciated that it made me feel more awake, and I took it in the morning. It did make me feel anxious in the beginning until I got used to it. I also had crazy dreams, but I liked that, too, they were never bad. It also made my ears ring, and it got worse when the dose was increased, but it helped my depression so much that I didn't really care. My Pdoc, however, did care, and tried switching me to Cymbalta, which I hated because it made me more tired, but maybe if you have troubles with insomnia that would be a good thing? I'm going to try to get back on the Wellbutrin. I also know an acquaintance of mine had horrible reactions to Wellbutrin, hallucinations and such, but she had bad reactions to everything. Like I said, it really helped me, but meds are different for different people. Dang! Ears ringing? Is that walking into a quiet room and hearing this rush sound?? I've had no clue what that was and maybe now I know. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 The rushing sound is usually blood circulating past your ears. It can really sound loud, especially when you are in a quiet place. Ringing in your ears is usually more like tinnitus: It varies from person to person, but for me sounds like the sound a tuning fork makes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAL9000 Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Quiet for me has gotten really "loud" but I'm maybe a tad more open to experiencing that since starting on some meds and doing therapy. I've got one ear blown out from turning the guitar players amp to 11... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamselODistress Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 My dad's clinically depressed, and after a bunch of other meds, wellbutrin was his miracle. I've never asked him about his side effects, though.. I've been on it for a month now. The second week, it threw me into a manic episode, but we were kind of expecting it could happen. I haven't had more trouble sleeping than usual, but I also take the pill at an ungodly 7 in the morning. Ungodly for a night owl who got to sleep at 3:30, that is.. Last Thursday and Friday I woke up to take the pill, and went straight back to bed and nobody saw me until it was time for my evening meds. Two hours after those, I was back in bed and sound asleep. Granted, I had a really, really awful week and that was probably what was causing my major sleep fests, but the wellbutrin didn't keep me awake. I haven't noticed any anxiety problems that weren't in response to just cause(Boyfriend getting into a massive car wreck and spending a week in critical condition 300 miles away; my cat dying a painful death), so that might not be an issue for you. Only way to know would be to give it a shot. I'm going to very, very, very cautiously say, though, that if another stimulating AD worked so well for you, this is probably a really good med to have next on your list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motori Posted December 3, 2011 Author Share Posted December 3, 2011 Thanks to all of you for all your replies and advice - I really appreciate it guys. Ive actually been so out of it lately that Ive hardly been on the forum.. hardly done anything much at all, besides go to work and try to hold myself together. The last few months have been the worst Ive felt since 2005.. and that was a bad year (pre meds! ). My doc refused to prescribe me wellbutrin. I tried to discuss it, but he point blank refused. All he would do was write me a prescription for 20mgs daily of fluoxetine. I was on 40mgs daily this time last year when it stopped working. He insisted that id been off it long enough for it to work again. It didnt. The last few months were pretty dark. But in amongst it all I managed to find another doctor, and she prescribed me the Nassa "Remeron", with a view to moving onto Wellbutrin if it didnt help. Ive only been on Remeron (mirtazapine they call it here), for 10 days, (30mgs daily) but already I feel much clearer. The black brain fog is lifting, along with that god awful feeling of constant hollow deadness. The Remeron seems to be working. And all the feedback and info you guys have given me on wellbutrin has also been good to hear.. lets me know theres something else out there if Remeron doesnt work out. But so far , so good!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
water Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 Wow, good thing you found another doctor. I don't like that other doctor at all. Wellbutrin is the bomb. It changed my life. I had side effects but they all pretty much left eventually. I did go VERY slowly with my drug increases. I am glad the Remeron is working. Yay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motori Posted December 4, 2011 Author Share Posted December 4, 2011 Thanks Water. Yeah Im glad ive managed to switch docs. The last one seemed to find me irritating and was constantly grumpy.. Mabye he should prescribe himself some fluoxetine!. My new doc seems interested. She listens and seems to actually give a crap.. Which is a refreshing change! Im very pleased so far with Remeron, and its good to hear that Wellbutrin has worked so well for you.. Im hearing more and more good things about Wellbutrin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtclms Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 Augh, I just had my generic Wellbutrin bumped up to 450mg today, and I can't sleeeeeep! And I am grinding my teeth. Ugh. Plus, I left my crazy-expensive purse with my wallet and my phone at knitting class, because I am scattered because of the speediness. Fortunately, the school emailed me right after I got home to let me know it is in the Lost and Found. I had returned to see if they were still there, but they weren't. So I was so relieved to get that email. I am taking the slow release (budeprion?), 450mg all at the same time. I am taking them waaaay earlier tomorrow, this sucks. Sorry to hijack the thread, but I needed to whine, and I didn't think it warranted its own thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
water Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 Augh, I just had my generic Wellbutrin bumped up to 450mg today, and I can't sleeeeeep! And I am grinding my teeth. Ugh. This happened to me when I first started taking Wellbutrin. I couldn't really even drive because my mind was all over the place. If you are a coffee drinker, I would cut it out entirely for a bit. Also other substances, particularly the herbal one :-}, increased my mania and speediness on Wellbutrin at first. From what I've read, it is the release method of Wellbutrin that some generics do not handle well. They dump out the drug inconsistently which is why many people prefer the brand. Hope the side effects are better today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Hope you are adjusting better to the se's today.... if it keeps up, what about increasing to 400 instead of 450? They make 200's, I think..... Anna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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