Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Wellbutrin equals no weight gain?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Wellbutrin equals no weight gain?
by john-john, Apr 20, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 30 year-old male and have been taking SSRI medications for Depression and GAD for about six months now (the first two months Celexa and the last four I crossed over to Paxil.) I am very pleased with these medications and have had good results with both of them. They have improved my life a great deal. However, both medications instantly caused a weight gain of 10-15 pounds, a side effect my Psychiatrist mentioned might happen. At first I didn't mind, being so happy that I was releaved of my problems. But more and more I was begining to notice my "spare tire". Several weeks ago I began an intensive daily exercise routine and have faithfully endured a low-fat, sensible diet. The weight, however, just doesn't want to come off, no matter how hard I try. I have heard via this forum that Wellbutrin in particular often does not carry the sexual and weight-gain side effects as does the SSRIs. In your opinion and experience, does Wellbutrin, "generally speaking" live up to this reputation?
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Apr 22, 2002 12:00AM
, Apr 22, 2002 12:00AM
Yes, it does, but it not always as effective as an ssri, so if you think of making a switch, keep that in mind.
"Zyban started off as the antidepressant Wellbutrin, which its maker tried to bring to market in the late 1980s. The launch was held up when it caused a higher-than-predicted number of seizures in bulimic patients. As the drug company put Wellbutrin through new tests for safety, it also investigated anecdotal reports that the antidepressant appeared to help patients kick their smoking habits.
Wellbutrin was reformulated and approved for sale in the United States in 1997 and in Canada in May. Months later, Zyban hit the market in a Madonna-like reinvention -- same content, new packaging and new audience."
I'd suggest that you do a Google search on Wellbutrin, side effects, withdrawal symptoms ?
Peagee
How are you liking your Wellbutrin so far? I know it's too early to make any major judgements, but what's going on so far?
How about the 4 to 2 per day frequency you mentioned. Any improvement? Weight gain, weight loss?
DiscloseTheTruth
Well, it's my second day on the Wellbutrin. I am being eased off the Effexor at the same time. I have cut the Effexor to 35 mg. and only taking 35 mg. of Wellbutrin, until next week, when I start 75 mg. of W and none of the E. OK, is it just me doing the "woman thing" or can I start to notice withdrawls this soon? This is only my second day and I have broken up with my boyfriend 3 times today, yelled at my cat, have no interest in sex, and having trouble catching my breath. As I mentioned in my prior post, I had great results with the Effexor, except I gained 20 lbs. I work out 3-4 times a week and eat less than 1500 cal. a day, but continue to gain. I was able to control the sugar cravings with L-Glutamine. I understand the Wellbutrin has a stimulant in it. Is this what is making me cranky? Could this cause the breathing trouble? I slept good last night, so no trouble there. Thanks for your help!
http://depression.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.publinet.it/users/ad88/sideven.htm
and an extract from that page says:
Withdrawal syndrome - sometimes severe and prolonged. Characterised by:
headaches
nausea
dizziness
mood lability
Gastrointestinal upset
recurrence of depression
bizarre dreams
paraesthesiae
auditory hallucinations
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Sexual dysfunction
Hypotension
Constipation
Sweating
Anxiety
Convulsions
Sleeplessness
Palpitations
Tremor
Abdominal pain
Rash
Hypertension "
As Justsayno said, don't be surprised. You could type in Wellbutrin side effects also. I've done that for you too. One of the many links is:
http://wellbutrin-side-effects.com/side-effects-of-wellbutrin.html
And an extract from that page says:
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Wellbutrin.
Seizures are perhaps the most worrisome side effect. Wellbutrin was temporarily removed from the market after its initial release due to the occurrence of seizures in some patients.
Although Wellbutrin occasionally causes weight gain, a more common effect is weight loss: Some 28 percent of people who take this medication lose 5 pounds or more. If depression has already caused you to lose weight, and if further weight loss would be detrimental to your health, Wellbutrin may not be the best antidepressant for you.
More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain (Wellbutrin SR),
agitation,
anxiety (Wellbutrin SR),
constipation,
dizziness,
dry mouth,
excessive sweating,
headache,
loss of appetite (Wellbutrin SR),
nausea,
palpitations (Wellbutrin SR),
vomiting,
skin rash,
sleep disturbances,
sore throat (Wellbutrin SR),
tremor
Other side effects may include:
Acne,
allergic reactions (severe),
bed-wetting,
blisters in the mouth and eyes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome),
blurred vision,
breathing difficulty,
chest pain,
chills,
complete or almost complete loss of movement,
confusion,
dry skin,
episodes of over-activity,
elation, or irritability,
extreme calmness,
fatigue,
fever